Josefov

Prague
Old Jewish Cemetery showing a cemetery and a memorial
The old Jewish ghetto, former home of legendary author Franz Kafka, and now a cultural haven with six impressive synagogues rising high above the streets.

A part of town rich in history and culture, Prague’s Jewish Quarter dates all the way back to the 10th century. As well as learning about local Jewish customs and traditions, here you can walk in the footsteps of author and native Praguer Franz Kafka, and find out all about how the area survived the Nazi occupation.

The Jewish Quarter lies in the heart of the Old Town. It started out as a ghetto for pogrom refugees, whose descendants subsequently endured centuries of abuse here until the early 20th century when much of the area was destroyed as part of the city’s modern redevelopment.

Today, the historic spots in this part of town make up the Jewish Museum, which incorporates the Jewish Town Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, as well as the former mortuary, the Ceremonial Hall. Explore the exhibits to discover more about the people who lived and worked here through the years. The synagogues are spectacular sights too, especially the Old New Synagogue which is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. The Spanish Synagogue meanwhile is now a popular venue for concerts.

Remarkably, the buildings here survived the Nazi occupation as Adolf Hitler planned to preserve the ghetto as a ‘museum to an extinct race’. Visitors today often leave incredibly moved by what they see.

It is easy to walk around the quarter at your own leisure, though guides are on hand, some of whom offer tours that include entry to the area’s top attractions. Listening to the stories of the tour guides is a great experience too, as they have unique insights into the place and its people.

You can get to the Jewish Quarter easily by walking from the Old Town, or get the tram or metro if you’re travelling from elsewhere in the city. On Saturdays and Jewish holidays, the museum exhibits are closed. Opening times are also reduced during the winter.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Josefov

Grandior Hotel Prague
Grandior Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Na Porici 42, Prague
The price is RM388 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM388
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Excellent
"Lovely hotel with a fab breakfast. Room was clean and spacious. Will definitely stay there again!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Grandior Hotel Prague
Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague
Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Vladislavova 1477/20, Praha 1 - Nove Mesto, Prague
The price is RM657 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM657
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,235 reviews)
"Great hotel 7 minutes away from the old town"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague
Grandium Hotel Prague
Grandium Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Politickych veznu 913/12, Prague
The price is RM456 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM456
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Second stay at Grandium was just as nice as first. Well maintained, clean, great breakfast, great housekeeping and staff in general. Also convenient walking distance to most sites. What more could you ask?"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Grandium Hotel Prague
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Zlatnicka 3, Prague
The price is RM718 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
RM718
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel excellent staff. Clean and luxurious"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
4.5 out of 5
Truhlarska 16, Prague
The price is RM433 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM433
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
Hotel Leon D´Oro
Hotel Leon D´Oro
4 out of 5
Havelska 29, Prague
The price is RM639 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM639
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great place. Close to everything. Clean and spacious room"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Leon D´Oro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Josefov