Art in Prague
Trip Over to the Czech Republic
Everywhere you look there is art in Prague, whether it is in the form of the statues on the Charles Bridge, the architecture of the old and modern buildings, political statements or modern art. Prague is an amazingly beautiful city and the two weeks I spent there was barely enough time to explore everything. Fortunately Prague is a great city for walking, as all the works I mention in this story are easily found without going too far or up many hills, we’ll cover the more far flung and lofty in other stories.
Beautiful things are everywhere, you just come across them. On a bench in Wencelas Square casually sits a perfect bronze sculpture of a man, I can’t find any information of who he is, who created him or what he represents, but I like him. He just sits there in the square watching the passing parade of shoppers, sightseers, and locals, while good King Wencelas looks down from his horse at the top.
Further up through the old town next door to the Spanish Synagogue, in Dusni Street in the historic Jewish Quarter, you will find a statue by Jaroslav Rona, of Franz Kafka being carried on the shoulders of a giant headless man. Based on one’s of Kafka’s stories, “Description of a Struggle”, which tells the story of a political candidate carried through the streets of Prague on another man’s shoulders. But in this case the man being carried is Kafka himself. There are often crowds gathered around this statue, and tour groups stop there, we had a coffee outside a great coffee shop across the road so I could pick my moment to run across and get some photos.
Art is found not just out on the streets and large galleries, small galleries are everywhere, like Inter Art Gallery in Husova Street is worth popping in to. This one showing art by Gor Avetisyan, and run by his sister is really interesting, a very talented family. Beautiful 3D details added to paintings using plaster really bring them to life, and the little statuettes and vases are exquisite.
At the foot of Petrin Hill, not far from where you catch the funicular to the top of the hill, you will find the Memorial to the Victims of Communism unveiled in 2002, twelve years after the fall of communism. The bronze plaque reads, “The memorial to the victims of communism is dedicated to all victims not only those who were jailed or executed but also those whose lives were ruined by totalitarian despotism”. The memorial, created by Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek, and architects Jan Kerel and Zdenek Holzel, shows seven bronze figures descending a flight of stairs, the further they are from you the more decayed they are, their bodies breaking up, limbs missing. The bronze strip up the middle of the path showing the alarming statistics of those impacted by communist rule, those arrested, those forced into exile, those who died in prison, those shot trying to escape, those executed, a sobering moment in a beautiful park.
On Narodni Street in a small arcade is a bronze plaque showing hands reaching out from the wall, dated 17.11.1989, the date of the Velvet Revolution, this memorial is to the students who were attacked and beaten by the communist police desperately trying to hold on to power eight days after the fall of the Berlin Wall – the day 41 years of communist rule came to an end, and Czechoslovakia became the Czech Republic, 17th November is a national holiday in the Czech Republic.
Hanging above the street just near our favourite coffee and pastry shop in the New Town area, Boulangerie Patisserie, a man and a woman hanging from umbrellas, called “Slight Uncertainty” by the artist Michal Trpak, they represent feelings during the depression. I guess slight uncertainty would be a bit of an understatement if the only thing stopping you from dropping to the road was an umbrella, but you can imagine where he was going here. Prague is filled with interesting and unusual things, as you amble around the streets don’t forget to look up as well as all around.
There is such great respect for art that they don’t confine it to galleries and museums, it is everywhere, shopping centres, hanging above the streets and in arcades. One piece that the powers that be deemed too offensive to be in public is displayed in the grounds of a private museum. They took it promising to always leave their gates open so the public could access it if they wanted to – and they do, in droves! The fountain called “Piss” by Czech artist David Cerny, can be found in the grounds of the Franz Kafka Museum in Mala Strana. The bronze basin of the fountain is the shape of the map of the Czech Republic, there are two gyrating mechanical “gentlemen” standing in it peeing on their country. Apparently, visitors can instruct the “gentlemen”, by SMS, to write messages in pee, and they do, with much hip swivelling and penis waggling- but that’s another story.
David Cerny has over ten sculptures displayed in Prague, all considered to be slightly offensive but amusing, he has been accused of being a hooligan, and some have tried, and failed, to have his work banned. If you don’t like it, don’t look at it – on the grand scale of offensive things in public, in my view, you’re trying to ban the wrong thing!
After leaving the Franz Kafka Museum walk down through Mala Strana before going under Charles Bridge, on the right is a glass shop, Artel, all things crystal couture are available here. (I bought a beautiful water carafe that I just love on my bed side table, and many pairs of earrings). Then go under the bridge and just to the left is a little shop called Vanda and Valerie, tucked into the wall of the bridge selling the most amazing hand painted mugs, (yes, I bought some!), earrings and other nick nacks, definitely worth taking a look before going to look at the Lennon Wall – the wall’s owners, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, allow the graffiti, song lyrics and messages of peace to remain there. Occasionally it gets painted over then it all starts again. On the anniversary of John Lennon’s death there is a candle light vigil.
Come back down from the Lennon Wall and continue along the path through Kampa Park on the west side of the Vltava River. The Giant Bronze Babies are near the Kampa Museum, these sculptures of crawling babies all have weird smushed in faces. More of these babies can be seen crawling up the TV tower.
The Kampa Museum houses the sculpture garden, and many more fascinating art works on display inside. Looking out of the window to the river you can see the Yellow Penguins, by the Cracking Art Group, made from recycled plastic bottles taken from landfill sites. The penguins are marching in protest of what is happening to their Antarctic home due to global warming and environmental destruction.
Sitting out on the river at one of the breakwaters is a giant timber chair, made by Magdalena Jetolova called the Vltava Chair, the chair was washed away in one of the great floods and found 50kms down river.
Back across the river in Husova Street, between the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge if you look up you will be shocked to see a man dangling by one hand from a piece of wood jutting out from the roof, at first everyone gasps – is a suicide attempt? No, it’s another of David Cerny’s statues. This one is Sigmund Freud hinting at the powerlessness and hopelessness of man in the modern world, but not willing to let go.
Behind shops near Narodni Trida Metro Station sits an enormous rotating head of Franz Kafka by David Cerny. It has 42 rotating layers and when they all align it forms the Czech writer’s face. There is a cocktail bar nearby, the perfect venue to watch this metamorphosis take place.
Back near Wencelas Square, inside an art nouveau arcade called Lucena Pasaz, just up Stepansha Street opposite the Grand Hotel Europa, there is another David Cerney sculpture, this time possibly mocking the current Czech President, Vavlav Klaus, a frequent subject of Cerney’s derision. Here as King Wencelas sitting in the same pose as King Wencelas on the statue outside in Wencelas Square, astride his horse, but he doesn’t seem to realise the horse is dead, upside down and unceremoniously suspended from the ceiling.
David Cerny never comments publicly on his works – so over to you – make of it what you will….
Itinerary for Trip Over to Prague and Berlin
Flights from Sydney to Prague via Dubai with Qantas/Emirates
Stayed for 2 weeks in a beautiful apartment near the Dancing House, found on Airbnb.
Had a driver from On Day Trip pick us up in Prague and drive us to Berlin
Stayed for 2 weeks in Berlin in one of the magnificent penthouse apartments at Gorki Apartments near Rosenthaler Platz U-Bahn Station.
Return flights with Lufthansa from Berlin to Frankfurt, then Qantas/Emirates from Frankfurt to Sydney via Dubai.
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
🌶The magnificent Budapest Central Market Hall has been welcoming shoppers since 1897 and is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.
🌶With its distinctive Zsolnay tiled roof and impressive Neo-Gothic architecture, it`s just as beautiful on the outside as it is bustling on the inside. The building was severely damaged in WW2, and sat in ruins until 1997 when it re-opened to much fan-fare.
🌶Standing outside the market, you`re also treated to lovely views of the iconic Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest`s most recognisable landmarks spanning the Danube.Step inside and you`ll find two floors packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Hungarian sausages, local wines, handmade souvenirs and, of course, paprika! Available in sweet, hot and smoked varieties, paprika is Hungary`s most famous spice, the essential ingredient in Hungarian Goulash.
🌶Whether you`re shopping, sampling local flavours or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Central Market Hall is well worth adding to your Budapest itinerary.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#budapest #solotravelwoman #budapestcentralmarkethall #soloadventures
I spent 10 fantastic days exploring Malta 💖 A great place for solo travellers who love history and endless exploring.
✨️ Read about the places I visited by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
1. St Ursula St, Valletta
2. Victoria Gate, Valletta.
3. Upper Barraka Gardens, Valletta
4. The view from my hotel over The Grand Harbour
5. Victoria Gate, Valletta
6. Valletta street scene
#malta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #valletta #historylovers neverstopexploring
Every great view in Budapest seems to come with a climb!
✨️After crossing the beautiful Chain Bridge, I decided to walk up the steep pathway to Fisherman`s Bastion rather than join the long queue for the funicular. It was definitely a workout, but one that came with some wonderful rewards.
✨️The winding path offered beautiful glimpses of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building through the trees. Of course, I had to stop several times... purely to take photos, you understand—not at all because I needed to catch my breath! 😉
✨️Reaching the top, I was greeted by a bronze statue of St Stephen, the first King of Hungary, on his horse and the fairytale towers and elegant terraces of Fisherman`s Bastion. Built between 1895 and 1902 to celebrate 1,000 years of the Hungarian state, its seven graceful turrets represent the seven Magyar tribes who settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895. Today, it`s one of Budapest`s most iconic landmarks, with breathtaking views across the Danube to the Parliament below.
✨️Sometimes, taking the harder path really does lead to the best views.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #fishermansbastion #solotravel #soloadventure #travelhungary
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
Views, views and more views… and yes, I took even more photos of the Parliament! 📸
Standing high up at Buda Castle, I was treated to some of the best views across Budapest.
There was the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building sitting proudly on the banks of the Danube — and honestly, you can never have too many photos of it! 😂
Looking along the river, I could also see the elegant Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge and the beautiful sweep of the Danube, with Budapest stretching out on either side. It`s one of those views where you keep moving a few steps, thinking this must be the best angle… only to find another one a few metres later!
The weather may not have been perfect during my visit, but Budapest certainly didn`t let a few gloomy skies spoil the view.
Sometimes you just have to stop, take it all in… and take one more photo of the Parliament. ❤️📸
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudapestViews #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel
Beautiful 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
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
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
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
🏰 Budapest has another castle… and of course I had to go and find it!
Even though the weather was looking a little gloomy during my time in Budapest, it certainly wasn`t going to keep me indoors. So I headed up to City Park (Városliget) to discover the city`s other castle — the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle.
And what a beautiful surprise!
Built between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Rather than being an ancient castle, it was originally created as a temporary exhibition — but Budapest obviously decided it liked it too much to let it go!
Today, its fairytale towers, turrets and lakeside setting make it one of the most photographed spots in City Park.
The gloomy skies actually added a little atmosphere to the castle… although I wouldn`t have complained if Budapest had turned the sunshine on for me! ☁️😂
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #VisitBudapest
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
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a great first impression!
✨️After checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.
✨️My afternoon took me past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica, the lively Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, past to the iconic Chain Bridge, and to the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a powerful tribute to the thousands of Jews murdered on the riverbank during World War II.
✨️Of course, no walk around Budapest would be complete without rubbing the shiny belly of the jovial bronze "Fat Policeman" statue for a little good luck. Whether it works or not remains to be seen... but I wasn`t taking any chances! 😉
✨️As evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary – with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.🥂
✨️If Budapest can pack this much into just a few hours, I was looking forward to what this adventure has in store for the rest of the week.
✨️To read about the hotels I stayed in on my solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague, click the link to my website in the bio.
#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary
Step insde this fairly average looking cathedral and be amazed by the intensity of the interior, minimalism was not the brief✨️ 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.
🥂 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 #solotraveller❤️ #malta #traveltheworld
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s, has been witness to unmentionable horrors during WWII including being bombed. It borders the ghetto where the Jews were left to die. In the garden cemetery there are tens of thousands of nameless bodies and a few that could be identified.
There us a very powerful museum housed here too.
#dohanystreetsynagogue #budapestarchitecture #budapest #soloadventure
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
Budapest certainly knows how to slow you down—in the best possible way!
✨️On my first morning, I set off towards the magnificent Central Market Hall, but as always, I was happily distracted along the way. Passing through Vörösmarty Square, I discovered the impressive Carrara marble statue of 19th-century romantic poet Mihály Vörösmarty. Perched high on its pedestal, he`s surrounded by 20 beautifully sculpted figures representing the many social classes of the Hungarian people—a fascinating piece of history hidden in plain sight.
✨️Everywhere you look, Budapest`s architecture demands your attention. Even the entrances are works of art! It takes forever to get anywhere because there`s always another beautiful building, sculpture or hidden corner waiting to be admired.
✨️One of my favourites was the stunning Art Deco entrance to the Matild Palace. Then, tucked away in a nearby lane, I found the charming bronze sculpture of writer and journalist Gyula Krúdy, sitting at a table with his notebook, looking as though he`s waiting for someone to stop by and share a story.
✨️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 #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #WomenWhoTravel #CentralEurope
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
Dinner at the Parisi Passage, a historic gem from the 1800s inspired by Parisian arcades, it withstood bombing raids but faced neglect post-war, now revived as a stunning hotel with an incredible restaurant and bar.
#solotravel #parisipassage #parisipassagebudapest #párisipassagecaféandbrasserie
A day trip from Valletta to Gozo is very easy, taking the fast ferry gives great views all the way up the north coast of Malta. You can then get around on buses, or the hop on, hop off bus, and plenty of walking.....I wish I could have spent more time there, next time I stay for a few days✨️
Click the link to my website to read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta
#solotravelinmalta #soloadventures #gozo #malta #solitravel
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
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
Budapest Central Market Hall built in the late 1800s, extensively damaged in WWll, left in ruins until the late 1900s when it was returned to it`s former glory.....only to now be mainly selling tourist trash.
#budapestcentralmarket #budapest #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
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
Arriving in Vienna, I found my hotel at set off exploring the neighbourhood, the architecture is all gobsmacking, but hard to get far enough away from to photograph!!
#vienna #traveltheworldwithme #neverstopexploring #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
Perched in the hills behind Palermo, Sicily, lies the charming town of Monreale. Easily accessible by bus from Palermo`s Porta Nuova, it makes for a delightful day trip.
1. Monreale Cathedral
2. A couple of well dress Sicilian police men.
3 & 4. The streets of Monreale
#monreale #monrealecathedral #italianpolice #solotravelinsicily #traveltheworldwithme
Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down 🥴 brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it 😃!!!
#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
The Vivid Sydney light show in Argyle Cut, looking along Argyle St from Cumberland St, The Rocks.
#vividsydney #traveltheworldwithme #sydney #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
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
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 ✨️I 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
🏰 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
✨ 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
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
Sydney is having an unbelievably warm winter so far, all blue sky, blue water and sunshine today ☀️!!
✨ And then I stepped inside…
After exploring the fairytale exterior of Vajdahunyad Castle, I couldn`t resist going inside to see what was hiding behind those impressive doors - it certainly didn`t disappoint! (And it provided shelter from the sudden rain shower.)
The interior is every bit as dramatic as the outside, with a magnificent marble staircase, elegant columns, beautiful stained-glass windows and a wonderfully decorated ceiling. There are intricate details everywhere you look — the sort of place where you keep looking up, around and behind you because you don`t want to miss a thing!
Vajdahunyad Castle may look centuries old, but this beautiful building was created between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations. Its architecture deliberately brings together elements from different periods and regions of Hungarian architectural history.
I think Budapest may have a slight problem… it has simply too many beautiful buildings to look at! 😂
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 #VisitBudapest #SoloTravel
Just a short hop from Palermo, the markets in Monreale were getting ready for the day, filled with traditional Sicilian Moor`s Heads, or Testa di Moro.
#moorsheads #testadimoro #monreale #solotravelinsicily
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 beautiful streets of Valletta, some of the hills and steps are not for the faint hearted!! But it is such an interesting place you just press on regardless.
✨️To read more about my solo adventure to Malta, click the link to my website in the bio - happy travels!
#solotravelinmalta #valletta #malta #soloadventures #sreetsofvalletta
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 quick ferry trip across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the area known as the Three Cities. Grab a seat up on the top deck forthe best views. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are all worth exploring on foot, cobbled streets, little parks, the maritime museum just near where the ferry arrives, and the Knights of St John HQ at the amazing Fort St Angelo, not to mention the harbour full of yachts of all shapes and sizes.
Read more about my solo 10 day trip over to Malta by clicking the link to my website in the bio.
#malta #valletta #threecitiesmalta #solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman
Everywhere you look in Budapest the buildings are amazing ✨️ so ornate, full of character, luckily the city is very walkable!!
#budapestarchitecture #budapest #solotravel #walkingthestreets
🏰 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
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
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
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
More sculptures in the streets, and I found another one of the minitures that are dotted all over the city. It`s hard to tell what it is, but perched on the wall near the castle, the little guy in the last photo is looking through his telecope at the city below!!
#streetsculptures #budapest #artinthe streets #solotravel
🌧️ Well, the rain had clearly decided where I was going next!
I was wandering around the Castle District when the rain started falling again. Luckily, I happened to be very close to Matthias Church, so naturally I took this as a very clear sign that it was time to head inside. 😉
And what a decision! The interior of Matthias Church is absolutely spectacular, with its beautifully patterned walls, colourful decoration, intricate details and magnificent stained-glass windows. It feels completely different from the grand Gothic churches you might expect to find in Europe.
The church has a fascinating history dating back to the 13th century, although much of what you see today was restored in the 19th century under architect Frigyes Schulek. Named after King Matthias Corvinus, who was married here in the 15th century, the church has witnessed coronations, royal weddings, Ottoman occupation and centuries of change.
So, thank you, Budapest rain! ☔️ What started as an attempt to stay dry turned into one of the highlights of my time exploring Buda Castle. Sometimes the weather really does know best! ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
