On August 20, 2025, Hungarian families, friends, and couples will have the perfect excuse to break out of their routines: it’s the national holiday commemorating the foundation of the Hungarian state. This year, the Gödöllő Royal Palace (Gödöllői Királyi Kastély)—just a short drive from Budapest—stands out as a top destination, offering a packed lineup of festive programs and exhibits in its grand surroundings. The palace opens its historic doors to visitors of all ages, promising both relaxation and memorable experiences in a setting fit for royalty.
Where to Stay: From Historic Hotels to Modern Guesthouses
Booking accommodation in Gödöllő (Gödöllő) is easy, with options near the palace and throughout the charming town. The Shady Guesthouse (Árnyas Panzió), accommodating 64 guests, sits in the palace’s leafy neighborhood—just a stone’s throw from Budapest. Its event hall, which opens onto a garden, is the go-to venue for weddings, corporate events, concerts, conferences, workshops, and family gatherings.
Looking for a touch of Belle Époque flair? The Queen Elisabeth Hotel (Erzsébet Királyné Szálloda) welcomes guests in a former village hall built in Art Nouveau style at the dawn of the last century. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2008 right on Gödöllő’s main square, boasting elegant rooms, a cozy restaurant, a bespoke ballroom, full conference technology, and a staff that embodies Hungarian hospitality. It’s ideal for both leisure and business travelers—just a 25-minute drive from downtown Budapest.
Another unique option is the Mater Salvatoris Retreat and Conference Center (Mater Salvatoris Lelkigyakorlatos- és Konferenciaközpont), housed in what was originally a Salvator Sisters’ convent built next to the Máriabesnyő Shrine (Máriabesnyői Kegyhely) in 1933. Today, this establishment supports families, education, knowledge sharing, and encourages healthy lifestyles for young people—all with a strong focus on personal growth and community.
There are also family-run guesthouses in peaceful residential areas close to the city center and university quarter, offering thoughtfully furnished rooms with bathrooms and kitchenettes—plus relaxing, park-like gardens to unwind. SISI Guesthouse (Panzió SISI), conveniently located on Gödöllő’s main street and just a short walk from the famous Grassalkovich Palace (Grassalkovich-kastély), provides modern comfort and a warm welcome whether you’re visiting for business, a conference, or pure relaxation.
A Culinary Tour: Coffee, Cakes, and Cosmopolitan Cuisine
You can easily indulge your taste buds in Gödöllő. The first-class coffee shop in the Royal Palace itself has upgraded its spaces and menu, now welcoming visitors even without a palace ticket. For lunch, local restaurants blend Hungarian classics with Asian flair; try the Filipino-Hungarian specialties and themed lunch menus designed for adventurous palates.
If you’re craving something traditional, there’s no shortage of Hungarian and international favorites, all prepared from timeless recipes. Cocktails are crafted from quality ingredients, the taps serve up celebrated Belgian Hoegaarden and popular Borsodi lager, while lemonades are personalized using France’s Monin syrups.
Custom cakes and pastries filled with homemade creams tempt guests to imagine their dream dessert—then watch it come to life. The restaurants also host family events, graduation parties, anniversaries, and reunions for up to 200 people, offering several separable areas for private groups and a staff prepared to orchestrate everything flawlessly—whether on-site or off.
For those seeking elegance, several venues can host private parties in stylish yet intimate rooms. The Solier Cafe (Solier Café) benefits from Gödöllő’s vibrant downtown, with culinary creations that blend flavor and sophistication. Its bakery, inspired by grandma’s handwritten recipes, offers traditional pastries, innovative fruit confections, diabetic-friendly treats, ice creams, and elaborate desserts.
Sulyán Confectionery (Sulyán Cukrászda) is run by a family with three master pastry chefs—and a trophy case brimming with gold medals and world titles, thanks especially to Pál Sulyán Jr. Their pride and joy? The Plum Dumpling Cake, winner of the nation’s Cake of the Year in 2010, crafted by Katalin Benkó Sulyánné.
Fire Tower Café (Tűztorony Kávézó) brings together the vibes of Budapest’s bustling coffee scene and the tranquility of rural tradition, making upscale treats accessible to all, and serving rustic cakes alongside fine hot drinks.
Restaurants for Every Appetite
Refurbished restaurants in town focus on quality, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and child-friendly options for guests with diverse tastes and needs. Daily fast-food menus during the week are complemented by affordable weekend buffets and a welcoming atmosphere for every occasion.
Getting There and Practical Matters
The organizers reserve the right to change event dates and programs as necessary, so it’s wise to check ahead before heading out. But with so many reasons to visit—history, hospitality, and a culinary parade—Gödöllő (Gödöllő) on August 20 promises the full royal treatment, no blue blood required.
