Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest

No visit to Budapest could be complete without visiting this magnificent Synagogue, it's truly beautiful inside. Completed in 1859 it remains the largest in Europe with a seating capacity of 3000. Start with the 30 minute talk by a guide explaining the History of the Synagogue and also of the experiences of Jews in Hungary. The jewel in the Crown is obviously the main Synagogue, but don't miss the smaller Synagogue (used in Winter months for energy conservation), The Museum (objects relating to religious and everyday life) and another exhibition of the Budapest Ghetto 1944/45. At the North End, before the exit gate, stop to see the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial. Easy to spend a couple of hours here and totally worth the entry fee.

I don't know what I can say that others haven't said. This synagogue is magnificent and you must go there when you're in Budapest. Even if you're not Jewish, this synagogue is breathtaking and moving and will have you under its spell. It is serene inside and you can't help but marvel at the gorgeous details in every single feature of the interior. There's the main synagogue and a smaller one that is used in winter, and out the back is a cute little garden area with a Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial monument that is stunning too (if that's the right word to use). You can wander around on your own, or take tours that are led in various languages. To be honest, we did our own thing, but I now wish I'd taken a guided tour. I hope to go again, so if I do, this is what I'd choose. Yes, it's a little overpriced, but it's "mandatory" to visit here when visiting this great city. I'm willing to bet this old, magnificent shule (the biggest in Europe) is probably the most beautiful in the world and you can easily spend a good solid hour or two looking around and taking in the grandeur of it all. I highly recommend it.