Walking through the impressive gates into the gardens of Upper Belvedere Palace, I was greeted by one of those views that makes you stop and take it all in. ❤️

Beautiful flower beds filled with tulips, an enormous reflecting pond and, stretching out beyond it all, the magnificent palace itself.

The Belvedere was originally built as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the most successful military commanders of his time, during the great expansion of the Habsburg Empire. And what a summer residence it was! The palace, gardens, sculptures and formal flower beds create such an impressive setting — and I could see why this was designed to make an entrance.

Walking towards the palace with the tulips in bloom, I couldn’t help thinking that Vienna really does know how to make an arrival feel special. 🌷And this was just the beginning of discovering the Belvedere…

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #BelvederePalace #UpperBelvedere #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel

🌧️ Well, the rain had clearly decided where I was going next!

I was wandering around the Castle District when the rain started falling again. Luckily, I happened to be very close to Matthias Church, so naturally I took this as a very clear sign that it was time to head inside. 😉

And what a decision! The interior of Matthias Church is absolutely spectacular, with its beautifully patterned walls, colourful decoration, intricate details and magnificent stained-glass windows. It feels completely different from the grand Gothic churches you might expect to find in Europe.

The church has a fascinating history dating back to the 13th century, although much of what you see today was restored in the 19th century under architect Frigyes Schulek. Named after King Matthias Corvinus, who was married here in the 15th century, the church has witnessed coronations, royal weddings, Ottoman occupation and centuries of change.

So, thank you, Budapest rain! ☔️ What started as an attempt to stay dry turned into one of the highlights of my time exploring Buda Castle. Sometimes the weather really does know best! ❤️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

Wandering through beautiful Volksgarten, one of Vienna’s lovely parks, I soon discovered that there was one thing determined to appear in almost every photo…That very tall tower at Rathausplatz! 😂

No matter which way I turned, there it was in the background, making sure it was included in my photos!

Volksgarten was Vienna’s first public park, opened in 1823, and on a sunny day it’s easy to see why locals love it. The flower beds burst with colour and the lawns fill with people enjoying picnics and simply relaxing in the sunshine. 🌸☀️Then, amongst all this very Viennese elegance, I came across something that looked decidedly more Greek…The Temple of Theseus! Built in the early 19th century and inspired by the ancient Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, it adds a wonderful little touch of Greece right in the middle of Vienna.

So, in one walk I had beautiful gardens, colourful flowers, picnicking locals, a Greek temple……and that ever-present Rathaus tower keeping watch over everything! 😂

Vienna really does seem to have a surprise around every corner. ❤️

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #Volksgarten #TempleOfTheseus #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel

My sunny morning in Budapest was getting better by the minute! ☀️

Walking through the Castle District, I discovered one of Budapest’s wonderfully quirky little treasures — a tiny Kolodko sculpture peering through his telescope towards the Chain Bridge. 🔭And clearly, he knew exactly where to look!

Just beyond him, the real Chain Bridge was glowing in the morning sunshine, looking every bit as magnificent as it should.

Then came the view along the Danube towards the Hungarian Parliament Building, with its grand Gothic Revival architecture reflected in the sparkling water. ❤️

After days of grey skies and rain, seeing Budapest bathed in sunshine felt pretty special. Sometimes you need a tiny statue with a telescope to point out exactly where the best views are! 😄

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #ChainBridge #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel

And yes… I took more photos of the Hungarian Parliament! 😂📸Because `why not?`, can you ever have too many?

After crossing Liberty Bridge, I caught the tram along the Pest side of the Danube, following the river past some of Budapest’s most beautiful sights until I reached Margaret Bridge.Of course, I had to photograph the Parliament Building as we went past on the tram and again from the bridge. It was looking far too magnificent to ignore! ☀️

And then I spotted something else worth photographing — the obelisk on Margaret Bridge, with a beautiful stone carving of King Stephen’s crown resting on a stone cushion.

Although, somehow, the Parliament Building still managed to sneak into the photo.... clearly it has decided to photo-bomb everything! 😂 By this stage, I’m beginning to think Budapest’s Parliament Building deserves its own folder on my camera!

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #HungarianParliament #MargaretBridge #Danube #SoloTravel

Next stop… crossing the Danube! 💚

With the sun shining, I walked across Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest’s most distinctive bridges — and another one that is impossible to cross without stopping for photos!

Originally opened in 1896 as part of Hungary’s Millennium celebrations, this beautiful Art Nouveau bridge was badly damaged during World War II. It was the first of Budapest’s Danube bridges to be rebuilt after the war, reopening in 1946.

My favourite detail has to be the enormous bronze Turul birds perched high on the bridge’s masts. 🦅 The Turul is a mythical bird from Hungarian tradition, so these impressive creatures seem perfectly at home watching over the Danube.

Blue skies, sunshine, the Danube beneath me and those magnificent Turuls overhead…such a shame its my last full day in Budapest. After all the grey days in Budapest, this was definitely a bridge crossing worth celebrating! ☀️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #LibertyBridge #Danube #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

Not all of Buda Castle is polished and perfect… and that`s part of its story. 🏰

While exploring Buda Castle, I came across a section that has yet to receive the same restoration and renovation as some of the more pristine areas.And I have to admit, I found it more fascinating.

The weathered walls, exposed stonework and signs of its long history tell a very different story from the grand restored palace nearby. After centuries of rebuilding, wars and destruction, particularly during the Siege of Budapest in 1944–45, Buda Castle has quite literally worn its history.

It was tempting to not walk that far past the main renovated sections, but I think these less-perfect corners can sometimes tell us more than the beautifully finished ones. There`s something quite special about seeing a place where the past hasn`t been completely smoothed away.

Budapest certainly has its grand and glamorous side… but I rather liked seeing a little of its rough-around-the-edges history too. ❤️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

🏰 Three more little discoveries around Buda Castle…

There is so much to see walking back up through the Castle District that you really do need to keep your eyes open — and preferably have your camera ready! 📸

First, I came across the impressive Habsburg Gate, built in 1903 as part of the castle`s fortifications. With its ornate stonework and rather grand entrance, it certainly makes a statement.

Then there was the wonderfully playful Fountain of the Fishing Children, created by Hungarian sculptor Károly Senyei in 1900. The bronze children wrestling with their fishing net and fish bring a little fun to the otherwise very grand surroundings.

And then, keeping a watchful eye over it all, is the magnificent Turul Bird statue. This mythical bird of Hungarian legend sits proudly with its wings spread, clutching a sword in its talons. The statue was created by sculptor Gyula Donáth and unveiled in 1905.

Three very different sights, but each with its own story — and another reminder that around Buda Castle, there seems to be something interesting hiding around every corner.

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

🏰 Kings, hunters and a prince on horseback… Budapest Castle certainly has some impressive company!

While exploring Buda Castle, I came across two very different but equally spectacular bronze statues.

First, the King Matthias and His Hunting Party fountain, created by Hungarian sculptor Alajos Stróbl and unveiled in 1904. King Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary`s most celebrated rulers, sits proudly among his hunting party, with the figures, horses and hounds capturing the excitement of a royal hunt. The detail is incredible — even the dogs look as though they`re ready to take off after their next target!

Then there`s the rather dramatic Prince Eugene of Savoy, proudly sitting high on his horse outside the castle. Created by sculptor József Róna and unveiled in 1900, the monument commemorates Prince Eugene, the military commander who played an important role in the defeat of the Ottoman forces and the liberation of Buda in 1686.

Two statues, two very different stories, and plenty of magnificent bronze to admire.

I do love a city where you can simply wander around and unexpectedly find yourself standing beside centuries of history — although I think I`d have preferred to arrive at Buda Castle on horseback rather than climbing all those stairs! 😂🐎

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

A beautiful building with a heartbreaking history. 🕊️

While exploring Budapest, I came across the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue. I decided to go inside and joined a tour so I could learn more about the history of this remarkable place.

The interior is truly beautiful — with its soaring arches, ornate decoration, colourful stained glass and intricate details. But behind all that beauty is a history that is incredibly difficult to comprehend. Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe.

During the Second World War, it became part of the Budapest Ghetto, where Jewish people were imprisoned in horrific conditions. Thousands died from starvation, disease and the brutal treatment they endured. The synagogue grounds also became a cemetery, where thousands of victims were buried. Standing inside such a beautiful building while learning about the horrors that took place here was a sobering experience.

It is a place that reminds us that history isn`t always comfortable — but remembering it is important. I left feeling incredibly moved, and grateful that I had taken the time to stop, go inside and listen to its story.

Some places you visit for their beauty. Others stay with you because of their history. This was both. 🕊️

If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #GreatSynagogue #JewishHistory #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel

☀️ Schönbrunn Palace – A Garden Adventure! 🌿👑

Vienna turned on the sunshine, so I hopped on the U-Bahn and headed out to Schönbrunn Palace, the magnificent summer residence of the Habsburgs.

What a beautiful day to explore! The palace looked impressive, but as I gazed down the enormous gardens towards the Gloriette perched on the hill in the distance, I had a sudden realisation…Today was going to be all about the gardens! 😂🌳

These gardens are HUGE! What had looked like a pleasant stroll was quickly turning into a serious walking adventure. There were grand pathways, beautiful greenery and views stretching towards the Gloriette. And that was just what I could see from where I stood!

But this is one of the real joys of solo travel. I’m the boss of my own itinerary! If I want to spend the whole day wandering through gardens, stopping for photos, taking a breather on a bench or changing direction on a whim, I can. There’s no one waiting impatiently while I take just one more photo — and believe me, there will always be just one more! 📸😂

The palace interiors would have to wait for another day. I was happy to let the sunshine set the pace, explore as much as my feet would allow and enjoy the freedom of having absolutely nobody else’s schedule to consider.👟☀️

And that, for me, is one of the loveliest things about travelling solo: the freedom to turn an unexpected change of plan into an adventure of its own. 💛

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#SchonbrunnPalace #Vienna #SoloFemaleTravel #TravelAtYourOwnPace #AustriaTravel

A castle, a mysterious writer… and a politician! 🏰📚

Exploring the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, I discovered a couple of bronze characters that definitely caught my attention.

First up is the wonderfully mysterious Anonymous — a hooded figure sitting quietly with a pen in hand. The sculpture was created by Miklós Ligeti in 1903 and represents the unknown author of the medieval Hungarian chronicle Gesta Hungarorum. No one knows exactly who Anonymous was, which makes this rather spooky-looking fellow even more intriguing!

The polished pen is said to bring good luck to writers and students, so naturally it seemed only polite to give it a little rub. 😉

Nearby is a statue of Ignác Darányi, a Hungarian politician who served as Minister of Agriculture. Created by sculptor József Róna, the bronze statue was unveiled in 1907.

I love finding these little stories hiding amongst Budapest`s grand buildings. You can wander into a place expecting castles and turrets and end up meeting medieval chroniclers and 19th-century politicians!

If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungarianHistory #HungaryTravel

🏰 Budapest has another castle… and of course I had to go and find it!

Even though the weather was looking a little gloomy during my time in Budapest, it certainly wasn`t going to keep me indoors. So I headed up to City Park (Városliget) to discover the city`s other castle — the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle.

And what a beautiful surprise!

Built between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Rather than being an ancient castle, it was originally created as a temporary exhibition — but Budapest obviously decided it liked it too much to let it go!

Today, its fairytale towers, turrets and lakeside setting make it one of the most photographed spots in City Park.

The gloomy skies actually added a little atmosphere to the castle… although I wouldn`t have complained if Budapest had turned the sunshine on for me! ☁️😂

If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #VisitBudapest

When you’re exploring a city on your own, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts… and recognise a park when you see one! 😂🚌

After leaving Margaret Island, I jumped on a bus with absolutely no idea where it was heading. But then I spotted City Park — somewhere I recognised — so I knew that if I got off there, I wouldn’t be completely lost!

I walked past the magnificent Széchenyi Thermal Bath and continued through the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle. And what a difference a little sunshine makes! ☀️ I’d visited the castle earlier in my trip under gloomy grey skies, but seeing it again beneath brilliant blue skies was like discovering it all over again.

The towers, turrets and beautiful architecture looked completely different in the sunshine — and suddenly I understood why Budapest decided to keep this “temporary” castle after the Millennium Exhibition!

Same castle, completely different mood. ❤️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #CityParkBudapest #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

And just like that, my walk through Margaret Island came to an end… but my big final day in Budapest was nowhere near finished! ☀️🚶‍♀️

After wandering past the Ensana Grand Health Spa and the charming Music Well, I made my way to the bus stop on Árpád Bridge. By now, I’d covered a serious amount of ground — but there was still more Budapest waiting to be explored.

So I did what any determined solo traveller would do…I jumped on the first bus that came along and headed off to see what I could discover next! 🚌😂

No complicated plans, no stopping for a rest… just me, my camera and a city that still had plenty more to show me.Onwards with the Budapest adventure! ❤️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #MargaretIsland #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #BudapestAdventure

After noticing the clip-clop of horses’ hooves everywhere I went in Vienna, I soon discovered something else…Vienna is absolutely full of horses! 🐴

Once you start looking, you see them everywhere. There’s King John III Sobieski of Poland proudly mounted on the top of Husaren-Haus on Graben, while magnificent equestrian statues of Archduke Karl and Prince Eugene of Savoy stand near the Hofburg.

And then there’s the rather impressive Horse Tamer and his Horse outside the Parliament building. But the horses don’t stop outside!They’re outside museums, inside museums, decorating buildings and appearing in sculptures all over the city.

By this stage, I was beginning to think Vienna had a very serious horse obsession! 😂

But really, it all adds to the grandeur and character of this beautiful city — where even the statues seem to be ready to take you somewhere.

🐴 Clip-clop on the streets…
🐴 Horses on the buildings…
🐴 Horses in the museums…You simply can’t escape them — and I wasn’t complaining! ❤️

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #horsestatues #ViennaArchitecture #ViennaHistory #SoloTravel

👗 What to Wear for an Imperial Occasion? 👑

A little fashion inspiration from the Sisi Museum in the Imperial apartments at Hofburg Palace! On display were some of Empress Elisabeth’s (known as Sisi) beautiful personal garments, giving a fascinating glimpse into her wardrobe and the way she dressed for different occasions.

The full lace gowns worn over several layers of padded petticoats, with the back flowing into a longer train. Just for a simple dinner at home! Then there was a delicate silk capelet, designed to add a little extra glamour and zhuzh up a plainer gown. A rather clever way to give an outfit a whole new look!

Then came a much more dramatic ensemble: a black velvet cape trimmed with fur, ankle boots and a feather-trimmed hat. I suspect this was one of her travelling outfits — certainly a stylish way to step out of the carriage when arriving somewhere!

And something a little more relaxed: a belted blue skirt and top, worn with white silk ankle boots, from the time when Sisi lived in Corfu.

I do love seeing the actual clothes worn by historical figures. Portraits and paintings are lovely, but standing in front of their real garments makes history feel that little bit closer. Each outfit telling a little story about the Empress and her lifestyle. And I have to say, Sisi certainly knew how to put an outfit together! ✨

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#SisiMuseum #EmpressElisabeth #HofburgPalace #Vienna #SoloFemaleTravel

After exploring the Upper Belvedere, I continued around to discover the Lower Belvedere and its gardens — and they seemed to go on and on! 🌿

The gardens were filled with sparkling white sculptures, beautifully positioned amongst the flower beds and dotted in and around the many ponds. Every turn seemed to reveal another sculpture, another view or another beautiful part of the gardens.

And here’s a useful little tip if you’re visiting: the Belvedere gardens are free to enter, so you can wander around and enjoy the magnificent setting without needing a ticket for the palace interiors. I could also keep an eye on the queue of people waiting to go inside the palace… 👀

My plan was simple — enjoy the gardens, admire the views, and wait patiently for a little afternoon lull in the crowds! After all, there was no point standing in a queue if I could be wandering around beautiful gardens instead! 😂 Now I just had to hope that my timing was right…

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #BelvederePalace #LowerBelvedere #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel

Art, Empresses and a Palace Garden View! 🎨👑

Continuing my wander through Belvedere Palace, I passed a few more works of art, including a painting by Claude Monet, "Path in Monet`s Garden in Giverny". Even when you’re exploring a magnificent palace, you never know which famous artist you might bump into!

There were also bronze busts of Empress Maria Theresa and her husband Francis I. Maria Theresa was one of the most influential Habsburg rulers, and together they had 16 children — so family gatherings must have been quite an event! 😂

Then I came to the windows and looked out over the enormous Lower Belvedere gardens. 🌿 After wandering among the sculptures, ponds and flower beds outside, it was wonderful to see the gardens from above and appreciate just how grand the whole setting really is. Not to mention the views over the garden and stables and over Vienna.

Of course, I had to take a few more photos before moving on. Because really, when you have a view like that, what else is a solo traveller with a camera supposed to do? 📸❤️

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #LowerBelvedere #BelvederePalace #ViennaArt #SoloTravel

Just when I thought Margaret Island couldn’t surprise me any more, I came across this beautiful little oasis. 🌿💚

Tucked away along the path was a peaceful Japanese garden, complete with a lovely pond filled with colourful Koi and some very relaxed turtles who clearly had nowhere else they needed to be! 🐢

And watching over it all was a charming Little Mermaid statue, sitting quietly beside the water.

After a busy morning exploring Budapest, this was the perfect place to slow down for a while, enjoy the greenery and watch the Koi and turtles doing what they do best — absolutely nothing in a hurry! 😂

Another unexpected little discovery on Margaret Island… and one of my favourite peaceful moments of the day. 🌸

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #MargaretIsland #JapaneseGarden #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

Strolling around Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens and Government House✨️ looking out across Sydney Harbour on a sunny mid winters day☀️

#rbg #sydneylocal #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #sydneyharbourwalks

🎭 Vienna State Opera – A Daily Dose of Elegance! ✨

Some buildings deserve more than one visit, and the magnificent Vienna State Opera was one I walked past every day during my stay. When your hotel is this centrally located, even your everyday walks become a sightseeing tour!

I loved the elegant colonnades you can stroll beneath, the beautiful arched windows and the grand architecture that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back into imperial Vienna. But behind all that beauty is a little royal drama! 👑 Emperor Franz Joseph had opinions about the opera house’s design details, and the building attracted criticism when it was first constructed.

Thankfully, it has since become one of Vienna’s most celebrated landmarks.I didn’t attend a performance this time, but I certainly appreciated the exterior. Sometimes you don’t need a ticket to enjoy a little opera-house glamour!🎶

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #ViennaStateOpera #Austria #EuropeanArchitecture #SoloTravel

My last full day in Budapest was turning into a serious sightseeing marathon! 🚶‍♀️☀️

After catching the tram to Margaret Bridge, I crossed over to Margaret Island and started exploring. Just a few minutes into the park, down the hill from the bridge, I discovered the beautiful Water Tower, built in 1911 and now one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

Apparently, there are 152 steps to climb to the top for wonderful views over Budapest.I say apparently because, thankfully… it was closed! 😂 After all the stairs I’d already climbed around Budapest, I decided this was one viewpoint I could happily admire from ground level!

So I continued my walk and soon came across another little treasure — St Michael’s Chapel, a charming medieval chapel dating back to the 12th century.

From grand Parliament views to a historic little chapel hidden among the greenery, Margaret Island was proving that there was still plenty more of Budapest to discover. And thankfully, not every discovery required climbing 152 steps! 😄

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #MargaretIsland #StMichaelsChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.

#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down 🥴 brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it 😃!!!

#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel

The house where the Governor General lives in the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour. I`m thinking of applying for the job!!
You can wander around the gardens and go on free booked tours of inside parts of the house most weekends - I love the way we all look around as if its a property inspection and we`re looking to buy it😂

#governmenthousesydney #sydneyrbg #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of the CBD and Sydney Harbour all sparkling on an unseasonably hot day for June ✨️ Who would have thought hats and sunscreen would still be the order of the day, I would expect hats and coats at this time of year!!!

#royalbotanicgardens #urbanoasis #walkinthepark #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks

Budapest was an amazing place to begin my solo adventure to Central Europe.
✨️ Hotel President was in a great location for exploring, walking distance to most places, or handy to the metro or buses.
✨️For more info on the hotels I stayed in click the link to my website in the bio.

#hotelpresidentbudapest #solotravel #solotrip #soloadventure #budapest

And then… my plan worked! 🎉😂

After all that wandering around the Belvedere gardens, keeping one very suspicious eye on the queue, I suddenly noticed something incredible…The queue had disappeared! 👀

This was my moment.I quickly made my way to the ticket office, got my ticket, and headed around to the entrance.The reason for the disappearing queue soon became clear. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed inside the building at any one time, so I’m guessing a large group of people had all finished their visit at roughly the same time. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t asking questions! The doors were open, the queue was gone…and it was finally MY turn! 🙌

All that patience, wandering around the gardens and keeping watch over the queue had paid off. Now it was time to see what was inside the Belvedere Palace… ❤️

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #BelvederePalace #LowerBelvedere #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel

Finally… sunshine! ☀️

After several days of Budapest rain, my last full day in the city arrived with blue skies — so there was no way I was staying in bed! I made an early start and caught the bus up to the Castle District, camera in hand and ready to make the most of the sunshine.

My first stops were the impressive Habsburg Gate and the magnificent Turul Bird, Hungary’s mythical bird of prey.

Looking through the Habsburg Gate, I could see the dramatic statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy on horseback, standing proudly in the courtyard, while nearby was the top station of the famous Buda Castle Funicular.

It was one of those mornings when Budapest seemed to say, “Come on, get out there!” — and after all that rain, I was very happy to listen. 😎☀️

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #BudaCastle #HabsburgGate #TurulBird #SoloTravel

🌿 Schönbrunn Palace – The Climb to the Gloriette! ☀️👑

I seemed to have been ambling through the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace for hours by the time I’d passed the ponds, fountains and statues and reached the magnificent Gloriette, perched on the hill at the far end of the gardens!

Of course, getting there meant a rather determined walk uphill. 😅 But when you’re travelling solo, there’s nobody to blame for choosing the long route except yourself!

Built during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa, the Gloriette was used by the Imperial family for dining and entertaining. Imagine enjoying a meal here while looking out across the palace and its enormous grounds, and further out over your Empire.

Standing at the top and looking back towards the palace, you could appreciate just how vast the estate really is. My original plan to explore the gardens had turned into a full-blown walking adventure — and I still had the palace interior to come back for another day!

That’s the beauty of solo travel: I could stop whenever I wanted, take as many photos as I liked and tackle that hill at my own pace. No rushing, no compromises… just me, the sunshine and a very impressive imperial view! 💛📸

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#SchonbrunnPalace #Vienna #Gloriette #SoloFemaleTravel #AustriaTravel

I was finally inside Schloss Belvedere… and I couldn’t even make it through the foyer without taking hundreds of photos! 😂📸

The gleaming white walls, elegant statues and beautiful balustrades on the staircase, all contrasted with black details and striking light fittings, were simply stunning. I’m pretty sure I could arrange to move in immediately!! 😍 I hadn’t even started the actual visit yet!

Before heading upstairs, you pass through the magnificent Carlone Hall, with its spectacular Baroque frescoed ceiling. Then, right in the middle of the floor, there was a contemporary art installation — a circle of lavender creating a lovely aroma and beautiful contrast with all that Baroque grandeur. And this was just on the way to the cloakroom!

Of course, the first important job was to dump all my excess gear before heading properly inside. So, coat deposited, camera ready…I was ready to explore! 😂

And judging by the foyer alone, I had a feeling there were going to be a LOT more photos coming… ❤️

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #LowerBelvedere #BelvederePalace #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel

Exploring Prague with lots of walking and lots of tram rides! Walking across Charles Bridge, up to the castle, through Lesser Town, into New Town, and historic Old Town.

#prague #praguelife #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything

🎨 The Albertina – Walking Among the Masters! ✨

After admiring the magnificent interiors of the Albertina Museum, it was time to climb those grand, red-carpeted stairs and head upstairs to the galleries. Walking beneath the sparkling chandeliers felt rather special — although I was soon distracted by what was waiting in the exhibition rooms!

Here, I found myself face-to-face with works by some of the biggest names in the art world, including Monet, Picasso, Cézanne and Matisse, along with many other celebrated artists. 🖼️

It’s quite something to stand in front of paintings you’ve seen reproduced countless times and appreciate them in person.

And this is one of the things I love about travelling solo: I can linger in front of a painting for as long as I like, wander into the next room when I’m ready, or simply stop and soak it all in — no compromises and no one asking, “Are you ready to go yet?” 😂

Vienna certainly knows how to combine beautiful buildings with world-class art. For a solo traveller, it’s a wonderful feeling to explore such places entirely at your own pace and make every visit your own.

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#AlbertinaMuseum #Vienna #ArtLovers #SoloFemaleTravel #TravelAtYourOwnPace

✨️Little discoveries on the Danube.....

One of my favourite things about wandering around Budapest is never knowing what you’re going to discover around the next corner. ❤️

Walking along the path near the Danube, I came across three bronze sculptures that immediately caught my eye.

📌First was The Little Princess (Kiskirálylány), sitting happily in her jester’s crown. Created by Hungarian sculptor László Marton, she has become one of Budapest’s much-loved sculptures — and I can certainly see why!

📌Then I found Ignác Roskovics, the Hungarian painter, standing at his easel as though he had simply stopped for a moment to paint the world around him.

📌And finally, a delightful scene of a little girl playing with her dog, created by Hungarian sculptor Dávid Raffay. There’s something wonderfully natural about this one — it feels like a little moment of everyday life captured in bronze.

Three sculptures, three very different stories… and another reminder that in Budapest, you don’t always have to go looking for the sights. Sometimes they find you! 😊

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Budapest #BudapestSculptures #Danube #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

🎼 Vienna – Where Music Blooms! 🌼🎶

You can’t wander through Vienna’s beautiful parks without discovering a little musical history along the way! Austria`s famous composers are celebrated with statues honouring musical legends such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss dotted around the city.

Mozart’s tribute in the garden was particularly eye-catching — a giant treble clef planted in bright yellow flowers! 🌼🎼 Even the gardens have their own soundtrack here!

I’m beginning to think that in Vienna, you don’t just stop to smell the roses… you stop to admire the music growing among them! 🎶🌷

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#Vienna #Mozart #JohannStrauss #ViennaParks #SoloTravel

Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful💖

#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture

👑 Hofburg Palace – A Visit to the Imperial City Residence! ✨

My exploration of Vienna’s imperial palaces continued, this time at the Hofburg Palace, the Emperor and Empress’s grand city residence. Clearly, I hadn’t quite had my fill of royal palaces just yet!

I began my visit at the Sisi Museum, making my way up a very grand marble staircase before entering the reception room - there was a beautifully restored tall ceramic heater, sparkling chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors and deep crimson wallpaper and curtains. Absolutely dripping in imperial elegance!

Now, red has never really been one of my favourite colours, but this rich, deep crimson? I think I could get used to that! ❤️

As I wandered through these magnificent rooms, I couldn`t help imagining what life must have been like behind these grand palace walls. I think I could get used to that too! ❤️

And the lovely thing about exploring somewhere like this on my own? I could take my time, admire every little detail and indulge my fascination with imperial history without anyone wondering how many more rooms I intended to visit!

Apparently, quite a few! 😂

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#HofburgPalace #SisiMuseum #Vienna #ImperialHistory #SoloFemaleTravel

Views, views and more views… and yes, I took even more photos of the Parliament! 📸

Standing high up at Buda Castle, I was treated to some of the best views across Budapest.

There was the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building sitting proudly on the banks of the Danube — and honestly, you can never have too many photos of it! 😂

Looking along the river, I could also see the elegant Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge and the beautiful sweep of the Danube, with Budapest stretching out on either side. It`s one of those views where you keep moving a few steps, thinking this must be the best angle… only to find another one a few metres later!

The weather may not have been perfect during my visit, but Budapest certainly didn`t let a few gloomy skies spoil the view.

Sometimes you just have to stop, take it all in… and take one more photo of the Parliament. ❤️📸

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #BudapestViews #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel

Beautiful day to have another amble around the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace after exploring the Imperial Apartments, in another month these gardens will be in full bloom☀️☀️☀️

#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #palacegardens #solotrip

🏰 Arriving at Buda Castle...

After making my way up Castle Hill, I arrived in the cobblestone courtyard of Buda Castle, surrounded by grand buildings and centuries of Hungarian history.

But the real entrance was still ahead.

Passing through the impressive archway, I was greeted by the magnificent lion statues standing guard. Created by sculptor János Fadrusz in the early 20th century, these imposing stone lions have been keeping watch over the entrance for generations.

Walking through the arch, with the cobblestones underfoot and the lions looking rather serious about their job!

Of course, these days there are cameras rather than knights, and comfortable walking shoes rather than armour! 😂

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio

#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

Sometimes the best Budapest discoveries happen when you`re on your way somewhere else!✨

I was walking past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica when I noticed a service was about to begin. I spotted an opportunity for a quick look inside… and, well, who was I to just walk past? 😉I quietly slipped inside, took a few photos of the incredible interior and had a quick look around before leaving them to prepare for the service.

And what an interior! The soaring dome, magnificent marble, gilded details, paintings and mosaics make this one of Budapest`s most impressive churches. Named after St. Stephen, Hungary`s first king, the basilica was completed in 1905, after more than half a century of construction and several rather unfortunate setbacks along the way.

I didn`t stay long on this occasion, but sometimes a quick glimpse is enough! When there is no service happening you can pay to visit and stay longer!

Another little Budapest bonus — and this one didn`t cost me a cent! 😂

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #StStephensBasilica #HungaryTravel #BudapestArchitecture #SoloTravel

👑 Behind the Palace Doors – Sisi’s Private Rooms! ✨

Continuing my visit to the Sisi Museum at Hofburg Palace, I got a glimpse into the more private side of Empress Elisabeth’s life. Her private sitting room and bedroom were decorated in elegant cream and gold, creating a rather beautiful imperial feel.

Her dressing room, however, was another story! That gorgeous deep crimson I’d admired elsewhere in the palace appeared again, complemented by cream and gold furniture. I think I could definitely get used to having a dressing room like that!

But then came the bathroom… and what a surprise! Sisi had a thoroughly modern bathroom for her time, complete with an enormous metal bathtub and the latest and greatest in bathroom technology — a ceramic toilet with a wooden seat!

Well, even an Empress has to answer nature’s call! 😂

Who knew a royal bathroom visit could be such an interesting part of a palace tour?

It was fascinating to see these private rooms and imagine the daily life that went on behind the grand public spaces of the Hofburg. A little more personal, a little less formal, but still with plenty of imperial style.

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#SisiMuseum #HofburgPalace #EmpressElisabeth #ViennaHistory #SoloFemaleTravel

🌼 Schönbrunn’s Gloriette – So Close, Yet So Far! 👑

After my uphill walk to the Gloriette, I was greeted by a beautiful pathway lined with bright yellow flowering plants. A lovely welcome after all that walking!

Then it was up the steps, through the elegant colonnade and beneath the soaring ceiling. What a magnificent structure! ✨

And just when I thought I’d explored everything, I spotted the entrance to the rooftop, where I could enjoy even more spectacular views across Vienna. There was just one little problem… 😏

It turned out that tickets for the rooftop were only available from the ticket office back down at the Palace! Oh dear!! A return journey down the hill and back up again? My feet and I had a quick discussion, and we decided that perhaps the rooftop could wait until next time! 😂👟

That’s another little adventure of travelling solo. You make your own decisions, change your plans when you need to, and sometimes leave a good excuse to return to a place you’ve loved. So, Schönbrunn, I haven’t finished with you yet!💖

✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.

#SchonbrunnPalace #Gloriette #Vienna #SoloFemaleTravel #AustriaTravel

Budapest... you certainly know how to make a first impression!

After checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.

My afternoon took me past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica, the lively Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, past to the iconic Chain Bridge, and to the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a powerful tribute to the thousands of Jews murdered on the riverbank during World War II.

Of course, no walk around Budapest would be complete without rubbing the shiny belly of the jovial bronze "Fat Policeman" statue for a little good luck. Whether it works or not remains to be seen... but I wasn`t taking any chances! 😉

As evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary – with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.

If Budapest can pack this much into just a few hours, I was looking forward to what this adventure has in store for the rest of the week.

If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary

The gardens at the Governor Generals house in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens are open to walk around most weekends.
✨️ Feels weird to go and sit on the balcony of someone else`s house and look out at the harbour, but it`s a very relaxing way to spend a bit of time!!

#royalbotanicgarden #fountains #beautifulgardensoftheworld #seeeverythingdoeverything