Budapest/Erzsébetváros

Erzsébetváros (lit. "Elizabethtown") is the traditional name of the VII. district of Budapest. The name refers to Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Hungary, popularly known as Sissi. This is the smallest of Budapest's 23 districts, covering only 2 km².

Understand

The area is full of ornate historic buildings from the 19th century, as well as many of the most famous attractions.

Jewish quarter

This area of the Hungarian capital is also known as the Jewish Quarter. It was established as such at the turn of the 19th century, when the Jewish community gathered in this district, along the road leading to the bridge that crosses the Danube. The center of this area became Kiraly Street. Budapest today is home to the largest Jewish community in Central Europe. This area one can find most of Budapest's site's of Jewish cultural heritage, like the "Synagogue Triangle". (This was also where in 1944 the Pest Ghetto was built.) At Dohany Street 2. you will find the world's second largest and Europe's largest synagogue, the Dohany Street Synagogue. The site of this building is also the birthplace of Theodor Herzl, Father of Zionism. In the garden is the Martyrs' Cemetery and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial. Adjacent to the temple is the Jewish Museum.

The second point of the Triangle is the synagogue on Rumbach Street, also known as "the little synagogue". The third point is the Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue. This area is home to kosher shops and Budapest's only mikveh (ritual bath). This historic district, as a part of the city's rehabilitation strategy, has looked towards youth culture and tourism. Since 2002 some now very popular cafes, bars and summer music venues opened in buildings that were earlier considered for demolition: the Szimpla, the Gozsdu Mano Klub, or the Koleves (Stone Soup) to name a few. Since then the area, especially Kazinczy Street is not only known for its rich history and cultural heritage, but for its unique cultural present, with "ruin pubs", art and design shops, like the Kék Ló (Blue Horse)and Printa graphic design studio which incidentally also function as pubs/cafes. In 2002 this historic neighborhood bordered by Kiraly and Csanyi Street, Klauzal Square, Kisdiofa and Dohany Street and Karoly Boulevard was named the old Jewish Quarter of Pest and was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage Conservation Zone.

Get in
  • 🌍 Keleti pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station), Baross tér ( : Keleti pályaudvar; bus: 5, 7, 7E, 8, 8A, 20E, 30, 30A, 107, 112, 133, 178, 230, 233, 239; tram: 24, trolley: 73, 76, 78, 79, 80, 80A; night bus: 907, 908, 931, 956, 973, 990). Station open daily 03:45-24:00, International cash desk in Business Waiting Room daily 06:00–21:15, Luggage storage daily 03:30-23:30, Customer Service Office beside track #9 open daily 04:00-23:30. Keleti, or "Eastern" railway station, grew to became Budapest's main railway terminal, handling the vast majority of international train, mostly coming actually from the west. A number of domestic trains also arrive at Keleti, again, mostly from the west. The station is served by both lines M2 and M4 of the Budapest metro. To navigate the rather vast station, you may want to take a look at the station map in PDF. 
  • From downtown take M2 metro.

Get around
  • All area is walkable.
  • Tram 4, 6 crossing the all district.

Parking
  • On Weekdays almost all part of the area is covered by paid street parking scheme.

See

Holy places
  • 🌍 Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum (Dohány utcai zsinagóga és a Zsidó Múzeum), VII. Dohány ut. 2-8 ( : Astoria), ☏ +36 1 343-0420, . Mar-Oct, Su-Th: 10:00-18:00, F: 10:00-16:30; Winter 1.5h shorter. This synagogue is unique because of its size, and its two onion-shaped domes, which are forty-three meters high. Onion domes are typically found on Catholic churches, and Hungary is a very Catholic country. Perhaps Ludwig Förster, the architect, meant for it to blend in a bit. Adults: €8, students: €4, Budapest card: €7, for student: €3.5. 
  • 🌍 Kazinczy Street Synagogue (Sasz-Chevra ortodox nagyzsinagóga, Kazinczy utcai zsinagóga), VII. Kazinczy u. 29-31 ( : 'Astoria ' or : Opera). The city’s Orthodox Jewish congregation decided to build its own independent synagogue in 1909. Late Art Nouveau architecture, built between 1912–13, by the Löffler brothers. The most characteristic synagogue is part of a complex including a school and communal hall built in 1911. The façade of the synagogue which fronts onto Kazinczy Street is considered to be one of the outstanding works of Hungarian Late-Secessionist architecture. The interior of the house of worship also designed by the Loffler brothers. From all four corners staircases lead to the two-story female chorus. At the east (right) wall can be found the Ark of the Covenant with battlements. Also there are two artificial marble columns, the rabbi 's table and the reading desk for preprayer. Above this find you the symbol of kohanits the blessing hand and the Star of David. Also there the two tables of stone can be seen (Rákos Mano works). Middle of the room after five steps is the Torah reading platform. Fine pieces there the wrought iron grids by József Hochmann, the Ark of the Covenant and the carved benches age are originals made by Valkai István. The lights served with the hemispherical rosettes central chandelier and lamps on pillars of Wrought iron grid choirs, these lasts are in the shape of menorah. 
  • 🌍 Rumbach Street Synagogue (Rumbach utcai zsinagóga), VII. Rumbach Sebestyén utca 11-13 ( : 'Deák Ferenc tér'), ☏ +36 1 343 0420. The same yellow-orange motif found in it, as the Dohány Street great Synagogue is. This is the house of worship built for the 'status quo ante ' Jews who have Neolog's building did not pass. The 'status-quo' synagogue in Rumbach Street was built in 1872, to the design of the Viennese architect, Otto Wagner; it is the only building in Hungary to be designed by him. Built in the Romantic style, the synagogue evidences a strong eastern influence; its two towers remind one of the minarets so characteristic of Islamic architecture. The interior of the synagogue, intricately patterened and painted in Islamic style, is defined by the octagonal, spacious, high, decorative dome which holds eight slender iron columns. It was built not as an exact replica of, but as an homage to the style of the octagonal, domed Dome of the Rock Muslim shrine in Jerusalem The column capitals are decorated with Alhambra Moorish character. Gold, blue and red coloured reliefs can be found on the walls. 
  • 🌍 Parish Church of St. Elizabeth (Árpád-házi Szent Erzsébet-plébániatemplom), VII. Rózsák tere, 8 ( 'Keleti pályaudvar' or Bus Nr. 7 (Rákóczi út - Hotel Hungária).), ☏ +36 1 3224 117. masses: - M-Sa 7:30; 18:00, Su 07:30; 09:00; 11:00; 18:00 Confessional system: F 16:00-17:30, Su 09:00- 09:40; 11:00-11:40; 18:00-18:40. Office hours: M W 15:00-18:00, Th 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00.. The two south tower of the church height of 76 m, the building width is 21.6 m, length of 62 m, floor area of ​​1,800 m². Nearly 2,600 people were able to receive. The largest church in the VII. district The building features of the French Gothic style combines with the modern age technology solutions. This is a three- cross-shaped naves church with two towers on the northwest main facade. the temple's main gate and two side entrances lies between the two towers. Above the gate is a statue of St Elizabeth and a Gothic rose window framed with ceramics. The facade are decorated with Statue Figures: St Ladislaus, St Stephen and Mary. 
  • 🌍 Fasori Reformed Church (Fasori református templom), VII. Városligeti fasor 7., ☏ +36 1 3427 311, +36 1 3224 499, . Designed by Árkay Aladár. He used English and Finnish architectural effects. The front wall-face is covered by ceramic slabs decorated with motives of folk-art. This is repeated internally, under the organ, on the solid parapet which includes the pulpit. The four vaulted archways framing the interior carry a reinforced concrete structured dome. Musical events. 
  • 🌍 Chapel of Our Lady of Hungary (Magyarok Nagyasszony Kápolna), Damjanich utca 50 (Bus 30, 30A, trolley 75, 79 to 'Damjanich utca / Dózsa György út'). 
  • 🌍 Fasori Lutheran Church (Fasori Evangélikus Egyházközség), VII. Damjanich u. 28/b (Bus 30, 30A, trolley 75, 79 to 'Damjanich utca / Dózsa György út'), ☏ +36 1 3222806, +36 6-20 7703700 (Mobil), . 

Other monuments
  • 🌍 Recreation Centre of Almássy Square (Almássy téri Szabadidőközpont , Almássy téri Úttörő és Ifjúsági Ház, Szabadidőközpont), VII. Almássy tér, 6. Closed. Visit only outside. A modern building designed by Eva Straub and Zoltán Jakab, the interior architect was Paul Somogyi. The five-storey building total floor area is ​​5,200 m². This has got a 470-person capacity grand hall, a chamber hall for 120 persons, a dance hall, smaller auditoriums, clubs and study circles rooms. There is a 25-m swimming pool on the basement. Within the walls of the leisure center vibrant community life going, but often moved to their programs to the square. Various courses, study groups, recreation programs, sports educations are organized. In addition, art exhibitions, classical music and theater performances, film screenings, dance evenings, pop music concerts are also held. Since 2007 planned rebuild for a hotel. 
  • 🌍 Gozsdu Yard Complex (Gozsdu-udvar), VII. Király utca 13. and Dob utca 16. and Holló utca 10 ( 'Deak tér'). Include seven four-storey building (4,800 m²) and consists of six courtyards plus a four-storey building at Holló Street, 10. The building was built in 1901 by Gozsdu Foundation, designed by Czigler Gyõzõ. 
  • 🌍 Hungaria bath (Hungária fürdő), VII.Dohány utca 44 ( : 'Blaha Lujza tér'). Once it was a traditional public bath. This was known as a Pest's third major bathhouse. Active since 1820s. Today could be see just the Dohány utca 44, heritage-listed Art Nouveau building, was erected in 1910, facade and part of its galleries. A significant part of the bath buildings were destroyed. 
  • 🌍 Klauzál Square market hall (Klauzál téri vásárcsarnok), VII. Akácfa u. 42-48. (tram: 4, 6 to 'Király utca'). M-F 07.00–20.00, Sa 07.00–15.00. Opened in 1897. Designed by Kommer József and Klunzinger Pál. Fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products, flowers and food houses and stalls 
  • 🌍 New York Palace (New York-palota), VII. Erzsébet körút 9 ( : Astoria), ☏ +36 1 886 6111. Formerly known as the New York Café, it is now a hotel. 
  • 🌍 Roth Miksa Memorial House (Róth Miksa Emlékház), VII. Nefelejcs utca 26 ( : 'Keleti pályaudvar'), ☏ +36 1 341 6789. 
  • 🌍 Veterinary History Collection (Állatorvosi Gyűjtemény), VII. István utca ( : Keleti pályaudvar three blocks away), ☏ +361 4784228, fax: +36 1 478-4227, . W 13-16 (no login), other weekdays 8-16 (by appointment only), the University open: 30 Jun– 25 Jul and 25 Aug–1 Sept:M-Th 08.30-16.00, F 09.00-13.00, 1 Sept- 31 Oct. - the Library Building: M-W 08.00-18.00, Th 8.30-20.00, F 09.00-17.00, - the Reading Room M-W 08.30-18.00, Th 08.30-20.00, F 09.00-17.00. A part of the University Library of Faculty of Veterinary Science of the Szent István University. 

Museums

Do

Baths
  • 🌍 Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal Spa, VII. Erzsébet körút 43-49 ( : Oktogon further tram: 4-6), ☏ +36 1 479-4000, fax: +36 1 479-4333, . A symbol of history, culture, architecture and the tradition of hospitality opens its doors in all its original splendour. The Royal Spa has been beautifully restored to its original splendour and now offers the latest state-of-the-art spa facilities and treatments. The Royal Spa is one of the most expensive in Budapest. It is a spectacle of opulence and luxury in the amazing art deco setting. Included in the price is bath robe, towels, lockers, hydromassage, fruit juices and water. Although expensive it is a truly unforgettable experience. day pass €35. 

Cinemas
  • 🌍 Movie Museum Örökmozgó (Örökmozgó Filmmúzeum), Erzsébet krt. 39 (tram: 4, tram 6, stop Király utca), ☏ +36 1 342-2167, . “Perpetual motion” (that’s what the name means) is your best choice if you’re in mood to see a movie from the times when Leonardo DiCaprio was a child. Most of the oldies speak their original language and are subtitled in Hungarian. 

Theatres
  • 🌍 Belvárosi Theatre (Belvárosi Színház), VII. Károly krt. 3/A. ( : Astoria), ☏ +36 1 266-7130, . Operetta performances start at 20.30 o'clock. is qualified for performances, chamber- concerts, shows, award and graduation ceremonies, press conferences, professional presentations, seminars, conferences, ordinary meetings, fashion shows, auctions, associate meetings and conferences. 
  • 🌍 Central European Dance Theatre (Bethlen Square Theatre, Közép-Európa Táncszínház, Bethlen Téri Színház), VII. Bethlen Gábor tér 3 ( : station Keleti Pályaudvar, Trollley 78), ☏ +36 1 3427163, . The Bethlen Gallery holds photo exhibition. CEDT's company performs renowned contemporary dance theatre. Ft1,200; senior Ft700; student Ft800. 
  • 🌍 Theatre Madách (Madách Színház), VII. Erzsébet körút 29-33 ( : Blaha Lujza tér, tram: 4, 6 stop Wesselényi utca), ☏ +36 1 478 2000, . 10:00-12:30 & 13:00-18:30. If you want to see the Hungarian version of blockbuster musicals like The Phantom of the Opera or Producers, this is your place. Madách is widely popular among musical fans, and some of their shows have been critically acclaimed, so book well in advance. €6-30. 
  • 🌍 Magyar Theatre (Magyar Színház,Hungarian Theatre (former National Theatre, volt Nemzeti Színház)), VII. Hevesi Sándor square 4 ( : 'Vörösmarty utca', trolley 73, 74, or 76 to Izabella utca stop or : 'Blaha Lujza tér'), ☏ +36 1 341-3849, . M-F 10:00-18:00. Designed by Adolf Láng, and founded by the Rákosi-Beöthy family was built in 1897 in the then-suburban Izabella (today Hevesi Sándor) square. The premiere was on 16 October 1897. The two-storied auditorium had 996 seats. In 1914, the theater was rebuilt by architect Laszlo Editor, at time a new hall was built. The last big remodelling happened in 1964-66, when it was rebuilt according to the plans of architect Alexander Azbej. The new building was built Žilina's (Slovakia) pyrogranite. The facades are decorated with a relief consisting of 757 elements which is Gyula Illes sculptor's work. In the foyer is located a large mosaic image, its showing a woman Greek chorus. The actor's lounge inlaid decorative wall picture made by Szinte Gabor painter, stage designer. The auditorium capacity 665 people today. Ft4000-12,000 (2014) discount with Hungary Card. 
  • 🌍 Örkény Theater (Örkény István Színház), VII. Madách I. tér 6. ( : 'Deák Ferenc tér'), ☏ +36 1 267-3770. 
  • 🌍 R.S.9. theater (R.S.9. Színház), VII. Rumbach S. u. 9. ( : 'Deák Ferenc tér' or M2 Astoria), ☏ +36 1 269-6609. 
  • 🌍 Spinoza Restaurant-Theatre-Gallery-Café-Winter Garden, VII. Dob u. 15. ( : Astoria), ☏ +36 1 4137489, fax: +36 1 4137488, . Klezmer concert every Fridays (Sabbathsong) from 19:00 3-course dinner for Ft7,500/person(2014). 

Buy

Banks
  • 🌍 OTP Bank, VIII. Erzsébet krt 41. (Tram 4, 6 to stop 'Király utca'), ☏ +36 1 3666-388, fax: +36 1 479-2059. M 07:45-17:00, Tu-F 07:45-16:00. +Other units in districts 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th: VI. Andrássy út 6. VI. Andrássy út 83., VI. Váci út 1-3. (Westend City Center), VI. Oktogon tér 3., VII. Dohány u. 65., VII. Rákóczi út 84., VII. Károly krt. 1., VII. Károly körút 25., VII. Király utca 49., VIII. Népszínház u. 3-5. (Europeum Shopping Mall) - entree from Blaha Lujza tér), VIII. József krt. 33., VIII. József krt., 53; VIII. József krt. 80, VIII. Kálvin tér 12-13.VIII. Kerepesi út 9. (Aréna Plaza), VIII. Könyves Kálmán Krt. 76. 

Malls and department stores
  • 🌍 Garay Shopping Center and Marketplace (Garay Üzletközpont és Piac), VII., Garay tér 20. (Erzsébetváros, : Keleti pályaudvar and trolley 79 to 'Cserhát utca' or walk cca. 800 m - Also stop nearby the buses: 7, 7E, 105, 173, 178, 178A, 173E, 273E, and trolley busses: 73, 76, 78, 79), ☏ +36 1 8724189, fax: +36 1 9500084, . Daily 06:00-21.00, stores: M-F 09:00-18: 00, Sa 09:00-15:00, Su varies per store. Restaurants: Kemco's Kitchen M-Sa 06:00-18:00, Su 06:00-14:00; Asia Buffet M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 09:00-18:00; Penny Market M-Sa 07:00-20:00, Su 07:00-18:00; Garay market M 7:00-17: 00, Tu-F 06:00-18:00, Sa 06:00-14:00, Su closed. The Garay market located on level A-1. First hour parking free, after Ft150 every hour. Pothanszky Flower, DM-Drogerie Markt, MiMi General store, 5aSec Dry Cleaning, Caesar pet store, Papír-írószer shop (paper - stationery), Penny Market (food discount), Azsia Buffet (Eastern tastes), Prima Bakery, Bormegálló (wine tasting, wine shop), Talpallak - sarkallak (shoe repair, key cutting, engraving, stamp making), Hírlap és Lottózó (magazines and gambling), Török Óra- és Ékszer (watch repair, battery replacement, repair silver jewelry, belt repair and buckle replacement), Ázsia Divat Áruház (fashion store), Autómosó (car wash), Kaucsuk (tyre service, repair, sales), Gombóc Artúr Gombócdája (artisan ice cream and crushed ice, entrance from the Garay street), Spectrum Optika (eyeglass frames and sunglasses), Házi Diszkont (household and chemical goods), Gyereksarok Toy Store. 

Supermarkets

Other
  • Artushka, Budapest, Klauzál u. 4, 1072 Hungary, ☏ +36 30 310 5459. Hip locally-designed and locally-made handicrafts and souvenirs from Budapest (updated Mar 2016)

Eat

Coffeehouses
  • 🌍 New York Café (New York Kávéház), Erzsébet körút 9-11 ( : Blaha Lujza tér), ☏ +36 1 322-1648, . 9AM-Midnight. This is the complete opposite of Buda's Ruszwurm: absolutely over the top ornate, shiny, dazzling. The New York has been a writer's haven for years -- before World War II writers would often come to "work" first thing in the morning, buy some coffee and write in the café all day until it was time to go home. This café was rammed by a Russian tank in the 1956 Hungarian uprising, and the damage has still not been repaired! he Russians knew what would sting the most: damaging a popular coffeehouse. A lengthy renovation was completed in 2006 and it's now back in business. Snacks €11, soups €7, main course €14-18, cafes: €3-4, tea €6. 

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 🌍 Ristorante Il Terzo Cerchio, VII. Dohány utca 40, ( : Astoria station, tram: 47 or 49, bus: 7 or 78), ☏ +36 1-354-0788. Daily 12:00–23:30. Italian restaurant. Pizzas Starters, soups, salads, pastas, mains, desserts: Ft2500/1300-2500/2200/2000-3300/2200-5000/1000-1200. 

Drink

There are dozens of romkocsma (literally translated: ruin-pubs) in city centre (V.-VI.-VII. districts). These inhabit ruined courts of old houses, therefore they are hard to be found. Ask locals for hints and go for the unique post-socialist atmosphere!

  • 🌍 Szimpla Kert/Mozi, VII. Kazinczy utca 14 ( : Astoria, or bus:5, 7, 7A, 8, 112, 178, 239 to stop Uránia), . Apart from the huge ruin-like bar/club/cinema that is frequented by Hungarians and foreigners, "Szimpla" is also the name of a project to support alternative culture on a profit oriented basis. The place is definitely worth visiting: good atmosphere, good music, great people and a very interesting location. Hungarian pizzas from the oven: Ft600, snacks Ft780, salad Ft880, warm sandwiches Ft850, vegetarian warm sandwiches Ft800, hamburger (giant) Ft1200. Hotdog Ft600, fried onion rings Ft600, French fries Ft650. Ratatouille with sausage Ft850, Chicken liver Ft850, sausage Ft850. 
  • 🌍 Szóda, Wesselényi u. 18 ( : Astoria, or bus:5, 7, 7A, 8, 112, 178, 239 to stop Uránia), ☏ +36 1 461-0007, . Another place to go out. By day it's a cafe in the old Ghetto; close to the Shul, but by night it is a strangely unique bar for dancing and enjoying Budapest! Check out this real Hungarian place. 

Sleep

Budget
  • 🌍 Marco Polo Hostel, VII. Nyár utca 6 (Off Rakoczi ut, 300 m from Blaha Lujza tér metro), ☏ +36 1 413 2555. Very clean and well maintained. Single €33-40, douboe €40-48, 12-bed dorm €12-14. (updated Mar 2018)
  • Maverick Hostel & Ensuites, Ferenciek tere 2, ☏ +36 1 2673166, fax: +36 1 7004598, . Clean hostel with friendly English-speaking 24-hour reception. Free coffee, tea, WiFi, internet terminals, and calls to most US landlines via Skype phone. Shared kitchen. Dorms and private rooms with and without ensuite bath. Dorm from €12. (updated Dec 2019)
  • Maverick City Lodge, Kazinczy street 24-26, ☏ +36 1 7931605, fax: +36 1 7004598, . Clean hostel with friendly English-speaking 24-hour reception. Free coffee, tea, WiFi, internet terminals, and calls to most US landlines via Skype phone. Shared kitchen. Dorms and private rooms with and without ensuite bath. Dorm from €12. (updated Dec 2019)

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 🌍 Corinthia Hotel (formerly Grand Hotel Royal), Erzsébet körút 43 (200 m SE of Oktogon metro), ☏ +36 1 479 4000, fax: +36 1 479 4333, . This 19th C 5-star has reverted to its old name of "Corinthia". Inside, the Royal Spa has been beautifully restored to its original splendour - see also 'do' chapter Double from €200. (updated Mar 2018)
  • 🌍 Boscolo Budapest, Autograph Collection (New York Café, New York Palota), Erzsebet Körút 9-11 (150 m N of Blaha Lujza ter metro), ☏ +36 1 886 6111, +36 1 886 6145, toll-free: +800 8099 8099, fax: +36 1 886 6192, . The Boscolo, a part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, occupies the building of the historic New York Hotel - and is just as opulent on the inside as it is on the outside. One of Budapest's highest-end hotels, it is luxurious and tasteful - and has prices to match that standard. Classic/Superior/Exclusive Room €136/180/200; Junior Suite/Executive Suite/Presidential Suite €383/595/3000. (updated Mar 2018)

Cope

Pharmacies
  • 🌍 Erzsébetváros Pharmacy (Erzsébetvárosi Gyógyszertár), VII. Király u. 47. (M1 Opera and ten min walk or trolley 70, 78 to stop Akácfa utca), ☏ +36 1 342-0112. M-F 08.00–22.00, Sa 08.00–12.00. 

Connect

Internet

Post offices
  • 🌍 Post Office (Magyar Posta), VII.Hársfa utca 47. (Tram 4, 6 to stop Király utca), ☏ +36 1 3422592, fax: +36 1 4131202, . M-F 08:00-18:00. Located at Stamp Museum - More units in district 7th: Városligeti fasor 1. (M-F 08:00-15:30), Damjanich utca 58., at City Park (M-F 08:00-15:30) 
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