Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter Walking Tour Stories

Summary

Wander Prague’s Old Town Square, hear legends & explore Jewish Quarter

You’ll walk Prague’s Old Town & Jewish Quarter with a licensed guide who brings centuries-old stories to life at places like the Astronomical Clock and Pinkas Synagogue. You’ll hear legends, see bullet-scarred facades, and pause by memorials that make you reflect long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to get goosebumps just standing outside the Astronomical Clock. Our guide, Jana, started telling us about how people used to gather here every hour — not just for the show, but for gossip and news. The bells sounded a bit dull that morning (maybe the rain?), but I could almost picture medieval crowds craning their necks. Someone nearby was selling trdelník and the smell of cinnamon drifted by. I kept thinking: this is what time felt like before phones.

We wandered through Prague Old Town Square, dodging a group of teenagers on scooters and a couple arguing in Italian. Jana pointed out bullet holes still visible on some facades — she said they’re from 1945. It’s wild how much history is packed into these narrow streets. When we reached Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, everything felt quieter somehow. Even the air changed — less car exhaust, more old stone and wet leaves. She told us stories about Golem legends and showed us where Mordechai Maisel built his synagogue (I definitely mispronounced “Maiselova” — got a laugh from her for that one).

The Spanish Synagogue looked almost unreal from outside — all those gold details against grey sky. We didn’t go inside any synagogues or the cemetery (it’s all outside stops), but honestly, seeing them from the street with Jana’s stories made it feel more alive than if I’d just wandered alone. Paris Street was next — super fancy shops I couldn’t afford even if I wanted to try — but I liked watching locals walk their dogs along those wide pavements.

I still think about that moment by the Pinkas Synagogue wall, where names of Holocaust victims are inscribed. Even though we stood outside in drizzle, nobody rushed us along. There was this hush over our little group; you know when you just feel everyone thinking at once? Afterward we circled back past Rudolfinum (never realized Dvořák conducted there) before splitting off for coffee somewhere warm. Two hours went fast — but it lingered with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Town and Jewish Quarter

• Admire Astronomical Clock outside
• Visit Old Town Square
• See Ungelt merchants’ yard
• View Spanish Synagogue exterior
• Walk along Paris Street boulevard
• Observe Old New Synagogue outside
• Explore Pinkas Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery
• View Maisel Synagogue exterior
• See Rudolfinum concert hall outside

Top questions

How long does the Old Town & Jewish Quarter tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does the tour include entry to synagogues or museums?

No, all stops are outside only; you will not enter any attractions.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

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

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

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

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Prague Old Town Square near the Astronomical Clock.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the meeting point.

What main sites do we see during this tour?

You’ll see Prague Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, Rudolfinum, Paris Street, several synagogues including Spanish and Maisel Synagogue, plus the Old Jewish Cemetery (all from outside).

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour guided walk led by an official licensed guide through Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter; all stops are outdoors so no entry tickets needed; wheelchair access is available throughout; families with strollers are welcome; you’ll finish near public transport for easy onward travel or coffee breaks nearby.