Overlooking the meandering Danube River.

At 07:15 am, the plane landed on time at Vienna Airport. I had a 15-hour layover here. After quickly checking in my luggage for the next flight, I walked out of the airport feeling relaxed. Where should I go? Revisit Vienna? On a whim, I followed my inspiration and hopped on an airport FlixBus. Forty-five minutes later, I arrived in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.😻😻😻 Located on the banks of the Danube River and near the borders of Austria and Hungary, Bratislava offers a stunning view from the hilltop of Bratislava Castle. From there, you can overlook the meandering Danube and the entire city. The architecture is diverse, ranging from the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral to the Baroque Old Town Hall, and the modern UFO Tower. Each building tells a different story.😍😍😍 The rising sun painted the sky golden, and the Danube sparkled under the sunlight. Boats floated gently on the river, and I quietly enjoyed this peaceful moment amidst the morning hustle. Bratislava has a complex and varied history. It was the capital of Hungary from 1526 to 1784. Later, with the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it became part of the empire. After World War I ended in 1918 and the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, the Czech and Slovak peoples, who had close historical ties, chose to unite and established Czechoslovakia. Bratislava became the second-largest city. On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia split, and Slovakia became a sovereign independent nation with Bratislava as its capital. Walking on the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, you can feel the medieval charm with its narrow alleys, ancient buildings, and lively markets. Around the corner, you might encounter modern art or trendy cafes. This blend of past and present is fascinating. Compared to many other large European cities, Bratislava is much quieter and more relaxed. There are no crowded streets or noise, allowing you to slow down and enjoy a leisurely travel experience. For lunch, I had classic Slovak roast chicken and a rich cup of coffee.😁😁😁 In the afternoon, I continued to stroll through this charming Old Town. Michael's Gate is the only preserved medieval city gate and a symbolic entrance to the Old Town. The Old Town Hall, located in the Main Square, is one of the oldest buildings. Built in the 13th century, it once served as a prison and mint. Now it houses a museum. The Main Square is the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by various historical buildings and colorful houses. St. Martin's Cathedral, a 15th-century Gothic cathedral, is the largest church and was once the coronation church for Hungarian kings and queens. The Blue Church, also known as the Church of St. Elizabeth, is famous for its candy-colored walls and roof and is one of the most beautiful Secessionist buildings. Every corner of the Old Town has a story, and each building carries history. As dusk fell, I returned to Vienna with a heart full of memories. #WorldHeritageSite #Europe #Slovakia #MysteriousEurope #HiddenTreasures #Guess