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- Destination Vienna, the quintessential Austrian experience!
As per the Global Liveability Index 2023, Vienna is the most liveable city in the world. The city is squeaky clean and has excellent infrastructure in terms of public transport with connectivity to all the important landmarks, tourist-friendly people and stunning architecture strewn across the entire city. Baroque* buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries and old Gothic** structures steeped in history have been very well preserved and now stand alongside some beautiful neo-classical buildings rendering this bustling metropolis an old-world charm. There are a few things you should know if you're planning a trip to Vienna - - 5 days sound like a lot to explore a city but believe me there is so much to do and see in Vienna that 5 days would just fly by. I would recommend at least 3 to 4 full days to experience Vienna at ease. - Every nook and corner of the city is laden with stunning art and architecture. Keep aside some time to walk along the beautiful boulevards of the city to see the many amazing artworks strewn across the city in the form of water fountains and statues. I've mentioned some walking tips in this blog as we go over the attractions. - There are many museums in Vienna, each one more enriching than the other. I always mention in all my blogs that one should be picky when it comes to museums. One, they are expensive and time-wise also it's not feasible to explore all of them. So, pick the ones you would like to see based on your personal choice. For example, the Kunsthistorishes Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts houses the art collection of the famous Habsburg Dynasty. Very close to it is the Naturhistorisches Museum or Museum of Natural History. Both these museums are not for connoisseurs of art but for regular visitors. We visited the Art History Museum. It was stunning, to say the least. Art pieces from many parts of the world have been put on display here. Worth the effort. Natural History Museum, as the name implies, is all about evolution. If you're travelling with kids, then it can be a good experience for them. There is also the option to buy the Vienna Pass. It grants entry to 60 major attractions, including the coveted Hofburg Palace with its museums. We did not buy the pass because many attractions still require advance bookings, and the pass has to be shown to fetch tickets at many places. To cut a long story short, I thought the pass was too much of a hassle with very little flexibility to manoeuvre and not value for money. - For travel within the city, buying a Travel Pass for 2, 3 or more days is a good idea. This ticket offers unlimited travel on any kind of public transport. Once you buy the ticket, you are expected to validate it the first time while boarding the metro, bus or tram. In Vienna, one gets the feeling that transport is free since no one ever asks you to show the ticket nor are there any punching machines installed anywhere. But that should not deter anyone from buying tickets. The city transport runs entirely on trust, it says something about the culture of this beautiful city. - While in Vienna, do not slip on the opportunity to visit a concert or the opera. Vienna Opera is closed in July and August, during this time a lot of other musical concerts are organised across the city. We visited an opera at the famous Musik Verein and I've shared my experience in a separate blog with a link pasted below. - And last but not least, while in Vienna, try out the Wiener Schnitzel, a thinly sliced piece of meat, breaded and fried made mostly of pork. And the not-to-miss Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with a dash of apricot jam. Mentioned below are the Top 15 Not-to-Miss Attractions in Vienna.... I have not arranged them day-wise, since we had 5 days, we could space out our outings. But most of them can fit into a tighter schedule too. Top 15 Sights in Vienna - Historic Centre of Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral - Hofburg Palace - Museums Quartier - Maria-Theresien-Platz - Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens - Belvedere Palace - Hundertwasserhaus - St. Peter's Church - Vienna's City Hall - Austrian Parliament - Mozart Wohnhaus - Residence of Mozart - Mariahilfer Strasse, the famous shopping street in Vienna - Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) - Musical Concert/Opera Historic Centre of Vienna The Historic Centre of Vienna is a pedestrian-only zone with famous boulevards like Graben and Kaerntner Strasse that connect to the stunning St. Stephan's Cathedral, the beautiful building of the Vienna State Opera and the massive Hofburg complex with its museums and impressive squares. My Tip - Your trip to Vienna would be incomplete without wandering the streets of the Historic Centre. We saw something different every time we happened to cross it. There are many beautiful old buildings, monuments, castles and parks to be seen. Even if you have less time, plan to spend an evening in the centre to soak in the vibe of the city. St. Stephen's Cathedral This is the heart of Vienna. The stunning tall Gothic structure juts out into the sky and you will see hordes of tourists craning their necks to get its spire in one single frame of their cameras. St. Stephen's Cathedral is the Seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. Entry to the cathedral is free but there are conducted tours available for seeing the catacombs and the 22 bells of the cathedral, the heaviest of which is 3 meters wide and weighs 21 tons. The inside of the cathedral is also stunning with the gold-panelled ceiling and altar. My Tip - Spend some time in the area around the cathedral called Stephansplatz. The famous street of Vienna called 'Graben' is here. A little ahead is the 'Kaerntnerstrasse', another famous elegant street. There are cafes and countless shops. You will see Vienna come alive around this street in the evening. Hofburg Palace or the Imperial Palace in Vienna In the Inner City or District 1 lies is the beautiful Hofburg Palace. The baroque architecture of the palace with its ornate domes is so impressive that you can't help but let out a sigh on seeing it for the first time. It is one of the largest palace complexes in the world. The original palace was built in the 13th century and it was the former imperial palace of the Habsburg Dynasty. A lot of expansions and alterations have been made to the structure over the centuries. The palace has 18 wings and the President of Austria resides in the Leopoldine Wing of the palace. There are too many things to do and see in the entire complex which can be quite confusing for first-time visitors. I have tried to put together some tips that might prove helpful in your Hofburg visit - 1. The entrance to the palace is super impressive and you cannot miss it. The colossal dome right on top of the Michaelerplatz is the main entrance from where tours to the museums start. Rows of horse-drawn carriages are lined up in the front. You can also opt for a ride around the palace complex. My Tip - Just around the opposite corner of the Hofburg Entrance is the very famous bakery called 'Demel'. You will see a long queue of people waiting to be seated. You should not leave Vienna without tasting their Sachertorte. Even their Apfel Strudel is to die for. You can jump the queue by just buying take-away stuff and eating it sitting on one of the benches near the palace entrance. 2. The huge palace complex houses many museums but the 3 not-to-miss are - Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and the Imperial Silver Collection. Tickets to these museums come with a very informative audio guide. If you have a Vienna Pass, then access to these two attractions is included in the pass. You will need about 3 hours to see all 3 museums. My Tip - These 3 museums display the opulent lifestyle of Austria's iconic Empress Elizabeth, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph, popularly known as Sisi. The young empress was a sportsperson, a fashion icon, a traveller and a poet. Her life has the same tragic shade that overshadowed the life of Princess Diana. The museums are immersive and highly insightful. If you're travelling across Austria, then you will hear the name Sisi quite often while visiting many palaces and museums. So, a visit to this museum can set the tone for all those visits. 3. The Hofburg Palace complex has many beautiful squares. Spend some time walking around. There is Josefplatz, the main public square with its stunning equestrian statue of Emperor Joseph II. The Swiss Court with its prominent Swiss Gate is also beautiful. There is a also Spanish Riding School in the complex that organises gala performances where their stallions show their skills in full dressage. 4. As you walk out of the complex, you will reach a beautiful square called Heldenplatz. This is a famous public square where many important historical events took place. Right behind it is the Austrian National Library. The main attraction in the library is the magnificent State Hall. 5. The building has 3 museums, the Papyrus Museum, Globe Museum and Esperanto Museum. Tickets for this are separate and are not included in the combination ticket of Hofburg. Vienna Pass includes entry to the library though. As I've stated earlier, go for the pass if you wish to see all the museums. We gave it a miss since we'd had our fill of museums for the day. If you have the Vienna Pass, then you can gain entry to the Royal Treasury or Schatzkammer which is also close by. It's a collection of crown jewels and armoury if you have an interest in it. There are many tour options available to see the Hofburg Palace. You can book advance tickets or even buy them at the counter on the day of your visit. Please refer to the official website for more details/changes/ programs - https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/imperial/hofburg-vienna Artwork around the Hofburg Palace, the Swiss Court and Heldenplatz Museums Quartier Just about a 10-minute walk away from the Heldenplatz is the Museums Quartier, also called MQ. This is a large open area with free access for wandering around. There are many old baroque-style structures, some new buildings and a lot of museums like the Leopold Museum and the Museum of Modern Art within MQ. My Tip - This is for true art lovers. We skipped the museums although the area itself is beautiful. You will see some very old, yet beautifully maintained structures. If you have Vienna Pass, then entry to a lot of museums should be included in it. Maria-Theresien-Platz As you walk from MQ a bit further, be prepared to be stunned by this beautiful monument called Maria-Theresien-Platz. This awe-inspiring monument is dedicated to Maria Theresia, the Archduchess of Austria, the only woman and one of the most famous rulers of the Habsburg Dynasty. As a reference point, let me tell you that she was the mother to Marie Antoinette, the infamous queen of France. You can easily spend about an hour wandering around this plaza and taking pictures. On both sides of the plaza, are the two beautiful symmetrical buildings with very impressive domes housing the two famous museums of Austria, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History Museum). Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens We started our day with a visit to the Schönbrunn Palace. The palace served as the Imperial Summer Residence during the reign of Maria Theresia, great-great-grandmother of Franz Joseph, Sisi's husband. Remember Sisi? I told you earlier on that if you're travelling around Austria, then Sisi is a name you'll hear often. Schönbrunn Palace is beautiful, the rooms tell the tales of the opulence of royalty. Audio guides are given as a part of the ticket. My Tip - Entry to the gardens is free. But you need to buy separate tickets for the rest of the attractions like the Privy Garden and Orangery. One can spend a good 2 hours in the palace and the gardens. Photography inside the palace is strictly prohibited. The entry to the palace is a bit confusing. There are no clear signages anywhere as to where the tour of the palace starts. So, while buying the ticket, please ensure that you know which way you need to start. Belvedere Palace The beautiful Belvedere Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has two beautiful baroque palaces facing the palace gardens and stables. This historic building is used as an art gallery, exhibiting the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, an Austrian symbolist painter. There are also some masterpieces by Monet and van Gogh. My Tip - Belvedere is beautiful, even better than Schönbrunn. The palace has two parts, the Upper and Lower Belvedere. Stick to the Upper Belvedere for its stunning art collection. The gardens are also delightful. But remember you will need at least 3 hours to see the entire art collection and the palace. Total value for money! Hundertwasserhaus This is an apartment building in Vienna known for its asymmetrical, colourful facade. The exterior of this residential building was designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. My Tip - The architecture is novel and the concept is interesting. I would not rate it as a strict not-to-miss attraction though. There is no metro connection. Many buses ply on this route though and the bus stop is quite close by. From Schwedenplatz, we took a tram Prater Line towards Hetzgasse and then a 2-minute walk to the houses. St. Peter's Church This baroque church is a gem that gets overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbour, St. Stephen's Cathedral. It is located a little off Graben, huddled between two high buildings. My Tip - If you're wandering in Graben, then take a look at this church. Entry is free and the interiors are breathtaking. We spent about 30 minutes marvelling at the intricate interiors. Vienna's City Hall If you've seen Stephansplatz, the city centre, then walk about one kilometre to reach the Rathaus or City Hall. The impressive neo-Gothic structure is massive and one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Vienna. You will be able to see its spires from a long way off. It is an operational office, the seat of the provincial government, with over 1500 rooms. My Tip - Many sections of the Rathaus are free to visit but you can gain entry only with a conducted tour. Since it is a working office, you will have to check the website of the city of Vienna for the timings of the tours. https://www.wien.gv.at/english/cityhall/tours.htm We missed the tour of the day since bookings in advance are not possible, one has to wait at the venue to gain entry. There are some very nice eateries around the Rathaus complex, one can spend some time lazying around. Austrian Parliament Walk another 6 to 7 minutes and you will reach the Austrian Parliament. This magnificent neo-classical structure is so stunning that words fail me to describe it. The huge white edifice is an operational office and like the Rathaus, can be seen from the inside with free conducted tours. We clicked many pictures from all sides but none of them do justice to this beautiful structure. My Tip - The tour of the parliament is conducted on weekdays, lasts 85 minutes and is free of cost. The catch is that you have to register beforehand on their official website. Then you get a QR code which you have to show along with your ID on the day of the tour. We were not aware of this, so had to skip the tour and never had the time to go back for the tour on another day. Mozart Wohnhaus - Residence of Mozart Mozart lived in Vienna in many different places but his house in Domgasse is the one that has survived. He lived here for 3 years from 1784 to 1787. The house is very close to St. Stephen's Cathedral. I wish someone had told us that earlier. We had to hunt hard to find this house. Google Maps refused to oblige. It just kept taking us in circles. But we had enough time, so we spent a good one hour looking for it. My Tip - This is one of those attractions that just need a tick off your bucket list. Admitting that you did not see Mozart's living quarters in Vienna would be too shameful. Haha...spoken like a true tourist! But honestly, there is nothing to see, just a regular old building with signage. The Mozart house in Salzburg is worth seeing though, which now is a museum. Mariahilfer Strasse, the famous shopping street in Vienna This is the largest shopping street in Vienna, perhaps also the longest at 1.8 km, with shops of every brand you can think of. And it's full of shoppers. You will see a lot of tourists alongside mostly locals going about their daily chores. And a heady taste of the modern Vienna vibe. My Tip - You will take about 26 mins to reach this street from Stephansplatz, the city centre. While in Vienna, plan to spend an evening around this street. Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts) Right next to Maria-Theresien-Platz is the Museum of Fine Arts. There is so much to say and write about this museum, this space would not be enough. I've written a separate blog about this visit. Please open the link below to learn more - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-kunsthistorisches-museum-museum-of-fine-arts-in-vienna Musical Concert/Opera No trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the Vienna State Opera. But sadly, the opera closes for its annual break in July and August. In the absence of the opera, the entire city comes alive with music concerts in churches, palaces and music halls. We went to a Mozart Music Concert in Musikverien. It was an experience worth remembering for a lifetime. Click on the link below to read more about it - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/mozart-concert-at-the-musikverein-vienna To sum up, I would say that Vienna is indeed the most liveable city in the world. There is minimum vehicular pollution, just loads of pedestrian-friendly zones, with artworks scattered around stunning public squares, waiting to be explored on foot. A city steeped in history and yet a thriving modern-day metropolis with world-class infrastructure. So, plan a trip to Vienna. If you discover something new that I might have missed, I would be thrilled to hear from you! From Vienna, we went to Salzburg and further to Innsbruck. You can click on the links below to learn more about these amazing destinations Salzburg https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/travelling-to-salzburg-don-t-miss-these-top-10-attractions Hallstatt https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-practical-tips-about-a-day-trip-to-hallstatt-the-picturesque-town-in-upper-austria Salzwelten https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-salzwelten-hallstatt-the-oldest-salt-mine-in-the-world Hohensalzburg https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-short-excursion-to-hohensalzburg-fortress-the-crown-of-salzburg Innsbruck https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/everything-you-should-know-before-planning-a-3-day-trip-to-innsbruck Top of Innsbruck https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-cable-car-ride-to-the-top-of-innsbruck-the-jewel-of-the-alps Swarovski Crystal World https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-swarovski-crystal-world-in-innsbruck * Baroque architecture - An opulent and highly decorative style of building that originated in Italy in the 17th century and then spread to the rest of Europe. Typical characteristics are intricate details, grand decorations and statues with dramatic curves and twists. ** Gothic architecture - This is an architectural style that was prevalent in Europe in the Middle Ages. Typical characteristics that define this architecture are pointed arches, flying buttresses, large stained glass windows and ornate decorations.
- Day trip to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world!
The beautiful hilly state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, also called ' Devbhoomi ' or 'Abode of the Gods,' owes its name to the presence of 60 temples dedicated to the revered Lord Shiva on its sacred land. Each of these temples is seeped in mythology and folklore, mysticism and magic, and interesting anecdotes from the Puranas* that help reiterate the belief that these temples stand for, an unshakeable, unwavering faith in the almighty Lord Shiva, the invincible. About Tungnath and Panch Kedar Tungnath temple belongs to the group of ' Panch Kedar Temples ' or 5 Kedar temples. As per popular folklore, Pandavas , the gallant and righteous five princes of Indraprastha defeated their deceitful one hundred cousins, the Kaurvas in a fierce and bloody battle of Kurukshetra. After the war, the Pandavas wanted to atone for their sin of fratricide (the sin of killing one's kin). They worshipped Lord Shiva and sought his forgiveness but Shiva wanted them to undergo penance for their deeds and cleanse themselves of their sins. When Pandavas reached Varanasi at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the abode of Lord Shiva, he disguised himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas and hid himself in the Garhwal Himalayas. This place came to be known as Guptkashi , Gupt meaning hidden and Kashi, the city of Shiva. Lord Shiva re-appeared as a bull in the Himalayan region. Bheema, the most powerful of the Pandava brothers was looking for Lord Shiva. He spotted the bull and recognised it as Lord Shiva. But the bull vanished and re-appeared in five parts at five different locations namely Kedarnath , where the hump appeared, the arms appeared in Tungnath , the face in Rudranath , the navel in Madhyamaheshwar and the hair in Kalpeshwar . The Pandavas built temples in all these 5 locations to seek the forgiveness and blessings of Lord Shiva. All 5 temples of Panch Kedar are located in the same region and cover a total mountain trek of about 170 km. It takes about 15 to 21 days to cover all these temples in one go. Rudranath is considered to be the toughest of all these 5 mountainous treks. How to reach Tungnath Tungnath temple, located at an altitude of 12,070 feet above sea level, is the highest Shiva temple in the world! There is a scenic pass through the hills, 3.5 kilometres long, that will take you right up to the temple's entrance. 3.5 km sounds quite doable, but the steep incline and the high altitude can be challenging for some people. The walk uphill starts on a cobbled path from the nearest town of Chopta. The winding pass passes through beautiful meadows and scenic valleys. Ponies are also easily available if you do not wish to walk. Here are the Top 5 tips for your Tungnath trip The trek is only 3.5 km but it's quite steep uphill. If you're not up for walking all the way uphill, then you should opt for a pony. The high altitude can cause breathing discomfort in some people. You must carry camphor tablets to ease breathing on your way up. There is very limited infrastructure en route to the temple. There are just one or two small shacks selling basic snacks and drinks. Unlike many other popular shrines, there are no covered sheds or resting places along the way. You should carry an umbrella if the weather forecast is cloudy. Also, carry drinking water for the journey. Most importantly, start early in the morning. The trek is even but there is no lighting throughout the route. It was pitch dark by the time we came downhill. It would help if you carried a torch to see the route. We had to depend on the torchlight of our phone to get back safely. 1.5 km further from the Tungnath temple is Chandrashila, a viewpoint that offers unobstructed and glorious views of the Himalayas, Nandadevi, and Kedar Peak. If you have the zeal and energy to walk up another 1.5 km, you should not miss it. We visited Tungnath in October 2024. The journey was every bit memorable. I'm sharing some pictures of our journey. The route to the temple was very scenic, as we went through lush green valleys and meadows.... Last leg of the journey.... Entrance gate of the temple... First look of the temple complex... The valley around the temple at dusk... The trek is plunged into darkness by the time we set forth on our return journey... * Puranas are Hindu religious texts that are part of the Vedas. There are 18 Puranas in all, that deal with exhaustive information on many subjects like theology, cosmology, religion, astronomy and medicine among others. Puranas use religious symbolism and fables to carry their message.
- Top 5 must-do things in Vancouver, the bustling metropolis of British Columbia
Vancouver has always found a place of pride on the list of most liveable cities in the world and a visit to this city reiterates this fact. As the name suggests, the city is flanked by the peaks of the North Shore Mountains on its northern coastal edge with its famous Grouse Mountain ski resort and by the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean on the west. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean is the beautiful city of Vancouver. My first and foremost tip for anyone visiting the city is to check the weather forecast for the day before making any bookings since it rains quite a lot in Vancouver. The summer months of June to August are the driest, so planning a vacation during that time would be ideal, also since most of the activities are outdoors. We were there in June 2024 so although it rained now and then, it was dry for the most part. We spent four days in Vancouver, our second visit to the city. Our first trip was in the summer of 2011, for a week when my kids were still very young. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the city has retained its charm even after so many years, although, like most metropolises, it looked more crowded. If you're a first-time visitor to the city, you must plan to keep at least a week aside to see its many wonders. There are an endless number of things to do and the city boasts something to cater to all tastes. On this trip, we wanted to see what we had not seen on our previous visit. In this post, I'll cover all the Top 5 must-do things in Vancouver that we saw on our previous trip and this one and try to give you insights into both. I. Stanley Park If you're an outdoor enthusiast, go for a run or bike around this massive 405-hectare public park. The park has the famous Stanley Park Seawall Path which is a 10-km long loop around the park that runs along the ocean and offers spectacular views. It takes about 3 hours to walk and 1 hour to cycle around the park. In my opinion, if you wake up on a sunny day in Vancouver, then don't miss a chance to go to Stanley Park. Conducted biking tours are also available if you wish to learn about the local history and see all the important points within the park. We had spent a day at the park on our earlier trip, we had hired bikes that were easily available around the many shops very close to the park. We made a short stop this time too. The park looked pretty much the same except there were way more tourists along with the locals and the free shuttle service that used to ferry passengers from the city is no longer there. II. Granville Island Located on False Creek, Granville Island is a perfect place to spend an evening. On first look, it would look like any other seafront promenade with eateries, boat rentals and souvenir shops. But after having spent an evening here, I think this should be on your not-to-miss list. The Granville Island Public Market is a great place to try fresh produce and gourmet delicacies. The entire area is bustling with eateries and breweries and local shops selling trinkets and handicrafts. You can also opt for a ferry ride called the Aqua Bus that will take you around the scenic harbourfront. III. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park lies in the District of North Vancouver and is known for its 140-metre-long suspension bridge, 70 meters above the Capilano River. But it's not the bridge alone that makes this park special, the entire 30-acre park has 7 other suspended footbridges, treetop adventures and Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway above the Capilano Canyon. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. During Christmas, it stays open until 9 p.m. for a display of lights called Canyon Lights. Please check the official website for more details if you happen to be in Vancouver in winter https://www.capbridge.com/events/canyon-lights/ The park is a must-see attraction if you're travelling as a family with kids and this is exactly what we had done on our previous trip to Vancouver. This time, though, we decided to visit Lynn Canyon instead. IV. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge Lynn Canyon Park also lies in the District of North Vancouver at a distance of about 9 km from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Unlike Capilano, entry to the park is free but you have to pay for the parking. There is an East Parking lot that is free. If you happen to enter the park from there, then you won't have to pay for the parking too. Spread over an area of 617 acres, the park has many beautiful hiking trails with different levels of incline and narrow to wide streams of water flowing from Lynn Creek. The favourite trail is the Lynn Canyon Loop which is 1.4 miles long and kid-friendly with a moderate incline. Except for some parts of the park which can be reached only by the wooden staircases, most of the park is wheelchair friendly. The park boasts a suspension bridge about 50 meters high and all the basic amenities like toilets and a small refreshment area too. My Tip - After having seen both the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge this time and the Capilano Suspension Bridge on our earlier visit to Vancouver, I'd say that you must see the latter if you're a first-time visitor. Capilano is paid but every bit touristy with dangling bridges, colourful totem poles and a fun adventure park with cute cottages and small hiking trails. That doesn't take away the fact that Lynn Canyon is also a great place to spend a day in the outdoors but it's more for nature lovers and not for tourists, especially the ones travelling with family. I'm pasting some pictures of Capilano from our earlier trip for your reference. V. Flyover Canada This was our day three in Vancouver and it turned out to be cloudy with scattered rainfall. We decided to shop around and check out Flyover Canada, a recreation facility that offers simulated flying journeys over Canada. I'd seen a trailer for this show on YouTube and found it very impressive, but the actual experience was more fun than we could have imagined. Located in Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver, the simulation ride lasts about 20 minutes but it's 20 minutes of sheer thrill. We were made to sit in flight-motion seats with seat belts to give us a real feeling of flight as the seats swooped over mountains, lakes, and volcanoes, leaving us in raptures. The 4 D experience includes wind, mist, and the scents of the region we flew over. The show covers Canada's entire length and breadth with spellbinding special effects. My Tip - This show was spectacular. The only negative is that it should have lasted a bit longer than 20 minutes. By the time the feeling of euphoria kicks in, it's time to get off the seat. The facility is very organised. Photography inside is strictly prohibited. Apart from these top 5 not-to-miss attractions, a day trip to the beautiful mountain town of Whistler and Victoria, the stunning capital city of British Columbia should be on your itinerary too. We visited Whistler on our last visit, so I'll share my experience with you here. We visited Victoria this time again. On our last day trip, we opted for a whale-watching cruise. It was super fun, to say the least, but that left time for little else. This time, we drove around the city and visited the famous Butchart Gardens and the beautiful area around Ogden Point Breakwater, the popular walk near Downtown Victoria. Day trip to Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia Day four turned out to be sunny again. Based on this weather forecast, we'd planned a day trip to Victoria and were glad to see that our plan had been successful. Read more about the beautiful capital of British Columbia by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-victoria-bc-from-vancouver Day trip to Whistler We had done a day trip to Whistler from Vancouver on our previous trip. Sharing the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-whistler-from-vancouver-in-summer So, that is Vancouver for you. After having visited it twice, I'd like to sum up by listing these Top 5 Not-to-Miss attractions that are unique to the city and a great way to spend your time in Vancouver. If you're travelling with kids, then visiting the Science World and Vancouver Aquarium should also feature on your itinerary. I. Victoria - Picture-perfect destination. Ideally, one should keep at least two days to soak in the ethereal beauty of this city, go on a whale-watching tour and see the Butchart Gardens. II. Whistler - Visit for its world's longest and highest lift system called Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. III. Capilano Suspension Bridge - This unique park is a perfect getaway for families. IV. Stanley Park - The park offers great outdoors and the Seawall is a must-see. V. Granville Island - A great way to spend a memorable evening, it has great eateries and the place is vibrant and fun.
- A day trip to Victoria BC from Vancouver
Let me start by saying that Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is picture-perfect. It's located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Olympic Mountains. The city is renowned for its vibrant art scene, culture, international cuisine, beautiful parks, a plethora of outdoor activities and an unmistakable old-world charm by way of its colonial architecture which has been very well preserved. There are many ways to travel from Vancouver to Victoria BC, you can fly, go by bus or ferry or take a seaplane. Some more luxurious options like V2V are also available for travelling between these two cities. We took a BC Ferry which is quite a popular option since you can drive straight into the ferry parking in your vehicle. There is a ferry every two hours, so availability is not an issue. You must book your tickets in advance though. Also, the ferry is spacious, there are eateries, washrooms, a play area for kids and an open deck with seating. The ride lasts 90 minutes from the Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal in Victoria. The ride is fun and your sightseeing will begin from here as the ferry sails past a beautiful coastline over the Strait of Georgia in the Salish Sea. Once you reach Victoria, plan to stroll around the stunning waterfront before heading on any activity. See the entire city come alive here, no words are needed to describe this .... This was our second trip to Victoria. After having visited the city twice, both times on a day trip from Vancouver, I've concluded that we should've ideally kept aside at least two to three days in the city. On our last visit, we opted for a whale-watching cruise. I'm sharing my experience via a video. This was in 2011, please bear with me, the video quality is not as per today's standards but the excitement of seeing Orca whales in their natural habitat so close to our boat was thrilling... This time, though, we decided to drive around the city and see the world-famous Butchart Gardens and spend the sunset at Ogden Point Breakwater, the beautiful walking trail close to Downtown Victoria. Butchart Gardens Victoria Butchart Gardens is a haven of colour and if you visit it in spring, then flowers like cherry blossoms, daffodils and tulips are in full bloom. But regardless of the season, the garden with its beautiful Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, exquisitely arranged lush green foliage, water bodies with fountains, small winding paths, colourful totem poles and even a cute-looking carousel, is a treat to visit. The carousel is paid with a nominal ticket of $2 per person. Close to the entrance is a nice souvenir shop and some eateries too. The gardens are located at a distance of 22 km from Downtown Victoria. It's easily accessible by both private and public transport. Parking facilities are good. You should plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours inside the gardens to fully appreciate its beauty. They are open till 11 pm on most days of the year except on holidays and Christmas Day. We, like most people, visited the gardens during the day. But I've heard some rave reviews from people who visited it at dusk when the garden is illuminated. To have the best of both worlds, you can plan to go there in the evening and stay on till dusk falls. You don't need a conducted tour of the garden, the paths are wheel-chair friendly and there are adequate spaces to sit and relax. What more can I say about these gardens....the pictures are self-explanatory... This was in summer so one can imagine the glorious hues in spring!! Ogden Point Breakwater After having spent a leisurely first half of the day amidst the beauty of Butchart Gardens, we decided to go to the Ogden Point Breakwater, a walk near Downtown Victoria. It should take you about 5 minutes to drive to Breakwater Point from Downtown Victoria, or if you're up for walking, it will take about 35 minutes to reach the Breakwater. Walk towards Dallas Road and turn right onto the wide path leading to the Breakwater. A 1.6-kilometer-long round trip of this scenic walk can take about 30 minutes to an hour. At the end of the walk is a lighthouse from where you can get glorious views of the sunset and Juan de Fuca Strait. The walk is incredibly beautiful with planes flying overhead and cruises passing by. You will be able to see the busy Victoria Harbour with ferries and sailboats on the water and helicopters whirring overhead. That sums up our day trip to Victoria. My parting tip is that one should plan to spend more time than just a day in this vibrant city to soak in its many wonders.
- Day trip to Whistler from Vancouver in summer
The beautiful mountain town of Whistler is a haven for sports enthusiasts. In winter, the town sees tourists flocking to it for skiing and snowboarding at the Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. In summer, the town comes alive with activities like mountain biking and hiking. And the not-to-miss Peak-2-Peak Gondola that plies between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. If you have just a day in Whistler in summer, then this gondola ride should be on top of your itinerary. Vancouver to Whistler Whistler lies at a distance of 121 kilometres from Vancouver. The best way to get to Whistler is by bus from Vancouver which will take about 2 hours and will go through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. A luxury train called 'Rocky Mountaineer' also runs between the two cities on scheduled days and offers panoramic views of Fraser Valley and the mountains and forests of Alberta and British Columbia. But it's expensive both in terms of money and time since it takes 12 hours to cover the distance. A day in Whistler We started very early from Vancouver since we had just a day in Whistler. Buses ply at regular intervals but it's best to buy tickets in advance, especially during the peak season. We reached Whistler within two hours through the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway. The town is small and has an old-world charm to it. Whistler is a walkable city, you can easily go on foot around restaurants and the marketplace. The day was sunny and bright, we wanted to make the most of it, so, we headed straight for the gondola ride. This post does not have lots of information about Whistler since we visited the town as far back as 2011, a lot of things would have changed in this much time. I'm just sharing my personal experience with some photos. For the latest information and updates, please refer to their official website https://www.whistler.com/activities/peak-to-peak-gondola/ And now the gondola ride.... There are 3 gondola rides in all, the Whistler Village gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The 436-metre-high Peak 2 Peak gondola is a cable car connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It has held the Guinness World Record for being the highest of its kind gondola. You should keep aside at least two hours for the entire gondola experience. Buy the Peak 2 Peak 360-degree Experience ticket. This will give you access to all three gondola rides. At 4 kilometres long, it is also one of the longest lift systems in the world. The ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is an 11-minute journey. One gets to see stunning alpine scenery through the gondola... I've come across a lot of forums where there is a lot of comparison between Peak 2 Peak Gondola and the Sea to Sky Gondola. When we visited Whistler in 2011, the Sea to Sky Gondola did not exist. It was built in 2014. I'm afraid I will not be able to give any input on this comparison. To sum up, I'd say that the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is worth your time and money. We sighted a huge grizzly bear on the mountain slope below us during our gondola ride. Back then, photos were taken with cameras, not phones, by the time I switched on my camera, both the gondola and the bear had moved on. But the experience of seeing such a huge bear in its natural habitat was amazing. If you visit Whistler, do share your experience with me.
- A day in the Little Quarter or Lesser Town, Prague
Little Quarter, Lesser Town or Mala Strana, as it's popularly known is the most-tourist-frequented part of Prague. Taking a stroll down the narrow, cobbled streets of Lesser Town will instantly transport you into the world of medieval Prague. There are so many historical wonders waiting to be explored. Just walk along using a map and you will find most of the places mentioned below. The Lesser Town is in no way less than the rest of Prague, the name means little side. The River Vltava divides the city into Old Town Square side and the side on the other end of the river called Mala Strana. I have listed 15 sights that you can aim to see in the Lesser Town, depending on your level of energy to walk around and the time available at hand. But they are all quite close by and can easily be covered on foot. a. Charles Bridge b. St. Nicholas Church c. Lesser Town Square d. Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower e. Petrin Hill f. Memorial to the victims of Communism g. Petrin Tower h. Lennon Wall i. Devil's Channel and Water Mill j. Kampa Island k. Kampa Museum l. Giant Crawling babies m. Kinsky Garden n. Narrowest street in Prague o. Franz Kafka Museum a. Charles Bridge The iconic Charles Bridge is the symbol of Prague. The majestic bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town over the Vltava River. The construction of the bridge started under the regime of King Charles IV, hence the name and ended in the 15th century, giving this bridge the distinction of being the oldest stone bridge in Europe. What makes this bridge popular among tourists is the amazing scenery one gets of the Vltava River from atop the bridge. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Old Town Square to the Charles Bridge and this is exactly what all visitors to the city do. There are hundreds of tourists jostling to get a picture of the many statues of saints erected along the length of the bridge. The bridge leads into Mala Strana or Lesser Town. Why it's called Lesser Town is beyond me because this part of Prague is as scenic with its beautiful baroque structures and tilted red roofs as the Old Town. The Bridge Tower is the entrance to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town. This Gothic tower is a sight to behold. My Tip - The bridge is always crowded, crawling with people, we tried going in the evening on one day and late evening on the second day. Maybe you should try going in the early morning. A lot of interesting boat tour options are available on the river that takes you around and under the bridge. I'm not a big fan of streetside hawkers selling trinkets and souvenirs and drawing pictures of tourists on the bridge. It just makes the place more crowded. If you can beat the crowds, then go up the Bridge Tower, it takes 138 steps to reach the top but the views of the river from here are amazing, especially at sundown. b. St. Nicholas Church St. Nicholas Church is one of the most beautiful specimens of Baroque Architecture in all of Prague. The church is located just over from the Charles Bridge. We have seen many beautiful churches in Italy, Spain, Austria and some more cities in Europe but this ornate church is worth all the time and money you spend. The stunning interiors are so colourful and vibrant that they take you by surprise at first look. You can easily spend about an hour inside. My Tip - Remember, there are two St. Nicholas Churches in Prague, the one in Old Town Square is free to visit. This one in Lesser Town is paid, 100 CZK for adults. You can climb the top of the Bell Tower which has about 200 steps to the top. We did not do this because we were too tired from an entire day of walking around the Lesser Town. But I am sure the views from the top would be surreal. This is a sure not-to-miss attraction in Prague. c. Lesser Town Square The Lesser Town Square lies in the centre of the Lesser Town. You can walk through the upper end of the square towards Prague Castle and at the lower end, you will reach Charles Bridge. In the centre of the square is the Holy Trinity Column, a high baroque structure made in the 18th century. Wallenstein Palace in the Lesser Town is the seat of the Czech Senate. There are beautiful French gardens that adorn the palace exteriors. Access is free. d. Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower This is undoubtedly the most happening place in Prague. The Old Town Bridge will take you from the Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower will take you from Mala Strana to Charles Bridge. These beautiful bridge towers on both ends of the bridge are a sight to behold. You can ascend the towers for a small fee. My Tip - I am always quite keen on talking to fellow tourists, we were told by some tourists standing around the tower that the wooden staircase leading to the top was a tough climb. So, we gave the climb a miss. But the tower itself is a beautiful Gothic structure that looks stunning when lit up at night. If possible, just hang around till sundown to see the tower lit up. e. Petrin Hill This is a beautiful hillside park which can easily be accessed by a funicular. You can take the funicular from the Ujzed Tram Stop in Mala Strana. If you want to hike up the hill, then it takes about 30 minutes. The walk is very pleasant as the path goes through beautiful gardens and woods. This place is a small green oasis amid a bustling city. The area of Petrin Hill has seven different gardens, Seminary Garden and Rose Garden to name a few. We took the funicular on our way up and then walked back down. There are many benches all along the route where you can sit and relax. There is an observatory on the top and some nice cafes for visitors to sit and relax. f. Memorial to the victims of Communism At the base of Petrin Hill, as you climb the broad staircase from the side of the road, you will see this thought-provoking monument. Throughout Prague, one can see such artworks that very poignantly depict the harsh times under the communist regime that lasted for almost 40 years. g. Petrin Tower Many people believe that Petrin Tower is Prague's answer to the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The tower is located on the Petrin Hill. If you have the Prague Visitor Pass, then entry to the tower is included in it. You get beautiful views of the city of Prague from the top. My Tip - The approach to the hill was the best part of the trip for me. Entry to the tower was closed due to some maintenance work going on. I would not want to compare it to the Eiffel Tower but the entire area is beautiful in its own right. We stayed till dusk and the views were terrific. h. Lennon Wall The wall in Lesser Town will entice you with its colourful graffiti and images of the Beatles. If you're a Beatles fan, then you would perhaps know that John Lennon's and the Beatles' music was forbidden in the communist regime of Czechoslovakia. This wall became a symbol of the suppression of freedom of speech during the communist era. The Czech youth used it to express their disgruntlement with the regime. i. Devil's Channel and Water Mill Very close to the Lennon Wall, is a small romantic bridge called Lover's Bridge that separates Lesser Town from Kampa Island over Certovka or Devil's Channel. The channel is quite long as it was used to supply water to the mills and this entire part gives the feel of a little Venice in Prague. The Watermill can be spotted from the Lover's Bridge. There is a green demon face on the side of the mill called Vodnik. As per legend, he is one of the water demons of the River Vltava and should be revered. The mill is not functional now but the area around it is very romantic. j. Kampa Island This small island was not on our list of sights, we just walked over Charles Bridge and came across this beautiful island with stunning views of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. Interestingly, we saw a life-size Harmony Statue of Sri Chinmoy on the banks of River Vltava with the caption "If you can create harmony in your own life, this harmony will enter into the vast world." This was created by Kaivalya Torpy, a British sculptor in 2009. There are some other interesting artworks along the waterfront too. You can easily spend a lazy afternoon at the waterfront if you have time. k. Kampa Museum Right next to the waterfront is the Kampa Museum. The museum is dedicated to Modern European Art. Truth be told, this for me is like Latin, so we gave the museum a miss and instead spent time walking around the beautiful island. l. Giant Crawling babies Just walk a few meters away from the Kampa Museum towards the park and you will come across these giant crawling babies. The monument has been made by David Cerny. My Tip - We couldn't make out the logic behind making such giant babies that crawl. But then such strange artworks by David Cerny are commonplace in Prague. m. Kinsky Garden On the side of Petrin Hill, adjoining the Kinsky Summer Residence, lies this beautifully landscaped garden called Kinsky Garden. The garden has beautiful pools, small waterfalls and a church. My Tip - It's nothing spectacular, but if you have time, then you can spend it in this landscaped paradise. We just walked through it and exited the garden at Kinsky Square. n. Narrowest street in Prague Just about 20 minutes away from Kinsky Square is the narrowest street in Prague. The street is just 20 inches wide and leads you to a restaurant facing the Vltava River. Since the street is so narrow, there is a traffic light on both ends to navigate pedestrians. People have to wait for the light to turn green before they walk inside since only one person can walk through at one time. My Tip - Finding the street took over an hour. We crossed it thrice and missed it each time. Remember to look for Na Kampe Road from Charles Bridge coming towards Mala Strana. Turn right into U Lužického Semináře. I feel the effort that went into looking for the street was far more than the actual sight. It's just a small alley leading to a restaurant. If you're travelling with kids, then it surely can be a fun thing for them to do with the mini street light and all. o. Franz Kafka Museum This museum is only meant for Franz Kafka fans. If you've read about his works and his books, only then go to see this museum. It lies on the banks of the Vltava River. The entire museum is so small, not worth the money. The only highlight of the museum is the two peeing-men. This weird artwork instantly catches your attention. Otherwise, I found the museum very dark, dull and uninspiring. Sorry, Kafka fans!! So, this was Mala Strana or Lesser Town in a nutshell for you. You can cover all of this easily in one day at leisure. Remember to see Charles Bridge by daytime and definitely during sundown. My last memory of Prague is the beautiful Charles Bridge all lit up at night and throwing its glorious reflection in the calm waters of the Vltava River flowing below. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here
- A week in Prague, the city of 100 spires!
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic beckons visitors from all over the world with its world-class infrastructure and stunning medieval architecture. It's rightly called the City of 100 Spires.....no where else in the world will you find such an eclectic mix of old Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and Romanesque chapels all standing in sync with the Art Nouveau structures, rendering the city its famous skyline full of spires. Some quick tips on Prague for you .... 1. First things first! Toilets throughout Prague and the entire country of Czech charge for use, so keep aside 10 or even 15 CZK for that, except in dine-in restaurants where they are free. In some places, only cash is accepted, no credit cards are welcome. 2. Prague is a medieval paradise waiting to be explored. But mind you, the best way to do it is on foot since Prague is well connected by buses and trams. So, be prepared to walk on and on, looking at artwork at every nook and corner of the city. 3. Prague is a compact city. So, when you're in one part of the city, you can see all the attractions in one go. I have divided the attractions in Prague not on day-based itineraries but rather based on their location because once you reach a particular point, it's best that you cover that entire area on a single trip to save time and money. 4. While researching Prague before our trip, I repeatedly came across these three terms, Old Town, New Town and Lesser Town. When visiting Prague, I realised that moving around is easier if you know which is where along with their Czech names. 5. So, let me start by putting things in order. Prague is divided into 4 Quarters- - Castle Quarter - Little Quarter - Old Town and - New Town. I have elaborated on each of these quarters in separate blogs with links pasted for each one for easy reading. 6. While in Prague don't miss the Naplavka Waterfront on the river the Vltava River, as it meanders its way through the heart of the city with beautiful bridges like the iconic Charles Bridge offering amazing vistas of the city. 7. You must try Trdelink, the yummy dough pastry that has its origins in Romania. It's filled with ice cream....you cannot leave Prague without tasting it! 8. Prague has a lot to see and experience, so an ideal vacation should last about 3 days. More days are always a bonus. 9. Also , visiting the city on a weekend in summer can be great, if possible, because a lot many art festivals are held around the city squares over the weekends in summer. Dancers from neighbouring countries of Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovenia and more dress up in their traditional costumes and perform live on stage. The performances are a treat to watch! We were greeted with one such performance the moment we reached the city. 10. Prague is tourist-friendly. A lot of travel options are available, like the Prague Travel Card that you can buy for 48 and 72 hours or more. Prague Cool Pass also allows you unlimited travel on all kinds of public transport with entries to many attractions included. Please refer to the Prague Tourism Official Site for more info https://www.prague.eu/en If you're reaching Prague by train, then your sightseeing will start from the Railway Station itself! There is so much to do and see in Prague that despite my best efforts, this blog about Prague attractions is the longest I've ever written! It was running into six pages I last checked, so, I've divided this narrative into many parts for easy reading. We had 6 nights in Prague. I know that sounds like a lot but believe me, we spent each day doing something new. We had planned two one-day trips from Prague and an evening at the World's oldest Black Light Theater of Czech. You can click on the links below to read more about these here - Day trip to Bohemian Switzerland , the largest natural arch in Europe. Click on the link below to read more about this natural mountainous paradise and tips on how to get there from Prague - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-bohemian-switzerland-from-prague Day trip to Kutna Hora , the famous Bone Chapel. Click on the link below to find out more about this iconic chapel - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-prague-to-kutna-hora-a-medieval-unesco-world-heritage-site An evening at the World's oldest Black Light Theater of Jiri Srnec in the erstwhile Czechoslovakia. Click on the link below to read more about this amazing experience - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-the-world-s-oldest-black-light-theatre-of-jiri-srnec-a-czech-speciality I have listed 41 attractions in all......phew! 41 sounds like a formidable number of things to see but most of them in one part of the city are quite close to each other and can be easily covered on foot. Also, I have tried to give you input about the attraction and whether making an effort to see it is worth your time. As I've stated earlier, they are divided area-wise. 1. Castle Quarter - Prazsky hrad - Prague Castle Complex 6 sights to see in the Castle Quarter a. Old Royal Palace b. St. Vitus Cathedral c. St. George's Basilica d. Lobkowicz Palace e. Golden Lane f. Permanent Exhibitions of Prague Castle Click on the link below to learn more about the largest ancient castle complex in the world https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-prague-castle-the-pride-of-prague 2. Little Quarter - Mala Strana - Lesser Town 15 sights to see in Mala Strana a. Charles Bridge b. St. Nicholas Church c. Lesser Town Square d. Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower e. Petrin Hill f. Memorial to the victims of Communism g. Petrin Tower h. Lennon Wall i. Devil's Channel and Water Mill j. Kampa Island k. Kampa Museum l. Giant Crawling babies m. Kinsky Garden n. Narrowest street in Prague o. Franz Kafka Museum Click on the link below to learn more about Mala Strana, the medieval touristy part of Prague https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-in-the-little-quarter-or-lesser-town-prague 3. Old Town - Staré Město pražské 10 sights to see in Old Town Prague a. Staromestske Namesti, Old Town Hall Square b. Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock c. Church of our Lady before Tyn d. St. Nicholas Church e. Kinsky Palace f. Jan Hus Monument g. Prague Meridien h. Jewish Quarter i. Spanish Synagogue and Jewish Museum j. Powder Gate and Obecni Dum, Prague Concert Hall Take a walk in the stunning Old Town of modern Prague and relive history in its architectural marvels. Click on the link below to learn more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/prague-old-town-staré-město-pražské 4. New Town - Nove Mesto 6 sights to look out for in New Town Prague a. Wenceslas Square b. Statue of St. Wenceslas c. National Museum d. Dancing House e. Rotating Head of Franz Kafka f. Prague National Theater Opera Click on the link below to learn more about New Town Prague https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-trip-to-new-town-nove-mesto-prague 5. Vyšehrad Castle and Cemetery The splendid castle of Vyšehrad is an oasis of calm amidst the busy touristy Prague. Click on the link below to learn more https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-tour-of-the-splendid-vyšehrad-fortress-from-prague 6. Letna Park If you're tired after a day full of watching touristy sights all over Prague, then head to Letna Park on Letna Hill. You will get glorious views of the Vltava River from here. Access to the park is free. You just have to walk for about 15 minutes from the Old Town Square over Charles Bridge. 7. Naplavka Waterfront on Vltava River This waterfront is the most popular site for taking pictures of the iconic Charles Bridge. There are bars and restaurants along the river. Even if you have just a day in Prague, plan to spend the evening along the Naplavka Waterfront. The whole city comes alive here in the evening in the backdrop of a beautifully lit Charles Bridge. 8. Zizkov TV Tower with crawling babies Zizkov TV Tower is a transmission tower in Prague located in the Zizkov District of Prague, 2 kilometres away. Who goes to see a TV Tower in the centre of a city? Well, this tower is special because it has these giant crawling babies sticking out from its sides. We had seen similar grotesque-looking babies in Prague Lesser Town too, if you remember. I'd read somewhere that the babies represented stunted growth in the communist era, babies crawling but unable to reach adulthood. The tower is a high-tech engineering marvel 216 metres tall with an observatory, a hotel and a restaurant along its vertical column. My Tip - The tower is nothing spectacular to look at, on the contrary, it looks grim and out of place in an otherwise beautiful city unless you decide to go to the top to see Prague's skyline. But then there are far better ways to see that skyline, from the Vysehrad Castle for instance. Also, locating the tower was a nightmare. You can start seeing its metallic pillars jutting out into the sky from a long way off but getting to the base of the tower was quite a task. No signages or indications were leading to the tower. I would not rate this as a must-see attraction in Prague. But this is my opinion solely as a tourist. I believe that this TV tower holds a very special place for the people of the Czech Republic since it's a symbol of the communist regime and the hardships that came with it. I'd like to mention here that I do not wish to undermine the significance of this tower. So, that's Prague for you. To learn all about this beautiful city, just keep clicking on the links pasted above and take a virtual tour of the city with me right here! Do share your experiences with me if you happen to visit Prague and also if you found this blog useful. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here
- A tour of Budapest's Castle District
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Budapest Castle District is a lesson in 'everything you wish to know about Hungarian history' served on a platter for you. Let me start by saying that this castle complex is the most unusual I have ever seen. This grand castle was destroyed, built, and rebuilt many times over the last seven centuries, so what we see today is a mish-mash of architectural styles and an assortment of buildings all belonging to different eras. There are Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque style of buildings in the castle all existing in sync together. The complex houses three main institutions, the National Library, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum around the massive Lion courtyard. Perched 70 meters above the River Danube on Varhegy, Castle Hill, the 1000-foot-long imposing facade of the Buda Castle runs along the River and offers spectacular views of the entire city. Entry to the Castle District is free and the castle is always open..... even at night! The entire area around the Castle Hill is called Varhegy. If you have time, then walk around this medieval part of Budapest in its cobblestone streets and winding narrow alleys surrounded by beautiful old buildings. But don't spend all your energy here because there will be a lot of walking to do once you enter Buda Castle. The entire complex has many beautiful sights to look at namely... Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy Hungarian National Gallery Castle Museum Fishing Children Fountain Habsburg Steps Ornamental Gate Sandor Palace Lions Courtyard Matthias Fountain Dracula's Labyrinth Holy Trinity Statue Matthias Church St Stephens Statue Fisherman's Bastion Getting to the castle complex There are many ways to get into this massive complex. One, you can take the funicular to Castle Hill from Clark Adam Ter or Clark Adam Square from the north end of the castle. The 95-meter-long funicular is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The funicular will lead you to St. George Square on the castle grounds. The square is separated from the royal palace by an ornamental gate leading down to the Habsburg Steps. Your eyes will be unwittingly drawn to a mammoth bronze sculpture of a mythical bird called Turul, the symbol of the Kingdom of Hungary. Remember there is always a long serpentine queue of tourists in front of the funicular waiting to get on it. Two, you can avoid the queue if you hike up to the castle from the path next to the funicular. This route is scenic but the path is quite steep and has steps. Three, if you want to avoid both the funicular and the steps, then walk further down south straight ahead to reach the Castle Garden Bazar. The climb to the castle from here is not very steep and a beautiful architectural complex greets you as you enter. You will be entering from the south side of the castle complex. My Tip - The funicular can be avoided considering the waiting time it involves to get in there. Entry from the Castle Garden Bazar a little further ahead is not a steep climb but there are no signages on the road anywhere indicating entry. Look for a broad historical staircase leading up. We had opted for this, so we entered the castle from the south side. Since entry is not paid, there is no ticket counter and no one to guide you into the castle. You will reach a beautiful garden area, you can stroll around the garden with a beautiful fountain in the centre. Then take the escalator to reach higher ground. Lastly, you will have to take the elevator to the top of the castle. You will reach the south end of the castle from here. All the sights that I've mentioned above are within walking distance of each other. You should start from one end of the castle and walk along these sights to reach the other. Inside the Castle Complex I was awe-struck by the magnificent view as I first stepped out on the open terrace of the castle. From this vantage point, one gets unobstructed views of the Danube, the Chain Bridge spanning it, the Hungarian Parliament Building and the entire Pest area of the city. From there, walk through passageways to reach a wide terrace with an imposing Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy . This is a nice place to relax after the hike. There is a small cafe and you can see a lot of people filling up their water bottles from water taps in the corner. We visited Budapest in July. This place offered a good respite from the scorching summer heat. Right behind this statue is the Hungarian National Gallery . The gallery holds a vast array of artworks dating back to the Middle Ages. Entry to the gallery is paid. Right next door to the National Gallery is the Castle Museum . Although the palace is open always, there are fixed timings for the gallery and the museum. Please refer to the official website for more information https://budacastlebudapest.com/ Walk further to reach the beautifully intricate Fountain of the Fishing Children . Walk up the Habsburg Steps to reach the Royal Palace . This neo-classical building is the official residence of the President of Hungary. An hourly change of guard takes place here each day. Look up to see Turul, the mythological bird in Hungarian folklore that symbolises the Hungarian people's strength and spirit. The mammoth bird is perched on the south side of the castle facing the Danube and is very impressive to look at. Close to the Hungarian National Gallery on the left before the Fishing Children Fountain is another wing leading to the Lions Courtyard with the massive Lions' Gate. Again, there are no signages here, we just followed the crowd into the wing. And I'm glad we did! On the left, before entering the Lions' Gate, is the stunning Matthias Fountain . The fountain depicts a hunting party of King Matthias with his dogs. The fountain will draw a gasp from anyone who sees it for the first time. This is the most famous fountain in Budapest and tourists flock to this point for a photo opportunity. This photo does not do justice to the magnificence of this sculpture. Just a few feet away from the Matthias Fountain is the Lions' Courtyard, the central courtyard of the castle complex. Four majestic lion statues guard the gate. The entrance to the National Library is located here. Entry is paid. At the time of our visit, there was a free exhibition going on in one of the wings of the courtyard. You can refer to the official website before your visit to learn more about such events. Walk out to reach the Habsburg Steps again. From here, walk past Sandor Palace, and St. George Square . Keep walking to explore this entire area on foot. You will come across the Labyrinth - Dracula's Chamber on your left. There is a big display board with an indication. At the time of our visit, this labyrinth was closed but I found the area quite intriguing. If you have time, then discovering this underground maze in the Buda Castle should be an exciting experience. Keep walking for another 10 minutes to reach the Holy Trinity Statue in the centre of Trinity Square. The Statue was erected somewhere in the 17th century in memory of the people of Buda who had died in the plague. Look closely at the top of the statue to see intricate statues of angels and cherubs. I could not get a good photo of the statue since there was construction work going on right behind the statue, obstructing the view. A few paces away from the Statue is the awe-inspiring outer facade of the Church of the Assumption of the Buda Castle, also popularly known as St. Matthias Church . You can never have enough of this stunning Gothic Church with its spires and colourful gilded and tiled roof. The majestic church is a must-see attraction that no one visiting Budapest should miss! The interiors of this iconic church with its tall stained glass windows and beautiful paintings are equally stunning. My Tip - Entry to the church is paid. You can buy tickets online or at the counter there itself. But remember visiting hours are only from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, so buying tickets beforehand is a good idea if you're keen on seeing the inside. We were not aware of these opening timings, so we had to give this tour a miss. Walk another few paces and get ready to be blown away by the spectacular sight of the Fisherman's Bastion . In front of this bastion is the impressive equestrian Statue of St. Stephen . These cone-shaped turrets made out of white stone seem to have dropped here straight out of a fairytale. The structures are not very old, they were built in 1905 as a decorative lookout tower to celebrate the 1000th year of the Hungarian State at the site of an old rampart guarded by a guild of fishermen in the Middle Ages. Although the structure is relatively new, the name Fisherman's Bastion was given to keep that historical fact alive. In my opinion, the only other castle that can rival the breathtaking beauty of these chimney-like structures is the Neu Schwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. You get astounding views of the Pest side of the city, the imposing Hungarian Parliament building and the Chain Bridge. All one needs to do here is climb these chimneys and spend time gaping at the stunning scenery. My Tip - The bastion, like the castle, is always open. There are 7 turrets in all, the upper terraces of the towers can be visited for a fee for a better view of the River Danube. The view we could see from the lower terraces was simply enchanting, going a bit higher would not make much of a difference in my opinion, so you could skip buying the tickets. Must wait for the sunset and for the Bastion to light up. You will get glorious views.... The entire city comes alive as dusk falls, the Fisherman's Bastion is lit up and so is the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river. There are hundreds of people waiting on both sides of the River Danube for this spectacle to unfold each day. If you are in Budapest, don't forget to be there!
- Everything you need to know before touring the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
It would be not an exaggeration to say that the Hungarian Parliament Building is sheer poetry set in stone. It's considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The grandeur of this World Heritage Site has to be seen to be believed. Per Trip Advisor Traveller's Ratings, this is the 10th most beautiful structure in the World! The building is a classic example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, with tall pointed and intricately decorated arches and spires surrounding a massive dome in the centre. The opulent interiors are decorated with 40 kilograms of 22-carat gold!! Located on the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the River Danube, this glorious structure evokes awe among tourists who flock to see it from every angle. Around the Parliament Building The Parliament Building is located on the Kossuth Square, a beautiful square surrounded by stunning buildings and statues. Tram line 2 and Budapest Metro line 2 take you to the Kossuth Lajos Station. Adjacent to the Parliament Building in the open area outside, you will see a small staircase leading to an underground exhibition area. If I remember correctly, this exhibition is free to visit. The small museum tells the poignant tale of the uprising and massacre that took place in 1956 in front of the Parliament Building. The display includes photographs, interviews and video clips of survivors of that tragedy. The museum is informative but only if you have some previous knowledge of the uprising in Hungary, if not, then it's just a viewing gallery. The Kossuth Lajos Square with the Kossuth Lajos Monument is a few paces ahead of the building. This stone tableau depicts the popular Hungarian revolutionary Lajos Kossuth leading Hungary's struggle for independence from Austria. Each year on March 15th, this monument is the site for Independence Day celebrations in Budapest. As you walk past the Parliament Building, you will see the equestrian statue of Francis II Rakoczi and the stunning building of the Palace of Justice on the other side of Kossuth Square. Inside the Parliament of Budapest Over 7 thousand visitors visit this building annually, so you can imagine the crowds waiting each day to get inside. I have made a list of some pointers that could help you plan your visit. Entry is paid and can be done only with the conducted tours that last 45 minutes in the language of your choice. An audio guide is provided to each visitor. The guide is very informative and explains in detail the architecture of this building as you walk through it. Ideally, one should book online tickets beforehand to ensure that one gets entry into the building. Same-day tickets can be difficult, although we got two tickets for an English tour. But that was sheer luck I guess! As you enter, each visitor is given the choice to either take the elevator to the top of the house or walk up the Grand Staircase. Take the elevator only if you are entirely incapable of walking up the 4 or 5 flights of steps. You should not miss the tour through the Golden Staircase. The building is an active office of the Hungarian Legislative Assembly, it remains closed on certain days of the year. Please check their official website before planning your visit at https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors Visitors are led through the Grand Staircase through the corridors into the Central Hall where the Hungarian Holy Crown is placed. This Domed Hall is the only part of the tour where photography is not permitted. You will see on your tour the Chamber of Peers, the grandiose legislative assembly hall of the parliament. The audio guide will tell you about its unique air-conditioning system. Towards the end of the tour, you will be led into a small exhibition and display area where you can learn more about the construction of this building. You can plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes here. To sum up, I would say that even if you only have a day in Budapest, then visiting the Parliament Building should be top of your list. But it's a visit that needs to be planned and will take about 2 hours in all.
- Get blown by Budapest, 5 days in the magnificent Hungarian capital
A trip to the central European country of Hungary's capital Budapest is a treat for the senses. Before our trip in July 2023, I'd read many good things about Budapest. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the sensory overload of awe-inspiring architectural marvels we saw on this trip. The city is a kaleidoscope of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque Revival and Romanesque architecture with some buildings dating back to the 13th century. Also, the entire town is decorated with statues of kings, martyrs, poets and heroes, even anti-heroes from the Communist era! Little wonder then that Budapest is considered a hot tourist spot for Europeans who flock to this land-locked land from neighbouring countries and international tourists alike. Here are a few handy pointers for your visit to Budapest, Hungary Budapest is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Adding to the zing of the city is the River Danube that bisects the city into 2, Buda, the hilly district and Pest, the flat plain land. The Hungarian capital is safe for tourists and most people dealing with tourists speak English. The official currency is Forint. Please remember to exchange the currency you carry only at authorised exchange centres. Hungary is world-renowned for its rich thermal and mineral water resources. While in Budapest, don't forget to indulge yourself in a hot thermal bath. There are many options available. I have written a detailed blog on our thermal bath experience in Budapest. The Hungarian Parliament is a gem that has to be seen. It's rated as the 10th most popular landmark in the world as per Trip Advisor's travellers. I can tell you, it'll leave you wonder-struck for sure! Budapest is very well connected with trams and metro lines. Tram Line 2 is the famous Yellow Line in Budapest that goes past many scenic landmarks. Just hop on into the tram and gape at the sights from the tram while resting your feet! Buying the Budapest Card is a good idea, it will cover a lot of attractions and travel within the city on public transport. You can buy a travel pass for 1-day, 3-day or weekly. Check their official website for more details https://www.budapestinfo.hu/en Remember to validate your tickets as you start your journey. Ticket checks are done very frequently and there is a heavy fine for carrying unvalidated tickets. Many attractions lie within walking distance of the Hungarian Parliament, so you may want to plan to see all these on the same day. I have given some walking tips for each of these attractions below. We had 5 days in Budapest, so there was ample time to wander around and enjoy these sights. But if you have less time on hand, then you may start from the top of this list and try to cover as many attractions as time permits. Now let's start with what to do and see in Budapest with my personal 15 Must-See Attractions list... Budapest's Castle District Visiting the Buda Castle can be a delight for the senses. It lies on the Buda side of the city facing the Hungarian Parliament on the opposite side of the River Danube. Read more about this amazing landmark in the heart of Budapest by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-tour-of-budapest-s-castle-district Hungarian Parliament Building As per Trip Advisor's Travellers, the Hungarian Parliament is the 10th most popular landmark in the world! This stupendous building is located on the banks of the River Danube on the Pest side of Budapest. Read more about it by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-before-touring-the-hungarian-parliament-building-in-budapest Shoes on the Danube Walk about 300 meters south of the Hungarian Parliament to reach this memorial on the bank of the Danube. It was erected in 2005 as a poignant reminder of the Jews who were shot by the Arrow Cross Party, an anti-semitic organisation supported by Hilter and thrown into the water during World War II. There are 60 pairs of metallic shoes, including some for women and even children, strewn on the edge of the river bank to mark the site. The area wears a veil of sadness amid all the revelry around the river. Sźechenyi Chain Bridge Straddling the banks of the River Danube on the west side of Buda and the east side of Pest, the beautiful Sźechenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most visited landmarks of Budapest. The bridge was inaugurated in 1849 and was the first permanent stone bridge connecting the two parts Buda and Pest at the time. You will have to walk for about 15 minutes from the Hungarian Parliament Building, along the River Danube, to reach the Chain Bridge on the Pest side. The bridge with its iconic towers has been featured in many prominent movies, so looking at it from a distance gives a very familiar feeling. You can see so many people walking on the side rails on both sides of the bridge. Liberty Bridge Walk for about 30 minutes from the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of the city along the river southwards to reach this beautiful green-coloured bridge running over the River Danube. The bridge lies approximately 2 kilometres away parallel to the famous Chain Bridge and is as beautiful. St. Stephen's Basilica Just a 15-minute walk away from the Hungarian Parliament Building is the magnificent structure of St. Stephen's Basilica. If you're not up for walking, then you can also take Tram line 2. The Basilica is considered the most sacred Catholic church in Hungary named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary. Now, the most important relic held by the church is the mummified hand of King Stephen. Interestingly, the elevation of the church is equal to that of the Hungarian Parliament. I believe this is symbolic to establish the equal status of both the church and the state of Hungary. Entry to the church is free but you have to buy a ticket if you wish to see the dome. My Tip - We did not buy the ticket to see the dome because, one we had less time and two, there are 364 spiral steps to climb to the top. There is an elevator too but at the time of our visit, the place was quite crowded with a long queue. There is a very nice square outside the church with some great places to sit and relax. Heroes Square Very close to St. Stephen's Basilica is the famous landmark of Budapest, Heroes Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heroes Square is to Budapest what Arc de Triomphe is to Paris! In the centre of the square is a tall column called the Millenium Monument which was erected in 1896 to commemorate 1000 years of the formation of the Hungarian Nation hence the name. On top of the column is the statue of Archangel Gabriel holding the crown of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary. The lower end of the column is encircled by stunning equestrian statues of the chieftains of the seven Hungarian tribes. On both sides of the column, you will see two colonnades with lifesize statues of several prominent Hungarian leaders. My Tip - This stunning monument is a celebration of Hungary as a nation. Located at the far end of Andrassy Avenue , it is a must-see attraction in Budapest. Andrassy Avenue is a World Heritage Site boulevard that connects Downtown Budapest with Varosliget or City Park. The 2-kilometre-long street is lined with buildings of varied architectural styles and gets wider as you keep walking towards Heroes Square. The Fine Arts Museum flanks Heroes Square on one end and the Mucsarnok Art Gallery on the other. If you have time, then walking towards Heroes Square from Andrassy Avenue can be quite an enthralling experience. Sźechenyi Thermal Baths Budapest is called the City of Baths as it's blessed with natural hot springs loaded with medicinal qualities. While in Budapest, a visit to these baths can be an invigorating experience, literally! Read more about our amazing day out at the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths by clicking here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-sźechenyi-thermal-baths-budapest Ruin pubs Budapest - Szimpla Kert Before visiting Budapest, I thought that 'ruin pubs' was just a cool name for pubs in the city. But interestingly, 'ruin pubs' are pubs that are located in actual old ruins! Read more about this rocking pub culture in Budapest by clicking on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-szimpla-kert-the-rocking-ruin-pub-in-budapest Gellert Hill Named after the first Bishop of Hungary, Saint Gerard or Gellert in Hungarian, Gellert Hill is the everlasting symbol of Budapest. It is visible from many places around the Castle District and also very clearly from the Liberty Bridge. Gellert Hill is the site of the famous fortress, called Citadella in the local language and its iconic Statue of Liberty. The statue was erected in 1947 to celebrate Hungary's freedom from Russia in World War II which also ended Hungary's occupation by Nazi Germany. The Liberty Monument shows a lady carrying a palm frond in her two outstretched arms to proclaim peace and freedom for Hungary. My Tip - Citadella Bus number 27 will take you right to the top of the hill. I don't remember the name of the bus stop, I'm afraid, but you'll see many tourists getting down there, also the bus driver will tip you off. If you're up for a good hike, then you can also walk for 20 to 25 minutes to reach the hilltop. The hike is very steep but it can also be a lot of fun as you catch beautiful scenic views of the city along the way. On the way back, you can walk down towards the Liberty Bridge. The Citadella was closed for renovations in July 2023. But we still got beautiful views of the city and the Danube River from the top. Dohány Street Synagogue Located in the Jewish Quarter of Pest, this Great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest in Europe. The complex has 4 main attractions, the Heroes' Temple, Cemetery, Jewish Museum and Memorial. The striking outer facade of the synagogue is a fine example of Moorish architecture. My Tip - The synagogue is very conveniently located very close to Elizabeth Square . One can visit the complex only through a conducted tour. The place is massively crowded, so making bookings beforehand is a good idea if you wish to see it from the inside. We did not have a pre-booked tour, we had to contend with looking at the synagogue from the outside only. There are many tour options available. Please refer to their official website before your visit at https://www.greatsynagogue.hu/gallery_syn.html . Memento Park A half-day trip to this park from Budapest will take you on a lesson in history on the rise and fall of the communist regime in Hungary. Click on the link below to learn more about this unique cultural attraction https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-memento-park-a-communist-era-remnant-in-budapest Ferris Wheel Budapest at Elizabeth Square About a 10-minute walk away from Dohany Street Synagogue and very close to the Deak Ferenc Station, you will see the huge circle of the Ferris Wheel at Elizabeth Square. The square has shops, eateries and some grassy patches that come alive in the evenings. My Tip - The ticket price for the Ferris Wheel is 11 EUR for adults for a 10-minute ride. Undoubtedly, one gets beautiful views of the city from the top of the wheel, but then you get these scenic views from so many other places as well. I found the ticket price a bit steep and not value for money. View from the top ... Margitsziget, Margaret Island in the Danube This beautiful patch of verdant greens lies in the Danube River between Buda and Pest. The park has many attractions to see and lots of things to do. You can rent a 3-wheeler bike which is an absolutely fun thing to do and go around the park. There is a Water Tower which one can climb for a small fee for beautiful vistas all around. The park also houses Palatinus Strand, a thermal bath pool that Budapest is so well known for. You can also visit the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. The highlight of the park is the Musical Fountain. The fountain is lit every evening and plays a melody 3 to 4 times a day. My Tip - We went to the island by taking the tram line 4. Entry to the park is free and it's always open. But the best time to go is during the afternoon and wait for the musical fountain to be lit up. The water tower was closed on the day we went. You can refer to the official website of the park for more info before your trip at http://margaretislandbudapest.com/ . Cruise on the Danube River The River Danube bisects the city of Budapest into two parts, Buda and Pest. Buda side has the famous Buda Castle District and right opposite on the other bank of the river is the Hungarian Parliament. The river cruises ferry tourists along the length of the river between the two famous bridges, the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge. A lot of companies offer cruise services and tickets are easily available online. My Tip - We had booked a Budapest Evening Cruise via getyourguide.com . It lasted for 2 hours and included a free welcome drink on board. There were packages for drinks with dinner as well. In my honest opinion, the cruise was okay, nothing spectacular because cruises confine themselves to the length of the river between the 2 bridges as I've mentioned earlier. There are a whole lot of commercial office buildings to be seen once the boat goes past the parliament building and the Castle District. Apart from these Top 15 Attractions, you can also visit - Vajdahunyad Castle This castle was built only about 100 years back in the year 1896 for the Millennial Celebration of the State of Hungary. The castle is located in the City Park very close to Heroes Square. We did not go inside the castle for lack of time. We spent some time in the park around the castle which is very beautiful. Central Market Hall The Central Market Hall of Budapest is a great place to be where you can eat, buy fresh groceries, taste authentic Hungarian dishes, buy trinkets and spend time loitering around. The market hall opens weekdays at 6 am and closes at 6 pm on most days. It's closed on Sundays. The closing hours alter between days of the week, please check the timings before your visit. Hungarian State Opera The beautiful Renaissance and Baroque building of the Hungarian State Opera lies on Andrassy Avenue in Central Budapest. The structure is very beautiful. You can take a guided tour of the opera or see one of the performances. This is all of Budapest for you. After having spent 5 days in the Hungarian capital, I can say that it's undoubtedly one of the most alluring cities in all of Europe.
- 2 days in Banff National Park, Alberta
We started early from Calgary to reach the beautiful resort town of Banff. The route to Banff is as enchanting as the town itself.... The town has many old villas and chateaus converted into hotels and the vibe is unmistakably touristy. There are souvenir shops and restaurants on the main street called Banff Avenue where you can see the peak of Cascade Mountain peering from a distance. Banff was our second stop in Alberta after Calgary. Learn more about our 5-day road trip in Alberta in a separate blog by clicking on the link here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/5-day-road-trip-in-alberta-the-westernmost-province-of-canada We did not stay in Banff, but instead in the nearby town of Canmore. There are 2 reasons for this - Banff is highly touristy. There are only hotels, lodges and premium residences in Banff. If you're travelling with your family and looking for spacious accommodations like Airbnb with more rooms, you should stay in towns closer to Banff like Canmore. Being touristy makes Banff also very expensive. If you wish to stay for multiple days then staying in the quieter nearby towns is a more economical option which are as scenic as Banff. We reached Banff quite early and could easily find free parking space but I remember the mad rush at the parking lot by the time we got out in the afternoon. Let me start by stating a few handy pointers about visiting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park : You don't need a pass to enter the town of Banff. You do need to buy a Parks Canada pass to enter the national parks. You can make reservations online on the official website of the parks in advance at https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/passer-passes or you can also buy tickets at the counter on the same day. A list of counters where passes can be purchased is mentioned on the website. If you're travelling as a family, then there is an option to buy a family group ticket. Remember, the pass has to be displayed on the windscreen of your vehicle at all times while you're travelling in the park. This entry pass is valid across Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes and Elk Island national parks. The pass expires at 4:00 pm on the day of departure. Google map signals can be a bit sketchy in a lot of places especially close to mountainous terrain, it's better to download offline maps before starting the journey and play safe. We had allocated only 3 days for the national parks which proved to be very little to cover the multitude of attractions that the parks offer. So, if possible plan at least 4 to 5 days to see all the attractions. The two most popular lakes in the region are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine and their inevitable comparison. I've discussed this in greater detail in a separate post on the link pasted here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-lake-louise-in-banff Day 1 - Drive Calgary to Banff Idled around the town of Banff Bow Falls Surprise View Corner Johnston Canyon Lake Minnewanka Banff is as touristy as it gets. The entire region is bursting with activity and tourists jostling in queues at popular sights is common. It's important to plan your visit to Banff if you want to utilize your time optimally. There are many activities to do in Banff, like the famous Banff Gondola, museums, cave tours, lots of walking trails and the lakes, of course. The national park has many must-see lakes like Lake Moraine, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Lake Peyto, Lake Emerald and Bow Lake to name a few. We wanted to see the beautiful glacial lakes with Lake Moraine and Lake Louise at the top of our list. I will discuss this in greater detail in a separate post. We decided to spend our first day in Banff exploring this beautiful town and seeing as many attractions as possible. We started our day in Banff National Park with a trip to Bow Falls . The falls lie at a distance of 128 km from Calgary via the Trans Canada Highway. The falls are free to visit but you will need the Parks Canada Pass since they lie inside Banff National Park. Close to the falls is the Surprise View Corner. This viewpoint offers great views of the Bow Valley and the famous hotel Fairmont Banff Springs across the Bow River. You can walk along the river and the falls and get some amazing views! Surprise View Corner is located at the corner of Tunnel Mountain Road, it's best to walk along the river and then take the stairs to Buffalo Street. The parking lot here is very small, it can accommodate barely 4 to 5 cars but wait for your turn since people keep moving in and out fairly quickly. There are also a lot of exciting hiking trails all around Bow Falls, after spending a couple of hours in the area, we set out to see Johnston Canyon which is about 26 km away from Bow Falls. As we drive deeper into Banff National Park, the stunning beauty of the mountains starts unfolding in front of us... Johnston Canyon is the busiest trail in Banff owing to its easy incline in the canyon, which makes it a popular destination among families travelling with kids and the elderly. Quickly hugged my reluctant grown-up son on the pretext of getting a picture clicked... The wooden path along the canyon has a firm railing to hold on to and a very easy incline. The Bow River meanders through the narrow canyon creating stunning scenery... The hike takes you to the last point in the canyon which ends in a waterfall next to a cave. You will see a long queue of tourists waiting to enter the cave. We followed suit and waited for almost an hour, only to see what? The same waterfall gushing from inside into the canyon!! You can avoid this queue and the cave too! After spending close to 3 hours at Johnston Canyon, we headed to Lake Minnewanka . The lake is about 36 km from the canyon and is every bit stunning but less crowded. We spent some quiet time around the lake, clicking pictures on the cliffs and listening to the sound of silence! Day 2 - Calgary to Lake Louise, Overnight at Canmore Lake Louise Fairview Lookout Trail We drove back to Calgary in the evening from Lake Minnewanka. Early the next morning, we set out for Canmore with our bags in tow via Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway. The day was bright and sunny so we decided to go straight to the lake instead of first checking into our apartment in Canmore. The direct route from Calgary to Lake Louise takes about 2 hours to cover a distance of 185 km. Read more about Lake Louise and Fairview Lookout Trail by clicking on the link pasted above in this post. If you have an extra day to spend on the road and are open to staying overnight somewhere along the way to Lake Louise, then you must take the scenic route from Calgary to Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway instead of taking the regular Trans-Canada Highway. This roadway is known for its stunning scenic views and picnic spots along the way. When we visited Alberta in June 2024, this parkway was closed. Please refer to the official website of Parks Canada for updated information on this route. To sum up, I'd say that one can cover most of the touristy locales, the must-see attractions in Banff in 2 days, hopping from one attraction to another, but if you wish to soak in this surreal beauty at leisure, then 2 days are not enough. There are so many stunning lakes and walking trails at every turn, we would have loved to spend more time around the lakes. So , plan your trip accordingly.
- A thrilling day trip to the Columbia Ice Field and the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta
A day trip to the famous Columbia Ice Field and the Athabasca Glacier was the last outing on our road trip around Alberta. Before we visited the Columbia Icefield, I did not know the difference between an icefield and a glacier. So, let me start there. An icefield, as the name suggests, is a large mass or field of ice made up of multiple glaciers. Columbia Icefield, spread over 325 square kilometres, is the largest icefield in North America. Whew!! It straddles the boundaries of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park and comprises of 6 major glaciers. Out of these 6, Athabasca Glacier, a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's most accessible glaciers, hence every bit touristy. View of the Athabasca Glacier flowing from the icefield between the two mountain cliffs as seen from the terrace of Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre..... What makes an outing to this glacier really thrilling is the entire experience of reaching it on an all-terrain Ice Explorer! The Ice Explorer is a huge vehicle with massive tyres designed specifically for travel on the fragile surface of the glacier. It can carry up to 56 passengers at one time. Let me give you a few handy tips before you plan this outing... The entire province of Alberta is beautiful but the road leading to the Columbia Ice Fields needs a special mention as it winds its way through breathtaking scenery. The Canadian Rockies that were visible from afar throughout the journey are now up and close as we drove past them here. So, keep extra time for this drive as you'll be tempted to halt at every turn to click a picture. En route the Columbia Icefield....I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss this, would you? The tour starts from Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre located on Icefields Parkway Highway 93 N. You must plan to reach the centre at least 30 minutes before the departure time that you wish to avail. There is a tour every 15 minutes and your ticket is valid for the entire day. You will need 2.5 to 3 hours at the icefield. The best time to visit the icefield is in the morning before 11 am or after 3 pm when the crowds are thin. We booked a tour after 3 pm and got a discount. You should check their website for any additional discounts on your day of travel before making the booking. The Columbia Icefield Adventure is heavily booked. You must plan this trip in advance to ensure that you don't miss it. There are 2 tour options available. Option 1 is Glacier Adventure which includes the Skywalk. Option 2 is Ice Odyssey where you are taken in a smaller group higher up the glacier. For Glacier Adventure, park on the lower Jasper-side parking lot. A very wide open stairway will lead you directly into the Discovery Centre. Carry proper woollen clothing in summer too. It can get very cold on the glacier with icy winds blowing all around you. Just about a 10-minute walk away and at a slightly steep incline from the parking lot is the stunning Peyto Lake. Don't miss it! And now getting to the glacier..... The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is a very well-organised facility. There are signages everywhere to guide you to the correct queue.....oh yes! there are queues everywhere. We arrived right on time for our tour. We were led to an open waiting area and from there onto a shuttle. The shuttle drove us to the point where the Ice Explorers were parked. This gigantic bus drives at a snail's pace through the paved road near the icefield, making deep ridges on the ice as it passes... This 10 to 15-minute drive up the glacier is accompanied by a very interesting commentary about the icefield and the glacier. I was happy to learn that despite the heavy inflow of tourists, the fragile ecosystem of the icefield is preserved vigilantly. So much so, that before the ice explorer hits the glacier, it is made to pass through a small natural pool of meltwater called the 'tyre wash'. This is done to ensure that the debris from the surroundings is not carried onto the glacier and soil it. As the ice explorer rumbles on, the beauty of the ice field starts unfolding in front of our eyes. Upon reaching the glacier, we de-board the ice explorer and this is what we see... We are greeted by huge mammoths of snow, icy cold winds and a rapidly thawing snow floor willing to give away the moment we step on it! There is a lot of mirthful shrieking all around as people's feet dip into the icy chasms of the glacier. A 15-minute window is allocated to each ice explorer, tourists are expected to return to the vehicle within that time slot. The ice explorer brings us back to the bus stand, we board the bus again and are driven in the shuttle to the riveting Skywalk. Skywalk is a one-kilometre-long glass-bottom walkway built over the Sunwapta Valley. The glass platform is 280 metres high and offers beautiful views of the valley. The entire skywalk is lined with signages and displays with interesting information about this ecosystem. We spent about 45 minutes here and then took the connecting free shuttle back to the Discovery Centre. Path to the Skywalk, scenic views all around and the trees that look like specks of green through the glass of the Skywalk.... A visit to the Athabasca Glacier is a journey back in time. And the receding glaciers too have a story to tell! Don't miss this amazing experience on your trip through Alberta.