Top Jewish Quarter Prague Landmarks to Explore

The Josefov district is easy to walk through in a single afternoon. Most of the main sites are part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can buy a single ticket to enter most of these landmarks. Each building tells a different story about the community's long history. Here are the top 12 landmarks you must see.

• Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: sight Why go: This is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in the world. It is famous for its dense layers of tombstones. There are over 12,000 visible stones, but many more people are buried beneath. It is a hauntingly beautiful and emotional place to visit. Check the old-jewish-cemetery-prague-visiting-hours before you go. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Central Josefov. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket (approx. 400-550 CZK). Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups.
• Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: sight Why go: Many consider this the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. It features a stunning Moorish Revival style with gold decorations. The interior is covered in intricate geometric patterns and stained glass. You can learn about the history of the Spanish Synagogue in Prague through its permanent exhibits. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square. Tip: Look for evening classical music concerts held inside the sanctuary.
• Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. It was built in the 13th century in a Gothic style. Legend says the Golem of Prague is hidden in its attic. It is a separate ticket from the main museum but worth the extra cost. Best for: Medieval history enthusiasts. Where: Červená street. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 200-300 CZK (separate ticket available). Getting there: Located right next to the Jewish Town Hall. Tip: Men must wear a head covering (kippah) to enter, which is usually provided.
• Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This synagogue serves as a moving memorial to Holocaust victims. The walls are hand-inscribed with nearly 80,000 names of Czech Jews who perished. It also houses a collection of drawings by children from the Terezín concentration camp. It is a very somber and respectful experience. Best for: Educational visits and remembrance. Where: Next to the Old Jewish Cemetery entrance. Time: 30–40 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Short walk from Staroměstská. Tip: Take your time to read the names to truly feel the scale of the history.
• Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: museum Why go: This is the largest synagogue in the former Jewish ghetto. It features a beautiful Baroque interior. Inside, you can see exhibits about Jewish customs and traditions. It explains life cycles, holidays, and daily rituals in great detail. Best for: Cultural education. Where: Near the exit of the Old Jewish Cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Accessible via the main Josefov walking paths. Tip: This is a great place to learn about the meaning behind Jewish artifacts.
• Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: museum Why go: Originally built as a private house of worship in the 16th century. It now houses an exhibit on the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. The display uses touchscreens and digital media to tell the story. It covers the period from the 10th to the 18th century. Best for: People who like interactive history. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Very close to the Old Town Square. Tip: The neo-Gothic facade is a great spot for a quick photo.
• Name: Jewish Town Hall Type: sight Why go: This building is famous for its two clocks. One clock has Roman numerals and runs normally. The other has Hebrew letters and runs counter-clockwise. You cannot go inside the administrative parts, but the exterior is iconic. It remains the heart of the local Jewish community. Best for: Quick sightseeing and architecture. Where: Intersection of Maiselova and Červená. Time: 5–10 minutes. Cost: Free to view from the outside. Getting there: Center of the Jewish Quarter. Tip: Look up at the clocks to see the unique counter-clockwise movement.
• Name: Ceremonial Hall Type: sight Why go: This building looks like a small stone castle. It was built in the Romanesque Revival style in the early 1900s. It was once used by the Burial Society for funeral rites. Now, it hosts exhibits about Jewish medicine and burial traditions. Best for: Architecture and niche history. Where: Right next to the Klausen Synagogue. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Part of the main museum circuit. Tip: The stone masonry makes for excellent photos from the street.
• Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: museum Why go: This gallery is named after a famous Prague Jewish painter. It hosts temporary exhibitions of Jewish art and history. It is a smaller, quieter space than the main synagogues. It offers a more modern perspective on the community's artistic output. Best for: Art lovers. Where: U Staré školy street. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Located behind the Spanish Synagogue. Tip: Check the current exhibition schedule online before visiting.
• Name: Franz Kafka Statue Type: experience Why go: This bronze statue honors Prague’s most famous writer. It depicts a small Kafka sitting on the shoulders of a headless figure. It is based on his short story "Description of a Struggle." It is a popular spot for fans of literature. Best for: Literature fans and social media. Where: Next to the Spanish Synagogue. Time: 5–10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walking distance from any point in Josefov. Tip: Rub the foot of the statue for good luck, as many tourists do.
• Name: Jerusalem Synagogue (Jubilee Synagogue) Type: sight Why go: This is the largest and youngest synagogue in Prague. It is located just outside the main Jewish Quarter near the train station. It is incredibly colorful with Art Nouveau and Moorish influences. The bright blue and red facade is impossible to miss. Best for: Vibrant architecture and colors. Where: Jeruzalémská street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK (not part of the Jewish Museum ticket). Getting there: 10-minute walk from Wenceslas Square. Tip: This synagogue is often less crowded than those in Josefov.
• Name: Paris Street (Pařížská) Type: neighborhood Why go: This is the most expensive street in Prague. It cuts right through the Jewish Quarter. It is lined with luxury boutiques and beautiful buildings. The architecture is a mix of Art Nouveau and historicism. It provides a sharp contrast to the somber history of the synagogues. Best for: Luxury shopping and strolling. Where: Starts at Old Town Square and ends at the river. Time: 20 minutes for a walk. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Direct path from the city center. Tip: Look up at the ornate decorations on the top floors of the buildings.

Essential Tips for Visiting Jewish Quarter Prague Landmarks

Planning your trip to the Jewish Quarter requires some preparation. Most sites are closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. They are also closed on major Jewish holidays. You should check a calendar before booking your flights. Buying tickets for the Jewish Museum in Prague in advance is highly recommended. This helps you skip the long lines at the ticket office. Many people also use Prague city passes for attractions to save money. These passes often include the Jewish Quarter landmarks in their price.

Respect is very important when visiting these holy sites. Men are often required to wear head coverings in synagogues and the cemetery. You can usually find paper kippahs at the entrance. Keep your voice low and avoid using flash photography inside. Some areas, like the Pinkas Synagogue, are very emotional. Be mindful of others who may be there to pray or remember family. Wear comfortable walking shoes because the streets are mostly cobblestone.

Nearby Landmarks Close to the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is very close to other famous sights. You can easily walk to the Old Town Square sights in under five minutes. There, you will see the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church. It is a great place to find lunch after your tour. Many visitors combine a morning in Josefov with an afternoon at the square. According to Wikipedia, these areas form the historical core of the city. You can find many more details on the Prague tourism portal.

If you want more history, consider visiting some of the best museums in Prague nearby. The National Gallery is within walking distance. You can also walk across the Mánes Bridge for a great view of the river. The Jewish Quarter is a perfect starting point for any city tour. Everything is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Just follow the signs or use a digital map to find your way.