Significant Destinations for a Memorable Kosher Trip In Europe (Budapest, Vienna and Prague)

Europe is well known for having a long history with the Jews, making it the ideal place if you want to go on a Jewish trip to discover your heritage.

However, traveling alone or for the first time can be daunting. That is why we want to give you an idea of where to go that guarantees a memorable kosher trip in Europe.

Let’s begin with some of the most visited cities when it comes to Jewish tourism: Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.

Budapest

Street in Budapest

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is the perfect place to start your journey.

Visit the Jewish Quarters and you’ll see the exquisite Synagogue in Dohany Street, the largest synagogue in Europe and second largest in the world.

Another site you should visit is the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, just behind the Dohany Street Synagogue.

There are two sections in the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park. The first one is the striking stained glass and plaque that gives tribute to the lost lives during the Holocaust including Carl Lutz, Giorgio Perlasca and Carlos de Liz-Texeira.

Vienna 

Vienna's Belvedere Castle at Night

The capital city of Austria, Vienna is known for its artistic and intellectual legacy brought by famous residents like Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud.

But aside from that, Vienna is also known for its Jewish heritage sites like Leopoldstadt and the synagogue in Seitenstettengasse which was a former Jewish quarter.

Another distinguished Jewish heritage site in Vienna is the Judenplatz. Designed by British artists Rachel Whiteread, the monument is the central memorial of Jewish Austrian victims of the Holocaust.

Moreover, you can discover kosher delis, especially in the Jewish counter. Restaurants offer a wide range of cakes and freshly brewed coffee.

Prague

Multicolored Buildings Prague

Decorated in grand neo-Gothic buildings, Prague is known for its elegant boutiques, beautiful architecture and beer. On the other hand, Prague is also the home of prominent Jewish heritage sites like the Prague Old Town. In 1992, the center of the history of Prague was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Prague Castle.

Take a detailed tour of the Jewish Museum of Prague, one of the most visited sites in Prague. This is also the most well-preserved complex that contains the historical monuments in Europe. Your ticket to the Museum of Prague includes a tour to different Synagogues including Maisel Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, and a chance to visit the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and Old Jewish History.

The places mentioned in each city are some of the most significant Jewish heritage sites in Europe. Make sure to visit each one to have a memorable kosher trip in Europe.

Next time, we will talk about the sites in Spain and Portugal, so stay tuned.

Important Tips to Fully Enjoy A Kosher Riverboat Cruises

Intimate and immersive,  river cruises let you engage with different cultures and create surreal memories that you can hold onto forever.

No wonder they are popular among travelers these days.

Because of its remarkable itineraries and services, kosher riverboat cruises have slowly enticed many Jewish travelers as well.

But of course, you can never fully enjoy a weeklong vacation if you don’t prepare yourself beforehand. Here are some tips to guarantee a delightful and unforgettable kosher cruise experience.

Pack Comfy Clothes (and Shoes!)

Have you seen the itinerary and list of excursions?

A river cruise is jam-packed with exciting destinations and tours so make sure that you are bringing the right clothes.

Also, don’t forget sandals or shoes that are comfortable for walking, since you’ll be doing a lot of that. But don’t worry.  The expert guides will distract you with their amazing tales and commentaries, so much that you might forget that you were tired in the first place.

Choose the Right Itinerary 

The itineraries are well planned, that’s for sure.

But if you don’t want to waste your time, make sure that you choose the right cruise that has the destinations you want to visit.

There’s nothing more exciting (and meaningful) than experiencing the real culture of the places you are going. If you don’t want to miss a once in a lifetime adventure, join the guided tours.
Don’t worry about the sweat and heat, because you will be welcomed with something that will cool you off.

Plus, the food will definitely make up for all the walking you’ve done.

Prepare First Before Exploring (Mind the Time)

If you are really adventurous and want to visit places that are not included in your itinerary like checking out a café or going shopping, make sure that you do extensive research first.

Also, mind the time if you don’t want to have an unfortunate misadventure instead.

Give Heads Up if for Dietary Restrictions (Allergies Etc.)

Expect a full glatt kosher array of food when you are in a kosher riverboat cruise. But still, food allergies and dietary restrictions are unavoidable. If you have one, make sure that you inform the staff. You don’t want to stay in bed and deal with your allergies while the others are making the most out of the tour, right?

They’ve said that planning a vacation is hard. But going on a vacation unprepared is harder.