The Jewish quarter, new trendy area of Budapest

Located in the center of Pest, the Jewish quarter is a place full in history which became a real trendy hub. With the guide Zsófia Csortos, I went back through the course of its evolution since the mid-20th century.

The Jewish quarter, a symbolic and historic place

Former ghetto area where were gathered the Jews during the Second World War, the Jewish quarter has gradually revived over the last 60 years, thanks to its vibrant community eager to move forward while reintroducing forgotten values and culture.

At the quarter’s entrance, the multicolored synagogue proudly stands out. Described as the largest in Europe, it was built in the 19th century using a mix of Arabic, Byzantine and Classic architectures. Behind hit, is Raoul Wallenberg memorial of Hungarian Jewish martyrs, a large metal weeping willow on which are inscribed the names of the 600,000 Jewish victims of Nazism.

Entering the small pedestrian streets of the neighborhood, one can feel the atmosphere with even more emotions, shared between the new energy instilled by Jewish youth and buildings witnessing the painful past; such as the beautiful facades decorated containing walls riddled with bullets, some decorated with street art.

The new soul of the Jewish Quarter between pleasures and trends

Today, dynamism outweighs sadness and the Hungarian Jews are able to turn the page:
Surprising mix of hypsters cafes, fashionable bars (including the famous ‘’ruins bars’’ such as the popular and artistic Szimpla Kert where I saw the actor Jude Law et where you can taste the famous unicum, traditional liquor made from 40 plants with digestive properties, among others…), kosher restaurants such as Spinoza, designer’s shops, art galleries and vintage clothing shops, the Jewish Quarter is now a real central nerve of the city. Locals and tourists coexist, and tan enthusiastic atmosphere surrounds it!

One of the best ways to visit the Jewish quarter is to let yourself stroll in the main thoroughfares such as the Gozsdu passage (succession of restaurants and bars most original the ones than the others), Kazinczy street, Dohány street with its many shops and the Wesselényi street with its cute little cafes.

To know more about this area, don’t miss Tamás‘ Jewish quarter walking tour, exploring synagogues, pastry shops and hidden courtyards.