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

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

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

👗 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

🎨 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

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

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

🌿 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

Beautiful Prague in spring was the next stop on my recent solo adventure to central Europe, where I stayed at Hotel Grandium ✨️ Lovely place in a great location and nice and close to the station, perfect if you arrive by rail.
✨️Check out the hotels I stayed in by clicking the link to my website in the bio.

#grandiumprague #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

☀️ 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

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

🏰 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

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

👑 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

Well… when you see a staircase, you may as well find out where it leads! 😄

Inside Matthias Church, I climbed my way up to one of the higher balcony levels — and I’m very pleased to report that the view was absolutely worth every step! Looking down from above, the church was even more spectacular. The colourful patterns, ornate decorations and beautiful architecture all came together in a completely different way from up here.

Sometimes exploring means looking up, sometimes looking down… and occasionally wondering just how many more stairs there are! 😂

But this view? Definitely worth the climb. ❤️

✨️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

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

🎭 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

✨ 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

Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful💖

#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture

✨ The Albertina – More Viennese Elegance! 👑

Just when I thought Vienna couldn’t possibly have another beautiful building to impress me, along came the Albertina Museum!

Stepping inside, I was greeted by chandeliers, mirrors, gold trimmings and gleaming white marble statues. There’s certainly no shortage of grandeur in this city! Vienna really does have a knack for making you feel quite royal 👑

✨Another magnificent old building in the very heart of Vienna, the Albertina has a fascinating history as a former Habsburg palace before becoming one of the city’s best-known art museums. Even if you’re not an art expert, the interiors alone are worth taking time to admire.

✨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 #AlbertinaMuseum #ViennaArchitecture #AustriaTravel #SoloFemaleTravel

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

It`s a museum kind of day in Vienna, 2 to 5 degrees, we`ve had a bit of snow, a bit of sleet, a bit of rain and a lot of cold ❄️❄️❄️
The Furniture Museum is a collection of furnture and other items from the Imperial Palaces, including a display of the toilets from the day.
The museum holds huge stores of furniture that they lend out for movies, plays and other events needing furnishings from that era.

#viennafurnituremuseum #coldday❄️ #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme

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

#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

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

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

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

Aimlessly wandering around Vienna....magnificent 🥂

It was so easy to fall into the habit of eating delicious chocolate cake in a beautiful cafe, I never needed my arm twisted for that one 😋

Walking through the impressive gardens of 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

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

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

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

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

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

👑 Schönbrunn Palace – One Last Look… Then Schnitzel!

🍽️Before leaving Schönbrunn Palace gardens, I took one last look back up towards the magnificent Gloriette from the palace balcony. What a wonderful way to finish exploring this grand imperial estate!

After all that walking, climbing hills and admiring the sights, I’d certainly worked up an appetite. It was time to reward myself with a late lunch or, perhaps, an early dinner at Gerstner Restaurant at the Palace.

And what did I choose? A good old-fashioned Vienna Schnitzel — an absolutely enormous one! 😂 Somehow, I managed to finish it. All that walking around Schönbrunn’s enormous grounds certainly helped!

With a very happy stomach and tired feet, it was time to hop back on the U-Bahn and head into Vienna.

Another wonderful day of solo exploring, a magnificent palace, beautiful gardens and a meal fit for an empress. Well… perhaps not quite an imperial banquet, but that schnitzel certainly felt like one! 😋

✨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 #WienerSchnitzel #SoloFemaleTravel #AustriaTravel

Turns out, I wasn`t the only one enjoying Budapest under blue skies! ☀️😂 (Solo traveller meets everyone else who had the same bright idea! 😂)

By the time I reached Fisherman’s Bastion, the quiet morning atmosphere had well and truly disappeared.

Suddenly there were `other people` everywhere — wandering through the fairytale turrets, stopping for photos, admiring the views and generally enjoying the sunshine just as much as I was. And who could blame them?

After several gloomy, rainy days in Budapest, it seemed the minute the sun came out, everyone had exactly the same idea…...Get to Fisherman’s Bastion! 😄📸

So much for having Budapest all to myself — but I certainly wasn’t complaining. The sunshine made those beautiful white stone turrets look even more magical.

✨️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 #FishermansBastion #HungaryTravel #BudapestViews #SoloTravel

Hotel Pension Suzanne in Vienna is in the perfect location, walking distance to everything, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and museums.
✨️Safe, quiet and comfortable, all requirements of the solo traveller
✨️Click the link to my website in the bio for more information on the hotels I stayed in on my recent solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague.

#hotelpensionsuzanne #solotravel #solotrip #vienna #traveltheworldwithme

✨ 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

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 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

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

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

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

As usual, when it cones to museums, I usually find the building more interesting than the exhibits!! Vienna Natural History Museum was no exception!!

#viennanaturalhistorymuseum #vienna #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

🏰 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

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