🏰 The climb was worth it!

After tackling the steep stairs and pathways up to Fisherman`s Bastion, I finally reached the top — and was greeted by the magnificent bronze statue of King Stephen I of Hungary on horseback.

Created by sculptor Alajos Stróbl and unveiled in 1906, the statue is packed with incredible detail. From the flowing robes (hard to believe they are all made of bronze!) and armour to the powerful horse and ornate stone pedestal, there`s plenty to admire. King Stephen I holds a very special place in Hungarian history. Crowned around the year 1000, he became Hungary`s first king and played a major role in establishing Hungary as a Christian kingdom.

After all those stairs, I was more than happy to stop and admire him… and, of course, take a few photos while pretending I wasn`t secretly catching my breath! 😉

Sometimes the journey to a landmark is half the adventure — and in Budapest, it often comes with a pretty spectacular reward at the top. ❤️

Have you climbed the steps up to Fisherman`s Bastion? Or were you smarter and caught the bus????😀

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 #KingStephen #HungaryTravel #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

🎭 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

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

#royalbotanicgardens #urbanoasis #walkinthepark #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks

In Budapest, even the things under your feet are worth photographing!📸

A wander around the Fisherman’s Bastion area brought plenty of beautiful sights — from the impressive statue of King Stephen I, Hungary’s first king, to those wonderfully whimsical, fairytale rooftops and turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion.

But then I looked down…And there they were — the manhole covers, complete with the Hungarian coat of arms! 😂

It`s amazing how easily you can become distracted in a city like Budapest. One minute you`re admiring a king on horseback, the next you`re photographing a manhole cover!

Of course, the spectacular views and architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion steal the show, but I love these little details that make exploring a city so much fun.

My advice for Budapest? Keep looking up… but don`t forget to look down 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 #FishermansBastion #HungaryTravel #BudapestHistory #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

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

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

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

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

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

🎨 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

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

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

✨️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

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

✨ 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

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

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

🏰 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #palacegardens #solotrip

Chilly morning in Vienna today, but apparently its going to warm up big time tomorrow! First stop Naschmarkt, then strolling past Karlskirche on my way to Schloss Belvedere.......

#naschmarkt #karlskirche #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme

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

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

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

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

After visiting the Easter Markets at Schonbrunn Palace , I went for a walk up through the gardens, all the way up to the `Gloriette` at the top of the hill way off in the distance.
The Gloriette was built in 1775 for no other reason than the view - when the Habsburgs were sitting on the balcony of their summer Schloss, they wanted something nice to look at, so they had the Gloriette built along with a few ponds and fountains. The world became a better place!!

#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #solotravel #habsburgfamilyresidence #vienna

✨ 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

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

Hofburg Palace, the Habsburgs` stunning Vienna residence until 1918. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) indulged in royal luxury here and spent summers at Schonbrunn Palace. What a life!

#hofburgvienna #sisimuseum #soloadventure #vienna

As promised, a beautiful sunny Easter Sunday in Vienna ☀️☀️☀️ After being in Palermo last Easter, where it was underwhelming, Vienna really knows how to take Easter to the extreme!!!

#easterinvienna #eastermarkets #soloadventure #vienna

Vienna is magnificent to just wander around aimlessly, the buildings, the parks, everything, just perfect.

#vienna #solotravel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme

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

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

#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel

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

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