Must-See Jewish Quarter Sights in Prague

The Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. Most sights are managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can walk between all these locations easily. Most visitors spend about half a day exploring the main circuit. Here are the top items to add to your itinerary.

• Best overall: Old Jewish Cemetery
• Best for families: Spanish Synagogue
• Best rainy-day: Jewish Museum Circuit
• Best free sight: Franz Kafka Statue

1. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the oldest and most famous Jewish burial grounds in Europe. The layered gravestones create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Široká street. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups. Read more about the history of the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague before you go.
2. Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: This is arguably the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. The Moorish interior features stunning gold leaf and intricate geometric patterns. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Check the evening schedule for classical music concerts held inside. See how it compares in our Spanish Synagogue vs Old-New Synagogue guide.
3. Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: Completed in 1270, this is Europe's oldest active synagogue. It is the legendary home of the Golem of Prague. Best for: Religious history and legends. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Requires a separate ticket or a specific combined pass. Getting there: Central Josefov location. Tip: Men must wear a head covering (kippah), which is usually provided at the entrance.
4. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: This synagogue serves as a powerful memorial to Holocaust victims. The walls are inscribed with nearly 80,000 names of Czech Jewish victims. Best for: Reflection and remembrance. Where: Entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Adjacent to the cemetery. Tip: The upstairs gallery features drawings by children from the Terezín Ghetto.
5. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: This building houses an extensive collection of Jewish silver and historical artifacts. It tells the story of Jews in the Bohemian lands. Best for: Museum fans. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30–40 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Short walk from Staroměstská. Tip: Use the interactive touchscreens to explore the 3D model of the old ghetto.
6. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest synagogue in the former ghetto. It focuses on Jewish customs and traditions regarding birth, marriage, and daily life. Best for: Learning about Jewish culture. Where: Near the cemetery exit. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Next to the Ceremonial Hall. Tip: This is a great place to learn about the meaning of Jewish holidays.
7. Name: Jewish Ceremonial Hall Type: Sight Why go: This Neo-Romanesque building was used by the Prague Burial Society. It displays exhibits related to illness and death in Jewish tradition. Best for: Deep cultural insight. Where: U Starého hřbitova street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: Directly next to the Klausen Synagogue. Tip: Look at the detailed paintings of the Burial Society's activities.
8. Name: Franz Kafka Statue Type: Sight Why go: This unique bronze sculpture depicts the famous writer sitting on the shoulders of a headless figure. It is a nod to his surrealist style. Best for: Literature fans and quick photos. Where: Near the Spanish Synagogue. Time: 5–10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any point in Josefov. Tip: This is a different statue than the rotating Kafka head found in the New Town.
9. Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: Experience Why go: This gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of modern Jewish art. It is named after a famous Prague Jewish painter. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Behind the Spanish Synagogue. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Included in museum circuit ticket. Getting there: U Staré školy street. Tip: It is often less crowded than the main synagogues.
10. Name: Jerusalem Synagogue Type: Sight Why go: Also known as the Jubilee Synagogue, it features a vibrant Art Nouveau and Moorish design. It is located just outside the main quarter. Best for: Colorful photography. Where: Jeruzalémská street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (separate from museum ticket). Getting there: Near the Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží). Tip: It is only a 15-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter.
11. Name: Terezín Memorial Type: Day trip Why go: This former military fortress became a Jewish Ghetto and transit camp during WWII. It is a vital site for understanding regional history. Best for: Educational day trips. Where: 60km north of Prague. Time: 5–7 hours. Cost: Bus fare + entry fee (usually around 250-400 CZK). Getting there: Bus from Nádraží Holešovice station. Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is quite large.

Planning Your Visit to the Jewish Museum

To see the main Jewish Quarter sights in Prague, you should buy a combined ticket. There are two main versions of the ticket. One includes the Old-New Synagogue, and the other does not. You can find detailed Jewish Museum in Prague ticket price options online. Tickets are valid for seven days, but you can only enter each site once.

Please note that all Jewish sights are closed on Saturdays. They also close for major Jewish holidays throughout the year. Always check the calendar before you plan your trip. Sunday is usually the busiest day for visitors. If possible, try to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

Respectful behavior is required at all locations. Men are often asked to wear a kippah inside the synagogues and cemetery. You can usually buy a paper one at the entrance for a small fee. Photography is permitted in some areas but strictly forbidden in others. Always look for the signs before taking out your camera.

History and Significance of Josefov

Josefov is named after Emperor Joseph II. He issued the Edict of Tolerance in 1781, which improved living conditions for Jews. Before this, the area was a walled ghetto. The district is recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for its cultural value. It represents one of the most intact Jewish monument complexes in Europe.

The history of the quarter is tied to the legend of the Golem. Rabbi Loew supposedly created this clay giant to protect the community. Legend says the Golem's remains are still in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue. This story continues to fascinate visitors of all ages today.

During the Nazi occupation, the quarter was preserved for a dark reason. Hitler intended to create a "Museum of an Extinct Race." This twisted plan ironically saved many of the artifacts you see today. Now, the museum serves as a living tribute to the resilience of the Jewish people.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

The Jewish Quarter is perfectly positioned for further exploration. It is just a few minutes away from the Old Town Square major attractions. You can easily combine a morning in Josefov with an afternoon at the Astronomical Clock. The area is also famous for its luxury shopping on Pařížská Street.

If you have more time, consider looking at other top sights in Prague. Many people enjoy walking across the river to Letná Park for a view of the city. The Jewish Quarter provides a somber contrast to the grand architecture of the nearby castle. It is an essential part of any complete Prague itinerary.