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

Duration: 2h and 30min
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

The Jewish Quarter, located in the heart of Budapest, is a vibrant and historically rich neighborhood that offers a unique glimpse into the city's Jewish history, stunning street art, and buzzing ruin bars. This district is an essential destination for anyone looking to explore the diverse cultural tapestry of Budapest.

Established in the 19th century, the Jewish Quarter was originally home to a thriving Jewish community, which greatly contributed to the city's development. The neighborhood's Jewish history can be traced back through its magnificent synagogues: Dohany Street Synagogue, Rumbach Street Synagogue, and  Kazinczy Street Synagogue.

During World War II, the Jewish Quarter tragically became the Budapest Ghetto, where thousands of Jews were confined and died. Today, the area serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

Beyond its Jewish history, the Jewish Quarter is also a hotspot for contemporary street art and urban culture. Wandering through the district's narrow streets and alleys, you'll find a plethora of vibrant murals and thought-provoking graffiti that reflect both the city's past and present. Many of these artworks were commissioned as part of the Színes Város festival, which aimed to bring color and life to the city.

One of the Jewish Quarter's most famous attractions is its collection of ruin bars, which have repurposed abandoned buildings into lively, eclectic venues for socializing and entertainment. Among these, Szimpla Kert stands as the original and most iconic one. Filled with unique art installations and mismatched furniture, these bars embody the creative spirit and innovative character of the neighborhood.

The Jewish Quarter is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, Jewish heritage, street art, and a thriving nightlife scene. It's rich past and vibrant present invite visitors to experience the stories, art, and culture that have shaped this unique district. Join me and explore the coolest part of Budapest!

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. 

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, Városháza park, Károly krt....
    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.

  • 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

77 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.83
Fun
4.65
Expression
4.69
Quality
4.82
Route
4.79
Generic
5 stars
69
4 stars
8
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Mark 23 Nov 2023
Portsmouth

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
George is an incredibly informed and informative guide with a deep knowledge of Hungarian history. As well as general history, the tour delves into the Jewish aspect of Budapest and Hungary's past but without being too dark on the most recent events. He covers the whole Jewish quarter highliting architecture, street art, and good recommendations for places to eat and drink. All in all a great tour.
Kenny 22 Nov 2023
Atlanta

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Excellent tour! George was great and very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend!!
Allyson 05 Nov 2023
Oakland

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Oct 2023
George was terrific. He shared a lot of interesting and sad facts without completely overwhelming me with historical details I'll never retain. We saw quite a variety of art, entertainment, historical, and religious sites. The pace was perfect and George encouraged conversation and questions, and said he would answer questions that may come up later through the messaging site. I couldn't have asked for a better tour. Highly recommend!
Jan Vola 02 Nov 2023
Salt Lake City

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
He related very informative and interesting history. I particularly liked his ability to put facts in a context that explained the times and situations.
Rowan 01 Nov 2023

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
George was fantastic! Very knowledgeable about the history of Budapest. Had some amazing recommendations as well which was brilliant because this was our first time in Budapest. He was so funny too! I highly recommend booking a tour with him
Show 77 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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