The once famously luxurious Esterházy Castle in Fertőd - pictured above -  (Haydn utca 2, Fertod), often referred to as the 'Hungarian Versailles', had its golden age in the second half of the 18th century. 

The Esterhazy's were big art and music lovers, so the castle had its own concert hall and opera house with its very own music director who was none other than Joseph Haydn. Today the castle is a museum.

For a greater insight into Hungary's past, some exquisite architecture and to see how the nobles lived during the 18th and 19th centuries visit the Baroque style Festetics Castle in Keszthely (Kastély utca 1, Keszthely). 



Earl Kristóf Festetics commissioned the castle in 1745, which was later expanded several times during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

With 101 rooms it became one of the biggest castles in Hungary. Today, Festetics Castle houses the Helikon Museum, famous for its library and historical art and furniture collection.

Another castle to add to your itinerary is the Grassalkovich Castle in Gödöllő (Szabadság tér 1, Gödöllo), known as the second largest Baroque castle in the world. 



Built in the 1740s by Antal Grassalkovich, a well-respected local aristocrat, the castle was a favorite summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth, or 'Sisi' as the Hungarians affectionately called her. 

Rooms restored to their original glory, an historic art collection and a beautifully landscaped park are all worth a day trip from Budapest.

If you are looking for a unique weekend getaway, here are some castle hotels to consider for a royal treatment. The neo-Renaissance style Károlyi Castle Hotel in Parádsasvár (Kossuth utca 1, Parádsasvár) was designed and built by Miklós Ybl, one of Europe's leading architects. 



The castle is in a beautiful setting in the North Hungarian Mountains. Its interior is furnished in Biedermeier and Empire style.

Castle Hotel Degenfeld (Terézia kert 9, Tarcal), set in the middle of a vineyard in the famous Tokaj wine region, is the perfect destination for wine lovers. 

The heirs to the historic Degenfeld family run the hotel and the vineyard. Wine tasting and cellar visits at the estate are part of the experience.

The Baroque style Batthyány Castle Hotel in Zalacsány (Csány L. utca 24, Zalacsány) that once belonged to the Batthyány family dates back to 1490.  



Set in a 300 years old park, the beautifully restored castle has its own thermal spring making it perfect for a wellness weekend getaway.

Source:
visitBudapest.travel