... and it breaks my heart. I realise it's a very delicate situation and every country's government is responsible for the measures they're taking. But I've also seen how differently other governments are dealing with the pandemic and only few of them decided to say no to tourists, brave and enthusiastic travellers who, despite of the spreading of the virus were still considering visiting my Beautiful Budapest. This is all over for now, indefinitely, for 1 or 2 months, we don't know. I'll of course continue delivering Virtual Tours for the time being but I'll miss terribly the real tours, the real adventures and the real people I've had the chance to work with these last couple of months. You'll find below a gallery of stunning pictures taken by one of my travellers, Jessica with whom I've had the chance to explore Buda, Pest and the cute little town of Vác last week.
… and it breaks my heart. I realise it’s a very delicate situation and every country’s government is responsible for the measures they’re taking. But I’ve also seen how differently other governments are dealing with the pandemic and only few of them decided to say no to tourists, brave and enthusiastic travellers who, despite of the spreading of the virus were still considering visiting my Beautiful Budapest.
This is all over for now, indefinitely, for 1 or 2 months, we don’t know. I’ll of course continue delivering Virtual Tours for the time being but I’ll miss terribly the real tours, the real adventures and the real people I’ve had the chance to work with these last couple of months.
You’ll find below a gallery of stunning pictures taken by one of my travellers, Jessica with whom I’ve had the chance to explore Buda, Pest and the cute little town of Vác last week.
With over 100,000 Hungarian and international artworks spanning from ancient civilisations to the end of the 18th century, the Museum of Fine Arts is the largest and most comprehensive art museum in Budapest — and an absolute must for culture lovers visiting the city. Opened in 1906, the museum’s Classical Revival building is a work of art in itself. From the outside, it resembles an ancient Greek temple — and that’s no coincidence. The tympanum on the main façade is an exact replica of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, giving the building a timeless, monumental presence on Heroes’ Square. After being closed for almost four years of renovation, the museum has fully regained its original splendour. The restored interiors are just as breathtaking as the collections they house. Wandering through the building truly feels like stepping back in time. My personal favourites are the Romanesque Hall and the Renaissance Hall — spaces so atmospheric that even visitors who don’t usually consider themselves “museum people” are often left speechless. Exploring the museum is not just about viewing artworks; it’s a journey through centuries of European and ancient history. The Museum of Fine Arts collections at a glance The Museum of Fine Arts is divided into six main departments: Egyptian Antiquities Classical Antiquities Old Master Paintings Sculptures Prints and Drawings Old Hungarian Collection Thanks to this wide range, the museum works equally well for first-time visitors, returning travellers, and families with older children. Visiting tips The Museum of Fine Arts is located right at Heroes’ Square, making it easy to combine with a walk through City Park, a visit to Vajdahunyad Castle, or even a relaxing stop at Széchenyi Thermal Bath afterwards. I often recommend it as an extra stop during a custom Budapest walking tour, especially for guests interested in
With over 100,000 Hungarian and international artworks spanning from ancient civilisations to the end of the 18th century, the Museum of Fine Arts is the largest and most comprehensive art museum in Budapest — and an absolute must for culture lovers visiting the city.
Opened in 1906, the museum’s Classical Revival building is a work of art in itself. From the outside, it resembles an ancient Greek temple — and that’s no coincidence. The tympanum on the main façade is an exact replica of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, giving the building a timeless, monumental presence on Heroes’ Square.
After being closed for almost four years of renovation, the museum has fully regained its original splendour. The restored interiors are just as breathtaking as the collections they house. Wandering through the building truly feels like stepping back in time.
My personal favourites are the Romanesque Hall and the Renaissance Hall — spaces so atmospheric that even visitors who don’t usually consider themselves “museum people” are often left speechless. Exploring the museum is not just about viewing artworks; it’s a journey through centuries of European and ancient history.
The Museum of Fine Arts collections at a glance
The Museum of Fine Arts is divided into six main departments:
Egyptian Antiquities
Classical Antiquities
Old Master Paintings
Sculptures
Prints and Drawings
Old Hungarian Collection
Thanks to this wide range, the museum works equally well for first-time visitors, returning travellers, and families with older children.
I often recommend it as an extra stop during a custom Budapest walking tour, especially for guests interested in art, architecture, or classical history.
%For up-to-date opening hours and current exhibitions, I always suggest checking the museum’s official website before your visit.
We were lucky enough to visit the Tokaj wine region last week, this is one of my favourite tours. We were able to sample some truly amazing wine in Tokaj and Mád, visited the fairytale castle of Boldogkő, saw a beautiful rainbow over the vineyards and had also the chance to see the Mád synagogue. This was a tour to remember, I hope I can show more and more travellers this beautiful part of Hungary.
We were lucky enough to visit the Tokaj wine region last week, this is one of my favourite tours. We were able to sample some truly amazing wine in Tokaj and Mád, visited the fairytale castle of Boldogkő, saw a beautiful rainbow over the vineyards and had also the chance to see the Mád synagogue.
This was a tour to remember, I hope I can show more and more travellers this beautiful part of Hungary.
I've decided to share this blogpost originally from 2016 because my experience is that the Buda Castle District of Budapest is the most popular choice for the virtual tours. Most of the attractions below are to be seen during the tour and I'm happy to discuss the special architecture, culture and traditions of this beautiful neighbourhood. Feel free to contact me for further details on live or virtual tours! The Buda Castle district is the oldest part of Buda, many of the buildings are originally from the Middle Ages. Buda became the capital of Hungary by the middle of the 13th century, the castle and the medieval town were constructed in the top of the Castle hill. I don't want to disappoint you but The Castle district is not a real castle. The Hungarian Medieval castle, residence of many of our great kings, constructed in Gothic and Renaissance architectures was destroyed in the 17th century. Only some parts of it are accessible in the Budapest History Museum, unfortunately the rest of the castle rest in the ground now. You can walk up the hill along the ramparts of the Medieval Castle to get to the 18th century Baroque Palace which houses the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. The cobblestoned streets of the historical old town of Buda lead you to the Matthias Church, one of the oldest churches of the city originating from the 13th century. If you have some time, you really need to climb the 197 stairs to the church tower from where you can have the best view over our beautiful city. From the top of the Fisherman's Bastion you can enjoy the panorama over the Parliament building and the Pest side. Continue your walk in the civilian town, admire the unique architecture of the
I’ve decided to share this blogpost originally from 2016 because my experience is that the Buda Castle District of Budapest is the most popular choice for the virtual tours. Most of the attractions below are to be seen during the tour and I’m happy to discuss the special architecture, culture and traditions of this beautiful neighbourhood. Feel free to contact me for further details on live or virtual tours!
The Buda Castle district is the oldest part of Buda, many of the buildings are originally from the Middle Ages. Buda became the capital of Hungary by the middle of the 13th century, the castle and the medieval town were constructed in the top of the Castle hill.
I don’t want to disappoint you but The Castle district is not a real castle. The Hungarian Medieval castle, residence of many of our great kings, constructed in Gothic and Renaissance architectures was destroyed in the 17th century. Only some parts of it are accessible in the Budapest History Museum, unfortunately the rest of the castle rest in the ground now.
You can walk up the hill along the ramparts of the Medieval Castle to get to the 18th century Baroque Palace which houses the Budapest History Museum and the National Gallery. The cobblestoned streets of the historical old town of Buda lead you to the Matthias Church, one of the oldest churches of the city originating from the 13th century. If you have some time, you really need to climb the 197 stairs to the church tower from where you can have the best view over our beautiful city.
From the top of the Fisherman’s Bastion you can enjoy the panorama over the Parliament building and the Pest side.
Continue your walk in the civilian town, admire the unique architecture of the National Archives and wonder around the old Jewish quarter. Probably the most interesting fact about the distric is that there is a 12 km long underground cave and cellar complex underneath the Castle District. There are 2 museums where you can discover this unique labyrinth. The Hospital in the Rock was a military hospital during WW2 and a nuclear bunker during the Communist era. The Labyrinth museum is all about scary fun and you might also meet Dracula, the infamous vampire count.
I’d be glad to show you the famous attractions and the hidden treasures of the neighborhood, too, book the Buda Castle walk!
Few statues in Budapest carry as much symbolic weight as the Turul bird statue. More than a decorative monument, the Turul is one of Hungary’s most important national symbols, deeply rooted in legend, origin stories, and identity. This statue is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which explores how public sculptures reflect the layers of history and mythology that shape the city. The legend of the Turul According to Hungarian tradition, the Turul — a powerful, mythical falcon — guided the ancestors of the Hungarians to the Carpathian Basin in 896, the year associated with the founding of the Hungarian homeland. Because of this legend, the Turul represents origin, protection, strength, and destiny. It appears frequently in Hungarian art, literature, and monuments, always carrying a meaning that goes far beyond its physical form. Where can you see the Turul statue? One of the best-known Turul statues in Budapest stands at the upper station of the Buda Castle Funicular, near the entrance to the Castle District. With its wings spread wide above the city, the bird overlooks the Danube and Pest — a fitting position for a symbol meant to watch over the nation. Many visitors pass beneath it on their way into Buda Castle without realizing its significance, yet once you know the story, the statue becomes impossible to ignore. Why the Turul still matters The Turul bird is not tied to a single historical figure or event. Instead, it represents continuity — the connection between myth, history, and modern Hungary. Standing beneath it, you’re reminded that Budapest is not only a city of architecture and monuments, but also a place shaped by stories passed down for more than a thousand years. Explore more: The Turul bird is featured in my Statues of Budapest collection, where famous monuments
Few statues in Budapest carry as much symbolic weight as the Turul bird statue. More than a decorative monument, the Turul is one of Hungary’s most important national symbols, deeply rooted in legend, origin stories, and identity.
This statue is part of my ongoing Statues of Budapest series, which explores how public sculptures reflect the layers of history and mythology that shape the city.
The legend of the Turul
According to Hungarian tradition, the Turul — a powerful, mythical falcon — guided the ancestors of the Hungarians to the Carpathian Basin in 896, the year associated with the founding of the Hungarian homeland.
Because of this legend, the Turul represents origin, protection, strength, and destiny. It appears frequently in Hungarian art, literature, and monuments, always carrying a meaning that goes far beyond its physical form.
Where can you see the Turul statue?
One of the best-known Turul statues in Budapest stands at the upper station of the Buda Castle Funicular, near the entrance to the Castle District. With its wings spread wide above the city, the bird overlooks the Danube and Pest — a fitting position for a symbol meant to watch over the nation.
Many visitors pass beneath it on their way into Buda Castle without realizing its significance, yet once you know the story, the statue becomes impossible to ignore.
Why the Turul still matters
The Turul bird is not tied to a single historical figure or event. Instead, it represents continuity — the connection between myth, history, and modern Hungary.
Standing beneath it, you’re reminded that Budapest is not only a city of architecture and monuments, but also a place shaped by stories passed down for more than a thousand years.
Explore more: The Turul bird is featured in my Statues of Budapest collection, where famous monuments and symbolic figures reveal the deeper identity of the city.
Turul bird statue at the upper station of the Buda Castle Funicular in Budapest
