The Stetl Jewish City Walks return in 2025 with guided, on-foot journeys through Budapest neighborhoods, tracing the history, architecture, everyday life, tragedies, and resilience of Hungary’s Jewish communities. These walks don’t stop at façades and street names; they aim to connect participants with living memory—then and now—across districts where Jewish culture shaped the city’s character.
Exclusive: Inside Rákospalota Synagogue
2025.11.12 (Wednesday) — A rare first look at the monumental Rákospalota Synagogue as it emerges from an ambitious restoration. Long overlooked, this 15th District house of prayer is more than a metaphorical monument to an influential rabbinic dynasty or a forgotten symbol of 20th-century Hungarian Jewish fate; it stands on its own as a major piece of architectural heritage. The once-abandoned building is set to shine again—and, crucially, to reclaim its role as a key center of Jewish religious life in the capital.
Guided by experts, the tour delves into the synagogue’s past glories and future revival. Tour leaders:
– Dávid Zubreczki, architecture journalist
– Dr. László Negyela, theologian and cultural heritage specialist
Venue: Rákospalota Synagogue (Rákospalotai Zsinagóga), 1152 Budapest, Régi Fóti út 77.
Price: $10.90
With Haver Card: $9.30
“Lipócia” Uncovered: Újlipótváros in November
2025.11.23 — Újlipótváros—insiders call it “Lipócia”—is a Danube-side quarter with an unmistakable vibe. Walk with open eyes and its secrets surface. A cornerstone of Jewish life in Pest and wider Budapest to this day, the area’s Jewish-themed route revives the memory of 19th–20th-century intellectuals, citizens, entrepreneurs, and politicians. It weaves together Hungary’s modern tragedies and uplifting moments, the rapid rise of post-1873 Budapest, the making of Újlipótváros, and daily life—especially Jewish life—over the past 150 years.
The walk ends in the present—literally—at ZSILIP. Participants receive 20% off at Brooklyn Bagel. Led by historian Csaba Katona of the National Archives of Hungary.
Meeting point: Rabbi József Schweitzer memorial plaque, 1136 Budapest, Hegedűs Gyula Street (Hegedűs Gyula utca) 3.
Price: $13.60
With Haver Card: $12.20
Budapest
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
