Two days in Vienna, here we go!

Day 1

After checking in at the MOOONS Hotel, we finally had the night to catch up on some much-needed sleep and recharge for our first full day in Vienna. Waking up refreshed, we decided to kick off the morning with brunch at Adlerhof, and I’m so glad we did, it was an excellent choice! From the moment we stepped in, the ambience felt warm and inviting, and the service was impeccable. The food? Absolutely brilliant. great food menu, perfectly brewed coffee, and a spread that made us feel like we were truly savoring the city, a really lovely way to start the day.

Alright, first things first, one of the best ways to kick off your European adventure is by grabbing a multi-day travel pass. Trust me, this is a game-changer! With it, you can hop on trains, trams, and buses all across the city without worrying about buying separate tickets every time. How convenient is that? It instantly makes getting around stress-free and lets you focus on exploring rather than planning your next ride.

With our bellies full, we made our way to the MuseumsQuartier Wien, Vienna’s cultural hub. Walking through the courtyard and soaking up the vibrant art scene was invigorating. Everywhere we turned, there was something to catch the eye, from contemporary sculptures to striking architecture, it felt like the city was showing off its creative heartbeat.

Next up was the Schönbrunn Palace, a true icon of Austrian grandeur with vast gardens and a stream of tourists taking in the views and grounds. The palace itself is breathtaking, but what really stole my attention were the vast gardens stretching out in every direction, dotted with fountains, statues, and perfectly manicured flowerbeds. With the price tag of 38 Euros PP we decided not to see inside the Palace, but just enjoyed the surrounding areas!

From royal palaces to quirky art, we then headed to the Hundertwasser House, Vienna’s famously colorful and unconventional architectural gem. The bright, whimsical facades and irregular lines were a stark contrast to the palace’s formality, and I loved it. It was playful, surprising, and somehow perfectly Viennese. My personal highlight, though, was the café break tucked inside the building. We sat down, sipped our coffee, and took a quiet moment to soak it all in, the colors, the creativity, the energy of the place. It was the perfect pause in a whirlwind day of sightseeing.

Along the way, we stumbled upon a local mosque and decided to pause for a moment of spiritual reflection. It was a refreshing and peaceful break from the bustle of the city. The facilities were immaculate, the environment serene, and it felt grounding to take a moment to pray amidst our whirlwind sightseeing.

Day 2

Our brunch plans that day started at The Brasserie Palmenhaus Wien, but unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown. The food felt overpriced for what we got, and with so many other options in Vienna, I wish we had chosen differently. Still, we didn’t let that dampen our spirits, we were determined to make the most of the day!

From there, our stroll led us to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece right in the heart of the city. Nearby, we stopped at the Insta-famous Fenster Café. Yes, it was probably the most expensive coffee we’ve ever had, but the experience was worth it. I treated myself to a chocolate cone and a tiramisu, don’t worry, it didn’t have any alcohol in it!

Next, we immersed ourselves in culture at the Austrian National Library. Wow, words can hardly capture it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a library so breathtaking, with soaring ceilings and endless rows of ancient books. What made the visit even more special for me was discovering a Quran from Kashmir dating back to the 19th century. Seeing a little piece of our homeland and ancestors there felt incredibly moving, it was a quiet, beautiful connection to history that added an extra layer of meaning to the visit.

From there, we visited Palais Daun Kinsky, where the interior left us absolutely speechless, it was impossible not to feel a little like royalty walking through those grand halls. By now, hunger had struck again, so we stopped at Levante Café, where they served a halal chicken schnitzel that was simply delicious, a welcome and satisfying break in the day.

The afternoon was spent wandering around Belvedere Palace, soaking in the stunning gardens and baroque architecture. We then made our way to Prater, using the opportunity to catch the sunset and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Vienna looked magical in the golden light.

For the evening, we treated ourselves to Demel Café. We were told by the staff that the infamous pancakes had alcohol in which I was gutted about, but so very grateful for her honesty and transparency. We tucked into an Apple Strudel.

We wake up and start a whole new adventure to BRATISLAVA!!