Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter Walking Tour Highlights

Summary

Walk Prague’s tangled streets from Wenceslas Square to the Astronomical Clock with stories of revolutions, synagogues and secret gardens

You’ll walk through Prague’s Old Town & New Town with a local guide who brings history alive at every stop — from Wenceslas Square’s echoes of revolution to quiet moments in Franciscan garden and stories inside centuries-old synagogues. Expect laughter, surprises, and that feeling you get when a city suddenly feels familiar.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so much just standing at the top of Wenceslas Square. Our guide, Petra, had this way of pausing between facts — letting the city noise fill in the gaps. She pointed out where crowds once gathered for protests (and parades too, apparently), and I caught myself picturing old black-and-white photos. The air was still a bit chilly but you could smell coffee drifting from somewhere nearby. We set off down side streets I’d never have found alone — Lucerna Palace was first, and that upside-down horse statue? Honestly, it’s stranger in person.

The Franciscan garden was a surprise. I mean, who expects roses and silence right in the middle of Prague? There were two older women chatting on a bench, hands moving as much as their voices. Petra explained how locals come here to escape the rush — made sense after all those trams and crowds outside. Then we ducked into the Church of Our Lady of the Snows (the name still makes me smile). Inside it felt cold and echoey; I remember running my hand along one of those old stone columns while Petra told us why they never finished building it. Something about money running out — classic.

We wandered past the Estates Theatre (Mozart performed here! I tried humming a bit but gave up quick), then over to Charles University where students were hurrying between buildings with backpacks slung low. There was this moment outside the House of the Black Madonna when Petra tried teaching us how to pronounce “kubismus” in Czech — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin too, probably butchered both versions.

The Jewish Quarter felt different somehow — quieter but heavier. The Spanish Synagogue glowed gold in the morning light, and there was a small group taking photos by Kafka’s statue. Petra’s stories about old ghetto life stuck with me more than I thought they would. We ended at Old Town Square just as the Astronomical Clock started its hourly show; everyone craned their necks up at once like kids. Even after three hours walking through Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter, I wanted to keep wandering — there’s something about these streets that lingers long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter

• Start at Wenceslas Square
• Visit Lucerna Palace and horse statue
• Relax in Franciscan Garden
• See Church of Our Lady of the Snows
• Explore Estates Theatre
• Visit Charles University
• Discover House of a Black Madonna
• View Powder Tower
• Admire Municipal House
• Visit large Baroque church
• Walk through Jewish Quarter
• See Spanish Synagogue and Kafka statue
• Explore Old New Synagogue and neighbors
• Visit old Jewish cemetery
• Discover Old Town Square sights
• End at Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock

Top questions

How long is the Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours from start to finish.

Does this tour include entry to synagogues or churches?

The tour includes visits and stories at several synagogues and churches; check with your guide for interior access details on your date.

Is this Prague walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the top of Wenceslas Square in central Prague.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

What major sights are included on this tour?

You’ll see Wenceslas Square, Lucerna Palace, Franciscan garden, Estates Theatre, Charles University area, Powder Tower, Municipal House, Spanish Synagogue, Old New Synagogue, Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock.

Is public transportation nearby if I need it after?

Yes, public transportation options are available near all major stops along the route.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or cold.

What’s included

Your morning includes a guided walk led by a professional licensed guide through Prague’s Old Town, New Town and Jewish Quarter — with all main sights covered along with plenty of stories (and time for questions) before finishing by the Astronomical Clock.