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Dohany Street Synagogue Tours
BudapestDohany Street Synagogue
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Why visit the Dohany Street Synagogue?
- Architectural splendor: The Dohany Street Synagogue was completed in 1859 and showcased a unique blend of Byzantine and Moorish styles. The ornate interiors and glass-stained windows are attributed to the Viennese architect Ludwig Forster.
- Historical significance: As the largest synagogue in Europe, the Dohany Street Synagogue provided a haven for Jews escaping persecution during World War II. The complex also served as a makeshift hospital and shelter during that time.
- Cultural hub: The Dohany Street Synagogue provides a comprehensive experience for those seeking to understand the Jewish history in Hungary. The adjacent Jewish Museum chronicles the history, traditions, and contributions of the Hungarian Jewish community.
- Spiritual reflection: When visiting the Dohany Street Synagogue, you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the prayer hall. The courtyard with its tree of life provides a space for introspection and fostering connection.
- Community engagement: You can attend services, participate in cultural events, and engage with the local Jewish community at Dohany Street Synagogue.
Which Dohany Street Synagogue tour is best for you?
If you are short on time:
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Professional guide
- Skip ahead of long lines at Dohany Street Synagogue with these tickets. This tour is available in around 9 languages for your convenience.
- Besides the Dohany Street Synagogue, you can also visit the Heroes’ Temple, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Lapidarium, and the synagogue’s cemetery on this tour.
Recommended tours:
If you are on a budget:
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Expert tour guide
- The Dohany Street Synagogue skip-the-line tickets start at €28.50 and allow you to bypass long lines at the venue. This tour is available in around 9 languages.
- These skip-the-line tickets not only allow you to visit the Dohany Street Synagogue but also allow you to tour the Heroes’ Temple, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, the Hungarian Jewish Museum, the Lapidarium, and the synagogue’s cemetery.
Recommended tours:
If you want an in-depth tour:
Go for: Jewish Heritage tours
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Guide: Professional guide
- If you want an in-depth tour of the Hungarian Jewish community in Budapest, you can opt for the Jewish Heritage tour, which includes a visit to the Jewish Museum, Holocaust Memorial Park, Raoul Wallenberg Park, Heroes’ Temple, and more.
- This tour is available in English, Spanish, and French. You can upgrade your ticket to include hotel transfers, depending on the option you choose.
Recommended tours:
Dohany Street Synagogue highlights
Pay your respects at the Memorial
The synagogue's courtyard is home to a Holocaust Memorial, known as the Tree of Life, created by sculptor Imre Varga. The memorial consists of a weeping willow tree with the names of Holocaust victims inscribed on its leaves.
Learn about Jewish culture
The Jewish Museum, next to the Dohany Street Synagogue, provides insight into the history and culture of Hungarian Jews. It has a large collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits about Jewish life in Hungary before and after WW2.
Marvel at the architecture
The Dohany Street Synagogue is renowned for its distinctive Moorish Revival architecture, a blend of Islamic and Middle Eastern designs. When visiting the Synagogue, pay attention to the decorative motifs, horseshoe arches, and colorful ceramic tiles.
Take a guided tour
You can opt for a guided historical and cultural tour, where your guide will be an expert English, Spanish, or French speaker. They will chronicle all the historical events that took place in and around the Synagogue and explain why it's so relevant even today.
Walk through the cemetery
The cemetery in the Synagogue’s yard is of particular significance as it is unusual in Jewish customs to situate a cemetery adjacent to a synagogue. However, due to necessity in light of the ongoing war, the decision was taken to bury bodies inside.
Explore the Lapidarium
During the renovation of the Dohany Street cemetery, every slab was replaced with uniform tombstones. According to Jewish law, the old slabs qualify as tombstones and cannot be moved. The Lapidarium behind the Synagogue was created to preserve and exhibit the old slabs.
Plan your visit to Dohany Street Synagogue
Timings
Location
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
- 1 January 2024 to 29 February 2024 & 2 November 2024 to 31 December 2024:
Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Friday: 10 AM to 2 PM - 1 March 2024 to 30 April 2024:
Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM - 1 May 2024 to 30 September 2024:
Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM - 1 October to 30 October 2024:
Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM - The Synagogue is closed on 15 March, 22 to 24 April, 29 to 30 April, 12 to 13 June, 2 to 4, 11 to 12, 17 to 18, and 23 to 25 October, 1 November, and 24, and 25 December.
- The Synagogue is open from noon on 18 January. On 28 April, 11 June, and 16 October, it is open till 2 PM.
Address: Budapest, Dohany u. 2, 1074
Find on maps
- By bus: 7 and 7A
Nearest stop: Deak Ferenc ter M stop (380 m away) - By subway: Line M2
Nearest stop: Astoria station (200 m away) - By tram: 47 and 49
Nearest stop: Dohany - By car: The Synagogue is 21 km away from the Budapest airport.
Parking: You cannot park at the Synagogue, however, there are public parking lots in the area where you can park like the Parkoló Budapest Dohány.
- Accessibility: The Dohany Street Synagogue is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. There is ramp access along the ground floors of the synagogue and museum, leading into the garden. There is lift access to the upper floors of the museum
- Washrooms: The accessible washroom at the Synagogue can be accessed via a ramp.
- Cafe: You can purchase food and beverages at the Synagogue cafe.
- Follow the dress code: The Synagogue is an active place of worship so we recommend that you dress appropriately. Men have to cover their heads at all times and will be given a kippah at the entrance to wear. Women are recommended to avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, and shorts.
- Do not bring outside food: Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside, however, you can grab some food at the cafe.
- Avoid carrying large bags: The Synagogue does not provide cloakroom services. Only smaller bags are permitted inside.
- Maintain silence: When visiting the Dohany Street Synagogue, avoid talking loudly or entering cordoned-off areas. Maintain a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- Discounted entry: Children below 6 years of age can enter for free. Students with ID can avail of a discount.
- Pasta Bella: Head to this laid-back Italian restaurant for pizzas, pasta, and wines, just a minute away from the Synagogue.
- Restaurante Fuego: Known for its grilled dishes, this Spanish restaurant is a must-visit for its delicious cuisine and lively music.
- The Blue Rose: This Hungarian restaurant is known for its traditional goulash and affordable eating options.
- Karavan: Head to this cute spot where you will find many eating options similar to a food festival.
- Spinoza: This Hungarian restaurant is another favorite due to its Jewish twist to the food, accompanied by live music.
- Budget stays:
Meininger
City Hotel Pilvax
Maverick City Lodge - Mid-range hotels:
Danubis Hotel Astoria
Hotel NH Collection Budapest City Centre
Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel - Luxury stays:
Intercontinental Budapest
Corinthia Budapest
Cortile Hotel
- Hungarian Parliament Building: Take a tour of one of Budapest’s most iconic buildings, the Hungarian Parliament. Walk through the Main Staircase, the illustrious Dome Hall, the Chamber of Peers, and the Grand Stairway.
- Buda Castle: Perched atop Castle Hill in Budapest, Buda Castle is an iconic fortress, which has witnessed centuries of royal reigns and historical events. The castle complex, now home to museums and galleries, also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Danube River.
- Light Art Museum: Visit the Light Art Museum to enjoy over 40 digital art installations from artists all over the globe, from ethereal Northern Lights replicas to mind-bending optical illusions.
- Memento Park: Visit this open-air museum with colossal statues and plaques on display, all the way from Hungary’s communist era. During your visit, you will come across life-size statues of Lenin, Marx, and Engels, to name just a few.
Frequently asked questions about Dohany Street Synagogue tours
How much is a ticket to the Dohany Street Synagogue?
The Dohany Synagogue skip-the-line tickets start from €28.50. It includes a guided tour of the Synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the Synagogue’s cemetery. It also includes entry access to the Hungarian Jewish Museum and the Lapidarium. The in-depth Jewish Heritage tour tickets start from €59.
How to book tickets to the Dohany Street Synagogue?
We recommend you purchase Dohany Street Synagogue tickets online to save time and money. Online ticket bookings are convenient and ensure a hassle-free experience.
Why should I book Dohany Street Synagogue tours online?
If you purchase Dohany Street Synagogue tickets online, you can skip ahead of long lines at the venue on the day of your visit. You can also enjoy discounted prices and combo deals.
What do Dohany Street Synagogue tours include?
Most Dohany Street Synagogue tours include visits to the Synagogue, the cemetery, the Heroes’ Temple, and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can also enter the Hungarian Jewish Museum and the Lapidarium.
Are discounts available on Dohany Street Synagogue tours?
Yes, you can avail of discounts and combo deals if you purchase Dohany Street Synagogue tours online. If you purchase tickets online, you can skip ahead of long lines and get guaranteed access to the Synagogue on the day of your visit.
What is the cancellation policy on Dohany Street Synagogue tours?
While you cannot cancel Dohany Synagogue skip-the-line tickets, you can use them any time within the next 30 days from the date of purchase. The Jewish Heritage tour tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours before the experience begins. You can also get a full refund on your purchase.
What are Dohany Street Synagogue’s opening hours?
The Dohany Street Synagogue is open from 10 AM to 2 PM on most days, however, the closing times may vary between 4 PM to 8 PM, depending on the season. You can check the timings section for more information.
How long does it take to complete a Dohany Street Synagogue tour?
You can spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the Dohany Street Synagogue. The Jewish Heritage tour lasts for around 2 to 4 hours.