Every Friday evening and Saturday morning, Rabbi Slomó Köves unpacks the weekly Torah portion through the lens of Jewish philosophy at the Óbuda Synagogue. The series, titled The Weekly Portion in the Mirror of Jewish Philosophy, turns ancient text into living conversation—open, sharp, and rooted in tradition with a modern mind. The setting is intimate, the tone welcoming, and the rhythm steady: it’s where ideas meet community at the end of the week and the beginning of Shabbat.
The Óbuda Synagogue sits at 1036 Budapest, 163 Lajos Street (Lajos utca 163). If you want to plan ahead, the sessions run through November with dates set for 2025.11.07 and 2025.11.08 in Budapest, then again on 2025.11.14 and 2025.11.15, with more dates added as the season fills. The organizers reserve the right to change the timing and program, so keep an eye on updates. Questions? They’re ready to connect—contact details are available, along with tips on timing, accommodation, and where to eat and drink nearby.
Where to Stay: From Riverside Calm to Student-Friendly
If you’re making a weekend of it, Óbuda and the northern stretch of Budapest offer a surprisingly broad mix. Think family-run inns, riverside wellness hotels, and budget hostels tucked into leafy neighborhoods.
A friendly family pension with 20 rooms sits next to two of Budapest’s prettiest swimming complexes: Csillaghegy Bath (Csillaghegyi fürdő) and Római Beach (Római Strand). North of the city center, a cozy hotel in a garden district offers comfortable double rooms and two apartments. Expect private bathrooms with a shower or tub, satellite TV, and a mini-fridge.
Down by the Danube at Római-part, one venue promises rest in a beautiful waterfront setting—and doubles as an events space for big open-air gatherings. They’ll help plan and execute, and they even run the Civil Exercise Club. If you need a quiet retreat, a pension on Római-part sits about 5 km from Flórián Square (Flórián tér) and 8 km from downtown. Double rooms come with a shower, sink, WC, air conditioning, internet access, in-house telephone line, cable TV, and a drink bar. The perks include garden access, nearby tennis, easy reach to beaches and shopping centers, and all the fun along the Római promenade.
Craving something truly different? Hungary’s only boat-shaped hotel, the Holiday Beach Budapest Wellness Hotel with Sauna Park, is moored right on the Danube in lush surroundings. Pools? Check. Free Wi‑Fi? Of course. Public transport will get you to the city center without fuss, and the nearest bus stop is a 3‑minute walk away.
For peace right in the capital, Hotel Noé spreads across nearly a one-hectare landscaped area along the river, with a three-story main building and six fully equipped wooden houses. Think sunbathing, bonfires, and easy parking, all with clean air and calm far from city noise.
Prefer practical over plush? A Scandinavian-style pension sits 20 minutes from central Budapest and 10 minutes from Szentendre, the famed riverside art town. Expect rooms with private bathrooms, phones, color TVs, a drink bar, secure parking, and an inner garden—easy to reach by car, bus, or HÉV suburban rail.
There’s also the Külker Hostel, a two-story, 26-room budget stay in Buda’s green belt—ideal for solo travelers and couples, with free parking out front. And in summer (July 15–August 25), the Márton Áron Student Hostel opens for affordable stays in two- and three-bed rooms, offering internet access, sports facilities, and a fire pit. Discounts apply for Hungarians from beyond the border, groups, and stays over 14 days.
Where to Eat: Hearty Plates, River Views, and Late Plans
Óbuda’s food scene is solid and surprisingly varied—cafeterias for quick bites, riverside restaurants for lazy evenings, and international twists tucked into industrial-chic spaces.
Start simple: a neighborhood spot serves breakfast through dinner with fresh, healthy dishes made from natural ingredients. Over at Flórián Courtyard (Flórián Udvar), 39-esek Restaurant (39-esek Étterme) brings a new self-service unit to Óbuda for speed without skimping on comfort.
If the Danube calls, Hely Restaurant (Hely Étterem) on Római-part offers fresh food creations, inventive drinks, live music, a stunning river panorama, and a huge garden. The kitchen leans international with Hungarian flavor, backed by quality ingredients and modern techniques. Don’t miss it.
On a quiet street near Római-part, another welcoming venue seats 56 inside and adds a comfy 30-seat terrace in summer. Bright, cheerful interiors invite everyone, regardless of age, to drop in and relax. Or go spontaneous: maybe you just want something delicious for no reason at all. A casual spot nearby makes that easy—no special occasion required, just come for lunch or dinner whenever the mood hits.
For a refined twist, the Aquincum Hotel Budapest’s Apicius Restaurant reimagines traditional Hungarian dishes, pairing them with standout wines from emblematic regions. It’s a fitting backdrop for both business and private meals, with a menu that satisfies Hungarian and international tastes alike.
Craving classic comfort? Head to Bécsiszelet Restaurant (Bécsiszelet Étterem) on Dereglye Street (Dereglye utca) for a giant Viennese schnitzel that hangs off the plate—and yes, it’s real veal.
Mediterranean more your mood? One kitchen goes all-in on fresh pastas, a wide range of grilled dishes, and pizzas made entirely by hand, no machines involved. Homemade desserts follow original Italian recipes and ingredients.
If a big dinner is on the cards, a buffet spot answers the weeknight crunch with a generous spread: appetizers, soups, mains, and the must-have desserts. Perfect for a family treat when no one’s cooking three courses on a Tuesday.
And for something new with flair, Óbuda’s old Goldberger textile factory now houses Buda’s latest bistro. Cut & Barrel Bistro (Cut & Barrel Bisztró) blends Basque and Latin American influences into a contact-cuisine approach, using seasonal ingredients and high-end techniques. The architecture is striking, the menu curated, and the philosophy clear: food and shared meals can build community.
Plan, Show Up, Breathe
Whether you come for thought-provoking Torah study with Rabbi Köves or for the river breeze and a good plate of something, Óbuda keeps it grounded and human. Book a bed, pick a table, catch a bus, and let Friday night do what it does best: reset the week. Organizers may adjust times and programs—stay flexible, and you’ll be just fine.
