Stories of Jewish Prague Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This 3-hour walking tour of the Jewish Quarter in Prague focuses on the collection of buildings, exhibitions and sites that make up the Jewish Museum: the five remaining synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Town Hall. Begin your tour at the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Choice of morning and afternoon departure; please advise at time of booking
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Start your 3-hour walking tour at the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe, which was built around 1270 and is also among the oldest Gothic structures in Prague. Prohibited from practicing masonry, the Jews hired Christians to build the synagogue. Learn about Jewish religious and social customs during the medieval period. Also visit the Renaissance-era Town Hall built by Mordechai Maisel and envision the golden age of Prague’s Jewish community. Maisel, the mayor of the Jewish Quarter who became Rudolf II’s Minister of Finance, used his fortune to pave the ghetto’s streets, support Jewish organizations and provide charity for the needy. At the same time, Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel (1525-1609) became legendary in Europe for his prolific theological and philosophical writings. Rabbi Loew is celebrated in Prague folklore as the creator of Golem, a monstrous living being made from clay from the banks of the Vltava River. According to one version of the story, Golem was created to defend the Jews from anti-Semitic attacks. As you continue to move through one of the largest collections of Judaica in the world, the paradoxes of the Jewish experience in Prague become manifest. In 1745, the entire Jewish population was expelled by Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. Yet, only a few years later, facing a financial recession, Prague’s residents demanded their return. In 1782, Maria Theresa’s son, Josef II, issued the Edict of Toleration, granting the Jews religious freedom, eliminating professional restrictions, and allowing Jewish children to attend schools and universities. A grateful community renamed the ghetto district “Josefov,” as it is still known today. The increasing liberalism and toleration set in motion by Josef II were swamped by the genocidal nationalism of Nazi Germany. Prague’s Jewish community, at the moment of its greatest assimilation, was decimated by the Holocaust. Learn about the political, economic and ethnic tensions that led to Hitler’s invasion of Czechoslovakia and discuss the implementation of the Nazi’s “Final Solution” in Prague. Also hear about the Jewish experience during the communist years and look at the fragile revival of Prague’s Jewish community taking place today. *Note to travelers with mobility issues: Please note that this tour as regularly offered includes walking up and down stairs that are sometimes very narrow and/or steep. If you believe you will have difficulties, please consider booking a private tour so that your guide can tailor the route to your limits and personal rhythm, leaving out some sites and focusing on other sites as needed.
What‘s Included
Historian guide
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fees to Jewish Museum and Old-New Synagogue (600 CZK/adults; 400 CZK/students)
Options
Start Times
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Jewish Tour
Anne f,,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had private tour. Guide was outstanding even to the point of carrying our bag and umbrella. Very knowledgeable.
Excellent tour of Prague Jewish Quarter
andreabL1879EZ,,Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour of the Prague Jewish Quarter was amazing. Our tour guide (Amalie) shared her knowledge of history along with her personal experience in Prague. We learned so much and appreciate the history of Jewish people in Prague. I would highly recommend this tour.
roots
Paul B,,Jun 25, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00Old synagogue was the most interesting, then the cemetery/memorial was sobering . The story of the local community was informative as well
Wonderful tour with Amalka
emilygraceacres,,Apr 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amalka was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable about both the historical and contemporary Jewish community in Prague. It was fascinating to tour with beautiful sites.
A heartfelt memorable trip through Jewish Trip
Stuart G,,Jun 15, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a truly special and memorable into the unique and fascinating history of the Jewish population. of Prague. Presented by a wonderful tour guide, born in Prague and a knowledgeable member of the city's Jewish community, it was a heartfelt relating of the experience of those Jews who called Prague home throughout the centuries. It was delivered with a firm, thoughtful, personal understanding of all that the people residing in the Jewish Quarter and environs have gone through over rehears. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour for anyone, regardless of their ethnic background, to take advantage of.
Great tour with a great guide
HenriettaR32,,Aug 3, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with a great guide and lots of stories about the Jewish history of Prague. Highly recommended tour.
A local's inside view into Prague's Jewish history
joanatab,,Sep 8, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a local, I've walked through Prague's Jewish quarter endless times, but other than the Golem legend I never really knew much about its history. During this tour, I had the opportunity to visit some of the most important Jewish attractions in the city, starting with the Old-New Synagogue (still active today!) and ending at the Jewish Cemetery. Our guide Nina was very knowledgable and explained everything about Prague's Jewish heritage, from the Jews arrival to Prague to their presence in the modern days. Even in the museum spaces, she always gave us insight into each exhibit, so we were never left wondering what was the meaning of a certain object. I left wanting to know more about this community with books and movie recommendations that Nina mentioned along the tour. The ticket to the Jewish quarter also gives you access to the Spanish Synagogue, but unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during our visit. I would definitely recommend this tour if you want an inside view of Prague's Jewish history!
Amazing Guide
robert w,,Jun 10, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00I thought I sent this in, but if I didn't, I didn't want to miss the opportunity. Martina was among the best guides we have ever had in Europe. Bright, articulate, informative, kind, respectful, and a pleasure to be with. Every quality you want in a guide. Hope we expressed ourselves clearly.
Amazing Guide
robert w,,Jun 6, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00Martina was among the best Guides we have ever used in Europe. She was personable,intelligent, informed, professional, and very aware of our needs, and interests. Could not possibly have had a better experience!
Very informative
Michael M,,Jan 8, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00Martina was absolutely awesome!!She is knowledgeable, interesting, fluent, and has a great sense of humor!My husband and I really enjoyed her tour of Jewish Prague this morning.
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