Dohány Street Synagogue Travel Guide: History, Highlights & Tips for Visitors

Standing tall in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Great Synagogue) is not only a stunning architectural landmark but also a place of deep spiritual and historical significance. As the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, it attracts visitors from around the globe.
 

Built in the 19th century, this magnificent building has witnessed centuries of Hungarian Jewish history, resilience, and revival. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual traveler, or an architecture lover, a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue is a moving and memorable experience.

📍 Location & Opening Hours

Address: Dohány utca 2, 1074 Budapest, Hungary

Neighborhood: Jewish Quarter, District VII

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)

Fridays: Closes earlier for Shabbat

Saturdays: Closed (Shabbat)

Best Time to Visit: Mornings or early afternoons on weekdays

Closed on Jewish Holidays

🏛️ History of the Dohány Street Synagogue

1. Construction and Architectural Influence

The synagogue was designed by Ludwig Förster, a Viennese architect, and completed in 1859. It combines Moorish Revival architecture with romantic and Byzantine elements, inspired by Islamic design and North African motifs—unusual for a synagogue but breathtaking in style.

Capacity: Seats nearly 3,000 people

Design features: Twin onion-domed towers, rose windows, intricate tilework, cast-iron railings

Organ: One of the first synagogues in the world to install a pipe organ (played by Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns)

2. WWII and the Holocaust

The Dohány Street Synagogue was deeply affected during World War II and the Holocaust:

It was part of the Budapest Ghetto created by the Nazis in 1944.

Thousands of Jews died of starvation, cold, and disease; many were buried in the synagogue courtyard.

The building suffered heavy damage during bombings but was preserved and later restored.

3. Restoration and Today’s Role

In the 1990s, the synagogue underwent major renovations, funded by the Hungarian government and international Jewish organizations. Today, it is both a functioning place of worship and a museum complex, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

🌟 Main Attractions in the Synagogue Complex

1. The Main Prayer Hall

One of the most striking features of the synagogue is its grand interior, with:

Decorative arches, gold leaf, and stained glass

Three levels: ground level and two women’s galleries

A magnificent central chandelier

Torah ark made of marble and richly ornamented

Bima (platform) positioned at the front (not central, as in traditional synagogues)

2. The Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park

Located behind the synagogue, this peaceful garden is dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims.

Weeping Willow Tree Memorial: Each leaf bears the name of a Holocaust victim

Named after Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews

A solemn, moving place of reflection

3. Jewish Cemetery in the Courtyard

Unlike most Jewish traditions, a cemetery lies within synagogue grounds—a necessity due to the tragic circumstances of the 1944–45 winter.

Around 2,000 victims of the Holocaust are buried here

The presence of a cemetery makes this synagogue unique in the Jewish world

4. Hungarian Jewish Museum

Attached to the synagogue is a museum that chronicles Jewish life in Hungary through history.

Exhibits include ritual objects, Torahs, texts, clothing, and personal items

Also features historical narratives of Hungarian Jewish communities

Accessible with the standard synagogue ticket

5. Heroes’ Temple (Heroes’ Synagogue)

Located next to the main synagogue building, this smaller sanctuary was built in 1931 to honor Jewish soldiers who died in World War I.

Used for religious services on weekdays

Its architectural style complements the main building

🧭 Guided Tours & Tickets

Admission Includes:

Entry to the Main Synagogue, Heroes’ Temple, Jewish Museum, Memorial Garden, and Cemetery

Guided tours in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian)

Ticket Prices:

Adult: ~5,000–6,000 HUF (approx. €13–15)

Students & Seniors: Discounted rates available

Children under 6: Free

Booking Tips:

Book tickets online to avoid queues

Guided tours (30–45 minutes) are highly recommended for historical context

🎭 Jewish Quarter Around the Synagogue

The District VII Erzsébetváros, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is now one of Budapest’s trendiest areas.

Nearby Attractions:

Kazinczy Street Synagogue – Orthodox counterpart of Dohány

Ruin Bars – Famous pub culture in old Jewish buildings (e.g., Szimpla Kert)

Kosher restaurants & cafés

Street art and murals celebrating Jewish history and identity

🍽️ Where to Eat Near Dohány Street Synagogue

Enjoy local and kosher options just steps away:

Mazel Tov – Modern Israeli cuisine in a stylish garden setting

Carmel Restaurant – Authentic kosher Hungarian-Jewish food

Kőleves Kert – A relaxed ruin pub with hearty meals

Freyja Bakery – Great pastries and coffee

Hanna Garden – Traditional Jewish-Hungarian dishes

📸 Photography Tips

Interior photography is allowed (no flash)

Best angles of the twin towers are from Dohány Street and the garden courtyard

The Willow Tree Memorial offers stunning detail shots

🕍 Architecture Highlights

Inspired by Moorish and Byzantine styles

Rose windows and stained-glass designs

Use of ceramic tiles and colorful bricks

Iron structure uncommon in synagogue design at the time

Influences of Christian church layout in size and orientation

📅 Events and Religious Services

Concerts: Occasionally held in the main hall due to its superb acoustics

High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services

Cultural festivals: Jewish Culture Festival in August–September

Daily services: Held in Heroes’ Temple or adjoining buildings

💡 Tips for Visitors

Dress modestly: Shoulders and knees covered

Security check at entrance

Silence and respect are expected in prayer areas

Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds

Combine your visit with a Jewish Quarter walking tour

🧳 Why Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue?

The Dohány Street Synagogue is much more than a religious building—it’s a symbol of strength, culture, and remembrance. A visit offers insight into Jewish resilience, Hungarian history, and architectural grandeur.

From the stunning rose windows to the quiet whisper of the Weeping Willow Memorial, every corner speaks of both tragedy and triumph. Whether you’re spiritual or secular, this landmark will leave a deep impression.

✈️ How to Get There

Metro: Line 2 (Red) – Astoria Station

Tram: Lines 47, 49 – Astoria Stop

Walk: 10 minutes from Deák Ferenc Square

Located centrally in Budapest – easy to add to any itinerary

🧭 Suggested Itinerary Inclusion

Half-Day Jewish Heritage Itinerary:

Start at Dohány Street Synagogue (2–3 hrs)

Visit Kazinczy Street Synagogue

Stroll through the Jewish Quarter

Lunch at Mazel Tov or Carmel

Optional: Ruin bar experience or museum extension