The Places that Made Me: Andreia Esteves

WORDS & PICTURES: Andreia Esteves

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Andreia is a Portuguese freelance writer, who focuses on creating mental health, literature, and psychology content. When she’s not writing, you will find her with her nose in a book, indulging in a cup of green tea. Talk to her about untranslatable words, cupcake frosting, and stationery supplies. Follow her blog, AndreiaEsteves.com.

The Places That Made Me is an interview series exploring the destinations around the world that people have most fallen in love with. Every week, we speak to a keen traveller or writer about the travel experiences that have made them the person they are today. In our final instalment of the series, we chat to writer Andreia from Portugal about the stunning city of Vienna, Austria.

Where is the ‘place that made you’?

The place that made me is the lovely Vienna, Austria’s capital! Though quite different from my hometown in Portugal, this vibrant city captivated me with its large and perfectly-clean avenues, its charming cafés, and the wonderful museums, and gardens.

What is your favourite memory from that place?

One of my most fond memories from Vienna, Austria, is from my first day in the city. I arrived by train in the early morning. While I was peeking out of the window, drinking my tea, and savouring a giant pretzel, I had that wonderful feeling that a great day was about to begin.

In the afternoon, I strolled around the city centre and, to my great surprise, discovered a music shop that had records from some of my favourite Portuguese bands (such as Madredeus). I love that feeling of finding home away from home.

During the evening, I also saw Giselle at the Opera. As a ballet enthusiast, you can imagine how thrilled I was with this opportunity. The best part is that it was super cheap! In Vienna, you can see an opera, ballet, or concert for as little as 3 euros. Granted, you have to be on your feet for a couple hours, but I think it’s more than worth it.

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How did it change or impact you?

Vienna, Austria, impressed me in so many ways. As cheesy as it may sound, while there, I felt like I was living a modern fairytale. Everywhere I looked, there was a landmark that reminded me of Empress Elisabeth (nicknamed Sisi): someone who I admire for her revolutionary ways, that contrast with the meek portrayal Hollywood made of her.

I was also struck by how everyone seems to respect, and appreciate, the arts. Every corner of the city seems to be paved with stories, and secrets about the artists that lived there. I remember specifically being inside the Belvedere museum, staring at Klimt’s The Kiss, and thinking about a movie I had watched with my mum that told the story of how one of Klimt’s paintings had been stolen after WWII. I felt so lucky. I now also understand why Vienna ranks so highly on the ‘liveability’ index. The public transportation is phenomenal, and there’s a lovely sense of community and camaraderie for such a big city. Don’t believe me? Stop by one of the Sunday markets at the Naschmarkt, and you’ll see what I mean.

“Every corner of the city seems to be paved with stories, and secrets about the artists that lived there.”

If you had only 24 hours there, what would you see/do?

Vienna, Austria, is a city for art lovers, so if I only had 24 hours there, I’d try to tackle as many museums as possible! I’d start with a visit to the Albertina, which has a lovely Impressionist collection, and would spend the rest of the morning at the Museum of Natural History—Naturhistorisches Museum, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum—Museum of Art History (they’re right in front of each other, so you can’t really visit one without the other).

Later I’d have a picnic in Volkgarten Park, and after lunch I’d visit the Sisi Museum, which is inside Hofburg Palace. After walking around so many museums, I’d probably be hungry again, so I’d choose the Café Central, or Café Landtmann, to replenish myself with tea and cake.

In the evening, I’d stroll around the Ringstraße to see the city lit up, and all the lovely shops there. I’d finish my perfect day in Vienna with a night at the Opera.

What is a little-known fact or hidden secret about this place that tourists wouldn’t know?

Most people who go to Vienna for the first time want to taste the famous Sachertorte—a traditional chocolate cake that’s been produced since 1832 at the Hotel Sacher. What they might not know is that there are other equally-delicious pastries with Viennese origins, such as the charming kipferls (kipferl means “crescent” in German). These were introduced in France with Marie Antoinette, and you may know them under a different name: croissants!

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