Josefov

Prague

A historic building with a round tower and arched windows.
A cemetery with numerous tombstones and gravestones, surrounded by trees and buildings.
A building with a red-tiled roof, arched windows, and a black iron fence.
A cemetery with numerous stone headstones and a path covered with fallen leaves.
A cemetery with numerous tombstones and headstones, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

Six impressive synagogues rise above the centre of this former Jewish ghetto where Franz Kafka once lived and where concerts are held today.

Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter dates back to the 10th century, and is an area teeming with history. Today you can learn about Jewish customs and traditions, see where the famous author Franz Kafka often wandered and discover why the quarter wasn’t destroyed during the Nazi occupation.Encircled by the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter began as a ghetto for pogrom refugees. After withstanding centuries of abuse, a large part of the ghetto was destroyed during the redevelopment of Prague in the early 20th century. Nowadays, the exhibits and sights of the most significant buildings of the quarter make up the Jewish Museum. This includes the six synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall, a former mortuary.Learn about the people that helped shape the ghetto at the various exhibits. See where the Jewish people worshipped at the six surviving synagogues. One of those, the Old New Synagogue, is the oldest active one in Europe. The Spanish Synagogue is a popular concert venue.A visit to the Jewish Quarter is a moving experience for many people. The buildings here were spared during Nazi occupation as Adolf Hitler intended to maintain it as a “museum to an extinct race.”The quarter is small in area and you can walk to all sites. Guides can be booked through a number of operators in the area and some tours include entry to the major attractions of the quarter. Tour guides in the Jewish Quarter come from many backgrounds and will tell their own unique stories of the Jewish people of Prague.Reach the Jewish Quarter on foot from the Old Town or by tram and metro from other areas. The museum exhibits are closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays and close earlier in winter.


Stay near popular Josefov attractions

Things to do



Where to stay in Josefov

Find the best Josefov areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Prague City Center

Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are top sights in Prague City Center, and you should be sure to explore the acclaimed art galleries. Hop aboard the metro at Karlovy Lázně Stop or Staroměstská Stop to see more sights in the area.

Stare Mesto

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Old Town Square to Prague Astronomical Clock – discover Stare Mesto, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nové Město

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Wenceslas Square to Charles Square – discover Nové Město, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Prague 1

Known for its popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Prague 1. Check out top attractions like Old Town Square and Prague Astronomical Clock, and jump on the metro at Staromestska Station or Staroměstská Stop to see more of the city.

Mala Strana

Consider a visit to Charles Bridge and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Mala Strana. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Malostranské Náměstí Stop or Hellichova Stop.



Josefov

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: