Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague

Cemetery in Prague

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Andreas Praefcke

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Josefov is one of those places where Prague's beauty turns quiet and reflective. The paths are narrow, the stones lean at odd angles, and the whole space feels like a dense, living archive of memory-this spot is one of the best places to see in Prague if you want to understand the city beyond its castles and grand squares.

It is also often visited on walking tours of Prague because it sits at the heart of the Jewish Quarter route, close to synagogues and museum sites that provide context. Even if you arrive curious rather than informed, the cemetery has a way of slowing you down: you start reading symbols, noticing names, and realizing how much history can be held in a small, enclosed space.

History and Significance of the Old Jewish Cemetery
Things to See and Do in the Old Jewish Cemetery
How to Get to the Old Jewish Cemetery
Practical Tips on Visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery
Where to Stay close to the Old Jewish Cemetery
Is the Old Jewish Cemetery Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Old Jewish Cemetery
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Old Jewish Cemetery

History and Significance of the Old Jewish Cemetery

Established in the early 15th century, the Old Jewish Cemetery served as Prague's primary Jewish burial ground for centuries, functioning until the late 18th century. What makes it so visually distinctive is the constraint under which it operated: the cemetery could not expand outward, so burials continued by layering graves within the same footprint, creating a terrain that is both uneven and intensely compact.

This layering means the visible tombstones represent only part of the story. Thousands rest beneath the surface, and the crowded arrangement-stones clustered tightly, some tilted or sinking-reflects not disorder, but necessity. Over time, the cemetery became a physical expression of endurance: a community preserving its dead and its dignity within strict boundaries.

The tombstone styles also trace changing eras. Earlier markers were comparatively restrained, while later centuries introduced richer ornamentation and a wider vocabulary of symbols and epitaphs. Hebrew inscriptions record names and dates and often include brief praises, which shift the cemetery from a purely historical site into something personal and intimate: individual lives, remembered in the language and visual codes of their community.

Things to See and Do in the Old Jewish Cemetery

The most rewarding way to experience the cemetery is slowly and respectfully, letting your eye adjust to the density. The “forest” of stones can feel overwhelming at first, but once you begin to notice motifs-hands, animals, crowns, books-you start to read the cemetery as a visual language rather than a collection of random markers.

Many visitors seek out Rabbi Judah Loew (Rabbi Löw), whose grave is among the most visited and is closely tied to Prague’s Golem legend. People often leave small notes or wishes in the crevices, and even if you don’t participate, it’s a striking example of how this is not only a historic site but also a living place of remembrance.

Beyond individual graves, pay attention to the overall landscape: the way paths weave through the stones, the layering effect in the ground levels, and the sense of enclosure. It is a rare kind of urban silence, and it can be one of the most emotionally resonant stops in Prague if you give it space to work on you.

How to Get to the Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old Jewish Cemetery is in Josefov near Old Town and is easy to reach on foot once you are in central Prague, especially if you are already exploring the Jewish Quarter or Old Town Square.

If you are arriving by air, Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the nearest airport, with convenient public transport and taxi/rideshare connections into the center. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Prague on Booking.com.

If you are coming by rail, Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) connects efficiently to the center via metro and tram, followed by a short walk into Josefov. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Long-distance buses typically arrive at Florenc, which has quick metro connections toward Old Town.

Driving into Josefov is usually not practical due to limited parking and pedestrian-heavy streets; park outside the core and finish by public transport or walking.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Old Jewish Cemetery

Suggested tips: Visit with a calm mindset, keep your voice low, and resist the urge to rush-this place is most meaningful when you move slowly.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for the quietest atmosphere and the best chance to experience the cemetery without tight crowding on the paths.
Entrance fee: Adults: CZK 600
Opening hours: Summer: 9:00 - 18:00; Winter: 9:00 - 16:30; (open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Old Jewish Cemetery / Old-New Synagogue / Spanish Synagogue / Maisel Synagogue / Pinkas Synagogue.
Official website: https://www.jewishmuseum.cz/en
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes for the cemetery alone, longer if you like reading inscriptions and studying symbols.
Accessibility: Paths are narrow, uneven, and can be crowded; it may be challenging for wheelchairs and anyone with limited mobility.
Facilities: No major facilities inside; plan restrooms and longer breaks before or after at nearby cafés in Josefov or Old Town.
Photography tip: Keep photography minimal and respectful; avoid climbing, leaning on stones, or blocking paths for long shots.
Guided tours: A guided Jewish Quarter walk can help you interpret symbolism and highlight key graves without turning the visit into a checklist.
Nearby food options: Step out toward the quieter edges of Josefov or into Old Town for cafés, then return only if you’re continuing to nearby museum sites.

Where to Stay close to the Old Jewish Cemetery

For a central stay within an easy walk of Josefov, Hotel Josef is a modern, comfortable base that makes early visits simple, before the cemetery paths get busy. If you prefer a quieter boutique option with a refined feel near the center, Maximilian Hotel places you close to the Jewish Quarter and the riverfront. For an upscale Old Town choice with excellent walkability and strong transport links, Hotel Kings Court is a practical base for combining Josefov with other central Prague highlights.

Is the Old Jewish Cemetery Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely, provided you are comfortable with a reflective, sometimes heavy experience. This is not a “quick photo stop” in any meaningful sense; it is a place where the emotional impact often arrives quietly, as you notice names, symbols, and the tightness of space that shaped centuries of burial practice.

It is also one of the most distinctive historic environments in Prague. The density of stones, the layered ground, and the intimacy of the paths create a setting unlike almost any other cemetery in Europe, and it offers a direct encounter with Prague's Jewish history that feels personal rather than abstract.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (1,187)

Old Jewish Cemetery, Široká 3, Staré Město, Praha 1, Czechia, is a serene, park-like burial ground home to around 12,000 visible tombstones and many more interments, including the noted scholar Judah Loew ben Bezalel. Visitors describe it as beautifully preserved and moving, with old graves, statues and mausoleums set among surrounding buildings so that city life feels distant; access is typically via a combined ticket covering this site and nearby Jewish museums and synagogues, and paths keep visitors from walking directly among the graves.

Alyssa Becker

8 years ago

"We visited the Jewish Cemetery independent of a guide as part of our self-guided tour of the Jewish Quarter in Prague. While we preferred the freedomof not having a guide, we were a little sad we didn't have one, as we wanted to learn more during our visit to the cemetery. The Cemetery is beautiful and moving, and a must-see site. However, there is no brochure or signs or anything to help give history of context as you are moving through. So either bring a guide or bring a guidebook, if that matters to you. That being said - a very worthy and beautiful place to visit. So quiet and serene (except the occasional less-than-respectful tour group). Note: entrance is included as part of the "Jewish Museum" ticket - you ca ot pay to enter just this site. It is 500 czk for entrance to all the sites...."

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Christian Schuh

7 years ago

"Beautiful, park like cemetery with old graves, beautiful statues, mausoleums right in the middle of the city. You won't even notice that a busy citylife is going on right outside the walls of the cemetery. The cemetery is easy to reach by subway (red line), bus and tram. All of these stop at the flora shopping center and this is only a 2 minute walk away...."

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ran yedidya

5 years ago

"Well preserved cemetery with hundreds of tombstones surrounded by relatively modern buildings. You get to go around the Graves and if you familiarwith the language you will be able to read some of the words written on the Graves. Although this is not the cheapest site seeing in Prague, this consider to be one of the "must see" when you visit Prague, and especially if you're in the Old Town...."

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FAQs for Visiting Old Jewish Cemetery

It is typically included with Jewish Museum ticket options, but inclusions can vary, so check what your ticket covers.

The cemetery could not expand outward, so graves were layered within the same space over centuries, creating an uneven ground and dense arrangement.

Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes, but you can easily spend longer if you move slowly and look closely at symbols and inscriptions.

Many visitors do, but it should be done respectfully, without blocking paths or treating it as a spectacle.

Photography rules can vary; if allowed, keep it discreet and respectful and avoid obstructing others on the narrow paths.

Older children and teens may find it meaningful, but for younger kids it can feel intense and the narrow paths can be challenging.

Accessibility is limited due to uneven ground and narrow paths, so it can be difficult for wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Early morning tends to be quieter, which helps both for atmosphere and for navigating the paths comfortably.

Not required, but a guide can help interpret the symbolism and highlight key graves without overwhelming you with detail.

It pairs naturally with nearby synagogues in Josefov and a calm walk afterward along the river or through quieter Old Town streets.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the best approach is a shorter visit with clear expectations about behavior and pace. Choose one or two points of focus-symbols on stones, how the cemetery fits into the Jewish Quarter story-then move on before kids get restless or the emotional tone becomes too heavy.

Plan an easy decompression stop afterward, such as a café or a riverside walk. The cemetery can be intense, and a lighter follow-up helps keep the day balanced for younger travelers.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this can be one of the most memorable experiences in Prague, not because it's “romantic,” but because it invites shared reflection. The quiet, enclosed setting feels far removed from the city's bustle, and it often becomes a place where you naturally slow down together.

Afterward, choose something gentle-coffee nearby or a walk along the Vltava-to let the visit settle. The emotional weight is part of what makes it meaningful, and a calm next hour can make the day feel cohesive rather than abruptly shifting back to sightseeing.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will appreciate that this visit delivers a high-impact experience as part of a broader Jewish Museum ticket, effectively adding a major site to a multi-stop day. Start early to avoid crowds and to maximize how much you can cover on foot in Josefov without extra transport costs.

Keep your itinerary realistic: this is a place to absorb, not rush. A shorter, more attentive visit can feel richer than trying to cram it between too many other paid attractions.

History Buffs

History buffs will find the cemetery exceptionally rewarding because it preserves social history as much as individual remembrance. The symbols, epitaph styles, and density of the stones reveal how a community lived within restrictions and maintained continuity across centuries.

To deepen the visit, pair it with an exhibition-focused synagogue nearby so you can connect what you see on the stones with traditions, texts, and community structures. The cemetery becomes even more powerful when you understand the cultural language carved into it.

Nearby Attractions to the Old Jewish Cemetery

Old Town Square: Prague's iconic central square, an easy walk away and a practical place to reset after a reflective visit.
Klausen Synagogue: A nearby museum synagogue that explains Jewish traditions and festivals, ideal for context before or after the cemetery.
Ceremonial Hall: A contemplative exhibition space focused on Jewish burial customs and remembrance practices.
Old-New Synagogue: A medieval Gothic synagogue with a solemn interior and enduring legends tied to Rabbi Löw and the Golem.
Spanish Synagogue: A visually spectacular Moorish Revival interior that offers a striking contrast to the cemetery's austerity.

The Old Jewish Cemetery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!

Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Summer: 9:00 – 18:00; Winter: 9:00 – 16:30; (open every day except Saturdays and Jewish holidays)

Old Jewish Cemetery / Old-New Synagogue / Spanish Synagogue / Maisel Synagogue / Pinkas Synagogue.

Price:

Adults: CZK 600

Address: Old Jewish Cemetery, Široká, Old Town, Czechia

Prague: 2 km

Official Website