Other Excursion Destinations
Gödöllő — Empress Sisi's Palace
The Gödöllő Palace (30 km east) is the second largest Baroque palace in Europe (after Versailles) and was the favorite residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). The rooms are restored to their original state — Sisi's private chambers, the ballroom, and the park garden. A must for fans of Austro-Hungarian history. Admission: 3,200 HUF (8€). Getting there: HÉV from Örs vezér tere (M2) — 45 minutes.
Balaton (Lake Balaton)
The Balaton (100 km southwest) is the largest lake in Central Europe and the most popular summer vacation destination for Hungarians: shallow, warm water (up to 28°C in summer), vineyards on the northern shore, sailboats, and lively bathing resorts. A must in summer, in autumn for the grape harvest on the northern shore (Badacsony, Tihany). Getting there: Train from Budapest-Déli: 1.5–2 hours to Siófok or Balatonfüred.
Hollókő
Hollókő (80 km northeast) is a UNESCO World Heritage Village: a fully preserved village in the Palóc style with whitewashed houses and slate roofs. At Easter, the most famous Hungarian Easter festival takes place here — with traditional costumes, folk music, and the custom of "locsolkodás," where men sprinkle perfume on women. Apart from Easter: a quiet, atmospheric place with a small castle and hiking trails in the wooded hills.
