Our Jewish quarter tour starts with a drive by the beautiful Danube river.

Our first stop is the St. Stephen’s park, the World War II. Victim’s memorial.

The next stop is the second largest Synagogue in the world in New Leopold town. It is still used by Budapest’s Jewish community and it is also a popular destination for the tourists. You can visit the Jewish Museum inside the building and take a walk in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, where on the weeping willow tree’s leaves you can read the names of the Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust.

From here the GOZSDU Courtyard is only a 5 minutes walk where you find great restaurants, pubs and outdoor cafés. You can eat traditional Jewish food in a Kosher restaurant as the last program of the sightseeing tour.

Budapest Jewish Sightseeing Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Central Europe. With a rich and complex history spanning centuries, the city offers a wealth of Jewish heritage sites, each telling a unique story of triumph, tragedy, and resilience. This comprehensive guide will take you through a Jewish sightseeing tour of Budapest, exploring significant locations, providing historical context, and offering practical tips for your visit.

Historical Background

Before delving into the specific sites, it's essential to understand the historical context of the Jewish community in Budapest:

1. Medieval Period: Jews have lived in the area since Roman times, with significant communities established by the 13th century.

2. Ottoman Rule: During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Jewish population grew under relatively tolerant Ottoman rule.

3. Austro-Hungarian Empire: The late 19th century saw a golden age for Hungarian Jews, with significant contributions to culture, science, and the economy.

4. World War II: The Holocaust devastated the Jewish community, with over 500,000 Hungarian Jews murdered.

5. Post-War Era: Despite emigration and challenges under communist rule, a vibrant Jewish community has persevered and flourished in Budapest.

The Jewish Quarter

Your tour should begin in the historic Jewish Quarter, also known as District VII or Erzsébetváros. This neighborhood is the heart of Jewish Budapest and home to many significant sites.

1. Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. Built between 1854 and 1859 in the Moorish Revival style, it's a breathtaking architectural marvel that can seat up to 3,000 people.

Key features:
- The Hungarian Jewish Museum is adjacent to the synagogue
- The Heroes' Temple, commemorating Jewish soldiers who died in World War I
- The Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, featuring the Tree of Life sculpture

Practical info:
- Address: Dohány u. 2, 1074 Budapest
- Opening hours vary by season; check the official website
- Guided tours are available in multiple languages

2. Rumbach Street Synagogue

This stunning synagogue, designed by Otto Wagner in 1872, showcases the Moorish Revival style with its octagonal shape and intricate details. Recently renovated, it now serves as a cultural and educational center.

Practical info:
- Address: Rumbach Sebestyén u. 11-13, 1074 Budapest
- Check the official website for current opening hours and events

3. Kazinczy Street Synagogue

Built in 1913, this Orthodox synagogue is still in active use today. Its Art Nouveau style makes it a unique architectural gem in the city.

Practical info:
- Address: Kazinczy u. 29-31, 1075 Budapest
- Visitors should dress modestly and men should wear a head covering. Please check the official website for details.

Holocaust Memorials

Budapest has several powerful memorials dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, each offering a unique perspective on this tragic period.

1. Shoes on the Danube Bank

This moving memorial consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes along the Danube, representing the Jews who were shot into the river by Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II.

Practical info:
- Location: Id. Antall József rkp., 1054 Budapest
- Accessible 24/7
- Best visited at sunset for a particularly poignant experience

2. Emanuel Tree Memorial

Located in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park behind the Great Synagogue, this weeping willow sculpture has the names of Hungarian Holocaust victims inscribed on its leaves.

3. Budapest Ghetto Wall

A small section of the original ghetto wall still stands on Király Street, serving as a somber reminder of the confinement endured by Jews during the war.

Practical info:
- Location: Király u. 15, 1075 Budapest

Jewish Culture and Community

To understand contemporary Jewish life in Budapest, consider visiting these locations:

1. Gozsdu Courtyard

Once home to a thriving Jewish community, this series of interconnected courtyards now houses trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. It's an excellent place to experience the revival of the Jewish Quarter.

Practical info:
- Location: Király u. 13, 1075 Budapest
- Best visited in the evening when it's most lively

2. Szimpla Kert

While not explicitly Jewish, this famous ruin bar in the heart of the Jewish Quarter represents the area's cultural renaissance.

Practical info:
- Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest
- Open daily, busiest in the evenings

3. Mazel Tov

This trendy restaurant serves Middle Eastern cuisine in a beautiful, plant-filled courtyard. It's a great spot to experience modern Jewish culture in Budapest.

Practical info:
- Address: Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Budapest
- Reservations recommended, especially on weekends

Beyond the Jewish Quarter

While the Jewish Quarter contains many key sites, there are important locations throughout Budapest that shouldn't be missed.

1. Frankel Leó Street Synagogue

Located in Buda, this synagogue has served the local Jewish community since 1888. Its beautiful interior is worth a visit.

Practical info:
- Address: Frankel Leó út 49, 1023 Budapest
- Call ahead to arrange a visit. See more information at the official website

2. Óbuda Synagogue

Built in 1820, this is the oldest synagogue in Budapest. After years of disuse, it has been beautifully restored and now hosts cultural events.

Practical info:
- Address: Lajos u. 163, 1036 Budapest
- Check for current exhibitions and events at the official website

3. Salgótarjáni Street Jewish Cemetery

This historic cemetery, established in 1874, is the resting place of many prominent Hungarian Jews. Its ornate mausoleums and tombs reflect the golden age of Budapest's Jewish community.

Practical info:
- Address: Salgótarjáni út 6, 1087 Budapest
- Limited opening hours; check in advance

Guided Tours and Educational Experiences

To deepen your understanding of Budapest's Jewish heritage, consider these guided experiences:

1. Walking Tours

Several companies offer specialized Jewish heritage walking tours, led by knowledgeable guides who can provide in-depth historical context and personal stories.

2. Jewish Cuisine Tour

Explore the flavors of Jewish Budapest with a culinary tour, sampling traditional dishes like flódni (layered pastry) and cholent (Sabbath stew).

3. Holocaust Education Center

Located in the Budapest Holocaust Memorial Center, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Holocaust in Hungary.

Practical info:
- Address: Páva u. 39, 1094 Budapest
- Guided tours available in multiple languages

Practical Tips for Your Jewish Sightseeing Tour

1. Respect religious customs: When visiting active synagogues, dress modestly and be prepared to cover your head if you're male.

2. Book in advance: Popular sites like the Dohány Street Synagogue can get busy, especially in peak tourist season. Consider booking tickets or tours in advance.

3. Learn some history: Familiarize yourself with basic Jewish and Hungarian history before your visit to appreciate the sites fully.

4. Use public transportation: Budapest has an excellent public transit system. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass for easy travel between sites.

5. Visit during Jewish holidays: If possible, time your visit to coincide with Jewish holidays for a unique cultural experience. The Jewish Summer Festival in late August/early September is particularly vibrant.

6. Explore beyond the main sites: While the major synagogues and memorials are must-sees, don't forget to wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter to discover hidden gems.

7. Try kosher food: Budapest has several excellent kosher restaurants. Trying local Jewish cuisine can enhance your cultural experience.

8. Be sensitive: Remember that many sites, particularly Holocaust memorials, are places of remembrance. Be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior.

Conclusion

A Jewish sightseeing tour of Budapest offers a profound journey through centuries of history, from the heights of cultural and economic influence to the depths of persecution, and the resilience of revival. The city's Jewish heritage is not just a tale of the past but a living, breathing part of contemporary Budapest.

As you walk through the grand synagogues, reflect at solemn memorials, and experience the vibrant culture of the Jewish Quarter, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the enduring spirit of Budapest's Jewish community. This tour is more than just sightseeing; it's an opportunity to connect with a rich cultural legacy and to understand the complex tapestry of European Jewish history.

Whether you're of Jewish heritage yourself, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a Jewish tour of Budapest promises to be an enlightening and moving experience. It offers a unique lens through which to view this beautiful city, revealing layers of history and culture that might otherwise remain hidden.

As you plan your visit, remember that each site, each street, and each story contributes to the larger narrative of Jewish life in Budapest. Take your time, engage with the local community, and allow yourself to be moved by the powerful history and vibrant present of Jewish Budapest. Your journey through this aspect of the city will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of both Jewish heritage and the complex history of Central Europe.