A Journey through Jewish Budapest - Walking Tour

Budapest , Hungary

A Journey through Jewish Budapest - Walking Tour

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(15 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This 3-hour Jewish Budapest tour follows the varied history of a thriving Jewish community that made up nearly one-fourth of the Hungarian capital’s population before WWII. While exploring Budapest’s Jewish District, our Jewish Studies scholar guide will explain how from the 18th century, Budapest’s Jews played a profound role in the social and economic modernization of the city. As we consider the essential cultural contributions of Budapest’s Jewish citizens, we also reflect on their harrowing persecution, culminating in 20th-century genocide in the Holocaust. As we pass by kosher pastry shops and restaurants, we will ponder the ways the community and its culture are being revitalized today.

Available options

Start Times

What's included

3-hour guided walking tour

Historian guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Explore the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest temple in Europe, with the assistance of a Jewish Studies Scholar. Take in the lavish, Moorish Revival style before visiting the Temple of Heroes, the Jewish Museum, and a Memorial Park, all within the complex.

Stop 2

Walk to the neighboring Ghetto Wall Memorial, erected in 2014, before passing a luxurious Mikve (or Jewish ritual bath) and continuing to the Art Nouveau orthodox synagogue on Kazinczy Street. We visit the interior of the synagogue when open to the public.

Stop 3

Discover the history of the Status Quo Ante stream of Judaism while observing the Rumbach Street Synagogue. We visit the interior of the synagogue when open to the public.

Stop 4

Conclude paying our rspects at the Shoes on the Danube Bank, a memorial erected on April 16 2005, to honour the Jews who were massacred here during WWII. They were ordered to take off their shoes, and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away. It represents their shoes left behind on the bank.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Dohány Synagogue, Rumbach Street Synagogue, & Kazincky Street Synagogue Tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that visitors to the Dohány and Kazinczy Synagogues are requested to have their shoulders and knees covered.

Meeting point

A cafe right opposite the Great Synagogue. You will recieve your guide's photo, phone and bio after booking.

Important notes

Your tour guides are professors, doctoral students, historians, journalists, art critics, and published authors.

About Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths. Straddling the Danube River, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European cultures, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Budapest Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hungary.

Architecture 1-2 hours €20-30

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €3-5 for museums

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe, offering a relaxing experience in historic surroundings.

Relaxation 2-3 hours €15-20

Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.

Architecture 1 hour Free (€3 for the tower)

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is a significant monument and a major landmark in Budapest, commemorating the heroes of Hungary's history.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Goulash

A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten (from bread or flour)

Lángos

A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.

Snack Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free

Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)

A sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked over an open fire and coated with sugar and cinnamon.

Dessert Contains wheat, sugar, can be made gluten-free

Töltött Káposzta

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.

Dinner Contains pork, gluten (from tomato sauce)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Buda Hills Cycling along the Danube Kayaking on the Danube Visiting thermal baths Strolling along Andrássy Avenue Relaxing in City Park Visiting museums and galleries Attending classical music concerts

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Budapest for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Hungarian
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Budapest is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use official taxis or app-based services
• Check bills carefully at restaurants and bars

Getting there

By air

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport • 16 km from city center

By train

Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station

By bus

Népliget Bus Station, Árpád Bridge Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with four lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Főtaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District V (Belváros) District VII (Jewish Quarter) District VIII (Józsefváros) District IX (Ferencváros)

Day trips

Szentendre

20 km from Budapest • Half day

A charming town known for its museums, galleries, and colorful houses.

Esztergom

50 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a stunning basilica and a rich history.

Visegrád

40 km from Budapest • Full day

A historic town with a royal palace and scenic views of the Danube Bend.

Festivals

Budapest Christmas Market • Late November to early January Budapest Spring Festival • March Sziget Festival • August

Pro tips

Use the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
Take a Danube River cruise for stunning views of the city
Visit the thermal baths early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore the Jewish Quarter for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites
Try local street food, such as lángos and kürtőskalács, for an authentic taste of Budapest