Jewish Quarter Highlights at a Glance

Before you begin your walk, it helps to see the big picture. Most sites in Josefov are close together. You can walk between any two points in under ten minutes. This makes it one of the most walkable historic districts in Europe.

• Morning: Maisel Synagogue and Pinkas Synagogue.
• Midday: Old Jewish Cemetery and Klausen Synagogue.
• Afternoon: Old-New Synagogue and Spanish Synagogue.
• Evening: Explore the luxury shops of Pařížská Street.

We recommend starting your tour around 9:00 AM. This helps you beat the large tour groups that arrive later. Most sites are managed by the Jewish Museum. You can learn more about these locations in our Prague sightseeing guide for better context.

Logistics Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are mostly cobblestone. Also, remember that all Jewish sites are closed on Saturdays. Plan your visit for a weekday or Sunday to ensure entry.

Morning: Starting Your Jewish Quarter Prague Walking Route

Begin your morning at the Maisel Synagogue. This building dates back to the late 16th century. It currently houses an exhibition on Jewish history in Bohemia. The displays are very clear and provide a great introduction to the area.

Next, walk a short distance to the Pinkas Synagogue. This site is deeply moving and serves as a Holocaust memorial. The names of nearly 80,000 victims are hand-painted on the interior walls. It is a place for quiet reflection and remembrance during your walk.

Day 1 Morning Timing: Spend about 45 minutes in each synagogue. Aim to finish these two sites by 11:00 AM. This leaves you enough time for the cemetery before the lunch rush. You can find more details on ticket prices for the Jewish Museum in Prague to plan your budget.

Between stops, look up at the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Many of these were built during the urban renewal of the late 1800s. The contrast between ancient history and modern style is striking. This is why Josefov is one of the must-see historical monuments in Prague for any traveler.

Midday: The Old Jewish Cemetery and Klausen Synagogue

The Old Jewish Cemetery is the most famous stop on your route. It was the only place Jewish people could bury their dead for centuries. Because space was limited, graves were layered on top of each other. This created the uneven, crowded look of the headstones today.

Knowing how to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague is essential for a smooth trip. The path through the cemetery is one-way and can get narrow. Take your time to look for the grave of Rabbi Loew. Legend says he created the Golem of Prague to protect the community.

Day 1 Midday Timing: Allow at least 60 minutes for the cemetery and the Klausen Synagogue. The Klausen Synagogue is located right at the cemetery exit. It features exhibits on Jewish traditions and daily life. This helps explain the customs you see reflected in the cemetery art.

After finishing these sites, you will likely be hungry. There are several small cafes nearby that serve traditional Czech food. If you want something quick, look for a bakery selling local pastries. This break is a good time to rest your feet before the afternoon stops.

Afternoon: Architecture and the Spanish Synagogue

After lunch, head toward the Old-New Synagogue. This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. It was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style. It has a very different feel than the other museums in the district.

Next, visit the Spanish Synagogue, which is often called the most beautiful. It was built in the Moorish Revival style with gold decorations. The interior is incredibly detailed and shines in the afternoon light. It often hosts classical music concerts in the late afternoon or evening.

Day 1 Afternoon Timing: Spend 30 minutes at the Old-New Synagogue and 45 minutes at the Spanish Synagogue. Near the Spanish Synagogue, you will see the Franz Kafka monument. It is a strange and interesting statue that honors the famous Prague writer. This marks the end of the official museum circuit on your Jewish Quarter Prague walking route.

If you have extra energy, walk toward the river. You can see the Charles Bridge from the embankment. The view of the water is a great way to end your historical tour. It provides a nice transition from the narrow streets of Josefov to the open riverfront.

Planning Your Jewish Quarter Prague Walking Route

Planning is key to enjoying this historic district. You should buy a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum. This ticket covers the cemetery and most synagogues in the area. Note that the Old-New Synagogue often requires a separate or add-on ticket.

The Jewish Quarter is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prague. This means it is very popular with tourists year-round. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps you avoid the biggest crowds. Always check the official city tourism portal for any temporary closures or special events.

Optional Swaps: If it is raining, spend more time inside the Spanish Synagogue. It has a great permanent exhibition on modern Jewish history. If you are on a budget, you can view the cemetery through the gate. However, the experience of walking inside is worth the ticket price.

Respectful behavior is expected at all times. Men may be asked to wear a head covering in certain areas. These are often provided for free or a small fee at the entrance. Following these local customs ensures a positive experience for everyone involved.