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Free Jewish Quarter Tour: History, Street Art, Ruin Bars

Duration: 2h and 15min
Languages: English
Guru: George
Registered on February 27, 2018

Hi everyone! I'm George I have been doing walking tours for many years in different places. I love history, architecture, art, good food, and wine. I love meeting people from different countries and backgrounds, and showing them places that I love.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Jewish Quarter has always been the coolest part of the city. There are many must-see sights in Budapest, but it’s more than that. It’s the vibe—the authentic, local feel to it. You can experience the gritty side of Budapest, together with astonishing synagogues and a fascinating and tragic history of the Jewish people, who, before the Holocaust, were a big majority here. As Hungary lost about 650,00 Jews in the Holocaust, the numbers are much smaller today. However, the Jewish community is very vibrant and active in Budapest and still adds significantly to its distinctive spirit.

Budapest Jewish Quarter is also an incredible mix of history and urban culture. The street art, from beautiful big murals to small, intriguing stickers, adds another layer of cool to this part of the city. When you wander around these streets, time passes quickly as you encounter more and more hidden treasures. Last but not least are the famous ruin bars, such a distinctive part of Budapest. Led by Szimpla Kert, the coolest one, they add a whole new dimension to the “Party District,”  as this part of the city is called.

The pace is relaxed, the atmosphere informal and friendly, suited for everybody. You'll get a lot of inside information, and recommendations about the best places to visit, restaurants, museums, bars, thermal baths ...

This is a small group tour, don't expect a big crowd.

My walking tour in Budapest is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages and abilities, with a focus on safety, comfort, and inclusivity.   If you can't book for a certain day, message me and we'll figure out something.

Please come to the meeting point at least five minutes before the start of the tour. We leave promptly five minutes after the indicated starting time. If you are going to be late, please contact me and we'll figure out something.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Budapest, Budapest Városháza park, Ká...
    Budapest, Budapest Városháza park, Károly krt., 1052 Hungary
    View on map

    I will be standing in front of Budapest Info kiosk in Varoshaza Park with my Guru accreditation, wearing a baseball hat. Look for the bus stop for the Airport bus (100E).

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Madach square

    The grand entrance to the Jewish Quarter. Statue of empress Elisabeth, famous Sisi.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Rumbach Street Synagogue

    When the Jewish community in Budapest divided in the second half of the 19th century, this was where the so-called status quo group worshiped. Beautiful, recently renovated building.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    The miniature statue of Theodor Hertzel

    One of the famous small statues of Mihaly Kodolko, depicts Theodor Hertzel, the founder of Zionism, who was born in Budapest.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Dohány Street Synagogue

    The grandest synagogue in Budapest used to be the second-largest in the world. Started the so-called Neolog Judaism. There are many things to see here: the Wallenberg courtyard, the Tree of Life monument, the Temple of Heroes, etc.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Szimpla Kert

    The oldest and coolest ruin bar in Budapest.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    The Memorial Wall of the Budapest Ghetto

    The Memorial Wall of the Budapest Ghetto, marking one edge of the ghetto. Big map showing the Jewish Quarter and the Ghetto, and interesting old photos showing how things used to be.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Extra ruin bar

    The only ruin bar that opens early (noon) on weekdays. Very cool place, excellent goulash.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    Mazel Tov restaurant/garden

    Mazel Tov used to be a ruin bar; now it is a very popular restaurant. Beautiful garden, very nice vibe, good food.

  • 9
    Outside visit
    Club Instant

    Many different things in one location, the biggest place to party in Budapest!

  • 10
    Outside visit
    Orthodox synagogue

    The main Orthodox Synagogue in Budapest, beautiful building, next to it is the best kosher restaurant, as well as a small shop selling Jewish artifacts.

  • 11
    Outside visit
    Street Art

    Some very cool street art, and my favorite piece.

  • 12
    Outside visit
    Karl Lutz Memorial

    My favorite monument in Budapest, dedicated to Karl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat who saved many Jewish lives in the winter of 1944.

  • 13
    Outside visit
    Gozsdu Court

    Today the trendiest part of the Jewish Quarter, full of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

91 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.85
Fun
4.63
Expression
4.69
Quality
4.83
Route
4.76
Generic
5 stars
80
4 stars
10
3 stars
1
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0
1 star
0
Amanda 12 Apr 2024
Birkirkara

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Very informative and interesting
julie 01 Apr 2024
Halifax

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Mar 2024
George was great, full of information.
Tanami 29 Mar 2024
Stockholm

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
Highly recommended. Very informative and fun.
Tamara 26 Mar 2024
Salzburg

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
Fantastic tour with George. He is really passionate about the art and history in the Jewish Quarter. It was fun to hear his stories about this area. George is very chill and we could take our time looking at sites. Wonderful way to see this section of Budapest.
Emma 19 Mar 2024
Maidstone

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Mar 2024
A very interesting tour , lots of info given but George put some light moments in as subject matter can be intense .
Show 91 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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