Christmas 2024

December 2024 - January 2025
  • Orion Global Nomads
  • Craig Bowman
A 38-day adventure by Orion Global Nomads & Craig Read more
  • Orion Global Nomads
  • Craig Bowman

List of countries

  • Austria Austria
  • Slovakia Slovakia
  • Hungary Hungary
  • United States United States
Categories
Beach, Culture, Family, Photography, Sightseeing
  • 8.3kmiles traveled
Means of transport
  • Flight7,894kilometers
  • Walking-kilometers
  • Hiking-kilometers
  • Bicycle-kilometers
  • Motorbike-kilometers
  • Tuk Tuk-kilometers
  • Car-kilometers
  • Train-kilometers
  • Bus-kilometers
  • Camper-kilometers
  • Caravan-kilometers
  • 4x4-kilometers
  • Swimming-kilometers
  • Paddling/Rowing-kilometers
  • Motorboat-kilometers
  • Sailing-kilometers
  • Houseboat-kilometers
  • Ferry-kilometers
  • Cruise ship-kilometers
  • Horse-kilometers
  • Skiing-kilometers
  • Hitchhiking-kilometers
  • Cable car-kilometers
  • Helicopter-kilometers
  • Barefoot-kilometers
  • 18footprints
  • 38days
  • 174photos
  • 0likes
  • Dohány Street Synagogue

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    📍 Dohány Street Synagogue - Budapest, Hungary

    After long travel days and a good night’s rest, we were ready to dive into exploring Budapest! After a delicious breakfast, our first stop was the iconic Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. Built in 1859, its blend of Moorish, Romantic, and Byzantine architecture is absolutely breathtaking.

    ✨ Fun Facts & History:
    • The synagogue can hold over 3,000 people!
    • Composer Franz Liszt once performed here to help raise funds for its construction.
    • Inside, you’ll find stunning stained glass, a richly decorated ark, and a majestic organ still used today.

    💫 Local History:
    Dohány Street isn’t just a religious site—it’s a place of memory and resilience. During WWII, it became part of Budapest’s Jewish Ghetto. Today, the adjacent cemetery and the Emanuel Tree of Life memorial honor those lost and stand as symbols of hope and remembrance.

    Starting our Budapest journey here set a meaningful tone for the day — history, art, and culture all in one place. Have you visited this awe-inspiring landmark? Share your experience below! 👇

    #BudapestAdventures #DohanyStreetSynagogue #TravelHistory #JourneyThroughTime #ExploreBudapest
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  • Scrumptious Baked Goods

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    📍 David’s Kitchen, Budapest

    After exploring the majestic Dohány Street Synagogue, we made our way to David’s Kitchen, a charming café in Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter. We couldn’t resist trying their almond croissant and a mixed fruit pastry—both perfectly flaky and absolutely delicious! 🥐🍓🍇

    To sip, we enjoyed a green tea latte and a smooth cappuccino, making for a delightful start to the day. 🍵☕✨

    If you’re ever in Budapest and craving a memorable breakfast or brunch, David’s Kitchen is a must-visit for artisanal pastries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 💫

    #BudapestEats #DavidsKitchen #PastryPerfection #CafeVibes #TravelMoments #FoodieAdventures #SweetEscape
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  • Opera House

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    📍 Hungarian State Opera House, Budapest

    While we didn’t catch a performance, we couldn’t pass up visiting the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. This architectural masterpiece is a true celebration of culture, history, and artistic grandeur. 🎭🏛️

    Fun Facts & History:

    ✨ Built between 1875 and 1884, the opera house was designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Hungary’s most famous architects.
    ✨ Its stunning Neo-Renaissance style features rich Baroque ornamentation, symbolizing Hungary’s golden age of art and culture.
    ✨ The grand staircase, marble columns, and intricate frescoes were designed to reflect the grandeur expected of European opera houses of the era.

    Highlights We Loved:

    🎶 The grand entrance hall, with its lavish chandeliers and golden decor, left us in awe.
    🎶 The ceiling of the auditorium features a stunning fresco by Károly Lotz, depicting the Greek gods on Olympus.
    🎶 Franz Liszt himself conducted performances here, and Gustav Mahler was once the opera’s director!

    Even without seeing a show, the Hungarian State Opera House is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates architecture, history, and the arts. It’s a place where Hungary’s cultural heritage truly comes to life! 💫

    #BudapestAdventures #HungarianStateOpera #NeoRenaissanceBeauty #CulturalTreasures #HistoricHungary #GrandArchitecture #ArtAndHistory #TravelMoments #OperaLovers
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  • St. Stephen’s Basilica

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    📍 St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

    Our journey through Budapest wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. Built between 1851 and 1905, this Neo-Classical masterpiece stands as the largest church in Hungary, dedicated to St. Stephen, the country’s first king. 🏛️⛪

    Fun Facts:
    ✨ Its dome stands 96 meters tall, symbolizing Hungary’s founding in 896.
    ✨ The basilica can hold 8,500 people and took 54 years to complete due to structural challenges, including the collapse of its original dome.

    Sacred Relic:
    We saw St. Stephen’s Holy Right Hand displayed on the main floor of worship, a deeply revered relic in Hungarian history. Its presence added a profound sense of spiritual and historical significance to our visit. 🙏💫

    The View:
    Instead of taking the elevator, we climbed the 364 steps to the top of the tower—and the panoramic views were absolutely breathtaking! From up there, we admired the Danube River, Buda Castle, and the majestic Parliament Building—a spectacular reward after the climb! 🌄👀

    If you’re in Budapest, this is a must-visit for its history, art, and unbeatable views! 🌟

    #BudapestAdventures #StStephensBasilica #NeoClassicalBeauty #HistoricHungary #PanoramicViews #CulturalTreasures #TravelMoments #BucketListViews #364StepsToTheTop
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  • Hungarian Parliament Building

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    📍 Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest

    Our evening stroll through Budapest’s city streets eventually brought us to the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, just in time to capture its breathtaking beauty at dusk. As the sun set, the majestic structure lit up, casting shimmering reflections across the Danube River—a magical sight we’ll never forget. 🌅✨

    Architectural Marvel:

    🏛️ Built between 1885 and 1904, the Parliament Building is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic design, featuring elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its towering spires, grand central dome (standing 96 meters high), and intricately carved facade reflect Hungary’s proud history and architectural brilliance.

    Historical Highlight:

    ✨ In front of the Parliament stands the imposing statue of Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian statesman and freedom fighter, along with the striking equestrian statue of Count Gyula Andrássy. Andrássy, a key political figure and former Prime Minister of Hungary, played a crucial role in the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. His statue symbolizes his influence in shaping Hungary’s modern history. 🏇

    Fun Facts:

    ✨ The Parliament is the third-largest in the world and home to Hungary’s Crown Jewels and Holy Crown.
    ✨ With 691 rooms, 12.5 miles of corridors, and 88 statues, every corner tells a story of Hungarian heritage.

    After admiring its illuminated splendor and the historic monuments surrounding it, we continued our walk along the Danube’s peaceful bank, taking in the sparkling lights of Budapest’s cityscape—a perfect way to end the evening. 💫

    #BudapestAtDusk #HungarianParliament #DanubeViews #NeoGothicBeauty #HistoricHungary #StatueOfAndrassy #EveningWalks #CulturalLandmarks #TravelMoments #MagicalBudapest
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  • An Evening Around the Christmas Markets

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    📍 Budapest Christmas Markets 🎄✨

    Our Christmas adventures officially began tonight with a magical evening walk through the festive Christmas markets of Budapest! The air was filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and sweet chimney cakes as we strolled through rows of twinkling lights and holiday stalls.

    The best part? Meeting up with our family, Brad and Kristy, who just flew in from Montana to join us for this special holiday season. The joy of reuniting under Budapest’s sparkling Christmas lights made the night even more magical.

    Let the holiday adventures begin! 🎅🏼🎁🍷 #BudapestChristmas #HolidayMagic #FamilyAdventures #ChristmasMarkets #TravelTogether
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  • Dinner @ Hilda

    December 12, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    🍽️ Dinner at Hilda - Budapest 🎄✨

    After a chilly evening exploring Budapest’s festive streets, we warmed up with a cozy, delicious dinner at Hilda’s. The holiday spirit was alive with Christmas music playing softly in the background, adding to the warm and inviting ambiance.

    We kicked things off with cocktails: a rich Chocolate Old Fashioned, a classic Negroni, a glass of red wine, and a refreshing basil mocktail. 🍸🍷🍹

    For dinner, we enjoyed a hearty feast: traditional Hungarian goulash, roasted chicken with pumpkin, pork-wrapped cabbage, and perfectly cooked duck confit. Every bite was a flavorful celebration of Hungarian cuisine. 🇭🇺

    A perfect way to end a winter day in Budapest — warm, hearty, and unforgettable! 🥘✨❄️

    #BudapestEats #HildasBudapest #HungarianCuisine #WinterAdventures #FestiveDining #ChristmasInBudapest
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  • 🍽️ Dinner at Stand25

    December 13, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    🍽️ Dinner at Stand25 - Budapest ⭐️🍷

    We had the pleasure of dining at Stand25, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Budapest’s historic District 1. Known for its refined take on Hungarian comfort food, Stand25 has earned a Bib Gourmand and later a Michelin Star, recognized for offering exceptional cuisine with a touch of elegance. 🍴✨

    Nestled in District 1, the area is filled with old-world charm, historic streets, and a cozy, upscale dining scene. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.

    We started with expertly crafted cocktails and a fine Hungarian red wine. For dinner, we enjoyed:
    🍲 Bean Soup – rich and flavorful
    🍗 Chicken Kiev – perfectly crispy and juicy
    🦆 Slow-Roasted Duck Leg – tender, savory, and beautifully seasoned
    🍄 Gnocchi with Oyster Mushrooms – earthy and delicate

    Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious — a true culinary treat in Budapest! 🍷🍽️✨

    #MichelinDining #Stand25Budapest #BudapestEats #HungarianCuisine #FineDining #District1Budapest #TravelAndTaste #FoodLoversJourney
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  • 🎄 An Evening Stroll with a Sweet Ending

    December 13, 2024 in Hungary ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C

    🎄 Evening Stroll Through Budapest’s Christmas Markets ✨

    After a fantastic dinner at Stand25, we took a magical evening walk through Budapest’s enchanting Christmas markets. The air was filled with the warm, festive aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and sweet treats. 🍷🌰✨

    Of course, we couldn’t resist indulging in a classic chimney cake (kürtőskalács) — warm, sugary, and perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and doughy inside. 🍰🔥 It’s the ultimate holiday treat that tastes even better when enjoyed beneath sparkling Christmas lights.

    The festive atmosphere, cozy holiday vibes, and stunning views of Budapest’s beautifully lit streets made for the perfect post-dinner experience. 🌟❄️

    #BudapestChristmas #HolidayMagic #ChimneyCakeLove #EveningWalks #ChristmasMarkets #FestiveVibes #TravelAndTaste #WanderlustMoments
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