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 ancient Roman Empire was the largest empire of the world, at its peak the greatest territorial extent of the empire was almost 2 million square miles with a population from 50 to 90 million people. From the 1st century Romans created settlements along the Danube river to protect the empire from the east. There were several settlements created in the actual territories of Hungary, some ruins can be seen in the Northern part of Buda even today.
You can visit the ruins of an amphitheatre or Aquincum, the centre of the settlement with the remains of the governor’s palace and many residential buildings.
I would like to wish you all a very happy new year! These are my favourite pictures from 2022. I hope to meet you in Budapest in 2023!
Christmas markets in Europe are all very popular, some of my favourite markets are in Vienna. In the capital of Austria there are some 10 different markets in the heart of the city and more all around greater Vienna. In some 2 or 3 hours you can have hot punch or mulled wine at several markets and can enjoy the local atmosphere.
If you happen to be in Vienna during the Advent season, I’d recommend to explore as many different markets as you can. The big and famous ones are the one at the Rathaus (City Hall) and the one at Maria Theresien square in between the Art History and Natural History museums. You’ll find more information and a lot of tips and recommendations on the website of the Vienna Tourist Board.
We happened to be in Vienna on a tour last weekend and were truly amazed by the lights, the smells, the flavours and the atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you’re looking for Christmas Market tours in Budapest, Vienna or Bratislava!
The historic Chain Bridge has been under structural renovation for a year and a half. The bridge reopens later this week for public transportation and cabs. It will be fully reopened for pedestrian traffic in late summer 2023.
The oldest bridge of Budapest was opened in 1849 and has been the favourite bridge of locals and travellers ever since. The renovation was very much needed and was completed in a relatively short period of time, however, every day when we cannot cross the river on the Chain Bridge is considered a sad day. We’ve been missing you Chain Bridge and can’t wait to see you again very soon!
The ruin pubs in the Jewish quarter of Budapest are very popular, I encourage my travellers to visit one or two during their stay in Budapest, it’s always a special experience. The biggest ruin pub is Szimpla in Kazinczy street, it isn’t just a bar, it’s also a great community. There is a farmers’ market every Sunday with some live music, great food and great drinks. Szimpla is open from 3.00 PM on weekdays, 12.00 PM on Saturday and 9.00 AM on Sunday.
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.
