Even before Budapest was officially created in 1873, Jewish communities had become an integral part of the city's fabric, with Jewish merchants and artisans helping Pest prosper across the 19th century. At its peak, the Jewish population of Budapest was over 200,000 strong, most of them living in the area of the city known as Erzsébetváros (Elizabethtown) or the Seventh District. This charming quarter a stone’s throw from the historic center is home to an array of monuments - including Europe’s largest synagogue - and is also known for its thriving arts and nightlife scene which is inextricably linked to the Jewish community to this day. Our private Jewish heritage walking tour will help you get under the skin of Erzsébetváros and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Jewish residents past and present.
On your private Jewish heritage walking tour, you will:
- Delve into the history of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter with a passionate local expert;
- Visit the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street, the largest Jewish place of worship in Europe;
- Visit the Hungarian Jewish Museum and its moving Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, home to the Tree of Life—a tribute to Holocaust victims and heroes;
- Stop by the Carl Lutz Memorial and hear the remarkable story of the Swiss diplomat who saved the lives of over 60 000 Jews during the Holocaust;
- Wander around klauzál tér, the largest square that served as the beating heart of the old Jewish Quarter and a current nightlife hotspot;
- Pass through the gorgeous Gozsdu Courtyard and learn about the revival of the neighbourhood in recent years;
- Discover the last remaining traces of the Budapest Jewish Ghetto;
- Enjoy a traditional Jewish pastry from a local bakery;
- Admire the stunning Rumbach Street and Kazinczy Street Synagogues facades,
- Compare and contrast the incredible architecture of the Jewish buildings from Moorish to Art Noveau;
- Hear stories about the vibrant Jewish community in Elizabethtown today.
Step back in time and uncover the rich history, poignant stories, and vibrant present-day culture of Erzsébetváros, home of Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter. This private walking tour offers a comprehensive look into one of the city's most fascinating districts, blending centuries-old traditions with a dynamic urban revival. Led by a knowledgeable and passionate local guide, you’ll experience this iconic neighbourhood's beauty, resilience, and transformation.
Your exploration of Elizabethtown will begin on Dohány Street, where you will get acquainted with your local expert and visit the magnificent Great Synagogue, the largest Jewish place of worship in Europe. You will admire its grand Moorish Revival architecture and learn about its pivotal role in Budapest’s Jewish community, past and present. Delve into the Hungarian Jewish Museum, a treasure trove of artefacts, exhibits, and stories that celebrate the rich history and enduring culture of Hungary’s Jewish community. This museum provides a profound insight into centuries of Jewish life, faith, and traditions in Hungary, highlighting both its vibrant contributions and the immense challenges faced throughout history.
Adjacent to the museum, you will step into the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, a serene and poignant space that honours the legacy of Holocaust victims and the bravery of those who risked everything to save lives. Here, the Tree of Life monument stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance—a metallic weeping willow with leaves inscribed with the names of victims, offering a reflective tribute to resilience and hope amidst tragedy.
Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to see several other synagogues from the outside including the elegant Rumbach Street Synagogue, showcasing more Moorish-inspired designs and the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, a masterpiece Art Nouveau and a centre of Orthodox Jewish life.
From Donáhy Street, you will proceed to the nearby Carl Lutz Memorial which is dedicated to the Swiss diplomat who risked his life to save over 60,000 Jews during the Holocaust. As you contemplate the statue erected there, your guide will tell the moving story of his bravery and the lives he touched during one of history's darkest periods. Later, your guide will show you the last surviving remnants of the Budapest Jewish Ghetto, and go deeper into the history of the area during WWII.
Going beyond the tragic events of the Second World War, you'll uncover the more recent history of Elizabethtown by discovering notable corners of the neighbourhood like the vibrant Gozsdu Courtyard, a beautifully restored passageway filled with cafes, bars, and boutiques. You will learn how this area symbolises the revival of the Jewish Quarter as a cultural and social hotspot and your guide will share insights into the modern-day Jewish community in Budapest, highlighting. You will also have the chance to savour a traditional Jewish pastry from a local bakery. This delightful treat offers a taste of the rich culinary heritage of the community.
Other stops on your itinerary will include Klauzál Tér, once the heart of the Jewish Quarter and now a bustling square. Your guide can explain its evolution from a marketplace within the confines of the ghetto to a lively hub for nightlife (including the famous ruin bars) and community events. You will pass by a Jewish performing arts centre and end your time together at a small museum dedicated to local Jewish history.
Should you wish to keep exploring, your guide can recommend a wealth of local spots in the Jewish Quarter and beyond. Whatever you decide to do with the rest of your day, you will be left with a profound appreciation for Erzsébetváros’s past and present.
