Solo Adventures in Malta & Sicily
Hotels I stayed In
On my solo adventure to Malta and Sicily, I tried a new way of booking hotels – and I like it!! I used Booking.com which made everything so easy. I was very pleased with all my chosen hotels. In fact, I even went and looked at some of the “second choices” I’d considered, and in every case I realised – rather smugly – that I’d picked the right one.
Stop 1: Valletta, Malta – Grand Harbour Hotel
I flew into Malta from London, and treated myself to a taxi from the airport to The Grand Harbour Hotel in Valletta, Why this hotel? It was in my price range, had gorgeous views over the Grand Harbour, and most importantly – the taxi could pull up right at the front door. A lot of hotels in Valletta involve wrestling your suitcase up, or down, flights of steep, uneven stone steps. Romantic when you’re in a painting. Not so much when you’re the one puffing and dragging luggage, its just……complicated.
Once I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by the lovely staff, checked in, then whisked up to level 6 in the lift – the views did not disappoint, I was mesmerised, I could see across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, past the Saluting Battery, and in the other direction, out to sea. They were setting up for Regatta Day, so there was lots of activity out there. The roof top terrace was up one flight of stairs from my room, with even better views than from my room!
Time tear myself away from the views to go out exploring Valletta. Leaving the hotel is not for the faint hearted – you have a choice of steep long uneven steps, or steeper and longer uneven steps to get up to Valletta, or a short downhill through Victoria Gates to harbour. No matter which choice you make, once you get there, there is so much to explore, just don’t forget anything, you don’t want to have to go back to the hotel for it!!
The Grand Harbour Hotel was a fantastic place to call home for my 10 days in Malta, comfortable bed, great shower, there was a desk so I could catch up on some work, the only negative was the marble floor, it was freezing to put your feet down when you get out of bed, there were no slippers so I kept a pair of socks handy, or stepped straight into my sneakers. Breakfast was served in the dining room, both hot and Continental was available, fruit, juices, tea and coffee. All delicious, so it was easy to get fuelled up for the day – and I would usually take another coffee back up to my room to drink while I got ready for the day.
There is a bar downstairs, so after a hard day exploring I would collect a glass of wine in the evening, go up to the roof top terrace at the end of the day and sip my wine while watching over the Grand Harbour.
The hotel staff were very helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations, and organising my taxi at 5am (urrrgggghhh!!) to get me to the ferry when I was leaving Malta to continue my solo adventure in Sicily.
Stop 2: Syracuse, Sicily – Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia
I found out on the ferry from Valletta to Pozzallo in Sicily, if they booked the taxi for you to get from the ferry port up to Pozzallo station, it costs less than half what the rip-off taxi companies in Pozzallo want to charge!! So, I booked with them and sent a message to cancel my expensive booking. It is a tight turn around getting from the ferry to the station, if you miss the train, the next one is not for 6 hours. It is in the interests of the Pozzallo taxi companies to make sure you miss the train, because you are then likely to fork out for them to drive you to Syracuse rather than wait 6 hours for the next train, whereas it is in the interests of the taxi the ferry staff booked to get you to the train on time, so the ferry staff keep booking you. If you wanted to go to Syracuse or Catania, or wherever you are going by taxi, the ferry staff can help you with that too.
After a short relaxing train trip to Syracuse, I headed off in search of my hotel. For my 3 nights in Syracuse I chose to stay at Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia, a small boutique hotel, walking distance from the train station. It would have been nice to stay on Ortigia Island, but it was further to wheel my luggage, and only a short walk from the hotel anyway, which was also handy for exploring in the other direction, up the coast and to the Archaeological Park. After leaving Valletta so early, it was only about 10am when I arrived at Hotel Piccolo Casa Mia and my room wasn’t ready, so I was able to leave my luggage with them and go out to see what happens in Syracuse.
It turns out, quite a lot happens in Syracuse!! Across the bridge to Ortigia, there were markets, a bustling fish market, forts, castles and importantly, nice places to get a coffee and something to eat.
I got back to the hotel in the early afternoon, my room was lovely, again with the scary cold marble floor and no slippers – must remember to take my own slippers, hotels in northern Italy all provide them, but it is clearly not a Sicilian or Maltese thing! I had sun streaming in my windows that looked over the courtyard, it was nice and quiet, and very comfortable, with a big desk and good bathroom.
A delicious Continental breakfast was served in the dining room, and there is a big loungeroom if you wanted to sit and read, or just sit and plan your day. While I was in Syracuse I explored every inch of Ortigia, I walked up to the Archaeological Park and back down the coast, and one day I caught the train back to Noto, a small city we passed through on the way into Syracuse, that was well worth spending time in.
All too quickly it came time to catch my train from Syracuse to Taormina-Giardini.
Stop 3: Beautiful Taormina, Sicily – Hotel Isabella
The train ride north gave me my first glimpse of Mount Etna, puffing away in the distance. From Taormina-Giardini station, I caught the bus up the hill to Taormina. I should have caught a taxi, but I was led to believe the bus goes all the way up the hill and you can get off at the stop near Porta Messina, from there it is just a short flat walk down Corso Umberto to Hotel Isabella. But the bus goes straight to the bus terminal which is 350mtrs down the hill from Porta Messina……I had several stops along the way, pushing my suitcase up the hill, at least the views were good. That hill was pretty hard going even without a suitcase!
Arriving at Porta Messina and walking along Corso Umberto, I thought Taormina was the prettiest place I had ever been to – it was all decked out with flowers everywhere for the Spring Festival. I chose to stay at Hotel Isabella because it is on Corso Umberto which is the main pedestrian street, easy to walk to various sites, lots of lovely restaurants nearby, and lots to see as you amble up and down the street. I booked a room with sea views with a little balcony, and there was also a roof top deck, with amazing views of Mt Etna, down to the sea, out to the Ancient Roman/Greek theatre and further up the hill behind Taormina to Castelmola.
My room was very comfortable for my 5 nights in Taormina, even with the teeny-tiny shower, luckily I’m not very big!! The bed was comfortable, the balcony with the views was amazing, I had a bit of work to catch up on so the desk was perfect. Delicious breakfast was served in the dining room downstairs, the staff were all very helpful and attentive. While I was there I developed a tooth ache, I found a great dentist and later mentioned to the man working in reception that I had been to the dentist, he said he would have helped me find a dentist if I had spoken to him first, and every day he checked on how I was doing to make sure I was recovering. Everyone in Taormina is so helpful and friendly, the hotel staff were always ready with directions, etc. The pharmacist next door to the dentist, contacted the dentist and made my appointment with him as he wasn’t there at the time I was looking for him. The dentist then sent me messages everyday to check I was OK. The young man at the bus terminal who works for the hop-on hop-off bus company was very good at advising where to visit and when was the best time. All the people I met would smile and wave if they saw me in the streets as if we’d known each other for years – that’s customer service!
My only dilemma in Taormina was the cable car from the town down to the sea was closed for maintenance!! I was counting on it – but at least that forced me to walk down to Isola Bella, the views were all worth it, then from down near the beach the bus does go all the way back up the hill to Porta Messina.
We did have a small earthquake, measuring 4.7 one morning at 3.30am, even though my room had a good shake, and my glass of water on the bed side table splashed everywhere, as soon as the shaking stopped (and I cleaned up the water!) there was no sign that anything had happened. Hotel Isabella is built above a Roman Naumachie, that has been surviving earthquakes since the 2nd Century, so all was quite safe.
The hotel reception arranged for a taxi to get me back down to the station when I left to catch the train to Palermo. I would love to go back to Taormina one day and wouldn’t consider staying anywhere other than Hotel Isabella.
Stop 4: Palermo – Hotel Politeama
The train trip from Taormina to Palermo was long, with a bonus few hours of delay near Cefalù, I then caught the bus #101 from Palermo station to Hotel Politeama, prior research told me this was the easiest way to get there. The hotel is next to Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, easy to get to, walking distance from all the sites in Palermo, and easy to get to other places from. It’s big claim to fame is the fabulous views over the theatre from the roof top bar – all looked good on paper!
But… the staff. Let’s just say, warmth was not their strong suit. Except for the concierge, who was so helpful he almost single-handedly saved my stay.
I was fortunate enough to have arrived at a time when all the unhelpful ones were on a break so the Concierge handled the check-in, as I was very hungry after the long train delay, he called up to the roof top bar to let them know I was coming up, as the restaurant was not yet open they could only give me snacks and a drink – that was OK. I put my luggage in my room and headed up to the roof top.
Once I got to the roof top bar the staff treated me like I was an inconvenience, plonked me in a back corner, and when I asked to move to an empty table by the view (booked, but not for an hour), they grudgingly agreed….. They took so long to make the Gin & Tonic I ordered, that I would have still been waiting when the people who had booked arrived (and they weren’t busy!) so I asked to change my order, I would just have the ‘Welcome Drink’ offered on my check-in letter. See the photo of the quarter of a glass of Prosecco they gave me. No, I haven’t even had a sip of it when I took that photo!! That made me feel even more unwelcome…..I finished my drink and left in search of a friendlier restaurant to have dinner, fortunately there are many close by.
The next day when the Concierge asked me about my visit to the roof top, I told him how disgusted I was, he gave me a full glass of Prosecco by way of an apology while he booked an excursion for me and said he would speak to them. That evening he told me that if I go back to the roof top they would give me a complimentary Gin & Tonic, I thanked him, but never went back to the roof top. The damage was done.
Generally the hotel was fine, it was comfortable, the breakfast was excellent, it was easy to get around from there, but I think the general lack of friendliness of the staff has made sure that Palermo is on my list of never to return to cities. Just saying “Good morning”, or “How was your day?” goes a long way. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to make a guest feel welcome.
I was in Palermo for 6 days, but I spent most of them on day trips to other parts of Sicily, like Cefalu, Agrigento, Trapani, Erice and Monreal. I did cover a lot of ground in Palermo too, but it’s not my favourite place in Sicily, and I think the roof top bar had a lot to do with me forming that view.
The best thing about Hotel Politeama is the bus to the airport stops right out the front of the hotel!!
Final Thoughts
Every hotel had its quirks, but overall I was really happy with my choices. From the stunning harbour views in Valletta, to the cosy boutique feel in Syracuse, the flower-filled magic of Taormina, and even the location perks of Palermo – my hotels were part of what made this solo adventure special.
And yes, I paid for all my stays myself – so these reviews are as honest as they come. (I did become a Booking.com affiliate, so if you book using the links on this page, I will earn a small commission, and it won’t cost you anything extra!!)
Packing Tip: Next time, slippers are coming with me.
See my Trip Planning tips.
To read about The Art of Train Travel in Italy The Art of Train Travel in Italy between Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, La Spezia and Cinque Terre – all possible on your own, with luggage!
For ideas on places to visit in Florence and Venice, and more to come!!
Itinerary for my Trip Over to Malta & Sicily
Flew from Sydney to London Heathrow via Singapore, with Qantas on QF1, then QF2 to come home.
Stayed at the Royal Overseas League in St James’s.
Flew from London to Malta on British Airways.
Travelled by Virtu ferry from Valletta, Malta to Pozzallo, Sicily .
All travel in Sicily was by train.
Flew back to London from Palermo, Sicily on British Airways.
Hotel Pension Suzanne in Vienna is in the perfect location, walking distance to everything, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and museums.
✨️Safe, quiet and comfortable, all requirements of the solo traveller
✨️Click the link to my website in the bio for more information on the hotels I stayed in on my recent solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
#hotelpensionsuzanne #solotravel #solotrip #vienna #traveltheworldwithme
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
Cesky Krumlov, a quaint medieval town in the south of the Czech Republic, a simple day trip by train from Prague....then lots and lots of walking on cobble stone paths!!
#ceskykrumlov #daytripfromprague #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
On a chilly Budapest morning, but the blue sky was a nice touch ✨️. I was planning to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building today... but Saturday crowds got the best of me! The exterior of this building is stunning, can`t wait to explore the inside.
#solotravel #hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #budapestarchitecture
🌧️ 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
Back to Schonbrunn Palace to see the Imperial Apartments. Gold was definitely the order of the day ✨️ but I reckon I could live there quite comfortably with a few more mod cons!!
#schönbrunnpalace #imperialapartments #traveltheworldwithme #solotrip
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
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
Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful💖
#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture
🏰 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
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
The Vivid Sydney light show in Argyle Cut, looking along Argyle St from Cumberland St, The Rocks.
#vividsydney #traveltheworldwithme #sydney #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
The streets of Valletta, Malta. Endless hours of exploring this amazing place. A wonderful place for solo travellers, easy to get around and very safe. Something for everyone, especially for history buffs!!
#solotrip #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #solotravelinmalta
✨ Standing among the heroes of Hungary…..
No visit to Budapest`s City Park is complete without a stop at Heroes` Square (Hősök tere) — 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. ❤️
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
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
✨ 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
.....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
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
Everywhere you look in Budapest the buildings are amazing ✨️ so ornate, full of character, luckily the city is very walkable!!
#budapestarchitecture #budapest #solotravel #walkingthestreets
Quattro Canti, or Piazza Vigliena, is a stunning Baroque square at the heart of Palermo`s historic centre. Located where Via Maqueda meets Corso Vittorio Emanuele, each corner symbolises one of the city`s ancient districts, built in 1620. Via Maqueda is now a pedestrian zone, bustling with restaurants, ranging from great spots to tourist traps, and it`s the perfect place to stroll around in the evenings.
#palermo #quattrocantipalermo #viamaquedapalermo #solotravelinsicily
Well… when you see a staircase, you may as well find out where it leads! 😄
Inside Matthias Church, I climbed my way up to one of the higher balcony levels — and I’m very pleased to report that the view was absolutely worth every step! Looking down from above, the church was even more spectacular. The colourful patterns, ornate decorations and beautiful architecture all came together in a completely different way from up here.
Sometimes exploring means looking up, sometimes looking down… and occasionally wondering just how many more stairs there are! 😂
But this view? Definitely worth the climb. ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
🌶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
Sydney is having an unbelievably warm winter so far, all blue sky, blue water and sunshine today ☀️!!
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
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
✨ Inside the Royal Palace of Buda Castle…
After wandering through the cobblestone courtyards and passing the watchful lion statues, it was time to step inside the magnificent Royal Palace.
The palace has had quite a history. The original medieval royal residence dates back to the 13th century, although what we see today is the result of centuries of rebuilding, destruction and restoration.
Inside, the grand halls, sweeping staircases, ornate details and beautiful architecture give you a glimpse of the palace`s royal past. It’s hard not to imagine kings, queens and courtiers moving through these very spaces.
Sadly, much of the palace was destroyed during the Siege of Budapest in 1944–45, and the building was later reconstructed. Today, the palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
I love places like this where the architecture tells as much of the story as the exhibits do. And after all the walking around Buda Castle, I was more than happy to wander indoors for a while! 😂
Another piece of Budapest history explored. ❤️
Have you visited the Royal Palace at Buda Castle?
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #RoyalPalace #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Having mastered the very efficient bus system in Malta, after visiting Lower Barraka Gardens and the War Rooms in the tunnels under Valletta, I headed off out to Tarxien to the pre-historic temples, then out to the east coast to the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk to see the traditional fishing boats.
To read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio.
#solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #malta #traveltheworldwithme #tripovertomalta
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
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
Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down 🥴 brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it 😃!!!
#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
🏰 Budapest 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
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
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
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
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
✨ 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
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
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
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
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
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
On a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo, I had about 2 hours or more to wander around the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of Temples ✨️Is it just me, or do you love walking around places knowing that others have been walking there for more than 2000 years too?
#agrigento #valleyofthetemples #solotravelinsicily #daytripfrompalermo #sicily
Vienna is magnificent to just wander around aimlessly, the buildings, the parks, everything, just perfect.
#vienna #solotravel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
On the south coast of Sicily, near Agrigento, lies Scala dei Turchi, a stunning limestone formation named after Turkish and Arab pirates who took shelter there in the 16th century. We stopped by after exploring the Valley of the Temples on our day trip from Palermo.
#scaladeiturchi #daytripfrompalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
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
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
At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.
#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
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
