Budapest’s Zsilip Center is turning learning into play in the heart of the city. On the banks of the Danube at Újpesti rakpart 1 in the 13th district (1137), families will find a lively, two-level playhouse paired with a suite of study rooms dedicated to discovering Jewish traditions through hands-on, community-centered programs. The Zsiliputi events blend games, stories, and songs with cultural education, all wrapped in a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
Two dates are already circled in red for December 2025. On Friday, December 12, Péntekecske Friday Evening offers a warm, child-friendly entry into Shabbat in Budapest, with songs, crafts, and rituals designed to make the tradition vivid for kids and relaxing for parents. Two days later, on Sunday, December 14, Zsiliputi Jewish Sunday School returns, giving children a playful framework to learn about holidays, heritage, and Hebrew basics in small groups. Expect a friendly crowd, a safe environment, and educators who know how to keep little ones engaged.
Where to Stay Nearby
Planning your weekend around Zsiliputi? The neighborhood is loaded with options, from affordable hostels to riverside hotels with views of the Buda Hills. Adina Apartment Hotel sits just minutes from Budapest’s business, entertainment, shopping, and dining districts, making it a convenient base if you’re mixing family programs with city exploring.
Bell Hostel offers five private rooms with a total of 13 beds, plus two apartments—practical for exhibitors and guests in town for events at the Zsilip Center. If easy transit access is a must, City Hotel Ring sits 820 feet from Nyugati Railway Station. From there, it’s a stroll to Parliament, just about 2,625 feet away, and you’re roughly 2,790 feet from both late-night venues and the recreation areas of Margaret Island.
If you prefer greenery and a calmer pace, there’s a riverside hotel directly across from Margaret Island with sweeping views toward the Buda Hills. Choose rooms overlooking Pest’s rooftops, or wake up to the Danube and hills—and don’t skip the wellness area. Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? The Fortuna Hotel and Restaurant Boat is moored on the Pest side opposite Margaret Island beside Saint Stephen’s Park (Szent István park), combining nature, Danube views, and a surprisingly central address.
A 105-room hotel nearby faces Margaret Island and offers a fully equipped gym for guests, a 50-person meeting room for midsize events, and a 9th-floor rooftop bar with space for 40—open to both hotel guests and locals. Prefer old-world grandeur? The Grand Margaret Island Health Spa Hotel (Grand Margitsziget Gyógyfürdő Szálloda), designed along the lines of Miklós Ybl’s architectural heritage, pairs turn-of-the-century elegance with panoramic views of the Danube and the island’s ancient trees. The in-house medical team specializes in treatments supporting recovery from musculoskeletal issues, so you can unwind while the kids explore Zsiliputi.
Those on a tighter budget can look to Hotel Flandria, which operates primarily as worker accommodation on longer-term contracts. Its lobby-level private room seats 45 for training sessions or small events, and the updated rooms provide a comfortable, affordable option. There’s free Wi‑Fi throughout. For a cozy, boutique feel, try the refurbished hotel tucked by Nyugati and WestEnd City Center on a quiet side street—ideal for both business travelers and tourists. NH Budapest sits just behind the famed Comedy Theatre of Budapest (Vígszínház) in a calm, central spot that’s easy to reach by car or public transport and works well for business or family trips alike.
Where to Eat and Hang Out
Make a beeline to Budapest Jazz Club, the city’s center of gravity for jazz lovers and curious newcomers. Beyond the music, the atmosphere and sound quality are top-notch, with a friendly jazz café and a bistro-style kitchen to round out the night.
Craving fast, flavorful, and affordable Asian? 101 Tigris delivers simple, never-boring dishes at wallet-friendly prices—proof that quick service doesn’t mean bland. Over at Angelino, the team is serious about freshness: everything is made in-house from natural ingredients, from pizza dough to sauces to desserts. They care about the details, and it shows on the plate.
On lively Saint Stephen Boulevard (Szent István körút), Antalya Kebab serves up Arab favorites in a fast-casual setting. Atlantis, a neighborhood stalwart for more than 20 years, has moved from Váci Road to Hegedűs Gyula Street by the Comedy Theatre of Budapest (Vígszínház), offering a modern backdrop for friendly meetups, company functions, family parties, birthdays, and class reunions.
Babérlevél Restaurant, just off Váci Road in Angyalföld on Babér Street, doubles as a versatile event venue. And if you’re in Újlipótváros, Babka Budapest is a beloved community hub named after the Jerusalem chocolate bread, hinting at its kitchen’s East Mediterranean heart: Jewish, Arab, Turkish, and broader Mediterranean flavors sit alongside Hungarian comfort classics. Babka Deli, the group’s newest passion project in Újlipótváros, is your daytime stop for coffee, sweets, lunch, and casual catch-ups.
For a deep dive into Turkish cuisine’s rich pantry, head to the neighborhood’s Turkish kitchen: charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables, traditional specialties, rotating daily offers, and on-site, freshly baked breads and pastries. Start your day with a fresh simit, then choose from à la carte dishes or daily specials later on. And don’t miss the local bagel shop—the heart and soul of Újlipótváros—serving fresh bagels every day with a menu that changes daily.
Good to Know
Event organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. For up-to-date details on Zsiliputi’s schedule, lodging availability, and food options around the 13th district, check listings close to your visit and book early—December weekends fill up fast.
