How to Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague Easily
If you want to know how to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague, the best option is the Jewish Museum circuit ticket. This pass covers the cemetery and several Jewish Quarter Josefov historical sites in one go. You cannot buy a ticket for just the cemetery alone. Most travelers choose the "Jewish Town of Prague" circuit for the best experience. For those on a very tight schedule, visiting the exterior is possible, but you will miss the historic gravestones.
Understanding Ticket Options for the Cemetery
The Old Jewish Cemetery is part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. To enter, you must choose between a few different ticket circuits. The most popular choice is the Jewish Museum in Prague ticket. This includes the cemetery, the Pinkas Synagogue, and the Klausen Synagogue. You can find more details on Jewish Museum in Prague circuit ticket options before you arrive.
Tickets generally cost between 400 and 600 CZK for adults in 2026. Discounts are available for students and seniors with valid ID. You can buy these at the main Information and Reservation Center. This center is located at Maiselova 15. You can also purchase them at the entrance of any major synagogue in the quarter.
If you want to see every site, consider the "Jewish Town of Prague" ticket. This adds the famous Old-New Synagogue to your itinerary. For official city information, you can check the Prague.eu portal. It is always wise to verify current prices on the day of your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague
Visiting this historic site requires following a specific path through the Jewish Quarter. The cemetery is nestled between several buildings, and the entrance is not always obvious. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth visit without getting lost in the narrow streets.
- Purchase Your Ticket: Go to the Jewish Museum Information Center at Maiselova 15. Time: 10 minutes. Typical Cost: 500 CZK. Where: Maiselova Street. Common Mistake: Buying from street touts who overcharge for private tours.
- Enter Pinkas Synagogue: This is the official entrance to the cemetery grounds. Time: 20 minutes. Where: Široká 3. Common Mistake: Rushing past the Holocaust memorial names written on the interior walls.
- Walk the Cemetery Path: Follow the marked one-way path through the gravestones. Time: 30 minutes. Where: Cemetery grounds. Common Mistake: Stepping off the designated path or touching the fragile tombstones.
- Visit the Ceremonial Hall: Exit the cemetery and enter the building immediately next to it. Time: 15 minutes. Where: U Starého hřbitova. Common Mistake: Thinking this building requires a separate ticket when it is already included.
If you are interested in the oldest active synagogue nearby, learn about Old-New Synagogue Prague tickets and history. This site is just a short walk from the cemetery exit. It provides even more context to the Jewish history of the city.
Essential Preparation and Checklist
Before you head to the Josefov district, you should prepare for the local customs. The cemetery is a sacred burial ground and requires respectful behavior. The area is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre listing for Prague. This means preservation is taken very seriously by the local authorities.
- Modest Clothing: Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered when entering the synagogues.
- Head Coverings: Men may be asked to wear a kippah (yamaka) inside the religious buildings.
- Photography Permit: You must pay a small extra fee if you want to take photos inside the cemetery.
- Comfortable Shoes: The paths are made of uneven cobblestones and can be slippery when wet.
- Water Bottle: There are no shops inside the cemetery grounds, so bring water for the walk.
Decision Guide: If you love history and have 3 hours, buy the full circuit ticket. If you are in a rush and only have 45 minutes, visit only the Pinkas Synagogue and the cemetery path. If you are traveling on a budget, you can view a small portion of the cemetery through the fence on 17. listopadu street for free.
Troubleshooting and Common Problems
Many travelers encounter issues because they do not check the Jewish calendar. The museum and cemetery are closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. They also close for major Jewish holidays throughout the year. Always check the official calendar before you plan your day around this visit.
- Saturday Closures: All museum sites are closed every Saturday without exception.
- Holiday Closures: Sites close for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and other religious festivals.
- Crowded Paths: Mid-day is the busiest time; try to arrive right when they open at 9:00 AM.
- Ticket Validity: Most tickets are valid for 7 days, but you can only enter each site once.
- Large Bags: There are no lockers at the cemetery, so avoid bringing large backpacks.
- Accessibility: The cemetery paths are narrow and uneven, making wheelchair access very difficult.
- Weather: The cemetery is outdoors; bring an umbrella if the forecast shows rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a ticket for only the Old Jewish Cemetery?
No, you cannot buy a single ticket for the cemetery. It is only accessible via a Jewish Museum circuit ticket. This ticket includes entry to several other synagogues and the Ceremonial Hall, providing better value and historical context for your visit.
Is the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague open on Saturdays?
The cemetery is closed every Saturday for the Sabbath. It also closes during Jewish religious holidays. It is important to check the local calendar before visiting. Most other days, it opens at 9:00 AM and closes in the late afternoon.
How long does it take to walk through the cemetery?
A standard walk through the cemetery takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, you should allow at least 90 minutes for the entire experience. This includes the time needed to enter through the Pinkas Synagogue and visit the Klausen Synagogue at the exit.
Knowing how to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery Prague makes your trip to the Josefov district much easier. Remember to buy your circuit ticket at the official information center and respect the sacred nature of the site. After your visit, you might want to explore other Prague highlights like the nearby Charles Bridge. Enjoy your journey through one of Europe's most significant historical landmarks.
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
