Dohány Street Synagogue

The basics

Guided tours take visitors around the synagogue, Heroes’ Temple, Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the graveyard, providing background information on Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage. Tickets also include access to the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives, next door to the synagogue.

Many travelers opt to explore as part of a guided walking tour, taking in the monuments and memorials of Budapest’s Jewish District, such as Gozsdu Courtyard, Rumbach Street Synagogue, the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, and Carl Lutz Memorial Park.

Things to know before you go

• There is an admission fee to visit the synagogue, which includes an optional guided tour and entrance to the museum.

• Visitors are required to undergo security checks, and large bags and items are prohibited.

• Modest dress code is required (shoulders and knees covered). Men are also required to cover their heads—a kippah is provided if you don’t have your own hat.

• The main areas of the synagogue are wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Dohány Street Synagogue is located in Budapest’s Jewish District on the Pest side. It’s an around 10-minute walk from popular landmarks, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hungarian State Opera House, and the closest metro line is Astoria Station (M2).

When to get there

The synagogue is open for tours on weekdays, except Saturdays, all year round. The busiest time is July and August; arriving early offers the best chance of escaping the crowds. It’s worth timing your visit for one of the free concerts or tours, which run regularly in summer and at least twice daily in winter—times are posted outside the synagogue.

History of the Dohány Street Synagogue

The Moorish Revival synagogue was built in the mid-19th century. Marking the boundary of the Jewish Ghetto during World War II, it served as a shelter for the city's Jews, many of whom died here during the Siege of Budapest during the winter of 1944–1945. The synagogue suffered severe damage during its Nazi occupation, but was extensively restored in the 1990s, largely thanks to Estée Lauder’s donation.