A look back of Europe Trip in 2024
So, my trip to Europe in 2024 was completely unexpected. Like, I was all set to go back to Japan (I’m kinda obsessed with it, not gonna lie) when out of nowhere, I got invited to speak at Flink Forward Berlin 2024. And guess what? The company sponsored my ticket! I mean, how could I say no to a free trip from Singapore to Berlin? The catch? I had zero time to plan anything. Between prepping for the conference and the tight schedule, I just picked a few cities I wanted to visit and figured I’d wing it once I got there. Classic “winging it” vibes.
My route looked something like this: Berlin → Dresden → Prague → Vienna → Hallstatt → Augsburg → Rothenburg ob der Tauber → Darmstadt → Heidenburg → Leipzig → Berlin. I skipped a few cities where I just popped in to see friends, but overall, it was a wild ride.
1. Dresden, Germany
Dresden was my second stop after Berlin, and it was such a vibe. Unlike Berlin’s hustle and bustle, Dresden felt like a cozy, walkable tourist town with super friendly locals. The architecture? Absolutely stunning. The Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche were the highlights for me. There are two famous trails everyone raves about, but I didn’t get to them this time—guess I’ll have to go back!
Oh, and I had to visit Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund. This place is literally the most beautiful dairy shop in the world (it’s been around since 1892!). They’ve got every kind of cheese and regional product I could imagine, and the shop itself is a work of art. I walked in and was just speechless. Like, how is a cheese shop this fancy?!
2. Prague (Praha), Czech Republic
Prague is the historical city. I lucked out and visited during their national day, so the city was buzzing with energy. The Old Town Square was packed at night, and everything was lit up beautifully. I hit up all the major spots: Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle, Petrin Tower, Memorial to the Victims of Communism, and Vysehrad Fort. Each one had its own story and unique architecture. And let’s not forget the Vltava River—it cuts right through the city and makes everything feel so romantic, especially at sunset. I even did a boat tour at night to see the city lights. Magical.
Now, about Prague Castle—it’s huge. Like, it took me half a day just to explore part of it. They split it into sections and charge for each one, which felt a bit pricey, so I skipped some areas. But the trek up to Petrin Tower was worth it—the view of the whole city from the hill was incredible.
3. Vienna (Wien), Austria
Vienna was a whole different vibe. It felt like a giant musical theater—music was everywhere! People speak German here, but it felt way more relaxed and friendly compared to Berlin. I even learned a joke while I was there: “Hitler was German, but Beethoven was Austrian.” Dark humor, but hey, it’s Vienna.
I got to Vienna around 3 PM, and it was already getting dark. Parking was a nightmare (and expensive!), so I ditched the car at the hotel and used public transport instead. I tried to visit Schloss Belvedere, but by the time I got there, it was pitch black. Total fail. But I did find this hidden gem restaurant serving Leberkäse (a mix of beef, pork, and horse meat). The staff were super friendly, which made up for the Belvedere mishap.
The next day, I hit up Vienna City Hall, but it was under construction for Christmas decorations. Not ideal. Then I went to Minoritenkirche and queued for Cafe Central. The combo of coffee and bread was chef’s kiss. I also checked out Vienna State Opera, but all the tickets were sold out.
The churches in Vienna were stunning:
- St. Stephan’s Church: Absolutely breathtaking. I walked in during a service, which added to the atmosphere.
- Jesuit Church: I visited at night, and the vibe was almost mystical.
On my last day, I spent the morning at Schönbrunn Palace. The place is massive, and the fall colors made it even more beautiful. In the afternoon, I visited the Austrian National Library (that giant wall painting!) and the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien. The museum was so big I couldn’t finish everything before closing time.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
The drive from Vienna to Hallstatt was gorgeous—I stopped a few times just to take pictures. But let me tell you, driving through that mountain pass was intense. I even banged my car into a barricade trying to avoid an oncoming car. Yikes. But I made it safe and sound!
Hallstatt is straight out of a postcard. The village, the lake, the mountains—it’s all so picturesque. The only downside? Once it gets dark, there’s not much to do, and finding food is a challenge. The next morning, I woke up early to beat the crowds for photos. The whole village looked like something out of a movie. I also did the Salzwelten tour (salt mine tour), which was a unique experience and totally worth it.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg was a last-minute addition to my trip, and I’m so glad I went. The moment I stepped into the city, it felt like I was in an Attack on Titan anime. The medieval walls are huge, and the whole town feels like it’s frozen in time. Walking on the walls in the morning was unforgettable.
There’s this night watchman tour where you follow a guide through the quiet, dimly lit streets. I didn’t know about it until it was too late, but it sounds amazing. The town also has an all-year Christmas shop, which was fun to explore. At night, the shop windows light up the streets, making it feel like I’d stepped back in time.
6. Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig was just a quick stop on my way back to Berlin, but it left an impression. The hotel gave me free public transport tickets, which was a nice touch. I visited the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, but it was super foggy, so I didn’t get the best views. I’d love to go back and explore more of Leipzig someday.
7. Berlin, Germany
I saved Berlin for last, even though it was the first and last city on my trip. My feelings about Berlin are mixed. On one hand, it’s dirty, smells like urine everywhere, and the service isn’t great. But on the other hand, it’s energetic, innovative, and full of life. I spent over a week there in total, and it definitely grew on me.
I happened to be back in Berlin for the fall of the Berlin Wall anniversary, and the city was alive with celebrations. Walking along the Spree River and soaking in the festival atmosphere was incredible. There were bands playing on every corner, and the energy was contagious. The only downside? The traffic was a nightmare trying to get out of the city center.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Let’s keep it real—there were some downsides. I faced some discrimination in Berlin as an Asean traveler, which wasn’t fun. People weren’t as friendly as in places like Japan or Taiwan. And to top it off, I got scammed at Berlin Brandenburg Airport by the VAT refund officer. They gave me a terrible exchange rate from EUR to SGD. Not cool.
Now, about the food. As a Vietnamese, I’m used to dishes packed with flavor, herbs, and sauces. So, I’ll be honest—European food felt pretty plain to me most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, there were some highlights, but I often found myself craving the bold, vibrant flavors of home. That’s why I ended up stopping at Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants more often than I expected. It was a little taste of familiarity in the middle of all the new experiences.
Overall, though, it was an unforgettable trip. Europe in 2024 was a mix of stunning sights, unexpected adventures, and a few hiccups along the way. Would I do it again? Absolutely.