Exploring Budapest
June 2026
Representing Malaysia at the AIDA Pool World Championship also gave me the chance to experience Budapest and its surroundings. I am grateful for the many memorable moments beyond the competition itself. Here are some selected photos to remember the journey.
En route to Budapest via Singapore and Munich. Due to Iran conflict - opportunity to use Lufthansa for the first time instead of middle-eastern carrier.
Staying at Promenade Hotel for the first few days before moving to the main hotel.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge — just a short walk from our hotel.
St. Stephen's Basilica — a beautiful landmark and gathering point for PSG supporters during the Champions League final.
Crossing Elisabeth Bridge for a morning hike to the St. Gerard Sagredo Statue and Citadel.
Hiking up to the Citadel. I loved the peaceful greenery and quiet atmosphere in the early morning.
Enjoying the peaceful greenery on the way up to the Citadel.
An early morning hike to the Citadel before the crowds arrived.
Stunning views of the Pest side while making the climb.
Another beautiful view overlooking the Pest side.
Szabadság-szobor (Liberty Statue) at the Citadel.
Stunning panoramic views from the top of the Citadel.
Another beautiful view from the summit.
The Hungarian flag atop the Citadel — visible even from our hotel on the Pest side.
Verno House — our main hotel for the championship.
The elegant lobby area at Verno House.
Our room at Verno House for the next six days — spacious and comfortable.
Loved the large bathtub. A perfect place to decompress after each event.
Liberty Square, just a short walk from our hotel.
The iconic Hungarian Parliament Building near our hotel.
View of the Parliament Building at night from the Buda side.
Military honour guards marching during the Day of National Unity.
Fisherman's Bastion — a beautiful 19th-century fortress.
Another view of Fisherman's Bastion.
Matthias Church, located beside Fisherman's Bastion.
Buda Castle.
Buda Castle illuminated at night. The historic buildings along the Danube are among Budapest's most iconic sights.
Stumbling upon a filming set near Liberty Square for the production Dinner with Audrey.
Loved the Pistachio Cortado from Forni di Napoli Bazilika — I kept coming back for more.
Inside Budapest Keleti Station, heading to Vienna.