I’m taking a lot of pictures on my tours in Budapest and around Hungary, however, I always forget to post on my Instagram. Especially during high season it’s difficult to post on Facebook, Instagram or my own blog, but believe me, I’m trying hard. Here are some pictures I’ve posted recently.
Shortly after the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest reopened following several years of renovation, I finally had the chance to step inside again — and it was every bit as breathtaking as I had hoped.
I’ve always found the building overwhelming in the best possible way, and the renovation has only enhanced that feeling. The interior is simply magnificent. The colours are rich and harmonious, the decorative details are astonishing, and the Neo-Renaissance ornamentation feels as vibrant and alive as it must have been in the late 19th century.
Walking through the Opera House truly feels like time travel. The atmosphere, the soft lighting, even the familiar scents of the historic interior all contribute to the sensation of stepping back into the golden age of Budapest. Nothing feels over-restored or artificial — instead, the building feels carefully revived, respectful of its original spirit.
Designed by Miklós Ybl and opened in 1884, the Opera House has always been one of Budapest’s architectural crown jewels. The recent renovation has allowed visitors to experience Ybl’s vision with renewed clarity, revealing details that had faded or disappeared over time.
From the grand staircase to the richly decorated auditorium, every space invites you to slow down and look closer.
There are several wonderful ways to experience the Hungarian State Opera House:
Attend an evening performance – the most immersive option, combining architecture and music
Join a guided interior visit, which offers insight into both the building and its history
Private visits, which can be incorporated into a customised itinerary
The Opera House can easily be included in a walking or driving tour, especially when exploring Andrássy Avenue and the surrounding area.
If you’re interested in visiting the Opera House during your stay, feel free to contact me — I’m happy to help plan the visit and include it seamlessly in your Budapest itinerary.
The renovated State Opera House is not just something to see — it’s something to feel. Elegant, atmospheric, and deeply connected to Budapest’s cultural identity, it remains one of the city’s most unforgettable interiors.
Whether you visit for a performance or simply to admire the architecture, this is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
St Stephen’s Basilica entrance fee often comes as a surprise to visitors who expect free access to one of Budapest’s most famous churches, visiting the interior of St. Stephen’s Basilica is a highlight for many travellers to Budapest.
For many years, visitors could step inside the Basilica by leaving a small donation at the entrance. Today, tourists are asked to purchase a ticket to visit the interior, while the church continues to function as an active place of worship.
Tickets are available at the ticket office located to the right of the Basilica, and prices may change from year to year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about current ticket prices, opening hours, and special visits, it’s always best to check the official website of St. Stephen’s Basilica before your visit.
Please note that church services, weddings, and religious events take priority. During these times, visitor access may be limited to certain areas, or the Basilica may be temporarily closed to tourists altogether.
This is part of what makes the building special: it is not only one of Budapest’s most impressive landmarks, but also a living, functioning church.
St. Stephen’s Basilica is often included in Budapest walking and driving tours, and an interior visit can also be arranged when timing allows. Visiting with a guide helps you navigate practical details while also understanding the history, symbolism, and stories behind what you see.
The György Ráth Villa Museum is one of Budapest’s most inspiring small museums, especially for visitors interested in Art Nouveau, interior design, and applied arts. I once brought a group of interior design students from the United States here as part of a private Art Nouveau walking tour, and the villa turned out to be one of the highlights of their visit.
The former home of György Ráth — first director general of the Museum of Applied Arts — feels less like a traditional museum and more like a carefully preserved private residence. The exhibition showcases around 600 pieces representing all branches of applied arts, including:
furniture
jewellery
Zsolnay ceramics
Tiffany glassware
paintings and sculptures
The collection beautifully illustrates the international influences present in Hungarian Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century. British, Austrian, and French styles appear alongside Oriental influences and Transylvanian roots, creating a uniquely Hungarian artistic language.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and can easily be combined with a walk through City Park or nearby Art Nouveau sites.
I often recommend the György Ráth Villa as an extra stop on custom Budapest walking tours, especially for art lovers, designers, and travellers interested in architecture and interiors.
The Citadel on the top of Gellért hill is being renovated, and unfortunately the entire area is closed because of the construction works. It also means that a truly popular tourist attraction of Budapest is closed and it’s impossible to enjoy the most magnificent views over Buda and Pest. The very bad news is that it remains closed for another few years and it’s impossible to estimate when it reopens. It’s just my personal opinion that they could have left a little path open for the tourists to enjoy the view, but that’s not the case.
You can still take a walk on Gellért hill, and you can climb to the statue of Saint Gellért from where you’ll have a great view over the Pest side of the river.
There are a few buildings in Budapest that I genuinely love, and Mai Manó House is definitely one of them. Located just a short walk from Andrássy Avenue, this elegant and slightly whimsical building is full of small details — the kind that reward those who slow down and really look.
We often pass by it while exploring the Pest side of the city, and every time, it feels like discovering it all over again.
Mai Manó House was designed in the 1890s for Mai Manó, the court photographer of Emperor Franz Joseph. As one of the most respected photographers of his time, Mai Manó made sure his profession was proudly reflected in the building itself.
Look closely at the façade and you’ll notice charming details: small angels holding cameras, allegorical figures representing the muses of photography, and richly coloured ceramic tiles that give the building its unique character. The architectural style is Neo-Renaissance, enhanced with floral and animal motifs that add warmth and playfulness to the design.
It’s a façade that doesn’t just decorate the street — it tells a story.
Today, the building functions as the House of Hungarian Photography, hosting both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The exhibitions change regularly, making it a rewarding stop even for repeat visitors.
The interior is just as fascinating as the outside. Elegant staircases, decorative elements, and carefully restored spaces create a calm, inspiring atmosphere — the perfect setting for photography exhibitions that often reflect on history, identity, and contemporary visual culture.
Mai Manó House can be visited, but opening hours may vary depending on exhibitions and events. It’s not a large museum, which makes it ideal as a quiet cultural stop rather than a rushed sightseeing attraction.
It fits particularly well into:
Budapest Art Nouveau and turn-of-the-century walks
Photography- or art-focused itineraries
Customised private tours for visitors looking beyond the usual highlights
If you’d like to include Mai Manó House in your Budapest itinerary, I’m happy to advise on timing and how it can best be combined with nearby sights.
Mai Manó House may not be on every visitor’s list — and that’s exactly what makes it special. For those interested in architecture, photography, and the cultural layers of Budapest, it’s a place that quietly leaves a lasting impression.
If you enjoy discovering Budapest through its stories, details, and creative spaces, this is a stop well worth making.
Set in the City Park of Budapest, the House of Hungarian Music is one of the city’s most exciting contemporary cultural spaces. Both the building and the exhibitions inside are designed to surprise, inspire, and invite visitors to experience music in a completely new way.
From the moment you approach it through the trees, it’s clear that this is not a traditional museum.
The building was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, and its appearance is as bold as its concept. With its flowing forms and unusual silhouette, it almost feels like an ornate spaceship that has gently landed among the trees of City Park.
One of its most striking features is the series of 12-metre-high glass walls, which blur the boundary between inside and outside. Hundreds of golden, stylised leaf motifs decorate both the exterior and interior, creating the impression of a shimmering golden forest. On sunny days, the light reflects beautifully on each leaf, making the entire structure feel alive.
What I love most about the House of Hungarian Music is how organic it feels. Despite its contemporary design, the building doesn’t dominate its surroundings — instead, it seems to grow out of the park itself.
The main architectural concept was to integrate the building into the natural environment of City Park, and this idea is present everywhere. The sweeping roofline echoes the movement of tree canopies, while the vast glass surfaces reflect the greenery around them. Trees, plants, and landscaped paths flow naturally around the structure, blurring the line between architecture and nature.
Even the everyday elements — paths, benches, and nearby walkways — feel intentionally woven into the setting. Walking around the building, it never feels isolated or imposing; rather, it becomes part of the park’s rhythm, changing character with the light, the seasons, and the movement of people around it.
This harmony between nature, movement, and music is what makes the House of Hungarian Music truly special — and it’s the detail that stays with me the longest.
Inside, the museum invites visitors to experience music with all their senses.
One of the highlights is the Sound Dome, where a unique audio-visual show surrounds you with music and sound coming from all directions. As the layers gradually come together, the experience feels almost experimental — like witnessing a carefully crafted musical reaction unfolding in real time.
Beyond the dome, the permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through Hungarian music across different periods and styles. This is not a museum you rush through: interactive elements, listening stations, and thematic spaces easily keep visitors engaged for hours.
Music lovers should plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the exhibitions and installations.
The House of Hungarian Music can be visited independently, and guided visits are sometimes available. As it is a very popular attraction, opening hours and ticket availability can vary, especially during weekends or school holidays.
If you’d like to include it in your Budapest itinerary, I recommend planning ahead. I’m happy to advise on timing and how best to combine it with nearby sights in City Park.
The House of Hungarian Music fits beautifully into:
Cultural and contemporary architecture tours
Music-focused itineraries
Customised private tours that combine historic Budapest with modern highlights
It also pairs well with other City Park landmarks, making it an easy and rewarding stop during a relaxed day in this part of the city.
Innovative, immersive, and visually striking, the House of Hungarian Music offers a fresh perspective on Hungary’s rich musical heritage. Whether you are deeply passionate about music or simply curious to experience something different, this museum is one of Budapest’s most memorable modern attractions.
If you’d like help planning a visit or building a personalised itinerary that includes the House of Hungarian Music, feel free to get in touch.
Last week we had the chance to meet and cook with chef Zita from BORGANIKA. Zita has an amazing gastro space in Klauzál market in the Jewish district. She offers cooking classes, all sorts of gastro events and she also hosts private dinners. She is amazing and is truly in love with Hungarian culture and food, all of my guests were fascinated by this unique culinary experience.
We cooked green pea soup, chicken paprikas with nokedli and strudel, it was a lot of fun, we enjoyed cooking and eating together and we also tasted some great Hungarian wines.
It’s a great experience for smaller and larger groups and her enthusiasm and professionalism will most probably brighten your day and contribute to an amazing Budapest experience.
I’m proud to share with you that I’ve been awarded Tour Guide of the Year by Travel and Hospitality Awards.
The lake Balaton is the number one destination of Hungarians in the summer months. It’s the greatest freshwater lake in Central Europe and is famous for its wine regions, cute little villages, beautiful castles and of course the magnificent views over the lake.
You can book the tour or contact me for further details. I’ll make sure to include in the itinerary all the sights you would like to see.
