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!
My most popular day trip from Budapest is the full-day Eger and Wine tour, including the visit of the charming Baroque town of Eger and the visit of local wineries and vineyards. This is how Eger looks like in the winter. And, believe me, the wine is just as great in November as it is in the spring or summer. Book the tour and see it for yourself!
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
I’m taking thousands of pictures in Budapest every year, and many of them are taken at the very same spot. This is the upper station of the Buda Castle Funicular, close to the Sándor Palace and the Royal Palace. While my travellers are entertained by the changing of the guards, I’m taking pictures. Have a look, how different the pictures are even though they are taken at the same place. Join me for a walk in the Buda Castle District to see it for yourself!
This truly magnificent Neo-Renaissance building is on Andrássy street, right across from the State Opera House. I keep telling stories about the building, home of Drechsler Café, that was originally built for the pensioners of the National Rail Services. For many many long years the building was hiding behind scaffolding and recently it reopened as the W hotel. I hope you agree with me when I say that the renovators made a wonderful job and filled the palace with elegance and charm.
I know that many of you who are planning a visit to Europe are now concerned about the war in Ukraine. Personally I’m more concerned about the people who are at great risk, those who stayed in Ukraine and those who decided to flee their homeland. This is sad, this is awful and I hope that Russia’s leaders will held responsible for this unscrupulous aggression.
For you, as a traveller, there are no risks when you come to Europe. Yes, by now over 100.000 refugees arrived to Hungary, they are being taken care by local NGOs and charities. The volunteers of these organisations work 24/7 to provide refugees with shelter, food, transport tickets and hope. You won’t see crowds of refugees at the borders or at the train stations because of the heroic work of the volunteers and local people who offer to share their homes with people fleeing the war.
We’re supporting local charities and I’m also supporting a tour guide in Ukraine because I cannot imagine how it feels to lose your ground, your home, your entire life from one day to another. There are many charities to support, they need all the help they can get.
From the bottom of my heart I wish that the heroism of the Ukrainians defeats the aggressor and peace will be restored.
I’m proud to share with you that I’ve been awarded Tour Guide of the Year by Travel and Hospitality Awards.
Your reviews on TripAdvisor or on my website are highly appreciated and I’m always very glad to read how much you enjoyed your tours. This is a recent review from my TripAdvisor profile:
Our PR agency spent one weekend in Budapest – a team of 5 people – we wanted to celebrate a challenging business year in this beautiful city so close (and connected) to Vienna. We contacted Julia as we wanted to get some really good insights for Budapest, yet we did not have so much time – so we booked 3 hours with her. Julia took us on an outstanding tour in Budapest – I have never met such a dedicated, experienced and in the meantime passionate tour guide / a person loving her home country – every minute with Julia was interesting and exciting, she gave us such a vivid impression of Budapest from its interesting history / culture / architecture – connecting to todays story .. To be with a tour guides like her is pure luck, thank you Julia for this wonderfuld day – we would book her again and can only recommend to anyone who really wants to get a great insight to Budapest.
Yes, it’s relatively cold and some days may be foggy and gray but Budapest is still the most beautiful city of the world. However, I’d recommend to book shorter tours if you don’t want to stay out in the cold for a full day 🙂
Merry Christmas from Beautiful Budapest! #merrychristmas #boldogkarácsonyt #budapest#beautifulbudapest #christmas
Mí favourite winter program is to go ice skating to the City Park.
Days are getting shorter and nights are getting longer and this is how Beautiful Budapest looks like with all the amazing lights.
Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning but by the time I get to downtown Pest for a tour I’m the most grateful to live in the most beautiful city of the world.
