Josefov Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Josefov showing heritage architecture
Old Jewish Cemetery featuring a cemetery and a memorial
Josefov featuring heritage architecture and a house
Josefov
Old Jewish Cemetery showing religious elements and a cemetery

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.


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Our pick of the best Josefov Hotel Deals

Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague

Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague

5 out of 5
Vladislavova 1477/20, Praha 1 - Nove Mesto, Prague
The price is AU$220 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$220
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,713 reviews)
"Great location and right across from Gabby’s, a unique spin on a karaoke bar and a must-do! The breakfast was exceptional, one of the best we had on this trip. We upgraded to a room with a balcony and it was lovely to sit outside and watch the city come to like in the morning. The glass of free sparkling ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Michelangelo Grand Hotel Prague
 Almanac X Alcron Prague

Almanac X Alcron Prague

5 out of 5
Stepanska 40, Prague
The price is AU$348 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$348
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (735 reviews)
"Very good experience with them"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Almanac X Alcron Prague
ibis Praha Old Town

ibis Praha Old Town

3 out of 5
Na Porici 5, Prague 1, Prague
The price is AU$140 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$140
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Room was basic and clean. I like that you can open windows."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

ibis Praha Old Town
Grandior Hotel Prague

Grandior Hotel Prague

5 out of 5
Na Porici 42, Prague
The price is AU$160 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$160
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,184 reviews)
"The front desk and housekeeping were wonderful. Front desk was very friendly, provided information and was responsive. There is also the eden wellness spa located in the hotel and they were also equally wonderful. The breakfast buffet was good as well."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Grandior Hotel Prague
Grandium Hotel Prague

Grandium Hotel Prague

5 out of 5
Politickych veznu 913/12, Prague
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$167 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$167
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,116 reviews)
"Excellent staff, facilities and convenience. We had a great stay, and would recommend this hotel to everyone."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Grandium Hotel Prague
Mama Shelter Prague

Mama Shelter Prague

4 out of 5
Veletrzni 1502/20, Prague
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$135 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$135
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Lovely hotel well situated"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Mama Shelter Prague
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Josefov

Prague featuring a city

Prague 1

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

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 Royal Route, and jump on the metro at Staromestska Station or Staroměstská Stop to see more of the city.

Prague 1
Czech Republic showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Stare Mesto

5/5(80 area reviews)

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

Stare Mesto
Charles Bridge which includes heritage elements, a bridge and a city

Prague City Center

Old Town Square and Old Town Bridge Tower 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.

Prague City Center
Mala Strana featuring a city and landscape views

Mala Strana

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Lesser Town Bridge Tower 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.

Mala Strana
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Petrská čtvrť

If you're spending time in Petrská čtvrť, check out sights like Palladium Shopping Centre or Royal Route and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dlouhá třída Stop or Těšnov Stop.

Petrská čtvrť
Nove Mesto showing heritage elements, a city and railway items

Nové Město

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

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

Nové Město

Josefov Travel Guide

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