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Can’t decide where to spend Shabbos in Europe? We have collected the top 5 locations and wrote a little bio on each. All locations are walkable, have a rich Jewish history, and will make an unforgettable Shabbos experience. Safe travels and Shabbat Shalom.
The locations are ordered according the experiences of the people we know and strangers on the internets opinions. Think one should rank higher or have ave another city you think makes the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Venice
By far voted the nicest city to spend Shabbos in Europe, Venice offers a beautiful panorama, quiet streets, and an unforgettable Seudah experience.
Stay
Stay in or near the Jewish Ghetto for easy access to shuls and food and history wherever you look. Chabad has a list of Shabbos-friendly hotels on their website.
Eat
Spend the meals at Chabad’s GamGam restaurant for an other-worldly experience. Reservations include dinner, lunch and Suedah Shlishit for $150 per person and donations are welcome as well. These reservations quickly get sold out.
For another option you can join hundreds of visitors at Chabad’s communal meal Friday night. This is $35 per person.
If you’d like to avoid crowds, Ba’Ghetto also offers scrumptious meals. Also conveniently located in the Jewish Ghetto, they offer more of a restaurant style meal and tend to have availability later on.
Daven
Chabad has a daily and Shabbos minyan.
The local community also has an Italian minyan on Shabbos with the location changing between shuls. Either way, make sure to get in touch before Shabbos to confirm timing, location and instructions on how to send your ID.
Do
Stroll through the beautiful streets and alleys of Venice. Cross romantic bridges and bustling piazzas and take in the peaceful scenery. There is an eruv – see details here.
Rome
Another hot location in Italy is Rome. Rome also has a Jewish Ghetto bustling with Jewish life and history, and with many restaurants offering meals, it’s a no-brainer.
Stay
The ideal area to stay is in the Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraica) where all Kosher restaurants and the Great Synagogue is located.
Alternatively, you can stay in the Piazza Bologna area – where Chabad is located. Here is a list of Shabbos friendly hotels.
Eat
Many restaurants in Rome host the meals for Shabbos. There are also takeout options available. Please note, most options are not Glatt – double check beforehand.
Chabad in Piazza Bologna also offers meals and can even match you up with a local family to host you.
You can also order the meals before Shabbos. Check out Shabbat Box Rome for more information.
Daven
The Great Synagogue has a regular minyan. To view the majestic shul and get a chance to daven there, make sure to contact before Shabbos to submit your ID. You can see more details at here.
The Spanish Synagogue also has a regular minyan and prior security is also required.
If staying near Chabad, check with them about shuls here.
Do
Walk through the streets drenched with thousands of years of Jewish History in the Roman Ghetto or walk over to the Colleseum and Roman forum. Enjoy the streets, bridges and piazzas dotting Rome. Note: there is no eruv so plan your stroll accordingly.
There are also prepaid Shabbos walking tours offered.
Prague
This ancient city with its old time charm and majestic beauty begs for a Shabbos stay.
Stay
Prague is home to the beautiful King David Hotel. This 5 star luxurious hotel is fully kosher with a meat and dairy restaurant on the premises. This is a no brainer for anyone looking for an easy, comfortable, high end option.
Alternatively, one can stay in the Prague Jewish Quarter where Jews have lived for centuries. Chabad is located in this area, as is the Old New Shul. This area is only a 25 minute walk from the King David Hotel.
Chabad has a list of Shabbos friendly hotels here.
Eat
The King David hotel offers an amazing, luxurious, Shabbos dinner and lunch buffet. They are 70 EUR per person per meal. You do not have to stay at the hotel to book meal reservations.
Chabad also offers delicious Shabbos meals where you can meet people from the local community and around the world. Rates depend on age and add-ons.
Daven
There are also Shabbat evening prayers at the High synagogue with the beginning of Shabbat, Shabbat morning prayers at the Old-New synagogue from 9 am and at the Jerusalem (Jubilee) synagogue from 8:45am.
Chabad also has a regular minyan. Check their website for locations and times.
You can find an orthodox minyan at the kosher hotel King David.
Do
Walk in the footsteps of the Maharal and other great Jewish figures. Stroll through historic town squares, the Charles Bridge and the majestic town that is Prague. Contact shuls before Shabbos about the possibility of visiting on Shabbos. Note: there is no eruv so plan your walk accordingly.
Budapest
Hungary’s vibrant capital blends rich Jewish history with stunning architecture along the Danube. Enjoy its thriving Jewish community, beautiful synagogues, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect in a perfect Shabbos getaway.
Stay
Close to Kosher food and shuls, the ideal place to stay is in District VII. This area was once part of the Jewish Ghetto and has a rich Jewish History. Chabad has a list of Shabbos friendly hotels here.
Eat
On Kazincky Street, Hanna Restaurant offers delicious Shabbos meals for 70 EUR per person.
Further down the street, Carmel Restaurant also offers scrumptious meals for visitors. The rate is 18,000 HUF per person. They also offer a vegetarian option.
Chabad also accepts reservations for a communal meal with participants from all ages and walks of life. Rates vary based on age.
Daven
Chabad has daily minyanim during the week and on Shabbos.
The Kazincky Shul built in the early 1900s also has regular minyanim every Shabbos. Reach out to [email protected] about minyan times and visiting on Shabbos.
Do
Budapest is a beautiful city to enjoy over a relaxing Shabbos stroll. Walk along the Danube, check out local shuls (check about admission before Shabbos, ask your LOR about visiting neolog shuls) and enjoy the history drenched streets. Budapest has an eruv- see the map here. Make sure to check before Shabbos which areas are included.
Vienna
Steeped in history, music, and Jewish heritage, Vienna is another great option for Shabbos. It offers a warm community, magnificent synagogues, and leisurely walks through its charming streets.
Stay
Chabad is located in Leopoldstadt which is Vienna’s traditional Jewish district. In fact, before WW2, 40% of Leopoldstadt’s population was Jewish. In this area you will have access to a shul and meals.
Eat
Join Chabad for uplifting Shabbos meals Friday night and Shabbos lunch. Rates vary by age and you can also opt out of donating.
The Kosher restaurant Alef Alef, located right next to the Staadtemple, also offers meals on Shabbos. Rates are 50 EUR per person (per meal).
Daven
Chabad has a regular minyan on Shabbos. Check their site for timing and location.
Do
Vienna is a beautiful city to stroll through. Take in the majestic imperial architecture and the significant history at every corner. An eruv was established in 2012 but we could not verify it’s current status.
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