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!
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.
We celebrate Independence Day on the 15th of March, the Hungarian freedom war against the Habsburgs started on the 15th of March in 1848.
I collected some Hungarian flags from all around Budapest for celebration. On the Hungarian flag RED stands for life, blood and passion, WHITE stands for honesty and GREEN stands for hope.
Merry Christmas from Beautiful Budapest! #merrychristmas #boldogkarácsonyt #budapest#beautifulbudapest #christmas
