Prague: Old Town and Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour
Explore the historic Jewish Quarter of Prague on this 1.5-hour walking tour. Learn about Prague's Jewish history, visit iconic synagogues, and discover the stories of resilience and culture in one of Europe’s most famous Jewish districts.
Overview
Delve into the rich Jewish heritage of Prague on a guided walking tour that takes you through key locations in the Jewish Quarter and Old Town. This insightful exterior tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural contributions of the Jewish community in Prague, all while exploring the city’s most significant landmarks. The tour does not include interior visits but offers an immersive look into the city’s Jewish history through the architecture and sites that tell the story.
The tour begins near the Maisel Synagogue, where you will meet your guide. From there, you will head to the Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, where your guide will provide an overview of the Jewish community's rich history in the city. You will learn about their profound influence on Prague’s culture, politics, and social life throughout the centuries, with a particular focus on the medieval period and beyond. As you walk through the area, you will be introduced to the significant landmarks that have shaped the Jewish presence in Prague.
One of the highlights of this walking tour is the visit to the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. The guide will share the historical significance of this sacred site, where many prominent Jewish figures were buried over several centuries. You’ll hear fascinating details about the cemetery’s architecture and the emotional history tied to it, including the challenges faced by the Jewish community in maintaining their burial traditions over time. Additionally, the tour includes insights into the main synagogues in Prague, such as the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
As the tour continues, you will head into Prague’s Old Town, where your guide will point out some of the area’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Astronomical Clock. You’ll learn about the clock’s intricate design and the legends associated with it, along with stories of the Old Town’s evolution from medieval times to the present day. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating anecdotes about the city’s history and the people who played pivotal roles in shaping its culture, including the renowned writer Franz Kafka, who spent much of his life in Prague.
This tour is focused on providing a deep understanding of Prague’s Jewish history and cultural heritage through the exploration of its exteriors. While you won’t enter the interiors of the synagogues or other sites, the walking tour allows for a broader appreciation of the significance of these landmarks within the context of Prague’s past. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about Prague’s Jewish community, this tour offers an enriching experience filled with stories, history, and fascinating facts.
Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Prague’s Jewish heritage, as we walk through the city’s historic streets and uncover the layers of history that have shaped one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
One of the city's most famous landmarks, this medieval clock is known for its stunning design and its hourly mechanical show.
A beautiful concert hall located along the Vltava River, it is one of Prague's cultural landmarks, hosting concerts and exhibitions.
This historic synagogue serves as a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, with the names of over 77,000 Czech Jews inscribed on its walls.
A Renaissance-style synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, known for its history as a center for Prague's Jewish community and its beautiful architectural design.
The oldest active synagogue in Europe, it has been a place of prayer and Jewish life since the 13th century, with fascinating architectural and historical significance.
A historic burial site dating back to the 15th century, it is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, with layers of tombstones reflecting the long history of the Jewish community.
A Baroque synagogue with historical significance, it was one of the largest synagogues in Prague, once used by the Jewish community for prayer and community events.
An architectural gem, this synagogue boasts stunning Moorish Revival style and houses a rich history of Jewish religious life in Prague.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Explore Prague's historic Jewish Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- ● Visit key synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue and Spanish Synagogue.
- ● Reflect at the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish burial sites in Europe.
- ● Learn about the Jewish Museum’s collection, showcasing Czech Jewish heritage.
- ● Enjoy an insightful walking tour guided by a knowledgeable expert.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Walking tour
- Guide
Not Included
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel Transfer
- Entrance tickets
- Prague Castle: Admission Ticket With Transfer And Audioguide
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
- ●Wheelchair users
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Smoking indoors
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This walking tour is suitable for those interested in learning about Prague’s Jewish heritage, history, and culture.
- ●Please note that the tour involves walking through historic districts, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uneven cobblestone streets.
- ●The pace of the tour is moderate, and you will have time to ask questions and explore each site.
- ●It’s important to approach this tour with respect, especially when visiting sacred sites like synagogue
Know Before You Go
- ●Any additional exhibits or special areas within the sites may require extra fees, which will be clearly stated on your voucher.
- ●The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
- ●Be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early to ensure timely departure.
- ●Respectful behavior is expected throughout the tour, especially in religious and memorial sites.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Jonathan Park - United Kingdom
20 July
Our tour guide was fantastic. It was just my partner and me in the group. The guide was very attentive, supportive, and well informed about the Jewish history of Prague. Many thanks. We truly enjoyed this experience.
Fabrice Gallois - France
01 July
We spent a highly informative and pleasant time with our friendly guide, who provided an insightful tour of the Jewish quarter and its synagogues. I would definitely recommend this tour!
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.7/5
Based on 30 Reviews
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
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20 July
Our tour guide was fantastic. It was just my partner and me in the group. The guide was very attentive, supportive, and well informed about the Jewish history of Prague. Many thanks. We truly enjoyed this experience.
Helpful? Yes
01 July
We spent a highly informative and pleasant time with our friendly guide, who provided an insightful tour of the Jewish quarter and its synagogues. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Helpful? Yes
03 July
A huge thank you to our guide for sharing such valuable knowledge and captivating stories. The walking tour led by our guide was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
05 July
Our guide was very attentive and provided an excellent tour. We look forward to returning once she has completed her Hebrew lessons so she can translate for us. Thank you for this wonderful tour with such a small group.
Helpful? Yes
07 July
We felt fortunate that it was just the two of us, allowing for a very in depth and personal experience.
Helpful? Yes
09 July
The guide was outstanding. She spoke English fluently and had a strong knowledge of the synagogues and their history.
Helpful? Yes
04 June
An engaging guide who really brought the neighborhood to life and conveyed its emotions to us.
Helpful? Yes
07 June
It was very fascinating. Thanks to our guide for the explanations and for sharing so much information we hadn’t known before. We really appreciate it.
Helpful? Yes
10 July
I really appreciated the explanations, but since we visited the synagogues, I would have liked to get an idea of how a ceremony is conducted.
Helpful? Yes
11 July
One of the top tour guides we’ve had during our journey. He answered every question we asked, and his passion for what he was explaining was clear. It was truly a pleasure meeting you. Definitely a 10 out of 10 guide.
Helpful? Yes
12 July
The guide had deep knowledge of the area's history and the Holocaust. He kindly gave us a break to get some coffee and use the facilities. We really valued his insights and the effort he put into the tour. Great job.
Helpful? Yes
14 July
A fantastic way to discover Prague's Jewish quarter. My guide was kind and did an excellent job, passionately explaining the area's history along with the culture and traditions of Prague's Jewish community. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with her and would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Prague.
Helpful? Yes
16 July
The guide was incredibly passionate and well informed. He even extended the tour by an extra 30 minutes.
Helpful? Yes
17 July
This tour was excellent. Our guide was truly outstanding. He had a deep understanding of history and answered all of our questions, all while keeping the group on schedule so we could see everything. As Christians, we found the experience very informative and helpful for understanding the long standing history of anti Semitism.
Helpful? Yes
18 July
A fascinating and well organized tour with a fantastic guide who responded to all our questions. Her French was excellent. Many thanks.
Helpful? Yes
13 June
Our guide from Prague was outstanding. He had exceptional knowledge of the subject, the city, and its history, and made the tour engaging with vivid examples. My wife and I gained a deeper understanding of Jewish history. An excellent tour with a highly recommended guide.
Helpful? Yes
15 June
This was easily one of the best tours we've ever been on. Our guide was amazing. We gained a wealth of knowledge about the Jewish quarter, its people, and the area's history. The sites were truly fascinating, and the guide made everything feel alive. We also enjoyed spending time with the rest of the group and later met up with another couple at a restaurant the guide had suggested. This tour is a great experience for both Jewish and non Jewish visitors.
Helpful? Yes
18 June
A very positive experience, clearly explained by our tour guide who spoke flawless Spanish. The cemetery and its history were what impressed us the most.
Helpful? Yes
20 June
Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate, and very entertaining. He managed to make a challenging and sensitive topic both captivating and meaningful. A unique blend of sharp wit and deep understanding. Strongly recommended!
Helpful? Yes
25 June
The guide was extremely knowledgeable and very funny! He did an amazing job and made the tour truly worthwhile. This was one of the best tours we’ve taken in Prague.
Helpful? Yes
27 June
This was an excellent tour. The guide took us through a historic part of Prague, sharing fascinating information and answering our questions thoughtfully.
Helpful? Yes
28 June
Many other reviews praised the guides, so I was excited for this tour. However, I often found our guide difficult to understand because of his phrasing and pronunciation, which meant I missed a lot. It was also hard to hear him in busy areas with other guides speaking nearby. I think I might have gotten more out of an audio tour.
Helpful? Yes
05 July
The tour was very engaging, but I felt the guide should have been Jewish. That way, she could have answered our questions about customs more accurately, which unfortunately didn’t happen.
Helpful? Yes
24 June
This tour is definitely worth experiencing. I liked that our group was small. The guide focused more on delivering facts than being social, but the group was friendly, and the information shared was interesting and powerful enough to leave an impression. We hadn’t planned to take this tour at first, but I’m glad we extended our stay to include it. I would recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
26 June
We reserved an English tour, but the guide spoke with a strong accent, and the background noise from other guests made it somewhat challenging to catch everything.
Helpful? Yes
14 July
The tour began late because of issues with printing tickets. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable, but her voice was quite soft for such a large group.
Helpful? Yes
11 June
The guide was excellent and captivating. I really enjoyed visiting all the synagogues, and the Jewish cemetery stood out as especially fascinating. Taking this tour was definitely worthwhile compared to exploring on your own, as it provided valuable historical context. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Helpful? Yes
15 July
The guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable and quite humorous. The tour itself was excellent, visiting many synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery. However, I felt we were rushing throughout. While I understand the time constraints, I would have liked more time to take photos, as that was a main reason for joining the tour. Overall, though, it was a great experience, and we learned much more than we would have exploring on our own.
Helpful? Yes
18 July
Our tour guide was incredible! He was very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about sharing Prague’s history with the group. It was a fantastic experience!
Helpful? Yes
20 June
This was a great tour. Our guide was a history teacher who truly knew his subject and did an excellent job explaining what we were seeing and why it mattered, both generally and specifically for the Jewish community. I would definitely recommend this tour, especially if you want to explore the deeper Jewish and historical connections rather than just a quick overview of the buildings’ ages and preservation.
Helpful? Yes
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