I’m spending a lot of time in Budapest every day, I consider myself very lucky to be able to see the changing of seasons, and I try to capture those special moments. Have a look at this photo gallery to see the four different faces of the Buda Castle Garden Bazaar in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Book a Buda Castle Walking tour with me to see the beautiful Royal Gardens for yourself!
I’m posting a lot about the Fisherman’s Bastion, not only because it’s very unique and beautiful, but also, because this is probably the most popular tourist attraction of Budapest. Thousands of people are taking pictures here every day, sometimes you have to wait in line to get a good spot. The line to buy tickets to go to the upper level – that I highly recommend – is usually long, but you can skip the line buying your tickets online. When time permits I take my travellers to the very top to enjoy the views.
It’s very rare to see the Fisherman’s Bastion deserted, with only a very few people around, but I was lucky this week to be the only one on top of Budapest.
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 was very lucky this Easter Monday because I could take my travellers to Hollókő, one of the cutest and most traditional Hungarian villages where people still cherish old traditions. Most of the village people are beautifully dressed up in locally designed costumes. There is music, great food and drinks, plenty of locally crafted products.
One can also participate in the festivities. The most cherished Hungarian Easter tradition is the “watering”, young men tossing buckets of cold water on girls, to keep them fresh all year long. In exchange they are given hand painted and decorated Easter eggs. Visiting tourists might also get wet if they don’t avoid young men carrying buckets of water :).
Hollókő is a very special village all year around, it was a very special treat to be there and celebrate Easter with locals. Book a tour with me, so that I can tell you more about the village and its traditions!
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!
Some of you know how much I love this time of the year, I love the smells and the colours of spring and I’m fascinated by the blossom of the cherry trees all along Tóth Árpád sétány in the Buda Castle district. Walk with me to see more!
