These days the seventh district is one of Budapest’s hippest neighborhoods, known for its quirky bars, cool cafés, hidden art galleries, and cutting-edge design shops. Before World War Two it was one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities, and it remains the center of Jewish life in Hungary today. By the early 18th century the neighborhood had become a melting pot of religions and ethnicities. During the war Jews were herded into these streets, walls were put up, and a ghetto was created where the majority of Jews survived the war. This walking tour focuses on the area’s history and culture, with a special emphasis on exploring and tasting Jewish-Hungarian cuisine in several styles. We will discuss the neighborhood’s past, including its more recent past during which many historic buildings were demolished, altering the fabric of the neighborhood. You will see the neighborhood’s four synagogues, which have long been focal points of Budapest’s Jewish society. You will also see the modern face of the district, including fabulous murals and street art, fun design shops, and great cafés. Though the neighborhood today can claim to have some of the most diverse culinary offerings in Budapest, the tour will focus on the dynamic Jewish cuisine found here. Do come hungry, as the tour will include tastings of several Hungarian-Jewish specialties which could be (depending on the day): sausages, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, Jewish eggs, cholent, roasted goose, and flódni. You’ll leave the tour with a full belly, as well as a deeper understanding of Hungary’s Jewish history, culture, and cuisine.  

After being picked up by your guide, you will visit Rumbach Street’s synagogue. The building has been recently restored to breathtaking beauty and maintains a detailed history. Next, you will continue on to the second synagogue visit on Dohány Street – the biggest synagogue in all of Europe. Continue to the Hungarian Jewish Museum with your guide. You will also see the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden and the garden’s famous Tree of Life monument.  Next, your guide will take you to Gozsdu Court, the food and beverage district. Afterward, you will visit the Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue. This final synagogue visit shows off its Art Nouveau architecture, which you can also explore through the inside of the building as well.  Your guide will take you next to the bohemian side of the Jewish Quarter, where you will be able to try some of the drinks at the famous, so-called ruin bar, Szimpla Garden. Along the whole tour, you can take in the famous murals and street art of Budapest.

Take a full-day tour of Budapest's highlights for you and your group only. Explore iconic landmarks such as Heroes' Square, Andrassy Avenue, and Szechenyi Spa, whilst sampling some of the city's best food. Combine Budapest's major sights with amazing traditional food. Vlend into the local crowd as you follow your local guide through the streets and admire Budapest’s urban gems from up close. All this while you learn about Hungarian history and culture from a native perspective. Start your tour outside the Hungarian State Opera House and walk past iconic landmarks such as Heroes' Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Szechenyi Spa. Continue with a stroll along the iconic Andrassy Avenue and along the Chain Bridge towards St. Stephen's Basilica and Liberty Square. You will also get to see Dohany Street Synagogue, Matthias Church, and the Royal Palace. Throughout the tour, stop for food and drink samples at an authentic Budapest Market Hall, a local street food joint, and a 19th-century confectionery.