Choosing Your Tickets and Entry Points

You cannot buy a ticket for just the cemetery. It is part of a larger complex. Most visitors choose the "Jewish Museum in Prague" circuit ticket. This includes the cemetery and several historic synagogues. You should check the ticket prices for the Jewish Museum in Prague before your visit. Prices usually range from 350 to 500 CZK for adults.

If you prefer a guided experience, join a group tour. These often include the cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue. If you are on a budget, you can see a small part of the cemetery through the fence on Široká street. However, walking through the grounds is much more impactful. Most people find that two hours is enough for the main sites.

The main entry to the cemetery is through the Pinkas Synagogue. Do not go directly to the cemetery gates expecting to buy tickets. There is no ticket office at the actual cemetery entrance. Always look for the official museum signs in the Josefov district. This area is a key part of any Prague sightseeing guide for first-time visitors.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Old Jewish Cemetery

Follow these steps for a smooth visit to this sacred site. The process is straightforward if you plan ahead.

1. Step 1: Purchase Your Ticket Online. Visit the official museum website to buy tickets. This takes about 5 minutes. Typical cost is 500 CZK. Location: Online. Common mistake: Buying from street touts who overcharge.
2. Step 2: Arrive at the Pinkas Synagogue. This is the official entrance point. Time: 10 minutes for security. Location: Široká 3. Common mistake: Arriving on a Saturday when the site is closed.
3. Step 3: Walk Through the Pinkas Memorial. You must pass through the synagogue to reach the cemetery. Time: 20 minutes. Location: Inside Pinkas Synagogue. Common mistake: Rushing past the names of Holocaust victims on the walls.
4. Step 4: Enter the Cemetery Grounds. Follow the designated one-way path through the tombstones. Time: 45 minutes. Location: Old Jewish Cemetery. Common mistake: Touching or leaning on the fragile tombstones.
5. Step 5: Exit via the Klausen Synagogue. The path leads you out near the Ceremonial Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Location: U Starého hřbitova. Common mistake: Forgetting to return the borrowed kippah at the exit.

The cemetery is a UNESCO World Heritage site that requires respect. The paths are narrow and can get crowded. Try to visit early in the morning. This helps you avoid the large tour groups that arrive mid-day. Always keep your ticket handy, as staff may check it at different points.

Planning Your Jewish Quarter Prague Walking Route

The cemetery should be the centerpiece of your Jewish Quarter Prague walking route. Start your morning at the Maisel Synagogue to learn the early history. Then, head to the Pinkas Synagogue to enter the cemetery. This flow makes the most sense geographically. It also builds a chronological story of the Jewish community.

After exiting the cemetery, visit the Klausen Synagogue and the Ceremonial Hall. These buildings sit right next to the exit. They house exhibits on Jewish traditions and burial rites. This adds deep context to the graves you just saw. It is a powerful way to end your walk through the Josefov district.

Make sure to include the Spanish Synagogue in your route. It is a short walk from the cemetery exit. The interior is stunning and very different from the other sites. This area is full of must-see historical monuments in Prague. Most of them are within a five-minute walk of each other.

Essential Preparation and Troubleshooting

Preparation is key for a respectful and easy visit. Here is a checklist of what to bring and what to know before you go.

• Checklist:
• Valid digital or printed ticket
• Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground
• Small bottle of water
• Camera (flash must be turned off)

Be aware of the local rules. Men are often required to wear a head covering. The museum provides paper kippahs at the entrance. Please wear them out of respect for the site's religious nature. Also, be mindful that the ground is very uneven. This can be difficult for those with mobility issues or strollers.

Troubleshooting / Common Problems:

• The cemetery is closed every Saturday for Shabbat.
• It is also closed during major Jewish religious holidays.
• Tickets are non-refundable, so check the weather first.
• Large backpacks are not permitted and there are no lockers.
• The site can close early in winter due to low light.
• Photography for commercial use requires a special permit.
• One-way traffic means you cannot go back to the start.
• Expect long security queues during the peak summer months.

For more travel information, visit the Prague official tourism portal. They provide updates on site closures and local events. Planning for these small details will make your visit much better. Enjoy the quiet beauty of this historic location.