Gödöllő

University of Gödöllő

Gödöllő is a city of 32,000 people (2017) in Pest County, about 30 km east of Budapest. It is often visited as a daytrip from Budapest, or as a stop off while travelling to Eastern Hungary. It is among the most popular destinations for Austrians visiting Hungary, largely due to the royal palace, former home of Emperor Franz Josef and Queen Elizabeth.

Get in

By bus

• 1 Gödöllő Bus Station (Gödöllő autóbusz-állomás), Szabadság u. 8. (East from the Palace), info@volanbusz.hu. Ticket vending machine. Cash desk opening hours: M-F 06:00-18:00; Sa 06:00-14:00; Su and holidays: 06:30-14:30. Waiting room daily 05:00-23:00. There is a snack bar and a newspaper sales. Buses from: Vác (via Vácrátót), Eger (via Hatvan, Gyöngyös), Szolnok (via Jászberény), Tura (via Aszód). 

By rail

Budapest has two suburban rail systems: the HÉV operated by BKV (the transport company in Budapest), and regular személy trains operated by MÁV (the national rail operator). Both serve Gödöllő, but not the same parts. However, if coming from central Budapest MÁV is almost always the better option, although HÉV is more practical if you are arriving directly from the Franz Liszt Airport (first take #200E from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest, and from there on take #85 to Örs vezér tere, its final stop; both of these are bus lines with quite frequent departures, even on Sundays).

HÉV

The Gödöllő HÉV originates at Örs Vezér tere in Budapest, the eastern terminus of the metro line 2. Be sure to take a train towards Gödöllő and not Csömör or Cinkota. Gödöllő has four HÉV stops. Service pattern is 4 trains/hour during peak hours and 2 trains/hour at other times, and the trip from Örs Vezér tere takes 51 min.

Tickets can be bought at Örs Vezér tere or from the inspector on board, and the fare is Ft720, consisting of two tickets: a regular one for Ft350 that you should stamp inside the train, and an extension ticket for Ft370 that an inspector will come over to check (though if you have a Budapest period travelcard, this is reduced to Ft365).

• 2 Gödöllő, Erzsébet park HÉV suburban train stop (Erzsébet park HÉV megálló), Szabadság út (between the Felső Park and the scenic Erzsébet park). First stop in Gödöllő arriving from Budapest 
• 3 Gödöllő, Szabadság tér HÉV suburban train stop (Szabadság tér HÉV megálló) (in the downtown and steps away from the royal palace and city museum). 'H8' line toward west to Budapest Örs vezér tere terminal and to east via Gödöllő, Palotakert station to Gödöllő terminal (same place as Gödöllő train stop) 
• 4 Gödöllő, Palotakert suburban train stop (Palotakert HÉV megálló) (Near the Palotakert housing development). 
• 5 Gödöllő (Gödöllő végállomás) (connected to the MÁV station of the same name). HÉV suburban train terminal. 

MÁV suburban rail

Gödöllő is also served by MÁV suburban trains on the Budapest - Gödöllő - Hatvan line, which originates at Keleti pályaudvar (metro line 2) in Budapest. Service pattern is generally 2 trains/hr Budapest - Gödöllő with 1 train/hr running onwards to Hatvan. Gödöllő has three MÁV stops: Gödöllő-Állami telepek, Gödöllő, and Máriabesnyő. The Hatvan trains will stop in all three, the Gödöllő trains only at Állami telepek and Gödöllő station. The ride takes 38 minutes and costs Ft745 (though if you have a Budapest period travelcard, this is reduced to Ft365).

• 6 Gödöllő-Állami telepek train stop (Gödöllő Állami telepek vasúti megállóhely), Isaszegi út ~168 (near the Arboreteum and Beekeeping museum). A small covered brick shelter. No cashdesk. 
• 7 Gödöllő train stop (Gödöllő állomás) (connected to the HÉV terminus, 7 min on foot to the palace and 9 min to downtown). 
• 8 Máriabesnyő train stop (Máriabesnyő vasúti megállóhely), Gárdonyi Géza utca ~2 (outside the pilgrimage temple). There is only a shelter building. Buy ticket on the train from ticket inspector 

By car

Gödöllő is accessible by the M3 motorway out of Budapest.

Get around

Most of the main sights are within walking distance of Szabadság tér. The HÉV can be used within Gödöllő, at a cost of Ft155 a ticket. If travelling to Máriabesnyő suburban trains bound for Hatvan leave every hour from the main station. There is also a free bus that runs from the train station to downtown and then on to Tesco that runs roughly every hour. A complete local bus schedule can be found at Volánbusz's website.

See

Town Centre

Royal Palace of Gödöllő

• 1 Grassalkovich Palace (German: Schloss Gödöllő, Hungarian: Gödöllői Királyi Kastély, Grassalkovich Kastély,) (located across the street from the Szabadság tér HÉV stop), ☏ +36 28 410124, fax: +36 28 423159, informacio@kiralyikastely.hu. Apr-Oct daily 10:00-18:00 (ticket office until 17:00), 27 Oct-Dec M-F 10:00-16:00, Sa-Su 10:00-17:00, 27 Dec- 4 Jan 10:00-17:00 (ticket office always clse one hour earlier) (2014). The royal palace is Gödöllő's main attraction. Built in the 1740s, the baroque mansion was home to Count Anton Grassalkovich. With the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the palace was given to the Habsburgs as a gift and was often frequented by Queen Elizabeth, better known as Sisi. During communism the palace fell into ruin and has been partially restored. The first floor's 23 rooms (nearly 1000m²) accommodate the interior exhibition. One of the most striking features of the Empress Elisabeth Exhibition is its historical accuracy. Besides a tour of the royal apartments, there are also the Baroque theater and the royal chapel. Concerts are also frequently held here. The visitor service units are situated on the ground floor: cloak-room, ticket office, tourist information centre, toilets (also for the disabled), payphone. Audioguides are available (Hungarian, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Slovak, Romanian, Polish). Permanent exhibition (Royal apartments, the Era of the Grassalkovich, Queen Elisabeth memorial exhibition, “Centuries, Inhabitants, Stories” – the 20th-century history of the palace) adult/student Ft2,200/1,100, family ticket Ft4,600 (two adults and children under 18); guided tour prices for groups – 70-80 min 1-9 persons Ft5,300 per group, 10-25 persons Ft6,500, Ft800/audioguide. Seasonal exhibitions: adult/student Ft1,200/600 (varies). 3D cinema "The Castle of Gödöllő ever and now" Director-cameraman: Elemér Ragályi. The horse culture of royals and aristocratics (interactive exhibition in the Baroque stables and Stableman rooms) (Th-Su) ~45 min, adult/student Ft1,200/600. Falconry and archery show (12 May-15 Sep): Sundays 15:00 ~ 60 min adult/student Ft1,500/900.. 
  • 2 Baroque Theatre (In the southernmost wing of the Palace). Only with guiding ~30 min (Sa Su). Count Antal Grassalkovich II (1734–1794) had a theatre auditorium constructed during reconstruction work between 1782 and 1785. This is the earliest stone theatre with coulisses still standing in Hungary. The 25-m-long, 8-m-wide and 9½-m-high space resulted from making the three-storey wing into one. The walls of the theatre auditorium were decorated with Neo-classical, late Baroque paintings. The plastic parastades with Roman capitals are joined by cornices at the top and marble-like pedestals at the bottom. The surfaces between the parastades are adorned with ochre-framed pink fields with garlands. The 90 sqm stage slanting slightly towards the stalls was equipped with the best technology of the age. The spatial effect of the Baroque stage-set was achieved by means of sliding coulisses and scenery canvases hanging from above and also by backdrop canvases. There was no orchestra pit separating the stalls from the stage. The orchestra was only separated from the audience by a low draught-screen. The audience was seated in the stalls and in the two galleries on the rear wall. Adult/student Ft1,400/800. 
  • Horthy Bunker (On the south side of the castle in Queen Elizabeth's garden). Only with a guide, 25-30 min. Miklós Horthy (1868-1957) governor was used as a summer residence the Palace of Godollo between the two World Wars. A bunker built for him at the end of World War II. Now two rooms are visitable of the bunker. This is a bomb-proof shelter made with 170 cm wide reinforced concrete walls. The bunker is about 10 m deep under the earth. Suitable for up to 20 persons. Two residing rooms and a toilet built here. The equipment of one of the room is reconstructed basis of the original plan. The exhibition shows the history of the bunker construction and summon the war period by newsreels, Karády (famous Hungarian singer from 1930s-40s) songs and relics. Adult/student Ft900/750. 
  • 3 King’s Hill pavilion (Királyi domb pavilonja). may be visited on guided tours. The hexagonal pavilion built in the 1760s, dates from the Baroque period. 54 oil paintings depicting Hungarian leaders and kings were incorporated into the panelled walls of the pavilion. Now can be see only replicas, because mostly have been destroyed or have disappeared. 
  • 4 Palace church (Palota templom) (Northern Wing). On the orders of Antal Grassalkovich I erected a richly decorated Catholic church adjoining the Palace. The church was consecrated on 1749. Its patron is St John of Nepomuk as depicted in the high altar painting dating from the 18th century. The baldachin above the high altar rests on four black marble columns. The triumphal arch is decorated with the Grassalkovich family coat of arms. A unique feature of the church is that it has two Rococo style pulpits. Above the entrance to the oratory there is a Venetian mosaic portrait of Antal Grassalkovich I. 

Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Royal Suites

• • Royal Suites (Királyi lakosztályok). In 1867 bought and reconstructed by the Hungarian state. The palace was presented as a coronation gift to Emperor Francis Joseph I (1830–1916) and Queen Elizabeth (1837–1898) for use as a residence. The royal period is evoked in 14 galleries: the faithfully restored royal suites and the ceremonial hall. 
  • Museum Shop and Shop of Royal Suppliers (Múzeum bolt és Udvari beszállítók boltja) (both are on the ground floor of the castle). Unique book selection related to Queen Elizabeth and Gödöllő. Wide selection of postcards. Gifts quotation the atmosphere of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy . Goods of Royal Suppliers: Porcelains, laces, spices, wines, these highly representative of the Hungarian tradition, quality and creativity of the Hungarian. Unique gifts, gift packages can be ordered or can be assembled and purchased on the spot. 
  • Palace Cafe (Palota kávézó) (on the ground floor). Coffee specialties (six types), cookies and cakes specialties (ten types), Ticolino teas. 
  • 5 Palmhouse (Pálmaház), Martinovics u. 2/a. (South part of the Upper Park), ☏ +36 28 432 995. Daily 08:00-17:00. Arts and crafts workshops, a petting zoo, pony rides and flower market 

Town Museum of Gödöllő

• 6 Town Museum of Gödöllő (Gödöllői Városi Múzeum), Szabadság tér 5 (close to the HÉV station toward market), ☏ +36 28 421-997, fax: +36 28 422 003, info@godolloimuzeum.hu. W-Su 08.00–16.00. The oldest dating building of Gödöllő, the Hamvay mansion house, has had a lot of functions all through history: it was used as a guesthouse, a chemists, a hotel and even a grammar school. Today it hosts the Town Museum. The exhibit focuses primarily on the Gödöllő artists' colony from the early 1900s, and has several excellent examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau. There is also an ethnographic exhibit on Oceania, collected by Ferenc Ignácz, who worked at the university in Gödöllő. Another small room houses the private collection of Zoltán Mihály Csupor, a Catholic priest. Gift shop. FtF600 (2014). 
• 7 Royal Waiting Room (Királyi Váró), Állomás tér 1-2 (700 m south of the Palace entrance), ☏ +36 28 421-997, +36 20 451-8402 (mobil), fax: +36 28 422-003, info@godolloimuzeum.hu. 10.00–16.00. A branch of the Town Museum of Gödöllő. Between Hatvan and Pest (Budapest is not existed just separate Buda, Pest, Óbuda) the rail traffic started in 1867. (This rail line is passing Gödöllö.) Same year Queen Elizabeth got the Godollo Palace and Estate as a coronation present. The royal couple and escort regularly traveled by train to Godollo. The Godollo station building was released on April 2, 1867. In 1868, a wooden, Tyrolean-style temporary pavilion was built for the royal couple as a waiting room. In the 1870s the railway traffic increased. The royal family staying in Godollo made the town to a trendy, fashionable summer resort. In 1874, the station was converted into a two-story building. In addition to the rail office designed first-, second- and third-class waiting room and a restaurant with dance hall. In 1882, a new Royal Waiting house built in neo-Renaissance style. The building designed by a major Hungarian architect, Miklós Ybl. - In the Franz Joseph's waiting room is an exhibition of the history of transport, a branch of the Hungarian Transport Museum. In Queen Elizabeth's waiting room and the Prince's waiting room can be see a local history museum focusing to the royal family cult. Ft300 (2014). 
• 8 The Peace Gong (Világbéke Gong), Szabadság (Liberty) tér (near OTP Szabadság tér branch). This is the fifth in the world and the first and only European peace gong which was given by Indonesia as a present to the town of Gödöllő. 
• 9 GIM-House (Godollo Applied Arts Workshop, Gödöllői Iparművészeti Műhely), Körösfői Kriesch Aladár utca, 15-17 (West from Sissi Pension), gimhaz@invitel.hu. The traditions and spirit of the Art Colony is conveyed by the Handicraft Workshop by providing a possibility for the contemporary artists to introduce their work in exhibitions and other occasions. A particular esthetic experience for the visitor is the GIM-House's park with its colorful atmosphere. In the garden is an open air exhibit place. 
• In the court of the Town Market there is the Pelikános Kút, Gödöllő's symbolic pelican crest.
• 10 Reformed Church (Református templom), 9 Szabadság square (Close to Hotel Erzsébet Királyné (Queen Elisabeth Hotel)), ☏ +36 28 410 298, godollo@reformatus.hu. Masses on Sundays. This baroque church built in 1745 with the support of Antal Grassalkovich I is an onion dome church. Godollo Reformed Lyceum High School and Dormitory is also here. From the schoolyard is open a door to a tourist accommodation (four room, 16 beds, +36-20-823-3409, tasinora@freemail.hu) 
• 11 Former Town Hall (Járási Hivatal), 2 DózsaGyörgy street (North of 'Gödöllő, Szabadság tér' station). Seccession architecture is represented by this monumental building. After reconstruction it hosts the Queen Elisabeth Hotel (Hotel Erzsébet Királyné ) 
• 12 Evangelic Church, Petőfi square (north of Atrium Shopping Center). Outside is a statue of Sándor Petőfi (1822-1849), an outstanding Hungarian poet. 
• 13 Saint Mary Column (Maria Immaculata, Mária-oszlop), Maria garden (west to Szabadság tér suburban train station). A beautiful statue, ornamented with the statues of some saints in beautiful baroque bas-reliefs and erected by Martin Vögerl on Antal Grassalkovich's orders comes first in the eye, next is the Statue of Duke Saint Imre (Emeric) erected with public contributions by Ludvig Krausz. 
• 14 World War I. monument (Első világháborús emlékmű) (northeast to Szabadság tér suburban train stop). The park next to the suburban train stop hosts the monument for those fighting in World War I. erected by Lőrinc Siklódy in 1931. Afront the House of Arts and Culture can be found. There the visitor will come across a large number of cultural events with famouslocal artists in every season. The Statue for the Scouts, erected by István Paál in 1994 to commemorate the World Scout Jamboree in 1933 can be found right next to it. 
• 15 Barracks of guards (Testőrlaktanya), Szabadság tér, 2 (opposite the castle in Lower park). It used to be a noblemen's dwelling in the 18th century. 100 years later it became the queen’s administrative office and then it worked as the guards' barracks. Alsó park is the venue of the Hungarian Independence Day held annually at “Világfa” (tree of life) erected by József Lajos Velekei in 2010. 
• 16 House of Arts (Művészetek Háza Gödöllő Kulturális és Konferencia Központ, former Petőfi Sándor Művelődési Központ), Szabadság út 6 (northeast of Barracks of guards), ☏ +36 28 514130, +36 70 4527268 (mobile), recepcio@muza.hu. M-F 08:30-21:00, Sa Su adjusting events. Cultural and Conference Centre. Concerts, dance theater shows, Children and Youth Exhibition, festivals. 
• 17 Holy Trinity Church (Szentháromság temlom), Szent Imre utca, 15. The church was ordained in 2007, is a simple yet exciting architectural phenomenon housing Erzsébet Szekeres' unique work of art: a series carpets showing the members of the Árpád House who were canonized and beautified. Ten of these Hungarians lived their lives away from Hungary yet stayed in touch with their native country through weaving an invisible web with it by their holy insistence with the Catholic church something that is so characteristic of Hungarians. 

Capuchin church in Máriabesnyő

Máriabesnyő

• 18 Máriabesnyő Pilgrimage Temple (Nagyboldogasszony Bazilika), Kapucinusok tere 1 (3 km away from the centre of Gödöllő, easily accessed by taking the train to the Máriabesnyő station). You'll be greeted by a large Székely-style Transylvanian gate from 1942 as you walk toward the temple. The temple was commissioned by Grassalkovich when workers found a statue of the Virgin Mary on the site in 1759. It is the only two-storied baroque temple in the country, and you can also see the smallest Virgin Mary statue in the country, a museum about the Virgin, the Grassalkovich crypt, one of the most beautiful mausoleums of Hungary built by János Mayerhoffer, and do wine-tasting in the monastery. Pilgrims can also visit the pilgrimage site at the Basilica Minor of Máriabesnyő. The upper church is the Basilica Minor for the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nagyboldogasszony) with two altars, two outstanding Virgin Mary Statues, an oratorium and a refectorium and the adjacent monastery (1763). The exhibition room behind the basilica hosts the only Virgin Mary Museum of Hungary. In its realistic presentation, the Passion on Palm Sunday organised in the basilica recalls Jesus Christ's suffering. 
• 19 The cemetery of Máriabesnyő (Gödöllői (Máriabesnyő) temető), Szkíta körút (500 m northeast from Basilica Minor for the Blessed Virgin Mary). This is home to Count Pál Teleki's grave. Teleki was a major personality in Gödöllő's history. He was prime minister of the Kingdom of Hungary 1920-1921 and 1939-1941, a famous expert in geography, a university professor, a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Chief Scout of the Hungarian Scout Association. 
• 20 Stable Castle (Babati Istállókastély - Gödöllő), Babatpuszta (Babatvölgy district, North of M3 motorway, 50 min by walk via Babati út or take a taxi (~4 km, from Ft2000)). Only from outside. There is a unique in the world. Built by Antal Grassalkovich I. for his daughter who suffered from an acute pneumonia. Built in baroque, around 1750. Modified in classicist style in 1820. A freestanding U-shaped, single-story building. The building is in neglected condition. Now part of Agricultural University. Near this castle there is the Open Garden Foundation for producing and delivery of organic produce. The lake system around is made up of 11 fishing lakes with a horse stable and a traditional village garden with heritage varieties of cattle, sheep and others. 

Szent István Egyetem

• 21 Szent István university (Szent István Egyetem), Páter Károly utca 1 (directly east of the main train station), ☏ +36 28 522000. Szent István University, a former Premonstrant monastery and secondary school (1924), now the agricultural scientific centre of Hungary. Árpád-Házi Kálmán Herceg (Duke Coloman of the House of Árpád) (1208-1241) helped the Premonstrant church financially a lot. His bronze statue is erected at the upper side of the park near the entrance of the university. This is the largest agricultural university in Hungary. The area around the main building is well decorated, with a variety of flowers. Inside the assembly hall, the building just north of the main building, is the monumental mural Apotheosis of the core by sculptor Imre Tót. The assembly hall is open typically on school days till six. University map here . The university is also the home of the 22 Museum of Agricultural Tools and Machine Development (Mezőgazdasági Eszköz- és GépfejlődéstörténetiSzakmúzeum, or shortly Gépmúzeum) (At Szentgyörgyi Albert utca 4 off), ☏ +36 28 522-922, fax: +36 28 522-922, muzeum@gepmuzeum.szie.hu. Opening hours: M-F 09:00-16:00, Sa 09:00-14:00. There is a small exhibit displaying reconstructed agricultural tools, the history of agriculture in the region, and current products made in Hungary. There is a collection of 2,000 agricultural machines that are still working, an atmospheric exhibition of Hungaricum food types and the 2.5-million-year-old history of food acquisition and production. The building is worth a look for the fantastic woodwork inside and out. Hungarian guided tours. Other branch: KÉTEGYHÁZA Cereal production Tool and Machine Development historical Collection (Gabonatermesztési Eszköz- és Gépfejlődéstörténeti Gyűjtemény), 5741 Kétegyháza, Gyulai út 6 (Near to Gyula city, take a train or a bus). Opening hours: M-F 09:00-16:00. Located in Agricultural Institute (Mezőgazdasági Középfokú Szakoktatási, Továbbképző és Szaktanácsadó Intézmény) Adult/reduced ticket Ft800/400.  Adult/reduced ticket Ft800/400, Photo ticket Ft1,500, video ticket Ft2,500 (2014).  
  • 1 City Sports Arena (SZIA Sportcsarnok) (Located on the campus, opposite the assembly hall). The local volleyball and futsal teams play here. Tickets typically cost Ft300 (2005?). 
  • 23 Botanical Garden (east two blocks from Main building.). 
  • Domokos Kosáry Library and Archives. M Th 08:00-18:00, Tu W 08:00-19:00, F 08:00-14:00. To use the library, you need to obtain a Library Card at a librarian at the front desk 

Állami telepek

• Beekeeping Museum (Méhészeti Múzeum), Isaszegi u (a few kilometers south of the downtown and is most easily reached from the Állami telepek train stop.). The museum can only be visited by prior arrangement. Exhibition on two levels. Old and modern beekeeping equipment. 
• 24 Arboretum (Former meadows of Archduke Joseph), Isaszegi u. (near the Beekeeping Museum and Állami telepek train stop; at the beginning of Isaszegi street, southern end of Gödöllő). There are many old trees and buildings in the area, as this used to be part of the palace complex. The Arboretum, used to be the most important arboretum in Hungary. Today the arboretum lies on a territory of 350 ha, the park part of which is covered by easily accessible walking paths. The visitor will find more than seven hundred varieties of tree species, 110 of which are Pinaceae and the rest are decidious tree species. The arboretum also hosts a number of scientific researches in forestry. Near the arboretum there is a unique museum for the Apiarian Collection. Visitors please check in before visiting. 
• 25 Premonstrant Church, Fácán sor, 3 (south of the university). The highlight is its stained glass window, a beautiful secession painting of Sándor Nagy was painted into the altar picture. The duplicate of János Fadrusz's famous 'Krisztus a Keresztfán' (the Crucifixion of Christ) can be found in the cemetery of the Premonstrants at Menyhért Takács's tomb. Menyhért Takács (1861-1933) was the founder of the Premonstrant's Secondary School. 

Aszód

• 26 Aszód (East of Gödöllő). Evangelistic Church in Aszód (Csengery utca 1., Phone: +36 30 9521963), Podmaniczky palace - Széchenyi mansion (Szabadság tér 8.,Phone: +36 28 500666), Petőfi Museum (Szontágh lépcső 2.,Phone: +36 28 500650, fax: +36 28 500651, apm@invitel.hu) 

Pécel

Palace of Pécel

• 27 Ráday Castle (Ráday Kastély - Pécel), Pécel, Kálvin tér 1 (a few km east of Budapest city limit), ☏ +36 28 453354, fax: +36 28 453354, radaykastely@mag.hu. May-Oct: F-Su 10:00-18:00. Scientists, writers of the special meeting was frescoed castle 250 years ago. The building is now seen its predecessor, which was a small mansion, the old Protestant families from Parížovce Ráday built by Paul, who II. Rákóczi Ferenc diplomat, Chancellor of the secret, then the war of independence after the fall of the Protestant leader was home. There is also a Lutheran church (Hu: Péceli Evangélikus templom, Loc.: Tanácsház u. 2.). It was a popular resort place for welthy citizens in 1900s. There are a couple monument 'kúria's (Bárczy mansion, Erdey-Grúz mansion, Zsigmondy mansion, David Francsek-mansion, Pekáry mansion. Prónai mansion, Szemere-Keiner mansion, Kovásznai Smith Mansion). Admission: Adults/reduced: Ft600/400. 

Do

Parks

Erzsébet Park, Gödöllő's prettiest park

City Parks Gödöllő is considered a city of parks. The three main parks are all located around the palace: Alsó park (lower palace park), Felső park (upper palace park), and Erzsébet park, named after Queen Elizabeth.

• 2 Lower Park (Alsó Park) (located directly in front of the palace). Garden and park opening hours: Nov-Mar: 06:00–18:00, Apr- Oct: 06:00–20:00. It has a giant tree sculpture called the World Tree. 
• 3 Upper Park (Felső Park) (it is behind the palace and is mostly easily accessed from the Szabadság tér or Erzsébet Park HÉV stops). Of note is the wild chestnut path, a row of trees where Queen Sisi would often ride her horse. 
• 4 Elizabeth Park (Erzsébet Park) (northwest of Upper Park, cross the main road). It was built in memory of Queen Elizabeth, nicknamed Sisi, after she was assassinated. The park entrance is a long trail of lindens leading to her statue. Turning right at the entrance you'll find the Kálvária monument, which depicts the crucifixion and was commissioned by Grassalkovich and built in 1771. 
• 5 Park for National Integration (Nemzeti Együvé Tartozás Park), Mihály Táncsics road, (NW of 'Gödöllő, Erzsébet park' HÉV suburban train stop). Here 64 counties of the former Hungary have contributed their handful of soil to express their national feelings. Gödöllő is home to exciting venues , as it has been through history. A part of the Erzsébet-park Nature Conservation Area. 

Others

• 6 Gödöllő Airport (Gödöllői Repülőtér), Repülőtéri u (southwest of the city). It offers sightseeing, hang gliding, and parachuting opportunities. 

Petőfi Sándor Művelődési Központ

• Sándor Petőfi Cultural Center (Petőfi Sándor Művelődési Központ) (near Szabadság tér.). It's in a large space-ship looking building. Local performances including theater, dance, puppets, and concerts are often held here. 
• 7 Trafó Club (next to the Palotakert HÉV stop). It is the city's only true club or disco. Local DJs and tribute bands often perform here on the weekends. 
• 8 City Movie Theatre (Városi Filmszínház) (Located next to the Town Museum). It is a small movie theatre that shows 2-5 different movies a day on one screen. There is never a line and the theater is never crowded. Prices are typically cheaper than in Budapest with discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Buy

• 1 OTP Bank, Szabadság tér 12-13. (close to HÉV Szabadság tér stop). M 07:45-18:00, Tu-Th 07:45-17:00, F 07:45-16:00. ATM 24hr 
• 2 City Market (Gödöllői Piac) (next to Town Museum of Gödöllő). 
• 3 Spar supermarket (Spar szupermarket), Kossuth Utca 46-48 (Center), ☏ +36 20 823 7974, info@spar.hu. M-F 07:00-21:00, Sa Su 07:00-18:00. Supermarket chain. More unit: Köztársaság út 85. (far south of the city. Open: M-F 07:00-21:00, Sa 07:00-18:00, Su 08:00-18:00). 

Eat

Hungarian

• 1 Szélkakas Étterem (Weathervane Restaurant), Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 27. Good atmosphere with typical Hungarian fare. It can get fairly busy on weekends, so reservations may be needed. 
• 2 Yellow Pub és Étterem, Dózsa György út 64. (a short walk out of the city centre). Traditional Hungarian dishes and beer. After 21:00, dinner is half-priced. 

Pizza

• 3 Pizza Max Caffe, Dózsa György út 36. Quality pizziera gives you the choice between thin and thick crusts and also offers soups and sandwiches. On top of that they'll give you a bowl of peanuts to munch on while you wait. 
• 4 Pizza Fortuna, Körösfői Kriesch Aladár utca 14 (near Szent Imre utca corner), ☏ +36 28 545-565. Good, cheap pizza in a residential neighbourhood. The only drawback is they don't have anywhere to sit and eat. They deliver everywhere in the city. 
• 5 Pizza Palazzo, Szabadság tér 2. A bar/pizzeria. They put little tomato sauce on the pizza and expect you to make up the difference with ketchup. Not the best in town. 

Gyros

In an around Szabadság tér are a few places to get gyros or hamburgers.

• Special Gyros at Állomás tér, on the Gödöllő HÉV stop and near the train station serves up the best gyros in town. They're definitely worth grabbing while waiting for the train or HÉV.

Cukrászda

• Sulyán Cukrászda on Szabadság tér 8. offers Hungarian cakes, Somlói galuska, and gelato. During the spring and summer they set up tables outside so you can people watch on the square.

Ice cream

From Spring to Autumn, home-made ice cream, cakes, and soft drinks can be purchased at the main entrance to Erzsébet Park.

Sleep

Gödöllő is close enough to Budapest that you probably won't need to look for accommodation here. If you plan on staying, however, here are some options.

• 1 Sissi Pension (Panzió Sissi), Dózsa György út 36. Free wifi internet access. A little bit north of downtown. The Pizza Max Cafe is on the first floor. 
• 2 Galéria Restaurant and Pension, Szabadság tér 8. Reasonable prices and a central location. Also has a traditional Hungarian restaurant. 

Connect

• 9 Gödöllő Post Office (Gödöllő 1.sz Posta), Dózsa György út 13-15, ☏ +36 28 430-825, ugyfelszolgalat@posta.hu. M-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-12:00. 

Go next

• Debrecen, the "capital city of the Great Hungarian Plain"
• Eger, historical Castle
• Hatvan, visit an other Grassalkovich Palace
• Salgótarján, the city boasts two excellent castle ruins and several hiking opportunities through the forested Cserhát hills.

Routes through Gödöllő

Budapest ←

W  E

→ Gyöngyös → Nyíregyháza