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It is no exaggeration to say that a trip to Munich, the Capital of Bavaria, the land of the Oktoberfest, would be incomplete without a visit to its famous beer halls. This is also an opportunity to experience Gemuetlichkeit, a sense of well-being and cordiality that Munich is so famous for! Interestingly, Oktoberfest, the annual beer festival, starts in the month of September, the celebrations last for 16 days, starting around late September from a weekend that goes on till the first Sunday of October. This was the custom till 1989. From 1990, after East and West Germany got united, October 3rd, German Unification Day, is invariably included in the celebrations by stretching the number of days. We were in Munich for 3 days, on our second evening in the city, we decided to do some 'Beer Hall Hopping' and visited two of the major beer halls in Munich, Hofbraeuhaus and Augustinerkeller . There is a whole lot of history and culture entwined with this simple pleasure activity of drinking beer in Munich ..... What makes German beer special... In 1516, Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV passed the Beer Purity Law. The law stipulated that all beer was to be made from barley, Hops and clean water. Hops are green cone-shaped flowers that lend bitterness and aroma to beer. Bavarian hops are special, they are grown in the Hallertau region, just north of Munich and are considered to yield the best results as far as the quality and taste of beer is concerned. Thus, German beer made from barley, hops and clean water came to be an extremely popular variety of beer. Interestingly, this law is effective throughout Germany even today. Little wonder then that German beer still holds its position of pride amongst its many competitors. The history behind Oktoberfest The first-ever Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich to mark the wedding celebrations of the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxony-HIldburghausen in October of 1810. Bavaria at this time had just been recognised as a new kingdom. People of Munich were invited to join in the festivities to celebrate the royal nuptials in the fields outside of the city gates. The area was called Theresienwiese or Theresa's Meadow in honour of the new royal bride. The festival became such a rage that the locals decided to hold it again in 1811 and the tradition just stuck. To date, Oktoberfest is held in the same venue where it was first held. The 100-acre field 'Theresienwiese' is now the official venue of the Oktoberfest where around 2 million gallons of beer is consumed each year during the Oktoberfest! And now a visit to the beer halls .... Hofbraeuhaus The most popular beer hall in Munich is the Hofbraeuhaus, literally translating into the court's brewery. The brewery is state-owned by the Bavarian Government. This beer hall is just a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz in the heart of the Old Town and has an average footfall of over 35,000 people daily! The brewery was set up in 1589 and was granted the status of the Royal Brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria. For many years, Hofbraeuhaus held a position of monopoly in Bavaria. I read somewhere that in the 1700s, the income generated from the sales and taxes of beer from this brewery constituted almost 30% of the total income of the state of Bavaria. The ambience around the brewery is surreal, there must be at least 1000 people sitting inside the beer hall and so many more sitting around in the gardens outside. Not all of them looked like tourists to us, there were hordes of locals, many of whom had fixed reserved seats in the brewery we learnt and they had their Beer steins, a traditional beer mug, made of stoneware, adorned with motifs. That's some love for beer, I must say! My Tip - The brewery is very crowded. It's almost impossible to imagine so many more people thronging its already super-crowded quarters during the Oktoberfest. The tavern and the gardens can accommodate up to 1500 guests. Seating is free but you have to wait your turn. There is an option to make reservations in advance. There is a rider, though. All bookings are possible 6 months in advance....Whew! Six months? I wonder if I heard it right! We were running short of time and had no bookings, so we headed to the Augustinerkeller. Augustiner Brewery Augustiner is relatively new. It started its operations in 1812. Their speciality is the Augustiner Helles Beer, Helles meaning light in German. It's considered one of the best lager beers in the world, especially if you have it served directly from the wooden barrel instead of the bottle. The brewery has a typical 'Bierstube', a typical German tavern for serving beer. There are beautiful lawns outside in the brewery with dense chestnut trees providing shade to endless tables with chairs for people to sit. The brewery was relatively less crowded when we reached there. My Tip - Light beer was exquisite. I've never tasted anything like this before. Don't forget to sample some typical German and Bavarian dishes and beer! We ordered Wurstsalat, a simple salad of salami and onions and a fish platter. It was delicious. My final take - Between Hofbrauhaus and Augustiner, the former will give you a more authentic German beer hall experience, not in terms of the beer itself and the food served but just the ambience. Everything about the place is loud, noisy and fun...that is if you can find yourself a place to sit! Waitresses dressed in the traditional dirndl , a 3-piece short skirt dress with a tight bodice and a sensuously low neckline and a live band playing some classic German melody add to the authenticity of your experience. Augustiner is also very lively, though not as clamorous as its counterpart, the food and the beer are equally good or even better, so I've heard and even tasted it. So, take your pick. This was our last evening in Munich. I can't think of anything that could beat our beer hall experience! Except for a day trip to the fairytale castle of Neu Schwanstein. Read more about it by clicking on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps So, if you're planning to visit Munich, don't miss visiting the breweries! And if you do, then share your experience with me. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

For as long as I can remember, making a day trip to Neu Schwanstein Castle has been on my travel bucket list. This is one of the most visited castles in the World with a footfall of over 6000 visitors on some days! And rightly so..... Neu Schwanstein is the inspiration behind the famous Castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. And now the same castle serves as the emblem of Disneyland amusement parks across the world. The imposing castle with its towers and turrets reaching far into the sky, perched on a hill in the foothills of the Alps, high above the village of Hohenschwangau, evokes romanticism like no other piece of architecture ever can! But this romanticism is laced with sadness and irony in the life of its creator, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as Mad King Ludwig. Was he really a victim of circumstances or just another spoilt royal who couldn't get enough of what he already had? Let's find out.... About King Ludwig II Ludwig II, the eldest son of King Maximilian II and Queen Marie of Prussia was brought up as a staunch Roman Catholic. He believed in the ideology of a holy kingdom, that royals were ordained by God and they were born to rule. In, 1864, he was crowned the king of Bavaria at the tender age of 18. Barely two years into his reign, Bavaria lost miserably in the German War in 1866. He had to relinquish the Kingdom of Bavaria to Prussia. The young king could not accept that he was no longer the sovereign but just a titular head with no ruling powers. He withdrew himself into a world of fantasy, surrounding himself with opulent palaces, expensive works of art and elaborate horse-driven carriages in which he would venture into the mountains in traditional costumes so that he could live like a king in his make-believe utopian kingdom. His inability to realize his duties as a king forced the government to declare him insane in 1886. The moniker Mad King got stuck with his name forever. He was sent to a manor house in Bavaria where he was found dead in mysterious circumstances the very next day. The irony is that Ludwig II died at the young age of 41 years, after having lived in his dream castle for 172 days only! Getting to Hohenschwangau from Munich The castle is situated high up on a hill and the quaint village of Hohenschwangau is the starting point of the hike to the castle. If you're travelling by train - Take a 2-hour train journey from Munich Hauptbahnhof (Munich Main train station) directly to the town of Fuessen. - There are connecting buses easily available every 30 minutes from Fuessen that will take you directly to Hohenschwangau. If you're travelling by road - Munich is known for serving as a top destination for day trips to Neu Schwanstein. - The bus plies through the scenic countryside and takes you directly to the village of Hohenschwangau within 2 hours. - Self-driven cars also need to follow the same route and can park their vehicles in Hohenschwangau for the hike ahead. Once you reach Hohenschwangau - The scenic village has a beautiful lake called Alpsee and the Castle Hohenschwangau. This was home to its famous resident King Ludwig II where he spent his childhood. - Some day trips offer combo tickets for visiting both castles. The hike up to Neu Schwanstein involves quite a bit of walking. Take the combo ticket only if you're up to walking again around the Hohenschangau Castle. - There is a shuttle bus ride from Hohenschwangau to Mary's Bridge. Even if you are part of a conducted tour, you will still need to buy tickets for the shuttle, one-way or return. From there, a walk of 15 minutes will take you to the entrance to the castle. I will recommend buying tickets only one-way uphill. - It takes about 40 minutes to walk up the paved road to the castle if you decide to walk on foot. And remember, the walk is quite steep. - Horse-drawn carriages are also available to go uphill to complete the fairytale experience. But honestly, they didn't look very inviting. And remember, you will still have to walk those last 10 to 15 minutes up to the castle. A few things to remember for your trip to Neu Schwanstein Castle 1. Reach early Owing to the massive surge of visitors throughout the day, entry to the castle is allowed only for conducted tours. Each tour group has an allocated time, please ensure that you reach the premises on time allocated to you. Late arrival means no entry. Period. 2. Must have pre-booked tickets If you are travelling on your own, then remember to pre-book your tickets for the tour of the castle beforehand. Although there is a ticket counter in the village of Hohenschwangau, looking at the crowds, I seriously doubt that you could get same-day tickets. If you're part of a conducted tour, then your tour manager will ensure that your group enters together and does the tour of the castle together. My Tip - Most conducted tours do not include entry to the castle in the package. Please check the details of your tour before making bookings. However, you can pay them and they buy tickets for you. 3. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the castle Sad but true! I wish I could capture the stunning interiors of the castle with my camera. 4. Each time of the year will give you a different feel of the castle Summer is the preferred time to visit. The Alps are welcoming with their sun-kissed rolling hills and lusty waterfalls. You can have a very clear view of the castle on a clear day. But the crowds are a bane. In winter the castle will look surreal, straight out of some fantasyland. I have not experienced it myself but can surely visualise it. Mary's Bridge would be closed. Autumn, I think, could be the winner. The crowds would have dissipated and the autumn hues would add colour to the white facade of the castle. 5. Stop at Mary's Bridge Viewpoint Your first point of halt in the hike to the castle is the Marienbruecke or the Mary's Bridge Viewpoint. This is the point where the shuttle bus or the horse carriage will drop you. It's a steep climb of 15 minutes to the castle from here. This picture was taken from the bridge... My Tip - The bridge is super crowded at all times. Getting a picture with the castle in the backdrop without heads popping everywhere is tough! The annoying part is that visitors get stuck at the entrance to the bridge and start clicking pictures. My advice to you would be to walk across the bridge to the other end. Believe me, the castle will still be there when you reach the other end! The bridge is suspended across a gorge. if you're scared of heights, then avoid it. Some trails lead to higher vantage points. We did not go on the trail though, the hike to the castle looked steep enough without adding more hikes to it! About the castle - 10 quick points King Ludwig was a patron of the famous German composer Richard Wagner . The name Neu Schwanstein literally translating into New Swan Stone Castle is inspired from Wagner's opera The Swan Knight . The swan is the central motif on many of the castle's artefacts. The facade of the castle is made of limestone which needs regular upkeep because of the damage caused by harsh Bavarian weather. Even the cliffs around the castle need to be periodically secured to keep parts of the structure from sliding down the cliffs. The castle tour lasts 40 minutes, it will take you through the exquisite rooms, there are 200 in all and 14 are open to visitors. The highlight of the tour is the Throne Room, a stunning church-like hall with a 4-meter-high golden chandelier with unmistakable Byzantine influence. This integration of a church with a throne room reflects Ludwig's interpretation of kingship, that the king was a mediator between God and his subjects. Sadly, the throne room has no throne since Ludwig died before a throne could be placed here. Other interesting parts of the castle are the cave-like grotto and Singer's Hall. The castle is very well equipped for its times. There is a running hot and cold water supply, an electric bell system installed in the king's bedroom for him to summon his servants at will, a central heating system, a Western-style toilet and an efficient ventilation system. The unusual piece in his bedroom is a washstand with a water fountain made in the form of a swan. The King's bedroom and dressing room have ornate interiors. There are rich tapestries made of silk with gold embroidery. The king was an avid reader, so his study chair occupied a place of prominence in his bedroom. Don't miss the famous castle balcony, it offers scenic views of the Alpsee. At the end of the tour, don't miss a short movie about the original layout of the palace that King Ludwig II wanted to build. The layout included grand porticos and courtyards overlooking the Alpine scenery that never came to pass. This blog would be incomplete without mentioning our tour operator, Radius Tours, Munich, which we had booked through Viator. Our tour guides Stevo and Charlie gave a heart-rending narration of our boy Ludwig II with just the right amount of chutzpah. They also kept us hooked to the narrative and in splits with their tongue-in-cheek humour. By the time we arrived in Hohenschwangau, we felt as if we knew King Ludwig and all his eccentricities. This certainly added to the allure of the castle. Before our visit to Neu Schwanstein, I had read some mixed reviews about the castle tour. A lot of visitors feel that the castle is over-hyped. I wouldn't say so. I found the castle magnificent and absolutely worth a visit. There is history, intrigue and romanticism with loads of stunning natural scenery all around. I would be thrilled to hear from you should you go visit this fantasy castle! For some useful travel tips, click here

The Bavarian capital of Munich is every bit vibrant and is considered to be one of the most touristy cities in Germany. The name Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest, which, in case you didn't know, is celebrated towards End-September. Some things to know about Munich - Munich is a big city. To travel around the city, the Munich Day Ticket is the best option. It covers all modes of transport like, U-Bahn - This is the underground Metro line as we call it, a rapid transport system; S-Bahn - This is a suburban rail network that connects the main city with the broader metropolitan region; and buses and trams. - The city is a melting pool of cultures, so to speak. Different places in the city can give you an entirely different feel. The same applies to the city's architecture too. You will see a mix of Roman, Baroque and Gothic architecture in its many old buildings. - I'd read on some forums about Bavarian Germans being very rude to foreigners. This is not true at all. We came across a whole lot of nice locals, friendly and helpful. - The same cannot be said for the city, though. It's crowded, over-crowded at some places and dirty too in places like the Old Town. We reached Munich from Innsbruck which is also very touristy and yet squeaky clean, hence the comparison. - Munich is safe for tourists and locals alike. Little wonder then, that the city boasts of a vibrant nightlife. - Munich has some of the best breweries in Germany. While in Munich, a visit to a brewery, the famous beer halls, must be on your list. On Day Two, which was our last evening in Munich, we decided to spend in a brewery. Couldn't think of anything better to do in Munich. - The fairytale Disney Castle of Neu Schwanstein is quite close to the Bavarian Capital. If you have an extra day in Munich, then this castle is a not-to-miss attraction. 3 days in Munich - Top 10 Things to do The list below is comprehensive. It includes architecture in the form of churches and a palace, shopping streets, nature and gardens and the famous cultural hotspots of the city, Beer halls. Day One Marienplatz Rathaus, New Town Hall Munich Residenz Day Two English Garden Asam Church St. Peter's Church Frauenkirche Viktualienmarkt Maximilian Strasse BMW Museum Beer Halls of Munich Day Three Day trip to Neu Schwanstein Marienplatz This is the name of a busy Old Town Square in the heart of Munich in the Altstadt. There are hordes of people jostling with each other to get from one end of the square to the other. The square is lined with shops, big departmental stores, eateries, ice cream parlours, and much more. The main attraction of this 12th-century square is the Gothic-style Rathaus or Town Hall with its Clock Tower or Glockenspiel. In front of the Rathaus is a tall column with a statue of the Virgin Mary on its top. My Tip - Try to hang around the Clock Tower at 11 am, 12 pm and 5 pm. This is when this old medieval Clock Tower comes alive with its bells and chimes. It's amazing to see this architectural marvel still with its working mechanism intact. Rathaus, New Town Hall The New Town Hall is a massive complex that sits imposingly in the centre of Marienplatz. It is the seat of the government in Munich. The Town Hall with its Glockenspiel is impressive from the outside. My Tip - We did not have time to see the interiors although the hallways are free to enter and explore. But mind you, if you take a tour of the complex, then it's 20 euros per person. If you've done such town hall tours earlier, give this one a miss! Munich Residenz This is the former Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Just walk about 1 kilometre from Marienplatz and you will reach the Royal Palace. The opulent palace is the largest palace in Germany with...how many rooms? Can you guess? 130 rooms! At any given time, most visitors can see about 60 or 70 of them, depending on what is open on the day of your visit. My Tip - The Residenz is a stunning piece of architecture. If you have limited time, go only for the Residenz since a lot of ticket options are available. You can buy separate tickets for the Residenz, the Museum and the Treasury. English Garden The concept of an English country garden generally includes small garden patches connected by beautiful pathways, a lake, some small covered porticos and rows of trees. My Tip - The garden took us by surprise. This is one of the largest urban parks in Munich. If you have time, this can be a great outing. There is a Japanese Tea Garden, a Pagoda and a beautiful Greek Temple. But you will need at least 2 to 3 hours to see this garden, it runs along the River Isar and is almost 5.5 kilometres in length. Asam Church About a 7 to 8-minute walk from Marienplatz will take you to this catholic church in Munich. The church is small but every bit lavish with elaborate interiors swathed in gold. Beautiful frescoes adorn the ceiling and the heavily embellished walls. My Tip - Must-see. The baroque facade of the church is very different from anything I've ever seen. St. Peter's Church Right across Marienplatz is this 11th-century cathedral that has very beautiful interiors. This is the oldest church in Munich, is free to enter and, if you decide to go to the top of the tower, you get spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps. My Tip - The inside of the church is simply stunning, we simply sat and marvelled at the interiors for about half an hour. Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady Frauenkirche stands out in Marienplatz with its distinct onion-shaped domes. The church is the seat of the Archbishop of Munich. I learnt that no other building around the church is allowed to be built higher than the church's domes. There is a Devil's Footprint at the entrance of the church. A lot of legends and beliefs surround this footprint. My Tip - The area around the church is called Frauenplatz with nice places to sit or stroll. Since it's so close to Marienplatz, you will just have to spend 20-odd minutes to reach it and see it. Viktualienmarkt This colossal food market lies in the heart of the Altstadt, very close to Marienplatz. This is a daily market except on Sundays and public holidays. Viktualienmarkt is like a very chic version of a farmer's market. A lot of gourmet dining options apart from a vast array of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables and flowers are available. My Tip - Don't miss this one while you're in Munich. Maximilian Strasse This street is the most happening street in Munich. There are elegant stores and uber-luxurious shopping avenues. The street extends from Maximilaneum near the Bavarian Parliament to Max-Joseph Platz with beautiful buildings lining the street. My Tip - Not everyone can afford to shop here but it's surely worth spending an evening along the beautiful boulevards. BMW Museum I have put this under the Top 10 things to do in Munich although I did not visit this museum myself since we had just one evening left in Munich and we wanted to spend it in a brewery. But we had read some rave reviews about this museum, so if you have time, then try to fit this into your itinerary. The museum is about 7 km away from the city but it is easily accessible by the S-Bahn or U-Bahn. Directly opposite the BMW Museum is the BMW Welt. The iconic building of BMW Welt is known for its unique architecture. Entry to BMW Welt is free. Beer Halls of Munich Your visit to Munich will be incomplete without visiting one of the beer halls in the city. I have written in detail about the brewery culture in Munich in the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-famous-beer-halls-of-munich-the-land-of-the-oktoberfest Day trip to Neu Schwanstein Neu Schwanstein has been on my bucket list for many years. The easiest way to see this fairy tale castle is from Munich. In all honesty, we planned a trip to Munich so that we could see this castle on a day trip. Click on the link below to read more about this fascinating journey into history - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-from-munich-to-neu-schwanstein-the-fairytale-castle-in-the-bavarian-alps The attractions in Munich do not end here. About 30 km away from Munich is the little town of Starnberg on the banks of the Starnberger Lake. There are loads of fun water activities to indulge in. If you have extra time, you can also visit the Nymphenberg Palace. It features on the Hop on Hop off bus tour of Munich. I would love to hear about your experience in the capital city of Bavaria! Do write back to me.... For useful travel tips, click here

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

I have listed the top 6 attractions in the New Town. You can cover all of them in a day. The New Town is very well connected with all the other parts of Prague via trams and buses. Even if you decide to walk from the Old Town, it should only take about 15 to 18 minutes since both parts lie adjacent to each other. a. Wenceslas Square b. Statue of St. Wenceslas c. National Museum d. Prague National Theater Opera e. Dancing House f. Rotating Head of Franz Kafka a. Wenceslas Square This is the most buzzing and happening part of Prague. It's so radically different from the Old Town yet has the same Prague vibe. My Tip - Must plan to spend an evening around this area when the Building of the National Museum is lit up. The area is very well connected by public transport. b. Statue of St. Wenceslas Right in front of the imposing majestic structure of the National Museum, is the statue of St. Wenceslas. St. Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia. Now, this beautiful bronze equestrian statue has become a national symbol of the Czech Republic. c. National Museum / Narodni Museum The stunning golden facade of the National Museum is a feast for the eyes. This massive complex houses 5 main institutes - - Museum of Natural Sciences - The Historical Museum - The Library of the National Museum - The Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures - The Czech Museum of Music My Tip - There is a lot to do and see in this museum. I'd also read some great reviews about it. But we still gave it a miss because we had just one spare evening in Prague and we wanted to spend it loitering around Wenceslas Square. Needless to say, the museum complex is stunningly beautiful. One cannot take one's eyes off this magnificent building. But equally vibrant is this square in the evening. We tried an interesting-looking potato delicacy whose name I've forgotten (see picture below). And we tried some amazing Aperol Spritz at one of the restaurants on the square. d. Prague National Theater Opera Just about an 18-minute walk away from Wenceslas Square is the National Theater Opera of Prague. Situated on the banks of the Vltava River, this stunning building had me intrigued from the moment we reached Prague. Its four majestic spires are visible from far and wide. Entry to the building is free, you can walk around the lobby also for free. If you wish to see the auditorium, then you need to buy tickets for a show or a guided tour. e. Dancing House This house was the site of a US bombing in 1945, so the place has a lot of significance in the history of Prague. The house, also nicknamed, Ginger and Fred, is located on the Vltava Riverfront. My Tip - We spent a great deal of time reaching the site of the Dancing House from Wenceslas Square, almost 20 mins by tram. I honestly did not find the house anything special to look out for. Just a tick off of our list of attractions for sure. There is a rooftop cafe that can be reached by an elevator, if you buy something from the cafe, then the elevator is included I think. Not too sure and did not bother to find out. A lot of people might like this kind of architecture but I am not a fan of any quirky and twisted architectural contortions. No offence, but for me, it jutted like an eyesore in the beautiful medieval buildings all around. f. Rotating Head of Franz Kafka 42 panels of heavy stainless steel rotate in synced layers to create the face of Franz Kafka, the most renowned Czech writer. This is indeed a technological marvel. The panels move at regular intervals, so you will just have to wait it out and see for yourself. The bust, I later read, weighs 39 tons and these moving panels are connected with kilometer-long cables and modules. My Tip - This bust created by the Czech artist David Cerny is located in the heart of Prague 1, in the backyard of the OC Quadrio Shopping Center. Tram 22 will take you to the tram stop right in front of this shopping centre. It's amazing to see the exact look of Franz Kafka taking shape as the metallic panels move. This is a must-watch attraction in my opinion. Never seen anything like this anywhere else. You can see the entire New Town in a few hours unless, of course, you plan to see the National Museum from the inside. In that case, you must keep aside a day. I'd love to hear from you if you happen to visit the National Museum. Also, in the New Town Prague, lies the world-famous Black Light Theatre. Click on the link below to learn more about this amazing show - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-the-world-s-oldest-black-light-theatre-of-jiri-srnec-a-czech-speciality And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

If you've seen all of Prague's architectural marvels, are bored of visiting museums and are still left with a spare day, then make a day trip to this beautiful natural wonder in the Czech Republic called Bohemian Switzerland for an unforgettable outdoor experience! Basic facts about Bohemian Switzerland This is the site of the largest natural arch in Europe called the Pravcická Brána Gate. This awe-inspiring gate made of natural sandstone rocks will take your breath away with unique natural rock formations! This 80 square kilometre national park has towering cliffs, thick forests and lusty rivers that cut through the mountains to create steep gorges. The arch became famous, especially after being featured in the Hollywood film The Chronicles of Narnia . This national park is located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountain region in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic. The same region spreads adjacently into Germany and is then called Saxon Switzerland as it falls in the state of Saxony near its capital city of Dresden. Many tour options are available that take you to both the Czech and German sides of the national park although going on your own is also quite simple and much cheaper, of course! Interestingly, I visited Dresden as a student many years ago and went to Saxon Switzerland from there. You can click on the link below to learn more about the German part of this beautiful nature park - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/saxon-switzerland-day-trip-to-the-stunning-sandstone-mountains-on-the-east-end-of-germany Things to do in Bohemian Switzerland Ideally, one should spend 2 days in this mountainous paradise. There are plenty of options to stay in the nearby village of Hrensko. If you have 2 days, then you can explore more places in the national park like - a. Pravcická Brána Gate b. Kamenice Gorge and Edmund's Gorge c. Saunstejn Rock Castle d. Mary's Rock e. Tisa Rocks But if you're making a day trip like we did, then there is only one attraction that you will be able to cover in that time. And that attraction should be Pravcická Brána, the largest natural mountainous arch in Europe! And now our day trip to Bohemian Switzerland ..... Prague to Dečin We took an early morning train from Prague Hlavni Nadrazi Railway Station to Dečin . Dečin is pronounced as De-chin, I think! That's what I heard everyone call it. Train to Dečin runs every hour. It's 130 km from Prague and takes about 1 hour 40 mins. I think this is the best way to go if you're going by public transport. Once you reach Dečin, look for the Tourist Information Centre that lies very close to the railway station in the same quarters. It's a good idea to understand the layout of the national park so that you can decide what you need to do and where you can start. We reached Dečin quite early, there was no queue at all at the information centre. The lady at the counter did not speak fluent English but she was extremely helpful as she charted out our entire walking trip of the day on a map of that area. The important thing is to ensure that you know the time of departure of the last bus from wherever you plan to return. Since we had just a day at our disposal and we had to catch a train back to Prague, we just stuck to the most important sightseeing in the park, which is the stone arch or Pravcická Brána Gate. Dečin to Hrensko We stepped out of the railway station and immediately boarded bus 434 in the direction of Hrensko. The bus runs every hour and you can buy the tickets from the bus driver or from the train station too. In about 20 to 30 minutes, the bus dropped us in the village of Hrensko which is about 8 kilometres away, at the Pravcicka bus stop. From there, we started walking on the trek leading to Pravcická Brána. The hike from Hrensko to Pravcická Brána The hike starts from a road leading into the mountains. In 2022, a devastating fire burnt most of the vegetation in the area. You will see a lot of burnt vegetation and tree stumps lying all around. As you walk further, the trail becomes mildly steep. The walking track meanders through beautiful mountain scenery. Indications are marked along the way albeit in Czech and German only. You can enjoy the trek at your own pace as chances of anyone getting lost on the trail are negligible. The trek should last about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. As you reach the last leg of the trek, you will see quite a few steps to climb. They will take you to the final viewing point of the arch. Adjacent to the massive rock wall of the arch is a building with tilted red roofs called the Falcon's Nest. It's constructed in the Swiss Chalet style and is precariously located on the side of the rock. It used to be a royal residence and now has a restaurant. Finally, at the foot of the arch I almost gasped in awe the moment this majestic natural formation fell within my line of sight. The arch is 16 m high and about 26 m wide. There is a small cafe under the arch, it serves a very limited menu but has a lot of seating space. We saw a lot of people eating their packed lunches also. Toilets in the facility are underground and are free to use. There are many intriguing pathways and steps leading to a lot of viewing platforms all around. You can get glorious views of the arch from many of them and of the mountainous valley all around. We tried to cover all of them, some of them have steep steps and some have uneven rocky trails. If you have problems walking, then they are best avoided. My Tip - The hike to Pravcická Brána can be done in a loop, that is from Hrensko to Pravcická Brána and back. This is the simplest way to see the arch in one day, especially if you're planning to come back to Prague the same evening. The trek is medium steep and can be done by anyone with a good level of fitness. After the fire of 2022, the ferry boat ride and some more treks were temporarily closed when we visited the park in July 2023. Please refer to the official website https://www.pbrana.cz/en/ to learn more about any updated information. Please remember, the signage in Czech or German only. So, try to get a good idea about how and what needs to be done before starting on the trail. Our last picture before our return journey in front of one of the viewing platforms with Pravcická Brána in the background! And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

The mention of Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, conjures up images of old medieval buildings with spires jutting into the skies and old bridges spanning lusty rivers with arches and domes and....let me not get carried away! Well, the point I'm trying to make is that Prague is more than merely its magnificent architecture. This bustling city is also home to a rich, vibrant cultural scene and the Black Light Theatre is one of the most celebrated art forms that the Czechs have given to the world. Black Light Theatre of Jiri Srnec is named after its founder Jiri Srnec who established this unique art form in 1961 in Prague. Since then, the theatre has performed in various countries around the world and has earned the distinction of being the oldest Black Light Theatre in the world! What is Black Light Theatre This dramatic art form uses a pitch-black background on stage to create illusions of moving images. Black curtains create the darkened look of the stage. The audience can only see the fluorescent props and the colourfully attired performers moving around the stage for the act. What they cannot see are the stage artists who are also dressed in black and hold and move these props per the script's directions. What makes this show spectacular is the ease with which these movements and plastic props are brought to life on stage. The theatre setting is nothing extravagant but the art form surely is.... My Tip I'd read some pretty bad reviews about the show on some forums, some people claimed that the show was sexist while others found fault with the seating arrangements at the venue. We were dissuaded by the reviews and might have given the show a miss but we wanted to see this world's oldest art form for ourselves. And I am so glad we went. The experience was unique if not out-of-this-world! The small auditorium has a capacity of about 100 or a little more. There is a small stage. You will not see any fancy acoustics and elaborate decorations on the walls, just pictures of artists and performers. The 90-minute show is non-verbal, it uses only moving props synced with lively music that adds to the zing. The plots of the acts are simple and hilarious. There is some crude humour at places but I wouldn't call it sexist or cheap, it's just simple laughter gimmicks. The performance of the actors, the dances and the music are lively. They create quite a buzz with their agile movements on the small stage. Seating is free, so try to reach on time to grab a seat in the front rows. We reached quite early but took a seat somewhere along the middle, we were not sure which seats would be ideal and then had to see the entire show with heads popping everywhere. Photography is not prohibited but patrons mostly refrain from making videos during the show as it creates disturbance. I made a small video for the sake of reference only. The venue is a bit difficult to find although it's quite centrally located in Prague. The metro line B stops close by and there is a tram stop also round the corner. We reached the area easily but had a lot of difficulty finding the entrance to this venue since there are a lot of theatres in that area. We were expecting a big theatre kind of structure but Jiri Srnec Black Light Theatre is inside a small unassuming door leading to a hallway and further downstairs into the auditorium. Once you know this, then locating the venue should not be difficult. If you have an evening free in Prague, then going to watch a black light show can be a fun thing to do. It's also a great way for families to spend time. You can read more about this art form on the official website of Jiri Srnec Black Light Theatre by clicking on the link below- https://www.srnectheatre.com/eng/node/148 And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

The old legendary fortress of Vyšehrad can be an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Prague on a bright sunny day. Vyšehrad in Czech translates into Upper Castle in English. Perched high on a massive rock called Vyšehrad, the fortress offers magnificent views of the Vltava River, probably the best in Prague, from the top of the castle. This 10th-century fortress was the seat of Czech kings. By the 17th century, it started serving as a military fortress. Now, this mammoth fortress is considered to be a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic and offers many interesting historical monuments inside a public park. Getting to Vyšehrad Castle from Prague The castle is about 6 kilometres away in the south of Prague city centre. The easiest way to get to the castle is by Metro Line C. Get down at the Vyšehrad Station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the castle. If you have to take a tram, don't mind hiking up. Get down at the tram station Vyton right across the road below the castle. You will have to take the stairs to reach the castle. If you get down at tram stop Albertov, then you will have to take a short steep climb through a residential colony to reach the Brick Gate of the castle. This is what we had to do for lack of more research on the day of our visit. Around Vyšehrad Castle Entry to the fortress and its sprawling gardens and ramparts is free. You must buy tickets for the individual monuments, the Basilica St. Peter and Paul and the Gorlice Casemates. Mind you, if you wish to take the guided tour of the fortress, then bookings have to be made a week in advance in the language of your choice. The official website is https://www.prague.eu/en There are many things to do around this fortress. It's a good idea to do some basic research about the fortress before the visit. As you enter the gate to the fortress, climb the steps on the right to reach the famous Vyšehrad Cemetery . The cemetery has 600 graves of famous Czech nationals, poets, sculptors and artists. There is a common tomb of some well-known Czech nationals called the Slavin Tomb . The tomb is adorned with a beautiful sarcophagus with inscriptions on it. One can never imagine a cemetery to be so stunning. We spent a great deal of time looking at the marvellous structures. From the cemetery, walk towards the Fortress Park . You will see families lazing around or having a picnic around this place. The area is very peaceful and is adorned with six amazing stone statues, each of them a marvel of its own. These statues are historically important because I believe they were moved here to save them from the Nazis. From the park, you can walk to the Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul . This Neo-Gothic structure has a stunning outer facade. The basilica is famous for its paintings in the Art Nouveau style, the most prominent being the panel painting of the Virgin Mary of Rain. My Tip - You will have to buy a ticket if you wish to enter the basilica. Tickets are available at the counter next to it. From the basilica, we walked to the Rotunda of St Martin . This is an 11th-century small chapel built on a circular platform and is today the oldest preserved Romanesque-style monument in all of Prague. Vyšehrad Fortress also houses the famous Casemates , a complex system of underground passages in the ramparts of the fortress where troops could move without being noticed. There is a large underground room called the Gorlice. The highlight of this room is that it has six of the original statues of Charles Bridge preserved here. My Tip - The Casemates can be seen only as a part of a guided tour of the Casemates and the Gorlice Hall. If you have time, then go for it. You can also make online bookings in advance. We gave this tour a miss since we had reached Prague from Austria after seeing many magnificent castles like the Hohensalzburg in Salzburg , so we'd had our fill of castles. Besides, the Vyšehrad Fortress offers splendid views of the entire city of Prague from the top of its ramparts. And that's exactly what we did for the rest of the evening and got to witness some amazing views of the river and the city... Stunning vistas of Vltava River from the top of Vyšehrad Castle My parting advice to anyone visiting the Vyšehrad Fortress would be to - One, take the metro line if possible. That way you can avoid the tedious hike up to the castle. Two, go on a bright day to get stunning views from the top. Three, keep some extra time on hand to see the basilica and the casements. The area is not very touristy, so you can easily buy tickets then and there depending on the time you have. For guided tours, though, you need to make advance bookings. So, if you do visit the Vyšehrad Fortress, then share your thoughts with me.... And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

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!

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.

Budapest is world renowned for its thermal springs. After having experienced the novelty of this experience, I would recommend it to anyone going to Budapest to make it a point to visit the thermal baths. Why are there thermal baths in Budapest? Budapest lies on a geographical fault line caused by the convergence of the Buda Hills with the plains. This collision has created pools of warm mineral-rich water springs. These mineral springs are known for their healing and soothing properties and for treating many skin ailments too. This natural wonder has been beautifully harnessed in the form of thermal spas at various sites in the city. In all, there are 9 thermal spas in Budapest. Although the quality of natural spring water is the same, each spa has a different vibe and infrastructure. We visited the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths, one of the biggest in Budapest with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor thermal pools. Here are some handy tips and things you should know before you visit... Swimwear is compulsory across all thermal baths. There are no exceptions to this rule. You're expected to wear flip-flops during your time at the baths. This is important from the hygiene perspective as there are no showers around each pool. Visitors are expected to enter the pools with clean feet. So, don't forget to carry your flip-flops. It's also a good idea to carry your towels and wraps, soaps, shampoo or whatever you need. Your Standard ticket does not include any complimentary goodies. There is a shop where you can buy these things in case you forget to carry them but they add to the cost. You are not expected to wear a shower cap in the thermal pools unless you plan to use the outdoor big swimming pool. Locker facilities are available to keep your possessions. They can be operated with the wristband that is put around your wrist for the entire length of your stay on the premises. Try to reach the venue of the baths as early as possible. Massive crowds throng the pools as the day progresses. Weekends are very crowded, weekdays by comparison see less crowd. Try to plan your visit on a working day. Same-day tickets are easily available at the counter for regular use of the pool and spa facility. If you're looking for some specific service like a special massage or a facial, then it's better to make online bookings beforehand. Thermal pools are safe in all respects. They are family-friendly but kids only above 14 are allowed into the pools. Photography is not prohibited inside or outside the facility. Remember to carry a ziplock pouch to keep your phone with you without getting it wet. I'd like to mention here that many people are locals who have come solely to avail the medicinal benefits of the mineral pools. Although no one objects to taking pictures, it's polite to get their permission before doing so or wait to get the pool all to yourself. Looking at the crowds, that might not happen, so taking permission is your best bet I guess! Alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the spa complex. You can also buy them at the small cafeteria. There is the unstated rule that these may be consumed in a civil manner without disrupting the decorum of the place. And now our day at the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths complex We reached the baths on a warm July morning, as early as 8 am. There were no queues at the ticket counter when we arrived. We opted for the Standard Ticket which includes using the locker facility. The tickets come with a wristband that you can use to operate your locker. Independent cabins for changing and storing your possessions are also available with some ticket packages. The complex lies very close to Budapest City Park and is just about an 8 to 10-minute walk away from the famous Heroes Square. Special discounts are offered for early check-ins on certain days of the week. You may refer to the official website for more info and offers before your visit https://www.szechenyibath.hu/ There is a Subway station and a tram line stop right next to the spa complex. Metro Line 1 from the City Centre, Deak Square, goes directly. We took tram line 72 from our place to reach the spa. The main entry to the spa is from the Circus entrance. After purchasing the tickets, we were led to the locker rooms on the lower level with toilets, changing and showering facilities. There are separate locker areas for men and women. The area and toilets were fairly clean albeit with very basic amenities. The locker area is massive with a long corridor branching into many sections. Each section has about 100-odd lockers. I'd read somewhere before our visit that it's quite easy to get lost in the maze or lose track of your locker. I made it a point to remember my locker number and the section where it was located. After changing into our swimwear, we headed straight to the outdoor thermal pool. The water temperature in the pool is maintained at a warm 38 degrees Celcius. There are steps all around the pool for people to just sit and relax and soak in the goodness of the spring water. In the centre, is the whirlpool. It's like going on a merry-go-round in water, walking or floating along as the powerful gusts of water sway you around. The whirlpool is as much fun doing as it's watching other people shriek and shout as they go around in a circle. This outdoor pool also has a jacuzzi and powerful water jets that have a small queue around them with people waiting for their turn to experience it. After flapping around in the outdoor pool for almost an hour, we decided to go and experience the indoor thermal pools. The inside pools looked like a more serious business to me, no fun and frolic here. It was quieter and there were a lot of elderly people relaxing in the thermal pools. There are 15 pools of varying sizes, depths and water temperatures indoors ranging from quite warm to tepid to very cold in some pools. The water temperature is monitored vigilantly. There are open storage units next to each pool where you can put your bags, phones etc. There is also a sauna and a steam room inside for anyone to use. After spending a good 2 hours exploring the indoor pools, we stepped outside. It was almost noon by then. The scenario around the outdoor pools had completely transformed. There were so many people in the big pool. There was a nice vibe around the place. What immediately struck was the way people just went about their own business, tourists having fun and clicking pictures while the regulars just soaking in the goodness of the water. The locker rooms were also bursting with people by then. There was a queue in front of the toilet. It was not as clean as we'd left it in the morning, everything was wet everywhere. But there was decorum as people waited patiently for their turn to use the washrooms or even the hair dryers fixed outside in the corridor. We spent a good 4 to 5 hours at the spa complex. I can safely say that a trip to Budapest would be incomplete without a visit to its famous thermal baths. It was an experience of a different kind, certainly a not-to-miss kind!

An hour's drive from the City Centre will take you to this small, unostentatious park about 10 km southwest of Budapest. This small park with its colossal statues from the communist period speaks volumes about the challenges Hungary faced during that era and its final downfall in the uprising of 1956. Right in front of the park's entrance is a massive plinth with Stalin's Boots as a remembrance of the uprising of 1956 when Stalin's statue was pulled down and only his boots remained. How to get to Memento Park from Budapest Getting to the park by public transport from Budapest is fairly easy. You can take the Metro Line M4 to Kelenföld Station. From there, you will get a direct bus to Memento Park, Bus lines 101B and 101E. If you have a Budapest Card, then this entire trip will be included in it. Another easier way is to take the direct bus line from Deak Square to Memento Park. You can purchase the ticket on the bus itself. You can get a discounted ticket on the Budapest Card on this line. We took the first option, got down at Kelenföld Station and took bus number 101E to the park. The bus dropped us opposite the park across the road. Things to see at the Memento Park Stalin's Boots Right at the entrance to the park is this intriguing plinth with tall boots that once belonged to the statue of Stalin that was pulled down by the crowds revolting against the oppressing communist regime on October 23rd, 1956. Now, the boots stand as a poignant reminder of that era and also of its downfall. Statue Park This small open-air museum has 41 mammoth statues of important figures from the communist regime. The statues are really impressive and capture that era well. My understanding of the park is that at first look, it might seem like the park is celebrating that regime but as you go through the statues, the irony gradually sinks in. One needs a democratic, free state to be able to talk about the oppressive communist regime. Exhibitions There is a small exhibition area across the road from the park. These exhibitions have a replica of Stalin's boots. There are displays about the events that occurred around the revolution of 1956 and the ultimate fall of the communist regime in Hungary. Cinema hall Adjacent to the Exhibition area is a small theatre. We just walked past it thinking that this was just another documentary about the making of this park and so on. But once inside, we discovered it was a short film about the agents who worked in the communist regime. The film depicts the lives of agents, how they were inducted and their training in different aspects of spying and espionage. The film was very well made and got us completely hooked. We sat right through the end of this one-hour film. My Tip Memento Park might not instantly impress you the way most museums or art installations do. The reason is that it tells the story of Hungary's communist regime very simply. The infrastructure around the park is very basic. They have collected these statues from various parts of Hungary and put them together here. But the history lesson is profound and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mammoth statues are amazing. At the entrance to the park, an old East German car called Trabant is parked. I think it stood there as a symbol of the unfulfilled dreams of people who lived in the erstwhile GDR. There is a ticket counter at the entrance where you can also buy refreshments. An old radio set was playing some old melodies. The toilets were clean and free which is quite unlike at most places. I think this pretty much paints the picture of the park for you. If you're interested in learning about the history and politics of Hungary and of the communist regime in general, then this park will not disappoint you.