Trip Over to Zagreb – Croatia

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

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

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

#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

🏰 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

🏰 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

✨ 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

✨ 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

At this time every year Sydney Harbour is filled with light for Vivid Sydney.

#vividsydney #sydneyoperahouse #sydneyharbour #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

Exploring Prague with lots of walking and lots of tram rides! Walking across Charles Bridge, up to the castle, through Lesser Town, into New Town, and historic Old Town.

#prague #praguelife #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything

🌧️ 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

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 beautiful building with a heartbreaking history. 🕊️

While exploring Budapest, I came across the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue. I decided to go inside and joined a tour so I could learn more about the history of this remarkable place.

The interior is truly beautiful — with its soaring arches, ornate decoration, colourful stained glass and intricate details. But behind all that beauty is a history that is incredibly difficult to comprehend. Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe.

During the Second World War, it became part of the Budapest Ghetto, where Jewish people were imprisoned in horrific conditions. Thousands died from starvation, disease and the brutal treatment they endured. The synagogue grounds also became a cemetery, where thousands of victims were buried. Standing inside such a beautiful building while learning about the horrors that took place here was a sobering experience.

It is a place that reminds us that history isn`t always comfortable — but remembering it is important. I left feeling incredibly moved, and grateful that I had taken the time to stop, go inside and listen to its story.

Some places you visit for their beauty. Others stay with you because of their history. This was both. 🕊️

If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #GreatSynagogue #JewishHistory #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel

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

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

🏰 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

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

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

.....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

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

The Vivid Sydney light show in Argyle Cut, looking along Argyle St from Cumberland St, The Rocks.

#vividsydney #traveltheworldwithme #sydney #seeeverythingdoeverything #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

🏰 Kings, hunters and a prince on horseback… Budapest Castle certainly has some impressive company!

While exploring Buda Castle, I came across two very different but equally spectacular bronze statues.

First, the King Matthias and His Hunting Party fountain, created by Hungarian sculptor Alajos Stróbl and unveiled in 1904. King Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary`s most celebrated rulers, sits proudly among his hunting party, with the figures, horses and hounds capturing the excitement of a royal hunt. The detail is incredible — even the dogs look as though they`re ready to take off after their next target!

Then there`s the rather dramatic Prince Eugene of Savoy, proudly sitting high on his horse outside the castle. Created by sculptor József Róna and unveiled in 1900, the monument commemorates Prince Eugene, the military commander who played an important role in the defeat of the Ottoman forces and the liberation of Buda in 1686.

Two statues, two very different stories, and plenty of magnificent bronze to admire.

I do love a city where you can simply wander around and unexpectedly find yourself standing beside centuries of history — although I think I`d have preferred to arrive at Buda Castle on horseback rather than climbing all those stairs! 😂🐎

✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.

#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel

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

✨ 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

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

Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful💖

#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture

St Matthias Church in the Castle District near Fisherman`s Bastion. Climb the steep stone spiral staircase for a stunning view into the main church and explore the artifacts on display. This historic church dates back to the 11th century.

#solotrip #stmatthiaschurch #budapestcastledistrict

Everywhere you look in Budapest the buildings are amazing ✨️ so ornate, full of character, luckily the city is very walkable!!

#budapestarchitecture #budapest #solotravel #walkingthestreets

The house where the Governor General lives in the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour. I`m thinking of applying for the job!!
You can wander around the gardens and go on free booked tours of inside parts of the house most weekends - I love the way we all look around as if its a property inspection and we`re looking to buy it😂

#governmenthousesydney #sydneyrbg #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks #seetheworldthroughmyeyes

The Hungarian Parliament Building from across the Danube at night ❄️ It was a freezing cold evening, but a quick trip under the Danube on the Metro to get a few photos is just what needs to he done!

#hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #soloteavel #traveltheworldwithme

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

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

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

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

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

🏰 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

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