Top 10 Jewish Quarter synagogues Prague and sites

Exploring the Jewish Quarter is a highlight of any trip to the Czech Republic. The area contains many historical places in Prague that you cannot miss. You should start your tour early to avoid the largest crowds. Most sites open at 9:00 AM and close by late afternoon.

• Best overall: Old-New Synagogue
• Best for photos: Spanish Synagogue
• Best for history: Pinkas Synagogue
• Best free site: Viewing the cemetery from the gate

1. Name: Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. Legend says the Golem of Prague rests in its attic. Best for: History buffs and spiritual seekers. Where: Červená street, Josefov. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Separate ticket or part of a small circuit. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Men must wear a head covering, which is provided at the entrance.
2. Name: Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga) Type: sight Why go: Known for its breathtaking Moorish Revival architecture and intricate gold leaf work. It houses an exhibit on Jewish history from the Enlightenment. Best for: Photography and architecture lovers. Where: Vězeňská street. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Walk 3 minutes from the Old-New Synagogue. Tip: Look for the Franz Kafka monument located just outside the entrance.
3. Name: Pinkas Synagogue Type: experience Why go: This site serves as a moving memorial to nearly 80,000 Holocaust victims. Their names are hand-painted on the interior walls. It also features drawings by children from Terezín. Best for: Reflection and remembrance. Where: Široká street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Located right next to the cemetery entrance. Tip: The atmosphere is very somber, so please maintain a respectful silence.
4. Name: Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov) Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in the world. Thousands of gravestones are layered on top of each other in a small space. Learn about the history of the Old Jewish Cemetery to appreciate its density. Best for: Atmospheric walks and historical context. Where: Entrance via Pinkas Synagogue. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Central Josefov, near the Klausen Synagogue. Tip: The path is narrow and can get very crowded in the summer.
5. Name: Klausen Synagogue Type: sight Why go: The largest synagogue in the quarter, featuring beautiful Baroque architecture. It hosts an exhibition about Jewish traditions and customs. Best for: Learning about religious rituals and holidays. Where: U Starého hřbitova street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Right next to the exit of the Old Jewish Cemetery. Tip: Pay attention to the intricate Hebrew manuscripts on display.
6. Name: Maisel Synagogue Type: sight Why go: Originally built as a private house of prayer in the Renaissance style. It now displays a collection of silver, textiles, and historical documents. Best for: Viewing precious Jewish artifacts and silver. Where: Maiselova street. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: A short walk from the Old Town Square. Tip: Use the touchscreens to see digital reconstructions of the old quarter.
7. Name: Ceremonial Hall (Obřadní síň) Type: sight Why go: This neo-Romanesque building was once the home of the Prague Burial Society. It explains the Jewish rituals surrounding death and burial. Best for: Understanding cultural traditions and community roles. Where: Next to the Klausen Synagogue. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Adjacent to the cemetery exit. Tip: The building itself looks like a small castle and is very photogenic.
8. Name: High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga) Type: sight Why go: It was built at the same time as the Jewish Town Hall. Its prayer hall is located on the first floor, which is quite unusual. Best for: Renaissance architecture fans. Where: Opposite the Old-New Synagogue. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: Usually restricted access or special tours. Getting there: Located on Červená street. Tip: It is often confused with the Old-New Synagogue, so check the signs.
9. Name: Jerusalem Synagogue (Jubilee Synagogue) Type: sight Why go: While not technically in Josefov, it is the newest and largest synagogue in Prague. It features a striking Art Nouveau and Moorish design. Best for: Seeing a different era of Jewish architecture. Where: Jeruzalémská street, near the main train station. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (not on the main Museum ticket). Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the Jewish Quarter or take a tram to Jindřišská. Tip: Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass glow.
10. Name: Robert Guttmann Gallery Type: museum Why go: This gallery hosts temporary exhibitions of Jewish art and history. It is named after a famous Prague Jewish painter. Best for: Art enthusiasts looking for modern perspectives. Where: U Staré školy street. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Included in the Jewish Museum ticket. Getting there: Behind the Spanish Synagogue. Tip: It is a quiet spot to escape the main tourist crowds.

Essential tips for visiting the Jewish Quarter

Planning your visit carefully will save you time and money. You should buy a combined ticket for Jewish Museum Prague to see most sites. This ticket covers the Spanish, Pinkas, Klausen, and Maisel synagogues. It also includes the Old Jewish Cemetery and Ceremonial Hall.

Note that the Old-New Synagogue often requires a separate ticket or a specific add-on. All sites in the Jewish Museum are closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. They also close for major Jewish holidays throughout the year. Check the Prague tourism portal for the latest opening times.

Respectful behavior is required at all religious and memorial sites. Men are often asked to wear a kippah (yamaka) inside the synagogues. Most locations provide paper versions for free at the entrance. Avoid loud conversations and do not eat or drink inside the buildings.

Photography is generally allowed in most areas but may require a small fee. However, photography is strictly forbidden inside the Pinkas Synagogue memorial area. Always look for signs before taking out your camera. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps you avoid large tour groups.

Historic landmarks near the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is located in the heart of the historic center. You can easily walk to the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock in five minutes. This area is perfect for lunch after your morning tour. Many cafes offer traditional Czech dishes and local beers.

If you head toward the river, you will find the Charles Bridge nearby. Walking across the bridge provides great views of the Vltava River. It is a popular spot for street performers and local artists. Try to visit at sunrise for a peaceful experience.

Across the river, you can see the silhouette of the castle. Many visitors follow their Jewish Quarter tour with a trip to Prague Castle. It is one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. You can take a tram from the Malostranská stop to reach the top easily.