Exploring Prague’s Jewish Town

Right in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, you’ll find Josefov — the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. It’s a small area packed with history, culture, and a unique atmosphere that’s well worth exploring. I love guiding my Jewish Town tour as it is always so interesting and impressive - also for me who has been there for so many times.

The Prague Jewish Museum isn’t just one building — it’s a collection of synagogues, monuments, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. One of the most memorable stops is the Pinkas Synagogue, where the walls are covered with the names of nearly 80,000 Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It’s a quiet, powerful space that really makes you pause and think. We usually discuss 2WW and stories of survivors. 

A short walk away, the Old Jewish Cemetery is like stepping back in time. The tombstones are stacked and leaning over one another, a result of centuries of burials in a small space. It’s peaceful, a bit haunting, but absolutely fascinating.

But Josefov isn’t just about its somber history. The Spanish Synagogue, with its beautiful Moorish design and golden details, is simply stunning. It’s a great example of the rich cultural life that once thrived here.

I always enjoy wandering around Josefov, stopping by the Franz Kafka statue or passing the house where he was born. The area has a quiet charm — a blend of history and everyday life — that makes it special.

Practical Tip: If you want to explore Josefov properly, grab the combined ticket from the Jewish Museum. It lets you into several synagogues as well as the museum and is valid for 2 days. 

PS. As always, I recommend to plan ahead and check tze calendars because of the holidays, Saturdays etc. For planning Prague well, read more about my prep online course.