Prague Jewish Quarter Private Walking Tour with Guide

Summary

Josefov Synagogues & Old Cemetery Guided Experience

Step into Prague’s Jewish Quarter with a local guide who brings centuries-old synagogues and hidden legends to life. You’ll walk quiet lanes, see the layered gravestones of the Old Jewish Cemetery, and hear stories that linger long after you leave Josefov.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Jana, right under the Astronomical Clock — she was already waving before I’d even spotted her in the crowd. The city felt busy but somehow hushed as we crossed into Josefov. I’d seen photos of the Prague Jewish Quarter before, but being there, with the stone under my shoes and the faint smell of rain on old walls, made it feel heavier — or maybe just more real. Jana started pointing out little details: Hebrew letters carved above doorways, a bakery that’s been there for generations (she said their poppy seed rolls are worth coming back for). I tried to repeat “Staronová Synagoga” after her and she grinned — apparently my Czech is hopeless.

The Maisel Synagogue surprised me — it’s not as grand as some others but Jana told us about Mordecai Maisel and how he basically built half the neighborhood. There was something grounding about hearing those stories while standing right there, like you could almost picture him hurrying past in the drizzle. We moved on to Pinkas Synagogue; inside it’s quiet except for footsteps echoing off stone floors. The names on the walls — thousands upon thousands — made me stop talking for a while. I didn’t expect that part to hit so hard.

The Old Jewish Cemetery is nothing like any cemetery I’ve seen before. Stones everywhere, layered deep because they ran out of space centuries ago. Jana told us about Rabbi Loew and his golem (she winked when she mentioned the attic). Kids from another group were whispering about monsters but honestly, it just felt peaceful there, even with all those stories hanging in the air. The Spanish Synagogue at the end was almost too much — gold patterns everywhere, light bouncing off everything. It smelled faintly of wood polish and dust; I still think about that view up into the dome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Prague Jewish Quarter

• Meet at Astronomical Clock
• Visit Josefov Jewish Quarter
• Tour Maisel Synagogue
• See Pinkas Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery
• Explore Old Jewish Cemetery
• Visit Klausen Synagogue
• Tour Old New Synagogue
• Visit Spanish Synagogue

Top questions

How long does this private walking tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter take?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours, depending on your pace and interests.

Is hotel pickup included for this Prague Jewish Quarter tour?

Yes, pickup at your hotel reception or another city center location is included on foot (not by car).

Are entrance fees to synagogues and museums included?

Yes, tickets to all sites within the Jewish Museum are included in your tour.

Can infants or small children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Which synagogues will we visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit Maisel Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, and Spanish Synagogue.

Does this tour cover Franz Kafka’s connection to Prague’s synagogues?

Yes, your guide will share stories about Kafka attending services at the Old-New Synagogue.

Is public transportation nearby if I need it after the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Josefov for your return journey.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup on foot from central Prague locations, entry tickets to all synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery within Josefov’s Jewish Museum complex, plus a licensed local guide who shares personal stories and cultural context throughout your private walking experience.