Great Synagogue (Dohany Street Synagogue), Budapest (must see)
Built in the 1850s for the Neolog Jewish community, this synagogue ranks as the second-largest in the world, second only to Temple Emanu-El in New York. Much like the one on nearby Rumbach Street, it was designed by Viennese architect Ludwig Forster, embracing a richly detailed Moorish Revival style. The building forms part of a larger Jewish Quarter complex that includes the Heroes鈥� Temple, a graveyard, a Holocaust memorial, and the Jewish Museum. During World War II, Doh谩ny Street marked the boundary of the Budapest Ghetto, and even today, the area carries a profound sense of remembrance.
The synagogue suffered heavy damage during the war and endured years of neglect under communist rule. It wasn鈥檛 until the 1990s that an extensive restoration finally returned it to its former grandeur. The twin octagonal towers, flanking the main entrance and crowned with onion domes, now make this structure visible all over the city. Inside, the vast nave stretches nearly 40 feet high, revealing Gothic, Romantic, and Byzantine influences. A new mechanical organ fills the space, replacing the original one crafted in the 19th century.
As is traditional, the ground floor seating is reserved for men, while women are seated in the upper galleries. In all, the building can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers.
Those curious about Jewish history will find much to explore here. Next door is the Jewish Heroes鈥� Mausoleum, and upstairs, the museum and archives offer informative and thought-provoking exhibits. In the adjacent graveyard, victims of the Holocaust are laid to rest alongside non-Jews who risked their lives to save others. The neighboring park holds a memorial honoring these courageous individuals.
Tip: The synagogue offers guided group tours in several languages. Visitors are asked to observe a modest dress code; if needed, special coverings are provided at the entrance.
The synagogue suffered heavy damage during the war and endured years of neglect under communist rule. It wasn鈥檛 until the 1990s that an extensive restoration finally returned it to its former grandeur. The twin octagonal towers, flanking the main entrance and crowned with onion domes, now make this structure visible all over the city. Inside, the vast nave stretches nearly 40 feet high, revealing Gothic, Romantic, and Byzantine influences. A new mechanical organ fills the space, replacing the original one crafted in the 19th century.
As is traditional, the ground floor seating is reserved for men, while women are seated in the upper galleries. In all, the building can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers.
Those curious about Jewish history will find much to explore here. Next door is the Jewish Heroes鈥� Mausoleum, and upstairs, the museum and archives offer informative and thought-provoking exhibits. In the adjacent graveyard, victims of the Holocaust are laid to rest alongside non-Jews who risked their lives to save others. The neighboring park holds a memorial honoring these courageous individuals.
Tip: The synagogue offers guided group tours in several languages. Visitors are asked to observe a modest dress code; if needed, special coverings are provided at the entrance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Budapest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Great Synagogue (Dohany Street Synagogue) on Map
Sight Name: Great Synagogue (Dohany Street Synagogue)
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Budapest, Hungary (See walking tours in Budapest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Budapest, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Budapest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Budapest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pest Introduction Walking Tour
Separated from its western neighbor Buda by the wide sweep of the Danube, the eastern side of Budapest takes up almost two-thirds of the city. While Buda rises in hills and castle-topped cliffs, Pest spreads out across a flat plain, buzzing with energy and a rather bourgeois spirit. Some of Hungary鈥檚 most iconic landmarks call this side home, including the grand Parliament building itself. No... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Souvenir Shopping
It will definitely be a pity to leave Budapest without exploring local specialty shops and bringing home something authentically Hungarian. A large number of the city鈥檚 specialty shops are found on V谩ci Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that parallels the Danube, extending for more than 15 blocks, with something for every taste and wallet. At its most southerly end, you will find Central Market... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Margaret Island Walking Tour
Stretching for around 2.5 km, Margaret Island (鈥淢argit-sziget鈥�) on the river Danube is a popular green oasis / recreational area that serves as Budapest's playground since the 1870s. Flush with beautiful landscaped parks, ancient ruins and various sports facilities, the island can be accessed either by the historical Margaret Bridge on the south or the Arpad Bridge in the north, from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Buda Introduction Walking Tour
Hungary鈥檚 capital is relatively young, having emerged in the late 19th century after the merger of two neighboring towns鈥擝uda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the eastern side. Buda, with its hills and historic character, is home to the grand Hapsburg palace, still exuding the imperial charm of a time when wealth and power reigned.
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
From the heights of Castle Hill or Gell茅rt... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Andrassy Avenue Walking Tour
Dating back to 1870 and recognized as a World Heritage site, Andr谩ssy Avenue is a long, wide boulevard named after Prime Minister Gyula Andr谩ssy (served 1867鈥�71) that connects Budapest's downtown with the City Park. The entire stretch is lined with caf茅s, restaurants, luxury shops, as well as cultural institutions, elegant neo-Renaissance apartment blocks, mansions, and embassies with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Jews were officially allowed to settle in Pest in the early 18th century. By the late 1700s, a small but growing community had taken root, and the 19th century brought rapid urbanization and expansion. The Jewish population soared, with many Jews becoming integral to Budapest鈥檚 economic and cultural life.
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Following the Nazi occupation in March 1944, they were forced into a ghetto centered in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Must Buy Hungarian Things in Budapest
Other than the standalone language and catchy Czardas tune, there's a lot more to memorize Hungary by. Here are some of the things you might want to carry from Budapest to your family and friends back...