Dating back almost a thousand years, Prague’s Jewish Quarter is steeped in history. The best way to understand and enjoy this area is with an experienced guide.
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Prague’s Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, sits between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. These days it is one of Prague’s most popular tourist destinations, with six synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. But while it is often quite a quiet and serene part of the city, the Jewish Quarter has a troubled history, from being established as a ghetto in the 12th century to when the Nazis arrived in 1939, seizing many local businesses. To navigate the history of the Jewish Quarter it makes sense to get a professional guide – here are three of the best tours of the area.
Old Town and Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour
At just 1.5 hours long this is a short tour but it is also one of the best. The guides are really well prepared and happy to engage in any questions and queries before taking the group around the various locations related to Jewish history in the city. It begins with the history of Jews in Prague and a detailed overview of the city’s Jewish heritage. Then you’ll see the main synagogues and the Jewish cemetery, and see where France Kafka did much of his writing, before heading to Prague’s Old Town to see the world-famous astronomical clock. It’s good quality and perfect for anyone who who only has a short vacation. From € 19.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Synagogues and Jewish Quarter Private Walking Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
This highly-rated private tour is a really in-depth look at Prague’s Jewish Quarter. The guide takes you through a tour of the history of the Jewish Quarter, visiting Prague’s Jewish Museum, synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, giving a rich account of the lives of people who have lived here over hundreds of years. This tour is both entertaining and engaging, with an emphasis on bringing the stories to life. This being a private tour you can take it at your own pace too. It’s not cheap but possibly one of the best ways to get to know this part of Prague’s history. From €135 per group up to two.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Stories of Jewish Prague – 3 hour Small Group tour
Another comprehensive tour of the Jewish Quarter, this time with a local historian over an informative three hours. The trip visits five synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Town Hall, while learning about Prague’s deep Jewish history, as well as the tragedies of the Holocaust and the modern-day revival of Jewish life in the city. During the tour, the history is animated with real life stories of those who lived here. It’s a small group so you’ll be able to ask plenty of questions and there is a choice of morning or afternoons. From €69.80.
Book at Viator.com