10 Must-See Jewish Quarter Josefov Historical Sites

The Jewish Quarter is home to several synagogues and a world-famous cemetery. Most of these sites are part of the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can visit them with a single circuit ticket. This makes it easy to see everything in one afternoon. Each site offers a unique look at Jewish life in Bohemia.

• Best overall: Old-New Synagogue
• Best for history: Old Jewish Cemetery
• Best for architecture: Spanish Synagogue
• Best for families: Maisel Synagogue

1. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in the world. You will see thousands of gravestones layered on top of each other. It is a powerful and haunting sight. Best for: History buffs Where: Central Josefov Time: 1 hour Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro Tip: Learn how to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery early to avoid the largest crowds.
2. Name: Old-New Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This is Europe's oldest active synagogue. It dates back to the 13th century. It is famous for the legend of the Golem. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Červená street Time: 45 mins Cost: Separate or combined ticket Getting there: Two minutes from the cemetery Tip: Read about the Old-New Synagogue history before you enter.
3. Name: Spanish Synagogue Type: sight Why go: It is widely considered the most beautiful synagogue in Prague. The interior features stunning Moorish designs and gold leaf. Best for: Art fans Where: Vězeňská street Time: 45 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Walk five minutes from the Old-New Synagogue Tip: Check for evening classical music concerts held inside.
4. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: sight Why go: This synagogue serves as a memorial to Holocaust victims. The walls are covered with nearly 80,000 names of victims. It is a very emotional experience. Best for: Reflection Where: Next to the cemetery entrance Time: 30 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Access via the cemetery gate Tip: Visit the children’s drawings exhibit on the first floor.
5. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: museum Why go: This synagogue hosts an exhibit on the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. It uses touchscreens and digital displays. Best for: Families Where: Maiselova street Time: 30 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Short walk from Old Town Square Tip: Look for the high-quality replicas of historical Jewish objects.
6. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: museum Why go: It is the largest synagogue in the district. The exhibits focus on Jewish customs and daily life. You can learn about holidays and traditions. Best for: Cultural learning Where: Near the cemetery exit Time: 30 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Located right next to the Ceremonial Hall Tip: This is a great place to learn about Jewish life cycles.
7. Name: Jewish Town Hall Type: sight Why go: This building has a very famous clock. The numbers are in Hebrew and the hands move counter-clockwise. You can only view the exterior. Best for: Quick photo Where: Maiselova street Time: 10 mins Cost: Free (exterior) Getting there: Located next to the Old-New Synagogue Tip: Look up to see both the Roman and Hebrew clocks.
8. Name: Ceremonial Hall Type: museum Why go: This building looks like a small stone castle. It was once used by the Burial Society. It now houses exhibits about death and burial rites. Best for: History Where: Near Klausen Synagogue Time: 20 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Exit the cemetery and it is right there Tip: Notice the Romanesque Revival architecture of the building.
9. Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: experience Why go: This gallery shows temporary exhibits of Jewish art. It is named after a famous Prague Jewish painter. Best for: Art lovers Where: Behind the Spanish Synagogue Time: 30 mins Cost: Included in Museum Circuit Getting there: Follow signs from the Spanish Synagogue Tip: This is usually the quietest site in the circuit.
10. Name: Statue of Franz Kafka Type: experience Why go: This surrealist statue honors Prague's most famous Jewish writer. It depicts a small man sitting on the shoulders of a headless figure. Best for: Kafka fans Where: Near Spanish Synagogue Time: 10 mins Cost: Free Getting there: Located at the junction of Dušní and Vězeňská Tip: It is a popular spot for unique travel photos.

How to Buy Tickets for Josefov Sites

Visiting the Jewish Quarter Josefov historical sites requires some planning. Most sites are managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can buy a circuit ticket that covers almost everything. This includes the cemetery and several synagogues. However, the Old-New Synagogue is managed separately. You can buy a ticket for just that site or a combined pass.

We recommend buying your tickets online in advance. This helps you skip the long lines at the ticket office. You can find more details on museum circuit ticket options here. Many visitors also use the Prague City Pass for entry. This pass can save you money if you plan to see many attractions. Always check the official tourism portal for current prices.

The ticket offices are located near the Pinkas and Maisel synagogues. They accept both cash and cards. Remember that your ticket is valid for several days. However, you can only enter each site once. Keep your ticket safe as you walk between the buildings. The area is quite compact and easy to navigate on foot.

Visiting Etiquette for Jewish Historical Sites

The sites in Josefov are sacred places of worship and remembrance. It is important to dress modestly when visiting. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Men are often required to cover their heads in synagogues. If you do not have a hat, paper kippahs are usually provided at the entrance. Following these rules shows respect for the local community.

Please keep your voice low while inside the buildings. This is especially true in the Pinkas Synagogue memorial. Photography is often restricted inside the synagogues. Always look for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures. In the Old Jewish Cemetery, you should stay on the marked paths. Do not touch the ancient gravestones as they are very fragile.

A very important rule is the Shabbat closure. All Jewish Quarter Josefov historical sites are closed on Saturdays. They are also closed during major Jewish holidays. Plan your visit for Sunday through Friday. The sites usually open at 9:00 AM. They close earlier in the winter months. Check the local calendar before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

Nearby Attractions in Prague Old Town

Josefov is located very close to other famous landmarks. After your tour, you can walk to the Old Town Square attractions in minutes. There you can see the Astronomical Clock. The square is a great place to find lunch or a coffee. It is always bustling with street performers and tourists. This area is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage district.

If you have more time, head toward the river. You can find helpful Charles Bridge sightseeing tips to avoid the crowds. The bridge offers beautiful views of the Vltava River. From there, it is a short walk or tram ride to other parts of the city. You might want to explore the Prague Castle complex next. It is one of the most iconic sights in the Czech Republic.

Prague is a very walkable city for most travelers. You can see the highlights of the Old Town and Josefov together. If you need a break, the riverfront is nearby. There are many benches and small parks to enjoy. The Jewish Quarter is a perfect starting point for any Prague highlights tour. Enjoy the mix of history and modern life in this beautiful city.