Gödöllő: Royal Palace, Máriabesnyő and Parking

Gödöllő is located in the Budapest metropolitan area, in the Gödöllő Hills. Many people come here to visit the Royal Palace, but the pilgrimage site in Máriabesnyő, Erzsébet Park and the town museum are also worth seeing. It is a great destination whether you are interested in historic buildings or would simply like to take a walk in a park.

You can reach the town by car via the main road that runs through the town centre. It is worth checking the parking information before you arrive so you can focus on the sights once you are there.

Gödöllő Royal Palace: the town’s best-known building

The Grassalkovich Palace, also known as the Gödöllő Royal Palace, is Gödöllő’s best-known landmark. Master builder András Mayerhoffer was commissioned to construct it, and the building was subsequently expanded several times. After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise, it was designated a royal retreat; Emperor Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth’s family spent several summers here. If you want to start exploring the town’s history at a single site, the palace is a good place to begin.

The building’s fate changed significantly over time: it was used for military and social purposes before its restoration as a historic monument began. Today, you can visit the restored interiors in the palace museum. The palace also has a church, built on the site of the former Reformed church. Together, the museum rooms and the church offer several perspectives on the history of the complex.

Erzsébet Park and the Statue of Queen Elisabeth

Erzsébet Park was created after the death of Queen Elisabeth, when groves were established throughout the country in her memory. The park in Gödöllő was among the first to be completed. At the end of its tree-lined promenade stands the Statue of Queen Elisabeth, a work by sculptor József Róna. Here, you can encounter the town’s royal heritage outside the palace rooms, too, while taking a walk.

The park is best explored on foot: that way, the tree-lined avenues and promenade become part of your visit, rather than simply leading you to the statue. Queen Elisabeth’s name is also central to the history of the palace, so the two sites complement each other well as part of a day out in Gödöllő. If you plan to visit several attractions, the park is a pleasant place to spend some time outdoors between indoor venues.

Máriabesnyő pilgrimage site: a pilgrimage church and sacred statue

The main attraction in Máriabesnyő is its pilgrimage church, the second most visited Marian pilgrimage site in Hungary. The holy site was founded by Antal Grassalkovich. The church was built on the site of the village’s old church; Besnyő became a pilgrimage site after a small statue of Mary was found while the ruins were being cleared. This story alone is a good reason to visit this part of town after the palace.

After the chapel was built, another statue of the Virgin Mary was brought from Loreto, Italy. The sacred statue, carved from Lebanese cedar, can still be seen behind the main altar, and the pilgrimage church was later granted the status of a minor basilica. If you are travelling between several sites in Gödöllő by car, you can also include Máriabesnyő as a separate stop on your route.

Hamvay Mansion: a museum and cinema under one roof

Today, Hamvay Mansion houses the Gödöllő Town Museum and the Gödöllő Town Cinema. It was built by landowner Ferenc Hamvay, originally as a single-storey building. Antal Grassalkovich later had an additional storey added and converted it into an inn. The mansion’s history is therefore not tied to a single era: its function changed several times over the centuries.

Film screenings began at the cinema in the first half of the last century, and the building later also housed a primary school. The local history collection became a museum, while the cinema remained open. The town market operates in the mansion’s courtyard. If you are interested in Gödöllő’s history, the museum is worth adding to your itinerary; the mansion and its courtyard are also part of the visit.

Gödöllő Arboretum: a walk among the trees

The Gödöllő Arboretum was established for forestry purposes and expanded over the decades. Most of its area is still used for forestry research, while a smaller section has the character of a park. Before the Second World War, it was considered Hungary’s most significant arboretum. If you are looking for an outdoor attraction after the palace and museum, the arboretum offers a different kind of Gödöllő experience.

The arboretum is best visited and explored on foot, so you have time to stroll through the park-like section. There are also artificial lakes nearby. Do not expect the entire area to function as a public park: a significant portion is used for research. You can round out a day in Gödöllő with the arboretum’s park-like section, as well as its historic buildings.

Parking in Gödöllő

Gödöllő has several paid parking zones. The hourly rate is the same in every zone, but the boundaries and operating hours may differ. After parking, check which zone you are in and when payment is required; the parking zone finder can help.

With mobile parking, you can start paying on the spot using your phone. If you would also like to check local parking information, visit the Gödöllő parking page.

2101 – Gödöllő town centre: 550 HUF/hour (weekdays 08:00–18:00, Saturdays 08:00–12:00)
2102 – Gödöllő cultural centre: 550 HUF/hour (weekdays 08:00–18:00, Saturdays 08:00–12:00)
2103 – Gödöllő Palace: 550 HUF/hour (daily 09:00–18:00)
2104 – Gödöllő Chapel of Christ: 550 HUF/hour (Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:00, Sundays and public holidays 12:00–18:00)

The rates are based on data from National Mobile Payment Plc. and were valid when this article was published.

Tip: Allow time to walk when visiting the palace and Erzsébet Park, and include Máriabesnyő in your itinerary as a separate stop. When parking, always check the zone for the space you have chosen.

Once you have arrived and parked, you can start your parking session online in just a few clicks from your phone, without a meter, cash or installing an app.

Last updated: 27. 10. 2026.