Great Synagogue of Budapest

The Great Synagogue of Budapest, also known as the Dohány Street Synagogue, isn’t just the largest synagogue in Europe — it’s one of the most important Jewish heritage landmarks in the world. Completed in 1859, it can seat nearly 3,000 worshippers and has stood for more than 160 years as a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and architectural beauty.

You’ll find it in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter in District VII, surrounded by vibrant cafés, kosher restaurants, street art, and other historic synagogues. The site itself is much more than one building — it’s part of a larger complex that includes the Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, a memorial garden, and the moving Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial.

A visit here isn’t just sightseeing. It’s stepping into a space where art, history, and memory converge — and where the stories of Budapest’s Jewish community are preserved and honored.

Why visit the Great Synagogue of Budapest?

The Great Synagogue isn’t simply a tourist attraction — it’s a living monument that blends architecture, history, and remembrance in one extraordinary experience. Located at the center of the Jewish Quarter, it remains both an active place of worship and a cultural landmark that draws visitors from all over the world.

Stepping inside, you’ll see a space that has witnessed the community’s greatest moments and its most difficult times. Every element, from the façade to the memorial garden, tells a part of that story.

Is it worth visiting the synagogue in Budapest?

Absolutely. This is the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest still in use anywhere in the world. Your visit includes access to the entire complex:

• Main prayer hall seating almost 3,000 people

• Jewish Museum with artifacts, ritual objects, and personal histories

• Tree of Life Memorial, honoring 400,000 Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust

• Heroes’ Temple and the Jewish Cemetery, an extremely rare feature for a synagogue

Guided tours, included with your ticket, offer fascinating insight into the site’s history and symbolism, making the experience even more meaningful.

Why is it called the Great Synagogue?

The name reflects both its scale and ambition. Built to serve a rapidly growing Jewish population in 19th-century Pest, it was designed to seat nearly 3,000 people — an unmatched capacity at the time. Architect Ludwig Förster drew inspiration from Islamic architecture of North Africa and Spain, creating a building that stood apart from other religious structures in the city and projected the community’s confidence during a period of growth and prosperity.

Is it safe to visit the Great Synagogue in Budapest?

Yes. Visitors pass through a security screening before entering, and large bags or suitcases aren’t allowed. The surrounding Jewish Quarter is lively and well-frequented, and staff and guides are available to help inside. Men are provided with kippot (head coverings) at the entrance, and respecting the dress code and house rules ensures a smooth, respectful visit.

What is the history of the Great Synagogue?

The Great Synagogue of Budapest — or Dohány Street Synagogue — has been at the heart of Hungary’s Jewish community for over 160 years. It’s a landmark of 19th-century architecture and a silent witness to the city’s moments of triumph and tragedy.

Origins and construction

Built between 1854 and 1859 to serve the fast-growing Jewish community of Pest, the synagogue was designed by Viennese architect Ludwig Förster. Believing there was no uniquely Jewish architectural style, Förster looked to Islamic architecture from Spain and North Africa for inspiration, incorporating onion domes, horseshoe arches, and intricate brickwork into the design.

When it opened on 6 September 1859, the synagogue could seat 2,964 worshippers — 1,497 men on the ground floor and 1,467 women in the upper galleries — making it the largest synagogue in Europe and one of the largest in the world at the time.

Wartime history and restoration

The synagogue’s history took a darker turn in the 20th century:

• 1939 – Bombed by the pro-Nazi Arrow Cross Party, causing severe damage.

• 1944–45 – Used by German forces as a radio base and even a stable during the Siege of Budapest.

• Budapest Ghetto – The courtyard became part of the ghetto, where around 2,000 Jews who died from starvation, disease, and brutality were buried. This makes it the only known synagogue in the world with an adjoining cemetery.

After decades of neglect under communist rule, a major restoration from 1991 to 1998 — funded by the Hungarian state, international Jewish organizations, and private donors — returned the complex to its original grandeur.

Architectural highlights

The façade combines red and yellow brickwork, twin 43-meter towers with onion domes, and ornate details like the Star of David and a rose window. Inside, the basilica-style layout places the Bimah in front of the Ark, following Neolog Jewish tradition.

One rare feature is its pipe organ — unusual in synagogues — inaugurated by Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns. The current 63-voice Jehmlich organ was added during the 1990s restoration.

How big is the Great Synagogue?

With space for nearly 3,000 worshippers and a floor area of 1,200 m², the Great Synagogue is not only the largest in Europe but also one of the largest in active use worldwide.

Where is the Great Synagogue and how to get there?

The Great Synagogue of Budapest is centrally located in the city’s District VII, better known as the Jewish Quarter, an area rich in history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Its position makes it easy to include in any Budapest itinerary, especially since it’s surrounded by other must-see Jewish heritage sites, cafés, and unique street art.

You’ll find it just a short walk from the city center, close to Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér, making it an accessible stop whether you’re exploring on foot or using public transport.

Public transport options

Budapest’s efficient public transport network makes reaching the synagogue straightforward:

Walking and taxi access

If you’re staying in the city center, you can easily reach the synagogue on foot in about:

• 5–10 minutes from Deák Ferenc tér

• 20-25 minutes from St. Stephen’s Basilica

• 35-40 minutes from the Hungarian Parliament

Taxis are widely available but ensure you use official licensed cabs (yellow cars with company logos) or ride-hailing services like Bolt for transparent pricing.

Do you need tickets for the Great Synagogue?

Yes — entry to the Great Synagogue of Budapest requires a ticket, which also grants access to the entire synagogue complex: the main sanctuary, the Jewish Museum, the Heroes’ Temple, the Jewish cemetery, and the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial Park.

Purchasing your tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist months, to avoid queues and guarantee your preferred visiting time (official site).

Ticket prices and types

Below is the current pricing structure for individual visitors:

Tickets also include a guided tour in one of several languages (English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish) at no extra cost.

Where to buy tickets and skip-the-line options

There are several ways to purchase tickets for the Great Synagogue, depending on your travel style and whether you prefer the flexibility of planning on the spot or the convenience of securing your entry in advance. Each option comes with its own advantages in terms of queue times, language availability for tours, and potential extras such as audio guides.

• On-site: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but queues can be long during peak season (April–October).

• Online: Many platforms, including the official synagogue website, offer skip-the-line tickets and combined packages with audio guides.

Pro Tip: Booking online not only saves time but often gives you more flexibility in choosing your tour language and start time.

What are the opening hours and best time to visit?

Planning your visit to the Great Synagogue of Budapest around its opening hours and peak periods will help you get the most out of your experience. Because the synagogue is both an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction, its schedule changes seasonally and is also affected by religious holidays.

From April to October, the synagogue welcomes visitors with extended hours, making it easier to fit into a busy sightseeing day. During the colder months, November to March, visiting times are shorter, and daylight hours are more limited — something to keep in mind if you want to take exterior photos in natural light.

You should also note that the synagogue is closed on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays to respect religious observance. For those looking to avoid crowds, weekday visits are generally more relaxed than weekends.

Seasonal opening hours

Hours may be subject to change, so it’s always wise to confirm on the official website before your visit.

Best time of day to visit

The most comfortable and crowd-free times to explore the Great Synagogue are early morning just after opening, or late afternoon before closing. At these hours, you’ll enjoy a calmer atmosphere inside the sanctuary and have more space to appreciate its architectural details. If photography is on your agenda, the softer light of the early morning or late afternoon can also enhance your images, especially of the richly decorated interior.

Best time of year to visit

The peak visiting season runs from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and daylight is long. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds while still enjoying good weather, aim for the shoulder months — April/May or September/October — which offer milder temperatures and a more relaxed experience.

Avoid planning your visit on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, when the site is closed to tourists. Weekdays tend to be less busy than Fridays, which see an increase in visitors ahead of the Sabbath.

How long does it take to visit Dohány Synagogue?

A visit to the Great Synagogue of Budapest is not just a quick stop — the complex is large and filled with points of interest that deserve your attention. On average, you should plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

This timeframe allows you to:

• Walk through the main sanctuary and take in its vast scale and ornate details.

• Visit the Jewish Museum to see its collection of ritual objects, historical documents, and personal stories.

• Explore the Heroes’ Temple and the Jewish Cemetery, unique in being located next to a synagogue.

• Pause at the Tree of Life Memorial and the other monuments in the memorial park.

Many visitors combine the synagogue with a stroll through the surrounding Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find kosher restaurants, cafés, street art, and other synagogues like Rumbach Street and Kazinczy Street. If that’s your plan, set aside half a day to fully immerse yourself in the area.

For an even richer experience, you can join our Free Walking Tour of the Jewish Quarter, led by local guides who bring the neighborhood’s history and culture to life. The tour covers the area’s key landmarks and stories, though it does not include the entrance ticket to the Great Synagogue itself — making it an excellent complement either before or after your visit inside.

What to wear at the Great Synagogue?

The Great Synagogue of Budapest is an active place of worship, and visitors are expected to follow a modest dress code out of respect for religious customs. While you don’t need to wear formal attire, your clothing should be appropriate for a sacred setting, especially if you plan to enter the main sanctuary or visit during prayer times.

Dress code requirements

When entering, you’ll be asked to comply with the following guidelines:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

• Men are required to wear a head covering — a kippah is provided at the entrance.

• Avoid wearing revealing clothing such as tank tops, short skirts, or shorts above the knee.

• If you’re visiting in summer and wearing lighter clothing, bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders when needed.

These requirements apply to all visitors, regardless of whether you are attending a service or just touring the site.

Additional etiquette for visitors

Beyond clothing, the synagogue maintains certain rules to preserve the sanctity of the space:

• Keep your voice low inside the sanctuary and memorial areas.

• Photography is allowed only with a camera permit; avoid flash during services or when people are praying.

• Follow security instructions — all visitors pass through a screening process, and large bags or suitcases are not permitted.

• Do not eat, drink, or use your phone while inside the main prayer hall or museum rooms.

Following these guidelines ensures a respectful visit and allows you to focus on the architecture, exhibits, and atmosphere without distractions.

What to see inside the Great Synagogue?

A visit to the Great Synagogue of Budapest is much more than stepping into a single prayer hall — it’s an exploration of a multi-faceted complex that tells the story of Hungary’s Jewish community through architecture, exhibits, and memorials. Your ticket grants access to several distinct spaces, each with its own significance and atmosphere.

Main sanctuary

The heart of the complex, the main sanctuary is a vast hall with seating for nearly 3,000 worshippers. Its Moorish Revival design features red and yellow brick arches, gilded frescoes, and ornate cast-iron columns supporting the women’s galleries. The Bimah (pulpit) and Torah Ark sit at the eastern end, framed by intricate woodwork and a monumental rose window. One of the most unique aspects for a synagogue is the presence of a pipe organ, a feature that has hosted performances by composers such as Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns.

Jewish Museum

Attached to the synagogue and built on the site of Theodor Herzl’s birthplace, the Jewish Museum houses the Jewish Religious and Historical Collection. Here you’ll find:

• Ritual objects used in religious ceremonies

• Historical documents and photographs

• Exhibits on the Holocaust in Hungary

• Artifacts related to Herzl and the Zionist movement

The museum offers context to the synagogue’s story, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the community’s traditions and struggles.

Heroes’ Temple

Constructed in 1930–31, this smaller sanctuary was built to honor the 10,000 Hungarian Jewish soldiers who died fighting in World War I. It seats 250 and is still used for certain services. In winter months, some daily prayers take place here instead of the main synagogue, as the Heroes’ Temple is easier to heat.

Jewish Cemetery

Unusual for a synagogue, the courtyard contains a cemetery, a somber reminder of the ghetto period during World War II. Around 2,000 victims of starvation, disease, and violence were buried here during the winter of 1944–45, making it the only known synagogue in the world with an adjoining burial site.

Tree of Life Memorial

Located behind the synagogue, the Tree of Life Holocaust Memorial is a striking metal sculpture in the shape of a weeping willow, created by artist Imre Varga. Each leaf bears the name or tattoo number of a Hungarian Jew murdered in the Holocaust. Nearby, monuments honor Raoul Wallenberg and other Righteous Among the Nations who risked their lives to save Jews during the war.

Prayer times at the Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue of Budapest is an active place of worship, and regular services take place throughout the week. Visitors should be aware that during prayer times, access for tourist groups is restricted, and certain rules are enforced more strictly. This includes no entry for visitors, no uncovered shoulders, no shorts or miniskirts, and no bags, phones, cameras, or video recorders inside during the services.

Daily prayers are generally held in the morning and evening, with variations depending on the day of the week and the season:

• Weekday morning prayer at 7:30 a.m. (held in the Heroes’ Temple during winter, as the main synagogue is not heated)

• Weekday evening prayer at 6:00 p.m. (in the Talmud-Torah building behind the synagogue)

• Friday evening prayer at 6:00 p.m. (in the Great Synagogue)

• Saturday morning prayers (Shacharit) start at 9:30 a.m., with Musaf around 10:45 a.m. (in the Great Synagogue)

If you are planning a visit, it’s best to check the service schedule beforehand to avoid arriving during times when tourist entry is not permitted. This will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you respect the synagogue’s role as a living religious space.

Accessibility and facilities

The Great Synagogue of Budapest has taken significant steps to ensure that visitors with different needs can enjoy the site comfortably. While the complex includes both historic and modern elements, accessibility has been improved in key areas so that most parts of the visit can be experienced without difficulty.

Accessibility features include:

• Ramp access to the ground-floor areas and the memorial garden

• Lift access to the upper floors of the Jewish Museum (note: some galleries have internal steps)

• Accessible restrooms located within the complex

• Side-entrance arrangements for visitors who require easier access than the main stairs

• Kippot (head coverings) provided for men at the entrance

Visitor facilities include:

• A staffed ticket office with multilingual assistance

• Guided tours in several languages included with admission

• Camera permits available for purchase for those wishing to photograph the interior

• A small bookshop and gift area offering literature on Jewish history and culture in Hungary

The site’s layout does involve some walking and a few steps in certain areas, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. If you have specific mobility needs, contacting the synagogue in advance can help ensure smooth entry and guidance during your visit.

For more details, visit: https://www.greatsynagogue.hu/

Nearby attractions in the Jewish Quarter

The Great Synagogue of Budapest sits in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (District VII), one of the most atmospheric and culturally rich areas in the city. After your visit, you can easily spend several more hours exploring its blend of historical landmarks, memorials, vibrant cafés, and artistic corners.

Notable nearby attractions include:

• Rumbach Street Synagogue – Recently restored to its original splendor, this synagogue features Moorish architectural details and serves as a cultural venue.

• Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue – The center of Budapest’s Orthodox Jewish life, with a richly decorated Art Nouveau interior.

• Holocaust Memorial Center – A museum and research facility dedicated to documenting the Holocaust in Hungary.

• Kosher restaurants and cafés – Offering traditional Jewish-Hungarian dishes such as flódni (layered pastry) and sólet (bean stew).

• Street art and ruin bars – Unique murals, creative installations, and famous ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert add a modern, alternative vibe to the district.

To make the most of your time in this unique district, consider joining the Go Zeppelin Free Walking Tour of the Jewish Quarter. This guided experience takes you beyond the synagogue to uncover the hidden corners, poignant stories, and architectural gems of District VII.

You’ll learn about the lives of the people who shaped the neighborhood, the events that transformed it, and the cultural revival that is giving it new life today. Please note that the tour does not include entrance to the Great Synagogue itself, so you can plan to visit the interior either before or after your walking tour.

Exploring both the synagogue and the Jewish Quarter together will give you the most complete picture of this remarkable part of Budapest — one that blends history, memory, and living culture in every street.