The Art of Train Travel in Italy
For the Solo Traveller with Luggage
My plan was to be able to get around Italy on all methods of transport and to my carefully selected hotels, managing my luggage on my own, with a minimum of fuss. The plan went off with only a couple of minimal hitches, but on the grand scale of travel, I could almost say it worked perfectly! Train Travel in Italy is a lovely way to get around.
All my train bookings were made online using Trenitalia or Trainline, both have the same information, I have the Trainline app on my phone. If there is a First Class option, take it, it costs very little more for a nice seat, a bit more space and to be served snacks and drinks. The seats are still very nice in Second Class, but why……? Remember to check the type of ticket you have, most tickets need to be validated online, in the app, or by scanning the barcode on a printed ticket, before you get on the train. The inspectors are ruthless, there was a young couple near me who didn’t validate their tickets it cost them 56 Euros each to correct this error with the inspector, for a 9 Euro ticket!! Saying they didn’t know was not an excuse, she just stood there with her credit card machine saying, “There are signs everywhere, will you be paying with cash or card?” With a silent look that said, ‘or will I call security?’ They paid.
I arrived at Venice Marco Polo Airport, then caught the Alilaguna Water Bus into Venice.
After spending 5 fabulous nights in Venice, I wheeled my suitcase out of the Hotel Rialto and on to the vaporetto, this time from the Rialto stop right outside the hotel, we moved along the Grand Canal and after a couple of stops along the way we arrived at the railway station vaporetto stop, Ferrovia.
It is very easy to get up to the platform, with your back to the canal, head to the right-hand side of the station, there is a ramp there, so luggage is no problem. I checked the board and went and made myself at home on the train for the trip to Florence. The train wasn’t crowded so I was able to put my case in the space between the backs of the seats across the aisle, easy to handle with no lifting, and I could keep an eye on it if the train filled up. Right on time, the train pulled out of the station, we crossed the causeway to the mainland, and in no time, we were hurtling through the countryside.
We arrived in Florence about 45 minutes late, there was a problem just outside Florence with people on the tracks!! All the message that came up on the screen in the carriage said was, “Unauthorised people on the track causing delays.” I was ok, I didn’t have a connecting train to catch, but for others that would have thrown their plans into disarray, but there are generally plenty of trains, so it’s not too much of a problem in the middle of the day. I wouldn’t be keen for that to happen at night.
Ferrovia Vaporetto Stop at Venice Railway Station
Coming out of Venice Railway Station
After my 4 night stay at Hotel Atlantic Palace in Florence, the next stop on the solo Italian adventure was Siena. My original plan was to catch the bus from Florence to Siena, and with that in mind I booked to stay at Relais degli Angeli, a small boutique hotel just near the bus station. Then I read an article about a horror bus trip someone had, (difficult to handle luggage on the bus, a travel-sick child nearby, urrggghh!!) and decided to catch the train! Much easier to get luggage on to a train, but the railway station in Siena is at the bottom of the hill, and the town is at the top – not a problem, there is a series of escalators to get you up to Porto Camollia, the entrance gate to the medieval town. Or catch a taxi!
I spent 3 nights in Siena, then it was time for the adventure to continue, this time out to La Spezia, on the coast, my base for exploring Cinque Terre. This was going to be my first train journey where I had to change trains. I had become very good at flinging my luggage on and off trains, but this time I would have a degree of difficulty thrown into the mix – a time constraint and have to change platforms. I only had a few minutes change over time in Empoli, so there was no time for “unauthorised people” on the track holding things up!
It was all choreographed beautifully – I got off the train in Empoli, checked the board to see which platform I had to go to, hoping it would be the other side of the platform I was on. It was…..and the train was just pulling into the platform!!! I got straight on and settled in like a seasoned professional, and we made our way out to the coast and up to La Spezia. Be aware there are two La Spezia stations, don’t get off at the first one, La Spezia Migliarina, unless that’s near where you are going, of course. La Spezia Centrale is the main station in the town area.
There are many trains from La Spezia to each of the villages in the Cinque Terre National Park, it only takes a few minutes to get from village to village, this can all be done with a Cinque Terre Card, that gives you unlimited access to trains in the National Park area, and to La Spezia, for however many days you buy the card for.
For my train trip back to Venice, after 5 nights in La Spezia staying at Hotel Firenze e Continentale, things did start to get a bit ridiculous!! This train trip is in three sections and I suggest you book them separately!! The first details that came up gave me a 6 minute change in Pisa for the train to Florence – so unless you can do a 100 in a time that can leave Hussein Bolt eating your dust, and when last timed, I don’t! But then again, I don’t know what his time is in an Italian train station with luggage, only in perfect conditions on a track. Me, on the other hand………I might just have it all over him!!
Not willing to risk it, or having the added stress, I booked an earlier train out of La Spezia, so I now have a leisurely 40 minutes to get off one train, find which of the other 15 platforms my next train is going from, and get myself, and my luggage, there.
That all went to hell in a handbasket when I received a received a notification about a week in advance, that the Pisa to Florence train would be running late, this cut into my changeover time in Florence, so I booked an earlier train that could still fit in between the La Spezia to Pisa leg and the Florence to Venice leg. When I get to Florence for the change to Venice, I have 19 minutes, but my understanding is that is doable….
Then a few days later I received a notification that the train from La Spezia to Pisa was going to be running late, this meant I wouldn’t make the Pisa to Florence connection, and therefore miss the Florence to Venice train…….Oh noooooo!!
With the Florence to Venice train being the important one, I booked tickets on an even earlier train leaving La Spezia, and an earlier train leaving Pisa – I think I now had tickets for every train going in that direction that morning, but finally I had the no stress combo of tickets that gave me between 30 and 45 minutes for each transfer, time to buy a coffee in Pisa and some lunch in Florence to eat on the train on the way to Venice. Phew!!
Porto Camollia, entrance to Siena
Train track passing Monterosso Beach, Cinque Terre
Changing trains in Pisa, I only needed to go one platform over, there was a small lift, where I discovered that you need to hold the button in for it to go, just pressing the button in the usual way does nothing, I was terrified of getting stuck half way, but made it, walked quickly to the next lift and was up on the platform as my next train was just pulling in to the station. The button instructions were just an interpretation thing. The note above the button said, “To operate lift keep pressing” so at first, I was going press, press, press repeatedly. All this did was made the lift shudder. What the sign needed to say was, “To operate lift, press and hold the button in until you get up to the platform or down to the tunnel, then release.”
There was another drama on the way to Venice, where a couple of troublemakers refused to leave the first class seats they hadn’t booked, until security dragged them and their designer bling to the end of the carriage, and handed them over to the police when the train pulled into Bologna.
The train calmly pulled into Venice right on time and I was on the vaporetto and back in the Hotel Rialto for a few more nights on the canal before my Solo Italian Adventure sadly came to an end, until next time…….
To read about the Hotels I stayed in on My Solo Italian Adventure through Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, La Spezia and Cinque Terre – all possible on your own, with luggage, and easy to get to from the railway station!
For ideas on places to visit in Florence and Venice, and more to come!!
Itinerary for my Trip Over to Italy
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 Venice on British Airways.
Travelled Venice on Alilaguna Water Bus and Vaporettos.
Travelled from Venice to Florence, to Siena, to La Spezia and back to Venice by train.
Flew back to London on British Airways.
Wandering through beautiful Volksgarten, one of Vienna’s lovely parks, I soon discovered that there was one thing determined to appear in almost every photo…That very tall tower at Rathausplatz! 😂
No matter which way I turned, there it was in the background, making sure it was included in my photos!
Volksgarten was Vienna’s first public park, opened in 1823, and on a sunny day it’s easy to see why locals love it. The flower beds burst with colour and the lawns fill with people enjoying picnics and simply relaxing in the sunshine. 🌸☀️Then, amongst all this very Viennese elegance, I came across something that looked decidedly more Greek…The Temple of Theseus! Built in the early 19th century and inspired by the ancient Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, it adds a wonderful little touch of Greece right in the middle of Vienna.
So, in one walk I had beautiful gardens, colourful flowers, picnicking locals, a Greek temple……and that ever-present Rathaus tower keeping watch over everything! 😂
Vienna really does seem to have a surprise around every corner. ❤️
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #Volksgarten #TempleOfTheseus #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel
Well… when you see a staircase, you may as well find out where it leads! 😄
Inside Matthias Church, I climbed my way up to one of the higher balcony levels — and I’m very pleased to report that the view was absolutely worth every step! Looking down from above, the church was even more spectacular. The colourful patterns, ornate decorations and beautiful architecture all came together in a completely different way from up here.
Sometimes exploring means looking up, sometimes looking down… and occasionally wondering just how many more stairs there are! 😂
But this view? Definitely worth the climb. ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Leaving the Castle District behind, I was off to continue exploring Budapest in the sunshine. ☀️
I caught the bus back down towards the Danube and hopped off before it crossed the Liberty Bridge — and, of course, I couldn’t resist looking back before continuing on.
There was the entrance to the Buda Castle Tunnel, built beneath Castle Hill and opened in 1857. Above the archway, the Hungarian coat of arms and a lion’s head make a rather impressive entrance.
Nearby, I spotted another Hungarian coat of arms incorporated into the brickwork near the lower station of the Castle Funicular, dated 1880, and then noticed a little building that looked remarkably like a miniature Fisherman’s Bastion! It turns out this is part of the Pauline monastery beside the Cave Church on Gellért Hill. The Cave Church itself was created in the 1920s inside the hillside, with the present church completed in 1931.
More little Budapest discoveries… and I hadn’t even reached the river yet! 😊
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #GellertHill #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
✨ 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
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
Next stop… crossing the Danube! 💚
With the sun shining, I walked across Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest’s most distinctive bridges — and another one that is impossible to cross without stopping for photos!
Originally opened in 1896 as part of Hungary’s Millennium celebrations, this beautiful Art Nouveau bridge was badly damaged during World War II. It was the first of Budapest’s Danube bridges to be rebuilt after the war, reopening in 1946.
My favourite detail has to be the enormous bronze Turul birds perched high on the bridge’s masts. 🦅 The Turul is a mythical bird from Hungarian tradition, so these impressive creatures seem perfectly at home watching over the Danube.
Blue skies, sunshine, the Danube beneath me and those magnificent Turuls overhead…such a shame its my last full day in Budapest. After all the grey days in Budapest, this was definitely a bridge crossing worth celebrating! ☀️
✨️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 #LibertyBridge #Danube #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
🏰 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
One of the first things you notice about Vienna isn’t just what you see… it’s what you hear. 💖
As you wander through the city, you can hear the unmistakable clip-clop of horses’ hooves as the horse-drawn carriages make their way through the streets.The Viennese call these traditional carriages Fiakers, and somehow that gentle sound of hooves on the cobblestones seems to fit Vienna perfectly.
With grand buildings, elegant streets, beautiful architecture and horse-drawn carriages passing by, there’s something wonderfully old-world about the city.
It creates such an elegant, relaxed atmosphere — and makes simply wandering around Vienna feel like part of the experience.
Sometimes you don’t need to be heading anywhere in particular… just follow the clip-clop! 🐴
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #ViennaAustria #Fiaker #ViennaTravel #SoloTravel
After an absolutely HUGE final day in Budapest, I finally made it back to my hotel — exhausted, feet complaining, and ready to collapse! 😂
But there was just one thing left to do…I’d been up to the Castle District, wandered around Margaret Island, crossed over to City Park and explored Vajdahunyad Castle again in the sunshine.
Surely that was enough for one day? Apparently not! 😂 Darkness fell, and I headed back out and caught the Metro across the river to see the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building lit up at night. And WOW!✨
After seeing Parliament from so many different angles during my Budapest adventure, seeing it glowing against the dark Danube was the perfect way to finish my final day. I stood there for a while, taking it all in — and probably taking just a few more photos! 📸😂Budapest was now complete!! ❤️
What an incredible city, and what an incredible solo adventure.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #HungarianParliament #BudapestByNight #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
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
✨️One of my favourite walks in Budapest was crossing the beautiful Chain Bridge, linking the historic districts of Buda and Pest across the Danube.
✨️Although the weather wasn`t at its best, the views certainly didn`t disappoint. Looking upstream towards the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building, it was easy to see why this is one of Europe`s most picturesque cityscapes.
✨️The Chain Bridge has quite a story to tell. Opened in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to span the Danube in Hungary and became a powerful symbol of uniting the two sides of the city. Sadly, like all of Budapest`s Danube bridges, it was destroyed in 1945 by the retreating German army during WWll. Thankfully, it was painstakingly rebuilt in its original style and reopened in 1949, preserving the city`s iconic skyline for future generations.
📍Rain or shine, this is a walk that simply has to be on 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.
#chainbridge #danuberiver #solotravel #budapest #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
Turns out, I wasn`t the only one enjoying Budapest under blue skies! ☀️😂 (Solo traveller meets everyone else who had the same bright idea! 😂)
By the time I reached Fisherman’s Bastion, the quiet morning atmosphere had well and truly disappeared.
Suddenly there were `other people` everywhere — wandering through the fairytale turrets, stopping for photos, admiring the views and generally enjoying the sunshine just as much as I was. And who could blame them?
After several gloomy, rainy days in Budapest, it seemed the minute the sun came out, everyone had exactly the same idea…...Get to Fisherman’s Bastion! 😄📸
So much for having Budapest all to myself — but I certainly wasn’t complaining. The sunshine made those beautiful white stone turrets look even more magical.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #FishermansBastion #HungaryTravel #BudapestViews #SoloTravel
🌶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
After noticing the clip-clop of horses’ hooves everywhere I went in Vienna, I soon discovered something else…Vienna is absolutely full of horses! 🐴
Once you start looking, you see them everywhere. There’s King John III Sobieski of Poland proudly mounted on the top of Husaren-Haus on Graben, while magnificent equestrian statues of Archduke Karl and Prince Eugene of Savoy stand near the Hofburg.
And then there’s the rather impressive Horse Tamer and his Horse outside the Parliament building. But the horses don’t stop outside!They’re outside museums, inside museums, decorating buildings and appearing in sculptures all over the city.
By this stage, I was beginning to think Vienna had a very serious horse obsession! 😂
But really, it all adds to the grandeur and character of this beautiful city — where even the statues seem to be ready to take you somewhere.
🐴 Clip-clop on the streets…
🐴 Horses on the buildings…
🐴 Horses in the museums…You simply can’t escape them — and I wasn’t complaining! ❤️
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #horsestatues #ViennaArchitecture #ViennaHistory #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
🏰 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
My sunny morning in Budapest was getting better by the minute! ☀️
Walking through the Castle District, I discovered one of Budapest’s wonderfully quirky little treasures — a tiny Kolodko sculpture peering through his telescope towards the Chain Bridge. 🔭And clearly, he knew exactly where to look!
Just beyond him, the real Chain Bridge was glowing in the morning sunshine, looking every bit as magnificent as it should.
Then came the view along the Danube towards the Hungarian Parliament Building, with its grand Gothic Revival architecture reflected in the sparkling water. ❤️
After days of grey skies and rain, seeing Budapest bathed in sunshine felt pretty special. Sometimes you need a tiny statue with a telescope to point out exactly where the best views are! 😄
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #ChainBridge #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel
🏰 Three more little discoveries around Buda Castle…
There is so much to see walking back up through the Castle District that you really do need to keep your eyes open — and preferably have your camera ready! 📸
First, I came across the impressive Habsburg Gate, built in 1903 as part of the castle`s fortifications. With its ornate stonework and rather grand entrance, it certainly makes a statement.
Then there was the wonderfully playful Fountain of the Fishing Children, created by Hungarian sculptor Károly Senyei in 1900. The bronze children wrestling with their fishing net and fish bring a little fun to the otherwise very grand surroundings.
And then, keeping a watchful eye over it all, is the magnificent Turul Bird statue. This mythical bird of Hungarian legend sits proudly with its wings spread, clutching a sword in its talons. The statue was created by sculptor Gyula Donáth and unveiled in 1905.
Three very different sights, but each with its own story — and another reminder that around Buda Castle, there seems to be something interesting hiding around every corner.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #BudapestSculptures #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
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
✨ 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
And then… my plan worked! 🎉😂
After all that wandering around the Belvedere gardens, keeping one very suspicious eye on the queue, I suddenly noticed something incredible…The queue had disappeared! 👀
This was my moment.I quickly made my way to the ticket office, got my ticket, and headed around to the entrance.The reason for the disappearing queue soon became clear. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed inside the building at any one time, so I’m guessing a large group of people had all finished their visit at roughly the same time. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t asking questions! The doors were open, the queue was gone…and it was finally MY turn! 🙌
All that patience, wandering around the gardens and keeping watch over the queue had paid off. Now it was time to see what was inside the Belvedere Palace… ❤️
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #BelvederePalace #LowerBelvedere #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel
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 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
Just blew the days food budget on Sacher Torte and Coffee at the Sacher Hotel because......why not??? Priorities, priorities!!
#sachertorte #sacherhotel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
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
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
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
My last full day in Budapest was turning into a serious sightseeing marathon! 🚶♀️☀️
After catching the tram to Margaret Bridge, I crossed over to Margaret Island and started exploring. Just a few minutes into the park, down the hill from the bridge, I discovered the beautiful Water Tower, built in 1911 and now one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.
Apparently, there are 152 steps to climb to the top for wonderful views over Budapest.I say apparently because, thankfully… it was closed! 😂 After all the stairs I’d already climbed around Budapest, I decided this was one viewpoint I could happily admire from ground level!
So I continued my walk and soon came across another little treasure — St Michael’s Chapel, a charming medieval chapel dating back to the 12th century.
From grand Parliament views to a historic little chapel hidden among the greenery, Margaret Island was proving that there was still plenty more of Budapest to discover. And thankfully, not every discovery required climbing 152 steps! 😄
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MargaretIsland #StMichaelsChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
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
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
And yes… I took more photos of the Hungarian Parliament! 😂📸Because `why not?`, can you ever have too many?
After crossing Liberty Bridge, I caught the tram along the Pest side of the Danube, following the river past some of Budapest’s most beautiful sights until I reached Margaret Bridge.Of course, I had to photograph the Parliament Building as we went past on the tram and again from the bridge. It was looking far too magnificent to ignore! ☀️
And then I spotted something else worth photographing — the obelisk on Margaret Bridge, with a beautiful stone carving of King Stephen’s crown resting on a stone cushion.
Although, somehow, the Parliament Building still managed to sneak into the photo.... clearly it has decided to photo-bomb everything! 😂 By this stage, I’m beginning to think Budapest’s Parliament Building deserves its own folder on my camera!
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #HungarianParliament #MargaretBridge #Danube #SoloTravel
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
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
When you’re exploring a city on your own, sometimes you just have to trust your instincts… and recognise a park when you see one! 😂🚌
After leaving Margaret Island, I jumped on a bus with absolutely no idea where it was heading. But then I spotted City Park — somewhere I recognised — so I knew that if I got off there, I wouldn’t be completely lost!
I walked past the magnificent Széchenyi Thermal Bath and continued through the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle. And what a difference a little sunshine makes! ☀️ I’d visited the castle earlier in my trip under gloomy grey skies, but seeing it again beneath brilliant blue skies was like discovering it all over again.
The towers, turrets and beautiful architecture looked completely different in the sunshine — and suddenly I understood why Budapest decided to keep this “temporary” castle after the Millennium Exhibition!
Same castle, completely different mood. ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #CityParkBudapest #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
The best part of the day trip from Vienna to Bratislava was the boat trip back to Vienna on the Danube!! The hydofoiling catamaran was fast, about 90 minutes, the crew were great. It was freezing cold and windy outside, but I couldn`t help myself, I just had to keep going out to take photos, then running back in to sip my wine 🥂!!!
Great for solo travelers, I met so many other travellers onboard.
#cruisingonthedanube #twinliner #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
.....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
✨ 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
And just like that, my walk through Margaret Island came to an end… but my big final day in Budapest was nowhere near finished! ☀️🚶♀️
After wandering past the Ensana Grand Health Spa and the charming Music Well, I made my way to the bus stop on Árpád Bridge. By now, I’d covered a serious amount of ground — but there was still more Budapest waiting to be explored.
So I did what any determined solo traveller would do…I jumped on the first bus that came along and headed off to see what I could discover next! 🚌😂
No complicated plans, no stopping for a rest… just me, my camera and a city that still had plenty more to show me.Onwards with the Budapest adventure! ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MargaretIsland #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #BudapestAdventure
Leaving Budapest from Keleti station, I found my ticket gave me access to the Business Lounge waiting room!!
Next stop on my solo adventure - Vienna🥂!!
#solotravel #budapest #keletistation #travelbytrain #traveltheworldwithme
Finally a sunny day in Budapest, strolling on Margrit Island, great weather, no complaints, perfect!
#margritisland #budapest #soloadventure #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
I was finally inside Schloss Belvedere… and I couldn’t even make it through the foyer without taking hundreds of photos! 😂📸
The gleaming white walls, elegant statues and beautiful balustrades on the staircase, all contrasted with black details and striking light fittings, were simply stunning. I’m pretty sure I could arrange to move in immediately!! 😍 I hadn’t even started the actual visit yet!
Before heading upstairs, you pass through the magnificent Carlone Hall, with its spectacular Baroque frescoed ceiling. Then, right in the middle of the floor, there was a contemporary art installation — a circle of lavender creating a lovely aroma and beautiful contrast with all that Baroque grandeur. And this was just on the way to the cloakroom!
Of course, the first important job was to dump all my excess gear before heading properly inside. So, coat deposited, camera ready…I was ready to explore! 😂
And judging by the foyer alone, I had a feeling there were going to be a LOT more photos coming… ❤️
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #LowerBelvedere #BelvederePalace #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel
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
🌧️ 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
Just when I thought Margaret Island couldn’t surprise me any more, I came across this beautiful little oasis. 🌿💚
Tucked away along the path was a peaceful Japanese garden, complete with a lovely pond filled with colourful Koi and some very relaxed turtles who clearly had nowhere else they needed to be! 🐢
And watching over it all was a charming Little Mermaid statue, sitting quietly beside the water.
After a busy morning exploring Budapest, this was the perfect place to slow down for a while, enjoy the greenery and watch the Koi and turtles doing what they do best — absolutely nothing in a hurry! 😂
Another unexpected little discovery on Margaret Island… and one of my favourite peaceful moments of the day. 🌸
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MargaretIsland #JapaneseGarden #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Sydney is having an unbelievably warm winter so far, all blue sky, blue water and sunshine today ☀️!!
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
After exploring the Upper Belvedere, I continued around to discover the Lower Belvedere and its gardens — and they seemed to go on and on! 🌿
The gardens were filled with sparkling white sculptures, beautifully positioned amongst the flower beds and dotted in and around the many ponds. Every turn seemed to reveal another sculpture, another view or another beautiful part of the gardens.
And here’s a useful little tip if you’re visiting: the Belvedere gardens are free to enter, so you can wander around and enjoy the magnificent setting without needing a ticket for the palace interiors. I could also keep an eye on the queue of people waiting to go inside the palace… 👀
My plan was simple — enjoy the gardens, admire the views, and wait patiently for a little afternoon lull in the crowds! After all, there was no point standing in a queue if I could be wandering around beautiful gardens instead! 😂 Now I just had to hope that my timing was right…
✨If you`re planning your own solo adventure to Vienna, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Vienna #BelvederePalace #LowerBelvedere #ViennaAustria #SoloTravel
