Travel, photography and writing –
– all things I enjoy and this site gives me the opportunity to do all three and share the experience. I head off on holidays as often as possible with a close friend, or on my own, and take thousands of photos and I write about the places I go and the fun I have.
The kids have now all grown up, and I’m still working hard, so these trips to far off lands are well deserved adventures. Indulging in a wide variety of interests – history, art, design, theatre, music, dance, architecture, style, people watching, food, wine, cocktails, fashion, experiencing life, meeting new friends and generally exploring everything.
It is good to have a friend there to talk each other into (often) buying things that one of us might be thinking twice about, or seeing something we’re not sure about, (after all, we may not have the opportunity to come back!) And we are there to talk each other out of (rarely) buying or doing something that might not be such a good idea – and we have a good laugh.
But even on my own, I never feel lonely, I meet people to chat with. It is surprising the number of women who tell me they would never be brave enough to travel on their own – be brave, you’ll have a great time!!
I don’t do speed travel, I like to go somewhere for up to a month, immerse myself in the culture, live like a local, see as much as I can, have many long lunches, do lots of exploring, of course a bit of shopping and have some days when I just do……………..not much at all really…………….after all it is a break from my incredibly busy life in Sydney.
You won’t find me jumping off things, I like to keep my adrenaline levels steady! Nor do I race around town ticking off things to see, then pack up and move to the next city. And the budget is often put to the test – there are times when an outrageously priced cocktail, or two, at the Ritz is an absolutely essential experience.
I’m hoping my stories can encourage other women, whose families are all grown up and left home, to go travelling with their friends, partners, or even on your own – you deserve it too.
Lyn
โจ A little medieval magic in Budapestโฆ
While exploring the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, I came across this beautiful little gem โ Jรกk 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!
Jรกk Chapel was inspired by the 13th-century Benedictine church at Jรกk, one of Hungary`s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The chapel we see here was designed by Ignรกc Alpรกr 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! โ๏ธ๐ฐ
Another beautiful discovery in City Park. โค๏ธ
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #JakChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Next stopโฆ crossing the Danube! ๐
With the sun shining, I walked across Liberty Bridge, one of Budapestโs most distinctive bridges โ and another one that is impossible to cross without stopping for photos!
Originally opened in 1896 as part of Hungaryโs Millennium celebrations, this beautiful Art Nouveau bridge was badly damaged during World War II. It was the first of Budapestโs 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 bridgeโs masts. ๐ฆ
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 overheadโฆsuch a shame its my last full day in Budapest. After all the grey days in Budapest, this was definitely a bridge crossing worth celebrating! โ๏ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
The gardens at Sydney`s Government House and into the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour.
#royalbotanicgarden #sydneylocal #sydneyharbour #sydneylife #walkinthepark
Views, views and more viewsโฆ and yes, I took even more photos of the Parliament! ๐ธ
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 โ and honestly, you can never have too many photos of it! ๐
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 angleโฆ 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 inโฆ and take one more photo of the Parliament. โค๏ธ๐ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
๐ฐ Budapest has another castleโฆ and of course I had to go and find it!
Even though the weather was looking a little gloomy during my time in Budapest, it certainly wasn`t going to keep me indoors. So I headed up to City Park (Vรกrosliget) to discover the city`s other castle โ the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle.
And what a beautiful surprise!
Built between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Rather than being an ancient castle, it was originally created as a temporary exhibition โ but Budapest obviously decided it liked it too much to let it go!
Today, its fairytale towers, turrets and lakeside setting make it one of the most photographed spots in City Park.
The gloomy skies actually added a little atmosphere to the castleโฆ although I wouldn`t have complained if Budapest had turned the sunshine on for me! โ๏ธ๐
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #VisitBudapest
Strolling around Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens and Government Houseโจ๏ธ looking out across Sydney Harbour on a sunny mid winters dayโ๏ธ
#rbg #sydneylocal #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #sydneyharbourwalks
My last full day in Budapest was turning into a serious sightseeing marathon! ๐ถโโ๏ธโ๏ธ
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 islandโs most recognisable landmarks.
Apparently, there are 152 steps to climb to the top for wonderful views over Budapest.I say apparently because, thankfullyโฆ it was closed! ๐ After all the stairs Iโd 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 โ St Michaelโs 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! ๐
โจ๏ธIf 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
Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful๐
#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture
Started off this morning heading to a market, but as I was passing St Stephen`s Basilica, the bells were ringing to signal a service was about to start. I figured that would be the way to get in without paying the hefty admission charge โจ๏ธI took a few quick photos before things got underway! Then realised I was the only person there who didn`t know the words, or the actions, so when everyone stood up as part of their routine, as I was in the back row, I just backed out completely.....
#ststephensbasilica #budapest #solotravel #sundayinbudapest
Step insde this fairly average looking cathedral and be amazed by the intensity of the interior, minimalism was not the briefโจ๏ธ Everywhere you look in St John`s Co-Cathedral in Valletta there is gold, art works, and more gold!
Built in the 1500s, the the interior revamp happened 100 years later, then the cathedral sat there happily until it took a hit in WWll. It was then restored from the 1980s until 2017.
๐ฅ For more ideas on things to see in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio to read about my 10 day solo trip over to Malta.
#stjohnscocathedralmalta #soloadventures #solotravellerโค๏ธ #malta #traveltheworld
Vienna`s Easter markets are in full swing now, with beautifully decorated eggs and plenty of food and drink. Great to amble around in the sun, even though it was a bit chilly!!
#solotravel #vienna #eastermarkets #traveltheworldwithme
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!!
#schรถnbrunnpalace #schรถnbrunnschloss #solotravel #habsburgfamilyresidence #vienna
I spent 10 fantastic days exploring Malta ๐ A great place for solo travellers who love history and endless exploring.
โจ๏ธ 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
โจ A little taste of Parisโฆ in Budapest!
I stumbled upon Pรกrisi 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 Pรกrisi 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 cafรฉ 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! โค๏ธ
Would you add Pรกrisi 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
โจ๏ธLittle discoveries on the Danube.....
One of my favourite things about wandering around Budapest is never knowing what youโre going to discover around the next corner. โค๏ธ
Walking along the path near the Danube, I came across three bronze sculptures that immediately caught my eye.
๐First was The Little Princess (Kiskirรกlylรกny), sitting happily in her jesterโs crown. Created by Hungarian sculptor Lรกszlรณ Marton, she has become one of Budapestโs much-loved sculptures โ and I can certainly see why!
๐Then I found Ignรกc Roskovics, the Hungarian painter, standing at his easel as though he had simply stopped for a moment to paint the world around him.
๐And finally, a delightful scene of a little girl playing with her dog, created by Hungarian sculptor Dรกvid Raffay. Thereโs something wonderfully natural about this one โ it feels like a little moment of everyday life captured in bronze.
Three sculptures, three very different storiesโฆ and another reminder that in Budapest, you donโt always have to go looking for the sights. Sometimes they find you! ๐
โจ๏ธIf 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
.....further to my previous post. I walked past Hochstrahlbrunne, a fountain built in 1873 to celebrate the opening of Vienna`s high pressure water system. Then once I arrived at Schloss Belvedere, I found that this was not the place to be at Easter. There was one long queue to buy a ticket to stand in one of 3 other long queues to get in!!! Even one of the staff on crowd control said he had never seen it like this - I`ll go back after the Easter weekend crowds have left.
#vienna #viennaeaster #soloteavel #changeofplans
Leaving Budapest from Keleti station, I found my ticket gave me access to the Business Lounge waiting room!!
Next stop on my solo adventure - Vienna๐ฅ!!
#solotravel #budapest #keletistation #travelbytrain #traveltheworldwithme
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
Finally a sunny day in Budapest, strolling on Margrit Island, great weather, no complaints, perfect!
#margritisland #budapest #soloadventure #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
The fairytale world of Castle District, perched high above the Danube on the Buda side. Hours of leisurely strolling are a must!!
My solo adventures in Budapest continue...
#budapestcastledistrict #budapest #solotrip
Budapest`s streets are full of artโจ๏ธ apparently there are mini sculptures scattered everywhere, and I`ve found one of them so far!!
The hunt continues.....
#artinthestreets #budapest #solotrip #neverstopexploring
๐ฐ Kings, hunters and a prince on horsebackโฆ 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 Strรณbl 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 โ 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 Jรณzsef Rรณna 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 โ although I think I`d have preferred to arrive at Buda Castle on horseback rather than climbing all those stairs! ๐๐
โจ๏ธIf 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
The moon stole the show at Vivid Sydney, rising up over this tree in front of Governnent House near the Sydney Opera House. Always need a full moon when there is a light show in Sydney!!!
#vividsydney #fullmoon #sydneyoperahouse #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
And just like thatโฆ it was time to say goodbye to Budapest and continue my solo adventure through Central Europe! ๐
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 โ and my luggage โ 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 anythingโฆ he had lifted my suitcase right up onto the luggage rack above my seat! ๐ณ
Now, Iโm not particularly tall, and even standing on the seat I could barely reach it! So there it wasโฆ 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! ๐
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 position๐๐
Sometimes travelling solo means being independentโฆโฆand sometimes it means quietly hoping a very tall person gets on your train! ๐ฅ!! Next stopโฆ Vienna! ๐ฆ๐นโค๏ธ
#BudapestToVienna #KeletiStation #Vienna #SoloTravel #CentralEurope
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
๐ง๏ธ 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. ๐
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! โ๏ธ 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! โค๏ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
๐ฐ Three more little discoveries around Buda Castleโฆ
There is so much to see walking back up through the Castle District that you really do need to keep your eyes open โ and preferably have your camera ready! ๐ธ
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 Kรกroly 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 Donรกth and unveiled in 1905.
Three very different sights, but each with its own story โ and another reminder that around Buda Castle, there seems to be something interesting hiding around every corner.
โจ๏ธIf 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
Finallyโฆ sunshine! โ๏ธ
After several days of Budapest rain, my last full day in the city arrived with blue skies โ 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, Hungaryโs 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, โCome on, get out there!โ โ and after all that rain, I was very happy to listen. ๐โ๏ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
A castle, a mysterious writerโฆ and a politician! ๐ฐ๐
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 โ a hooded figure sitting quietly with a pen in hand. The sculpture was created by Miklรณs 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. ๐
Nearby is a statue of Ignรกc Darรกnyi, a Hungarian politician who served as Minister of Agriculture. Created by sculptor Jรณzsef Rรณna, 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
Leaving the Castle District behind, I was off to continue exploring Budapest in the sunshine. โ๏ธ
I caught the bus back down towards the Danube and hopped off before it crossed the Liberty Bridge โ and, of course, I couldnโt 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 lionโs 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 Fishermanโs Bastion! It turns out this is part of the Pauline monastery beside the Cave Church on Gellรฉrt Hill. The Cave Church itself was created in the 1920s inside the hillside, with the present church completed in 1931.
More little Budapest discoveriesโฆ and I hadnโt even reached the river yet! ๐
โจ๏ธIf 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
โจ Standing among the heroes of Hungaryโฆ..
No visit to Budapest`s City Park is complete without a stop at Heroes` Square (Hลsรถk tere) โ 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. โค๏ธ
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
Vienna is magnificent to just wander around aimlessly, the buildings, the parks, everything, just perfect.
#vienna #solotravel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
The gardens at the Governor Generals house in Sydney`s Royal Botanic Gardens are open to walk around most weekends.
โจ๏ธ 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
Hotel Pension Suzanne in Vienna is in the perfect location, walking distance to everything, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and museums.
โจ๏ธSafe, quiet and comfortable, all requirements of the solo traveller
โจ๏ธClick 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
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a great first impression!
โจ๏ธAfter checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.
โจ๏ธMy 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.
โจ๏ธOf 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! ๐
โจ๏ธAs evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary โ with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.๐ฅ
โจ๏ธIf 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.
โจ๏ธTo 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
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
A place of remembrance in the heart of Budapestโจ๏ธ
Behind the magnificent Dohรกny 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.
๐If 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
Just when I thought Margaret Island couldnโt surprise me any more, I came across this beautiful little oasis. ๐ฟ๐
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! ๐ข
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 โ absolutely nothing in a hurry! ๐
Another unexpected little discovery on Margaret Islandโฆ and one of my favourite peaceful moments of the day. ๐ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
After catching the tram across the river, I strolled through Letna Park, there are stunning views of Prague`s Vltava river, the bridges and the castle, not to mention all the flowers in the park.
#flowerseverywhere #viewsfordays #praguelife #solotrip #walkinthepark
And just like that, my walk through Margaret Island came to an endโฆ but my big final day in Budapest was nowhere near finished! โ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ
After wandering past the Ensana Grand Health Spa and the charming Music Well, I made my way to the bus stop on รrpรกd Bridge. By now, Iโd covered a serious amount of ground โ but there was still more Budapest waiting to be explored.
So I did what any determined solo traveller would doโฆI jumped on the first bus that came along and headed off to see what I could discover next! ๐๐
No complicated plans, no stopping for a restโฆ just me, my camera and a city that still had plenty more to show me.Onwards with the Budapest adventure! โค๏ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
Every great view in Budapest seems to come with a climb!
โจ๏ธAfter 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.
โจ๏ธThe 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 understandโnot at all because I needed to catch my breath! ๐
โจ๏ธReaching 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.
โจ๏ธSometimes, taking the harder path really does lead to the best views.
โจ๏ธIf 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
โจ Inside the Royal Palace of Buda Castleโฆ
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. Itโs 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 1944โ45, 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! ๐
Another piece of Budapest history explored. โค๏ธ
Have you visited the Royal Palace at Buda Castle?
โจ๏ธIf 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
At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.
#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
Wellโฆ when you see a staircase, you may as well find out where it leads! ๐
Inside Matthias Church, I climbed my way up to one of the higher balcony levels โ and Iโm 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 downโฆ and occasionally wondering just how many more stairs there are! ๐
But this view? Definitely worth the climb. โค๏ธ
โจ๏ธIf 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
Went to the stangest market in Vienna at Rathausplatz. Every one of the stalls sold wine, a few sold food, there were people everywhere in national dress, some holding, but no one playing, musical instruments......and Verstappen`s F1 car!!???
#traveltheworldwithme #eastermarkets #vienna #viennaeaster
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 โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ
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 #colddayโ๏ธ #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
Turns out, I wasn`t the only one enjoying Budapest under blue skies! โ๏ธ๐ (Solo traveller meets everyone else who had the same bright idea! ๐)
By the time I reached Fishermanโs Bastion, the quiet morning atmosphere had well and truly disappeared.
Suddenly there were `other people` everywhere โ 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 ideaโฆ...Get to Fishermanโs Bastion! ๐๐ธ
So much for having Budapest all to myself โ but I certainly wasnโt complaining. The sunshine made those beautiful white stone turrets look even more magical.
โจ๏ธIf 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
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
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 it๐
#governmenthousesydney #sydneyrbg #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
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
