The National Museum is one of the oldest museums of Budapest, founded by Ferenc Széchényi in 1802. It’s one of my favourite museums in the city, not only because it’s beautiful (both the outside and the interiors) but also because there is a beautiful garden around it which serves as a public park. The museum is a special place for Hungarian people, our entire history is on display in an easily digestible manner.
The building is a special place for national pride and heritage, the 1848-49 Hungarian war of independence against the Habsburgs started here, poet Sándor Petőfi read his famous poem on the stairs of the museum.
There are permanent and temporary exhibitions, the coronation robe of the Hungarian kings is on display here, too. A great place to spend a few hours in Budapest in the cold month of January.
I took these images when we were touring the Danube Bend in December a few weeks ago. We were there just in time to see the magic of winter, unfortunately we don’t get too much snow, thus the visit was very special for both me and my travellers.
I would like to wish you a very happy new year and hope I’ll see you in Beautiful Budapest in 2024.
These were my most popular tours in 2023, feel free to contact me if you’re interested in booking any of my tours or in creating another one customised to your interests and preferences.
Yes, it’s snowing! Happy Winter from Budapest!
Seeing Fisherman’s Bastion empty is one of the rarest experiences in Budapest, a quiet moment when this iconic landmark reveals its most peaceful side. I often say that Fisherman’s Bastion is the most popular tourist attraction in Budapest — and it’s true. Thousands of visitors pass through here every single day, cameras in hand, chasing the same iconic view.
That’s why moments like this are so special.
Seeing Fisherman’s Bastion almost completely empty is incredibly rare. No lines. No crowds. Just the city waking up below, the Danube flowing quietly, and the silhouette of the Hungarian Parliament Building in the distance.
On this particular morning, I was lucky enough to have the upper terrace almost entirely to myself — something even locals rarely experience.
Many visitors don’t realise that part of the Bastion is ticketed during the day. I always recommend going up when possible:
the view is higher and more open
the crowds thin out
the atmosphere is calmer and more intimate
You can skip the on-site queue by buying tickets online, and when time allows, I love taking my guests to the very top during my private tours.
Moments like this remind me why I return here again and again — not just as a guide, but as someone who genuinely loves Budapest. When the crowds disappear, Fisherman’s Bastion feels timeless, peaceful, and deeply moving.
If you’d like to understand why this place is so important — and why it’s a must-see for first-time visitors — start with my main guide:
A Must-See: Fisherman’s Bastion
Thank you for all your great reviews and comments, it’s always a pleasure to read your kind words. And, I’m very proud to announce that I just got this very special award from Tripadvisor – Travelers’ Choice 2023.
I’m truly happy and promise to do my best to help you collect the nicest memories while I’m showing you around my Beautiful Budapest. And please keep sharing your comments!
Every year, at the end of August some of the great Hungarian folk artists have a special opportunity to put on display their talent and products: the folk art festival in the Buda Castle district. Visitors can watch and also participate in activities, such as sewing, lace or embroidery making, wood carving and many more. It’s a great occasion to meet local craftsmen and craftswomen, observe their techniques and tricks and also to buy local folk products. I loved the little old ladies teaching me sewing, trust me, they are very patient with visitors much less talented and experienced than they are.
The 20th of August is the only Hungarian national holiday in the summer, celebrations usually go on for days and the city is filled with visitors from all around Hungary and from abroad. The most special attraction every year is the fireworks on the night of the 20th, that can be seen from the banks of the river and the hills around it.
