Top 10 Jewish Quarter Synagogues in Prague to Visit

The Josefov district is small but packed with historical value. Most of these sites are managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague. You can see them all with a single circuit ticket. This makes planning your route very easy.

• Best overall: Spanish Synagogue
• Best for history: Old-New Synagogue
• Best for families: Maisel Synagogue
• Best free view: Exterior of the Jerusalem Synagogue

1. Name: Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. It dates back to the 13th century. Legend says the Golem of Prague rests in its attic. Best for: History buffs and legend seekers. Where: Josefov. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Moderate (often a separate ticket). Getting there: Short walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Men must wear a head covering to enter.
2. Name: Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It is famous for its incredible Moorish Revival architecture. The interior is covered in gold and intricate patterns. It is often called the most beautiful synagogue in Europe. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Josefov. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Walkable from the city center. Tip: Attend an evening classical concert here for a great experience.
3. Name: Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga) Type: experience Why go: It serves as a moving memorial to Holocaust victims. The walls are covered with over 80,000 names of victims. It also houses drawings by children from the Terezín Ghetto. Best for: Reflection and historical education. Where: Josefov (near the cemetery). Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Located on Široká street. Tip: It is a very emotional site; allow time for quiet reflection.
4. Name: Maisel Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga) Type: museum Why go: This building houses an exhibition on the history of Jews in Bohemia. It features a large collection of silver and historical artifacts. The Neo-Gothic style is very photogenic. Best for: Learning about local Jewish heritage. Where: Josefov. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Near the Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Use the interactive touch screens to see more details.
5. Name: Klausen Synagogue (Klausová synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It is the largest Baroque synagogue in the district. The exhibits focus on Jewish customs and traditions. You can learn about holidays, birth, and marriage. Best for: Understanding Jewish daily life and rituals. Where: Next to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Walk from the Old-New Synagogue. Tip: Visit right before or after the cemetery.
6. Name: Jerusalem Synagogue (Jubilee Synagogue) Type: sight Why go: This is the newest and largest synagogue in Prague. It features a colorful Art Nouveau and Moorish style. It is not in the Jewish Quarter but is a must-see. Best for: Vibrant colors and unique design. Where: New Town (Nové Město). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small separate entry fee. Getting there: Near the main train station. Tip: Check the opening times as they differ from the Jewish Museum.
7. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov) Type: sight Why go: It is one of the most famous burial grounds in the world. Thousands of gravestones are layered on top of each other. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Atmospheric walks and history. Where: Josefov. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Entry is through the Pinkas Synagogue. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven.
8. Name: Ceremonial Hall (Obřadní síň) Type: sight Why go: This building looks like a small stone castle. It was once used by the Burial Society. It now houses exhibits about illness and death in Jewish culture. Best for: Cultural history. Where: Right next to the cemetery exit. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Follow the path from the cemetery. Tip: Look at the detailed paintings of the burial society's work.
9. Name: High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It was built at the same time as the Jewish Town Hall. It is located on the first floor. It features a beautiful Renaissance interior. Best for: Quiet observation of Renaissance style. Where: Josefov. Time: 15–20 minutes. Cost: Often limited access; check current museum rules. Getting there: Opposite the Old-New Synagogue. Tip: It is often less crowded than other sites.
10. Name: Terezín Memorial (Day Trip) Type: day trip Why go: Terezín was a Nazi transit camp and ghetto. It is a vital place to understand the tragedy of the Holocaust. The Small Fortress and the Ghetto Museum are very impactful. Best for: A deep dive into WWII history. Where: 60km north of Prague. Time: 5–6 hours. Cost: Moderate (bus fare plus entry). Getting there: Take a bus from Nádraží Holešovice station. Tip: Bring water and snacks as there are few shops nearby.

Planning Your Trip to the Josefov District

Visiting the Jewish Quarter requires some planning. Most sites are closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Check the official calendar before you go. This will save you from arriving at closed doors. You can see many sites from historic towers and viewpoints in Prague first.

Buy a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum. This covers almost every site in the quarter. The Old-New Synagogue often requires an extra fee. You can buy tickets online to skip the lines. This is very helpful during the busy summer months.

Respect the dress code when entering these sacred spaces. Men should cover their heads in the synagogues. Paper kippahs are often provided at the entrance. Keep your voice low while inside the buildings. This shows respect for the history and the community.

The Jewish Quarter is very close to the Prague Castle complex across the river. You can easily visit both in one day. Start early to avoid the largest crowds. Most sites open around 9:00 AM.

Important Day Trips for Jewish History

Prague is a great base for exploring further. A visit to the Terezín Memorial is highly recommended. It provides a somber but necessary historical context. You can reach it easily by public bus or tour. Many visitors find this trip to be the highlight of their journey.

The Visit Czechia website offers great travel info. It helps with bus schedules and regional maps. Plan for a full day if you go to Terezín. The site is large and requires a lot of walking. Wear weather-appropriate clothing as much of it is outdoors.