Pack your bags, we’re heading off on a
Trip Over the World….
Choose a destination below, and join me to experience the places I have been and get some ideas on what to see and do when you visit these places. Inspiration for those travelling solo, just make the booking and Trip Over The World.
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If you have any questions or comments on any of the stories, or want to tell me your story, please contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.
Trip Planning
Planning a trip overseas is all part of the experience of travel, it takes a lot of research into destinations, flights, accommodation choices, what to see and do, how to get around once you are there, etc, etc, etc.
Flying into Venice
I flew into Venice Marco Polo Airport from London to begin my solo Italian Adventure in early spring, hoping to get ahead of the crowds. This trip was taking me to visit Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa and Cinque Terre
Heathrow to London
I’ve never found arriving at Heathrow to be as daunting as some have led me to believe – it’s all well sign posted and, basically, just follow the crowd. I need the Piccadilly Line as it goes directly to Green Park.
Herd Of Hope
A herd of elephants arrived in Spitalfields back in 2020. This amazing art installation, of 21 bronze elephants created by Gillie and Marc to raise awareness of the damage caused by poachers.
Sydney to London on QF1
Flying to London from Sydney on QF1, all booked, all packed, having decided to fly on Qantas again hoping things were getting better as Vanessa Hudson, the new CEO, had promised!! And, I have enough Qantas points to apply for an upgrade
Boxing Day Walk
A short Boxing Day walk around St James’s in London learning a bit about the history of the area and walking off Christmas lunch.
Christmas Day in London
Christmas Day in London is so much better for looking at the Christmas Lights than Christmas Eve!!
Christmas Eve in London
The Christmas Lights in London are amazing!! Everywhere you look the streets are all decorated with the most unbelievable lights.
Walk Around London
The big walk I failed to do the previous day had heavy rain, light drizzle and even some sunshine
Arriving in London
Jetlagged up to the eyeballs, I set off exploring the neighbourhood
Flying with Qatar Airways
My first flight with Qatar Arways was a big success!
Clicking some of the advertising links on this site, and purchasing something, could earn me a small commission. It certainly won’t cost you any extra. I really appreciate it, thank you!
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
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
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
🏰 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
Walking from Bratislava train station to the town centre takes 15 minutes, passing through a park and by the parliament buildings before reaching the historic cobblestone streets.
This is where the touristification of the town kicks in, every shop is a restaurant or souvenier shop.
Even the castle is a remake of what they think tourists want to see....we actually want to see the original castle!!
#bratislava #streetsofbratislava #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Gold, Gold and MORE Gold at the Belvedere! ✨👑
If I thought the foyer and staircase at the Lower Belvedere were impressive, the rooms upstairs certainly weren’t going to disappoint!
The first rooms I wandered into had gleaming white walls, magnificent gold chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors, gold ceiling decorations and gold embellishments covering the walls. Did I mention the gold? 😂 It was everywhere!
The contrast between the crisp white walls and all that golden detail was simply stunning. Everywhere I looked, there was another beautiful feature to admire — and, of course, another photo to take! 📸
I was beginning to think the designers at the palace, didn`t have subtlety mentioned in the brief! After all, why have one gold chandelier when you can have magnificent gold chandeliers, gold mirrors and gold decorations everywhere you turn? 😂 ❤️
✨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
✨️One of my favourite walks in Budapest was crossing the beautiful Chain Bridge, linking the historic districts of Buda and Pest across the Danube.
✨️Although the weather wasn`t at its best, the views certainly didn`t disappoint. Looking upstream towards the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, it was easy to see why this is one of Europe`s most picturesque cityscapes.
✨️The Chain Bridge has quite a story to tell. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to span the Danube in Hungary and became a powerful symbol of uniting the two sides of the city. Sadly, like all of Budapest`s Danube bridges, it was destroyed in 1945 by the retreating German army during WWll. Thankfully, it was painstakingly rebuilt in its original style and reopened in 1949, preserving the city`s iconic skyline for future generations.
📍Rain or shine, this is a walk that simply has to be on your Budapest itinerary.
📌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.
#chainbridge #danuberiver #solotravel #budapest #hungarytravel
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
At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.
#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
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
One of the first things you notice about Vienna isn’t just what you see… it’s what you hear. 💖
As you wander through the city, you can hear the unmistakable clip-clop of horses’ hooves as the horse-drawn carriages make their way through the streets.The Viennese call these traditional carriages Fiakers, and somehow that gentle sound of hooves on the cobblestones seems to fit Vienna perfectly.
With grand buildings, elegant streets, beautiful architecture and horse-drawn carriages passing by, there’s something wonderfully old-world about the city.
It creates such an elegant, relaxed atmosphere — and makes simply wandering around Vienna feel like part of the experience.
Sometimes you don’t need to be heading anywhere in particular… just follow the clip-clop! 🐴
✨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 #ViennaAustria #Fiaker #ViennaTravel #SoloTravel
A quick ferry trip across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the area known as the Three Cities. Grab a seat up on the top deck forthe best views. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are all worth exploring on foot, cobbled streets, little parks, the maritime museum just near where the ferry arrives, and the Knights of St John HQ at the amazing Fort St Angelo, not to mention the harbour full of yachts of all shapes and sizes.
Read more about my solo 10 day trip over to Malta by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
#malta #valletta #threecitiesmalta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman
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
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
✨ A little medieval magic in Budapest…
While exploring the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, I came across this beautiful little gem — Ják Chapel.
With its Romanesque arches, stonework and wonderfully atmospheric entrance, it looks as though it has been lifted straight from a medieval village in Hungary. And there`s a reason for that!
Ják Chapel was inspired by the 13th-century Benedictine church at Ják, one of Hungary`s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The chapel we see here was designed by Ignác Alpár as part of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex, created for Hungary`s Millennium celebrations in 1896.
And with the rather gloomy Budapest weather, the medieval atmosphere was even more convincing! ☁️🏰
Another beautiful discovery in City Park. ❤️
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #JakChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Leaving the Castle District behind, I was off to continue exploring Budapest in the sunshine. ☀️
I caught the bus back down towards the Danube and hopped off before it crossed the Liberty Bridge — and, of course, I couldn’t resist looking back before continuing on.
There was the entrance to the Buda Castle Tunnel, built beneath Castle Hill and opened in 1857. Above the archway, the Hungarian coat of arms and a lion’s head make a rather impressive entrance.
Nearby, I spotted another Hungarian coat of arms incorporated into the brickwork near the lower station of the Castle Funicular, dated 1880, and then noticed a little building that looked remarkably like a miniature Fisherman’s Bastion! It turns out this is part of the Pauline monastery beside the Cave Church on Gellért Hill. The Cave Church itself was created in the 1920s inside the hillside, with the present church completed in 1931.
More little Budapest discoveries… and I hadn’t even reached the river yet! 😊
✨️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 #GellertHill #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Every great view in Budapest seems to come with a climb!
✨️After crossing the beautiful Chain Bridge, I decided to walk up the steep pathway to Fisherman`s Bastion rather than join the long queue for the funicular. It was definitely a workout, but one that came with some wonderful rewards.
✨️The winding path offered beautiful glimpses of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building through the trees. Of course, I had to stop several times... purely to take photos, you understand—not at all because I needed to catch my breath! 😉
✨️Reaching the top, I was greeted by a bronze statue of St Stephen, the first King of Hungary, on his horse and the fairytale towers and elegant terraces of Fisherman`s Bastion. Built between 1895 and 1902 to celebrate 1,000 years of the Hungarian state, its seven graceful turrets represent the seven Magyar tribes who settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895. Today, it`s one of Budapest`s most iconic landmarks, with breathtaking views across the Danube to the Parliament below.
✨️Sometimes, taking the harder path really does lead to the best views.
✨️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 #fishermansbastion #solotravel #soloadventure #travelhungary
🌶The magnificent Budapest Central Market Hall has been welcoming shoppers since 1897 and is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.
🌶With its distinctive Zsolnay tiled roof and impressive Neo-Gothic architecture, it`s just as beautiful on the outside as it is bustling on the inside. The building was severely damaged in WW2, and sat in ruins until 1997 when it re-opened to much fan-fare.
🌶Standing outside the market, you`re also treated to lovely views of the iconic Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest`s most recognisable landmarks spanning the Danube.Step inside and you`ll find two floors packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Hungarian sausages, local wines, handmade souvenirs and, of course, paprika! Available in sweet, hot and smoked varieties, paprika is Hungary`s most famous spice, the essential ingredient in Hungarian Goulash.
🌶Whether you`re shopping, sampling local flavours or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Central Market Hall is well worth adding to your Budapest itinerary.
✨️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 #solotravelwoman #budapestcentralmarkethall #soloadventures
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
A table for one… and a very good reason to book it! 🍽️✨
After admiring the beautiful Párisi Passage in Budapest, it was time to experience it from the inside — this time with a delicious three-course set menu and a table for one.
And what a setting for dinner! Surrounded by the spectacular architecture, ornate details and warm atmosphere of this magnificent restaurant ✨️ Three courses of beautifully presented food, a lovely atmosphere and plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the experience. ❤️
And yes… I may have taken photos of every course before eating it! 📸😂
Great food, a beautiful setting and a memorable evening in Budapest. The perfect end to a big day exploring Budapest.
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 #ParisiPassage #BudapestFood #SoloTravel #SoloDining
✨ A little taste of Paris… in Budapest!
I stumbled upon Párisi Passage in Budapest and, honestly, this is one of those places where you walk in and immediately forget where you were going!
Tucked beneath the impressive Párisi Udvar building, this spectacular glass-roofed passage is a feast for the eyes, with its ornate Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic details, beautiful mosaics, stained glass and sparkling chandeliers.
The building dates back to the early 20th century, when Budapest was enjoying its golden age and competing with the great European cities for architectural bragging rights. And I think it did rather well!
Today, the passage is home to a beautiful café and hotel, making it the perfect place to stop for a coffee and admire the architecture from the inside.
Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you weren`t actually looking for! ❤️
Would you add Párisi Passage to your Budapest itinerary?
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 #ParisiPassage #BudapestTravel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
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
A day trip from Valletta to Gozo is very easy, taking the fast ferry gives great views all the way up the north coast of Malta. You can then get around on buses, or the hop on, hop off bus, and plenty of walking.....I wish I could have spent more time there, next time I stay for a few days✨️
Click the link to my website to read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta
#solotravelinmalta #soloadventures #gozo #malta #solitravel
I spent 10 fantastic days exploring Malta 💖 A great place for solo travellers who love history and endless exploring.
✨️ Read about the places I visited by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
1. St Ursula St, Valletta
2. Victoria Gate, Valletta.
3. Upper Barraka Gardens, Valletta
4. The view from my hotel over The Grand Harbour
5. Victoria Gate, Valletta
6. Valletta street scene
#malta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #valletta #historylovers neverstopexploring
Czech artist, David Cerney, famous for his politically opinionated art works.
✨️Here showing King Wencelas riding an upside down dead horse into battle. Hanging in the Lucerna Palace, Prague.
✨️Then 2 men (politicians??) pissing on the Czech Republic!! This one is outside the Kafka Museum across the Charles Bridge.
#davidčerney #politicalart #prague #solotrip
Explored the stunning Belvedere Palace in Vienna, a former imperial residence that`s truly breathtaking. The gardens were gorgeous, especially with the ponds and fountains coming to life now that winter`s loosening its grip, slightly....!!
#belvedere #schlossbelvedere #vienna #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
Had a quick run around Prague after a 4 hour train trip from Vienna. I was last in Prague 9 years ago, all seems familiar except Wenceslas Square....apart from the statue of Good King Wenceslas on his horse, the rest of the square that used to be an elegant collection of historic buildings, hotels, cafes, etc......has now turned into Oxford Street, London...Primark, C&A, Half Price, the list goes on......who thought that was a good idea????
#prague #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #charlesbridgeprague
The best part of the day trip from Vienna to Bratislava was the boat trip back to Vienna on the Danube!! The hydofoiling catamaran was fast, about 90 minutes, the crew were great. It was freezing cold and windy outside, but I couldn`t help myself, I just had to keep going out to take photos, then running back in to sip my wine 🥂!!!
Great for solo travelers, I met so many other travellers onboard.
#cruisingonthedanube #twinliner #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
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
Having mastered the very efficient bus system in Malta, after visiting Lower Barraka Gardens and the War Rooms in the tunnels under Valletta, I headed off out to Tarxien to the pre-historic temples, then out to the east coast to the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk to see the traditional fishing boats.
To read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio.
#solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #malta #traveltheworldwithme #tripovertomalta
A crowd gathers every hour to watch the Astronomical Clock in Prague put on a show 😂 Then some people clap and cheer, and some people laugh in an `is that it` kind of way.
#prague #astronomicalclockprague🏰 #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
✨️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
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a great 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.
✨️To read about the hotels I stayed in on my solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague, click the link to my website in the bio.
#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary
From Gold to Marble – A Room Full of History!✨
Leaving the white-and-gold rooms behind, I continued into the magnificent Marble Hall at the Upper Belvedere. Rich reddish-brown marble columns, beautifully sculpted gilding and an enormous ceiling fresco painted by Carlo Carlone made this an extraordinary space to explore. After all the gold in the previous rooms, this was another feast for the eyes.
But this hall is more than just a beautiful room. It holds an important place in Austrian history as the site where the Austrian State Treaty was signed on 15 May 1955. The treaty restored Austria’s independence and ended the Allied occupation that had followed WWll.
Standing in such an elaborate setting, it’s quite something to think about the historic events that took place within these walls. From stunning palace interiors to moments that changed a country’s future, the Belvedere was proving to be so much more than a pretty building.❤️
✨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 #AustrianHistory #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 just like that… it was time to say goodbye to Budapest and continue my solo adventure through Central Europe! 🚆
After an amazing week exploring Budapest, I caught a taxi from my hotel to Keleti Station to catch the train to Vienna. Keleti Station itself is quite impressive, both inside and out, but my attention soon turned to the rather important business of getting myself — and my luggage — onto the train!
I can usually manage this myself, but the train was very high and the platform, very low!
One of the station staff kindly helped lift my luggage onto the train. I noticed that some passengers had simply left their luggage beside their seats, which is what I would normally do if there is space, (and there was!). But before I could say anything… he had lifted my suitcase right up onto the luggage rack above my seat! 😳
Now, I’m not particularly tall, and even standing on the seat I could barely reach it! So there it was… safely stored above my head while I settled in for the journey to Vienna. I decided not to worry about it just yet. I had a couple of hours on the train to come up with a plan for getting it down! 😂
Fortunately, by the time we arrived in Vienna, there was a very tall gentleman in my carriage. He very kindly rescued my suitcase from its lofty position🙏😂
Sometimes travelling solo means being independent……and sometimes it means quietly hoping a very tall person gets on your train! 🥂!! Next stop… Vienna! 🇦🇹❤️
#BudapestToVienna #KeletiStation #Vienna #SoloTravel #CentralEurope
A place of remembrance in the heart of Budapest✨️
Behind the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue is a place that feels very different from the grand beauty of the synagogue itself. In the garden stands the Tree of Life, a weeping willow sculpture created by Hungarian artist Imre Varga. Its metal leaves bear the names and tattoo numbers of victims of the Holocaust, turning the tree into a powerful memorial to those who were murdered or disappeared.
The gardens surrounding the synagogue also hold the graves of thousands of Jewish people who died during the terrible conditions of the Budapest Ghetto during the Second World War. It is difficult to stand here and comprehend the scale of the suffering that took place in this very part of Budapest. The peaceful gardens, the sound of the leaves and the beautiful synagogue behind them make the history feel even more poignant.
📍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 #DohanySynagogue #TreeOfLife #HolocaustRemembrance #JewishHistory
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
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
Cesky Krumlov, a quaint medieval town in the south of the Czech Republic, a simple day trip by train from Prague....then lots and lots of walking on cobble stone paths!!
#ceskykrumlov #daytripfromprague #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Hello Vienna!❤️
After my train journey from Budapest, I arrived in Vienna and emerged from the Karlsplatz U-Bahn Station — and there it was, the magnificent Vienna State Opera! The landmark I was heading for.
My hotel, Hotel Pension Suzanne, was just nearby, so I knew I was heading in the right direction. 😊 Once I’d checked in, there was no time for resting — I was far too excited to start exploring! And what a location my hotel has. It’s right in the heart of Vienna, with so many of the city’s famous sights within easy walking distance.
On my first little wander I passed the Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Albertina Museum, Vienna’s beautiful shopping streets and Hofburg Palace. And this was just my first afternoon! I could already tell that I was going to love exploring Vienna, and I had 10 whole days ahead of me to discover these places properly — along with many, many more.
After Budapest, my Central European adventure was continuing… and Vienna was looking very promising!
✨If you`re planning your own Vienna 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.
#Vienna #ViennaAustria #ViennaStateOpera #SoloTravel #CentralEurope
After an absolutely HUGE final day in Budapest, I finally made it back to my hotel — exhausted, feet complaining, and ready to collapse! 😂
But there was just one thing left to do…I’d been up to the Castle District, wandered around Margaret Island, crossed over to City Park and explored Vajdahunyad Castle again in the sunshine.
Surely that was enough for one day? Apparently not! 😂 Darkness fell, and I headed back out and caught the Metro across the river to see the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building lit up at night. And WOW!✨
After seeing Parliament from so many different angles during my Budapest adventure, seeing it glowing against the dark Danube was the perfect way to finish my final day. I stood there for a while, taking it all in — and probably taking just a few more photos! 📸😂Budapest was now complete!! ❤️
What an incredible city, and what an incredible solo 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 #HungarianParliament #BudapestByNight #HungaryTravel #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
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
✨ Inside the Royal Palace of Buda Castle…
After wandering through the cobblestone courtyards and passing the watchful lion statues, it was time to step inside the magnificent Royal Palace.
The palace has had quite a history. The original medieval royal residence dates back to the 13th century, although what we see today is the result of centuries of rebuilding, destruction and restoration.
Inside, the grand halls, sweeping staircases, ornate details and beautiful architecture give you a glimpse of the palace`s royal past. It’s hard not to imagine kings, queens and courtiers moving through these very spaces.
Sadly, much of the palace was destroyed during the Siege of Budapest in 1944–45, and the building was later reconstructed. Today, the palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
I love places like this where the architecture tells as much of the story as the exhibits do. And after all the walking around Buda Castle, I was more than happy to wander indoors for a while! 😂
Another piece of Budapest history explored. ❤️
Have you visited the Royal Palace at Buda Castle?
✨️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 #RoyalPalace #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
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
✨ Standing among the heroes of Hungary…..
No visit to Budapest`s City Park is complete without a stop at Heroes` Square (Hősök tere) — and after exploring Vajdahunyad Castle, it was the perfect next stop on my solo adventure. The enormous square is dominated by the Millennium Monument, built to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars in the Carpathian Basin in 895.
At its centre stands the Archangel Gabriel, high above the 36-metre column, while the colonnades on either side feature statues of important figures from Hungarian history. There is certainly no shortage of impressive-looking people to keep you company!
The monument was begun in 1896 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, although the whole ensemble wasn`t completed until 1929. With its grand scale, towering statues and beautiful surrounding buildings, Heroes` Square is one of those places where you can`t help but stop for a moment and take it all in.
Budapest certainly knows how to make history feel larger than life. ❤️
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 #HeroesSquare #HungaryTravel #HungarianHistory #SoloTravel
