Ruse, Bulgaria

Our final stop in Bulgaria was the border town of Ruse. The only real reason we chose it was because we had a few extra days to fill after deciding not to head to the coast. The idea of throngs of people, superheated beaches, and endless parties really isn’t our style, so instead we opted for somewhere quieter. Border towns, in our experience, often have a fascinating mix of cultures, and Ruse didn’t disappoint.

We’re so glad we went, as Ruse turned out to be a hidden gem. Apparently, it’s known as “Little Vienna”—and we couldn’t agree more. The architecture, especially along the main pedestrian streets, was stunning, and for a moment we felt as though we had been transported back to Austria. The whole town carried a relaxed, easy-going vibe, and we happily spent hours wandering its streets and the vast city park.

Yes, the heat was still a factor, but we managed to cope—even as the temperatures seemed to climb again. The one site we visited properly was the Roman fortress overlooking the Danube. Being back on the banks of the Danube felt a little surreal, as we’ve managed to see this river from nearly every country along its path. Standing in the old fortress, with its mock-up of a Roman ship on display, was both fascinating and grounding.

Beyond that, we kept things simple: wandering, exploring, and stopping often to caffeinate. On our last evening in Ruse, we settled in at an outdoor table with a few local beers, reflecting on our Bulgarian adventure. It felt like the perfect send-off before crossing into the final country of this trip: Romania.

We’re not entirely sure what to expect next, but we’re looking forward to finding out.