Gödöllo Royal Palace (Gödölloi Királyi Kastély)

The most notable former residents of the palace include Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife—known to fans as Sisi—who gave the castle a luxurious makeover near the turn of the century. Though the castle subsequently fell into disrepair, it has since been restored, and today sports a cheery white and pink exterior, complete with iron balconies and arched windows.

To explore the castle and learn about its storied past, you can buy tickets to visit the interior, or join a guided tour for a more personal experience. Don't miss the landscaped gardens and stable blocks—designed after Vienna's Spanish Riding School—and be sure to check out the castle's theater. Advance tickets are typically available for special events.

• Enjoy a snack in the ground-floor Palace Café, which is accessible without a ticket.
• Learn more while exploring with an audio guide, offered for a small fee.
• The palace is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility—and guests in wheelchairs—with the exception of the stairs in the Horthy Bunker.

Situated just 18.5-miles (30-kilometers) from Budapest, Gödöllo Royal Palace is a fitting day trip destination. Though it's relatively simple to reach by train—via rail service from Budapest's Keleti Train Station—guided tours are the most convenient option. Private tours and group tours typically include round-trip travel from Budapest, and may even stop at nearby cities like Szentendre.

Gödöllo Royal Palace is open seven days a week and holds limited winter hours. The café is closed in January, and the property is shuttered periodically for seasonal maintenance. To make the most of your visit, you can attend one of the castle's performances, classical concerts, or festivals. You should check the calendar before arriving to find up-to-date listings.

This stately home contains 31 galleries where museum aficionados can explore the permanent collection featuring a diverse display including weaponry, portraiture, and statuary. Six galleries explore relics from the aristocratic Grassalkovich family who once called the castle home. Fourteen galleries, including the Royal suits, showcase the regal history of the palace, when the home was gifted in celebration of Emperor Francis Joseph i's coronation.