my feet don't want to go to sleep

If you are a millennial like me, then European Trip was apart of your upbringing. This silly film shows Americans traveling in Europe. One scene shows them bankrupt in eastern Europe unsure how they will continue. The joke here is this area is so poor they can survive on the 50 cents they have. Considering the American education system this is the only reference I have to Bratislava, Slovakia.

To make matters more confusing this dyslexic brain always confuses Slovakia and Slovenia so when I was looking up day trip options I had to google everything twice. It is the perfect day trip from Vienna so I booked the ferry after my 2 week event in the hopes of reigniting my spirit. Onsite work for that long is more than a physical take over to be sure.

Transportation

The Twin City ferry goes from Vienna to Bratislava on a beautiful route on the Danube. With inside and outside seating you can enjoy the views along with the other silver headed travelers. It was a cloudy June day for my trip. With the 830am ferry to and a 630pm return I had the perfect 12 hour day trip ahead of me. I walked to the pick up point from the metro which had moved from the street art covered river estuary due to high rains. I stopped at the bakery before picking up some delicious breads and a coffee for the ride.

Experience

A walking tour is my favorite way to see the city. Whether a free walking tour or a ticketed one, the guides are a mix of history students or locals looking to make some cash. This tour I found on airbnb experiences but then sadly learned it was a free walking tour. Normally on those tours you tip $20 or so but I had paid $30 with the booking service fees. I say sadly because with the free tours the guide makes all the profit.

The guide kindly suggested rain jackets and sweaters as the wind in Bratislava can be strong. I was glad to have both even though you would think June would be warmer. This tour included all the major spots to see, the castles, churches, and main squares. He even gave us a cheeky drink at the end which warmed me up. I recommend it absolutely here.

Eat & Drink

I arrived in Bratislava well before the tour began. The ferry drops you a 10 minute walk from the main squares. I found an adorable coffee shop to journal in and warm up prior to starting the tour. The city is walkable and easy to explore. Having spent the early afternoon on the walking tour I felt I understood the layout of the city.

A delicacy here is poppy. This seed is regulated as it can be easily made into opium. Since it grows naturally in this country they can use it it food. I had the most delicious baked items with poppy seeds. There are too many bakeries but if you search in google maps like I did multiple times in the day, you are likely to find one nearby. The chocolate here too is rich. Having a cup of hot chocolate to warm up in between wanders through the narrow alley ways of downtown does wonders.

Pressburg Bajgel – coffee shop

Bratislava Flagship – famous beer hall for dumplings

The Blue Church – Church of St. Elizabeth – gorgeous church

Bratislava Castle – hilltop views of across the river

Gallery Nedbalka – gallery with exhibitions

Affordable, walkable, and full of history Bratislava was well worth the effort of the day trip. Absolutely more to offer than European Trip shows. The ferry ride with the sunsetting against the greenery made it a picture perfect ending.