Best Walking Route from Old Town Square to Jewish Quarter

The walk between these two iconic spots is very short. It usually takes less than ten minutes to walk directly. However, the path you choose changes your experience. Most travelers prefer the route via Maiselova street for its quiet charm. You can also take Pařížská street if you enjoy luxury window shopping.

Start at the Jan Hus Memorial in the center of the square. Head toward the northwest corner near the white St. Nicholas Church. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prague. Following these streets keeps you away from heavy car traffic. It is one of the best walks in Prague for first-time visitors.

At a glance:

• Morning: Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square.
• Midday: Walking the historic route to Josefov.
• Afternoon: Jewish Museum and Old Jewish Cemetery.
• Evening: Waterfront walk or local Czech dinner.

If you choose the Maiselova path, you will see smaller boutiques. This street leads you directly to the heart of the Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov. The route is flat and easy for all ages. Always keep an eye on the beautiful building facades above you.

One-Day Itinerary: Old Town to Jewish Quarter

Planning your day helps you avoid the largest crowds. Start your morning early at the Old Town Square. Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour before the tour groups arrive. This is the perfect starting point for your Old Town Prague walking itinerary. Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe to fuel your walk.

Day 1: Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Explore the Old Town Hall and climb the tower for views. Afternoon (11:30 AM - 3:30 PM): Follow the walking route from Old Town Square to Jewish Quarter via Maiselova. Spend several hours visiting the synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Walk toward the Vltava River for sunset views or enjoy a meal in a traditional tavern.

Logistics Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the Jewish Museum sites. This covers the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, and the cemetery. You can buy these at any of the museum entrances. Most sites in Josefov are closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath. Plan your visit for a weekday or Sunday instead.

Top Landmarks Along Your Prague Walk

As you leave the square, look for the Church of St. Nicholas. This Baroque masterpiece marks the beginning of your journey. As you move north, you will enter the Jewish Quarter. This area holds centuries of history within a few blocks. You will find many hidden gems in Old Town Prague for walkers along these side streets.

The Old-New Synagogue is a major highlight on this route. It is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Just across from it is the Jewish Town Hall with its famous reverse-running clock. The Hebrew clock hands move counter-clockwise, which always surprises visitors. These landmarks are very close to each other, making the walk efficient.

Don't miss the Spanish Synagogue near the end of the route. It is famous for its Moorish interior design and golden decorations. Outside, you will see the unusual Franz Kafka monument. This statue is a great spot for a quick photo. The entire walk is packed with visual rewards for those who take their time.

Practical Tips for Walking in Prague

Prague is famous for its beautiful but uneven cobblestones. You must wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Avoid high heels or thin sandals for this route. The stones can be slippery when it rains. Check the best time to walk through Old Town Prague to ensure good weather. Early morning light is best for photography.

The Jewish Quarter can get very crowded in the summer of 2026. Try to visit the cemetery right when it opens at 9:00 AM. For official city information, visit the Prague.eu portal. They offer maps and updated event schedules. Most of the route is pedestrian-friendly, but watch for delivery vans on narrow streets.

Optional Swaps: If it rains, spend more time inside the National Gallery near the square. If you have kids, stop at the toy museum or a local sweet shop for a trdelník. This pastry is a popular treat found all along the walking route. Low-budget travelers can enjoy the architecture from the outside without paying museum fees.