The Old-New Synagogue is one of the most atmospheric places in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, still serving as an active house of worship and a quiet window into centuries of community life. A visit here is less about grand displays and more about stepping carefully into a living space, so it rewards a slower, more attentive approach.
Quick summary
- Combine the Old-New Synagogue with other Jewish Museum sites on a joint ticket sold nearby.
- Allow 20–40 minutes inside; more if you read the details and sit quietly.
- Dress modestly and remember it is an active synagogue, not just a museum.
- The site is easy to reach on foot from Staroměstská metro or Old Town Square.
What the Old-New Synagogue Is (and What It Is Not)
The Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga) is one of the key sites in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov. It is a functioning synagogue with regular services, not only a historical monument. The interior is relatively small and austere compared with some churches in Prague, so the experience is more about atmosphere and continuity than ornate decoration.
Visitors typically come to see the Gothic stone hall, the vaulted ceiling, and the sense of age in the walls and benches. Much of what you notice will be subtle: Hebrew inscriptions, candle holders, and the bimah in the center. If you prefer visits with clear labels and large exhibitions, keep in mind that this synagogue is part of a broader network of sites managed by the Jewish Museum in Prague, where most of the displays are located.
- Active synagogue with regular services; public access can be limited during religious events.
- More atmospheric and historical than exhibition-focused; combine with nearby museum sites for context.
Tickets, Opening Times and Dress Code
Access to the Old-New Synagogue is usually through a ticket, which can be bought on site or as part of a combined ticket with other Jewish Museum monuments such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and several other synagogues. Exact prices and combinations can change, but the synagogue alone is often priced in the mid-range compared with major Prague attractions, while the combined ticket is generally better value if you plan to see more than one site.
Opening hours tend to follow the schedule of the Jewish Museum and are typically shorter on Fridays, with the synagogue closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Because times and ticket options may change, it is wise to check current details shortly before your visit. Modest dress is expected: shoulders covered, no beachwear, and men are usually asked to cover their heads; disposable skullcaps are often provided near the entrance.
- Consider a combined Jewish Museum ticket if you plan to visit several sites in Josefov.
- Check current hours and closures in advance, especially around the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.
How to Get There and Navigate the Area
The Old-New Synagogue stands in the heart of Josefov, a short walk north of Old Town Square. The nearest metro station is Staroměstská on Line A, from which the walk is usually under 10 minutes along relatively flat streets. Several tram lines stop nearby at stations such as Staroměstská or Právnická fakulta; from there the synagogue is reachable on foot without major navigation challenges.
Because the streets around the synagogue can be busy with tour groups, it helps to look up the exact address and entrance location beforehand. Offline navigation tools can be useful in this compact area, and some visitors like using the Prague Tour Guide App, which offers offline maps and curated walking routes through the Jewish Quarter. Pavements are generally paved but can be uneven in spots, so comfortable shoes are advisable.
- Closest metro: Staroměstská (Line A), then a short walk through Old Town.
- Tram stops Staroměstská or Právnická fakulta place you within roughly 5–10 minutes on foot.
Best Time to Visit and How Long to Stay
Most visitors spend about 20–40 minutes inside the Old-New Synagogue, depending on how closely they look at the architectural details and how long they sit. If you are combining it with other Jewish Quarter sights, you may want to allow half a day in total for the area, especially if you read information panels carefully or take breaks in nearby cafés.
For a calmer experience, it is often better to come earlier in the day on weekdays, outside the main midday tour-bus window. Fridays can feel a little more compressed because of earlier closing times, and Saturdays are typically not available for tourist visits due to the Sabbath. Weather does not affect the interior much, but on rainy days the narrow streets around the synagogue can feel crowded as people shelter and move in groups.
- Plan around 30 minutes for the synagogue itself, plus extra time for the rest of Josefov.
- Weekday mornings outside high season are usually less crowded than afternoons and holidays.
What to Look For Inside the Synagogue
The interior is relatively compact, so slowing down helps. Look up at the ribbed Gothic vaulting and stone arches, which give a sense of how long the building has been in use. The central bimah, surrounded by wrought-iron railings, is the focal point, and the Ark on the eastern wall holds the Torah scrolls; you may not always see inside, but its placement and decoration are key elements of the space.
There are usually small explanatory notes or printed materials available, but they may be limited compared with a museum. If you prefer context, it can be useful to read a short overview of Prague’s Jewish history beforehand or to visit one of the nearby synagogues that function as exhibitions. Photography rules can vary and may be restricted or discouraged; it is polite to check signs at the entrance and avoid photographing anyone who is praying or attending services.
- Pay attention to the stone vaulting, central bimah, and Hebrew inscriptions.
- Check any posted rules about photography and behavior before taking pictures.
Respectful Behavior and Practical Etiquette
Because the Old-New Synagogue is still used for worship, behavior inside is expected to be closer to that in a functioning religious space than in a museum. Speaking quietly, silencing phones, and avoiding video calls are basic courtesies. Guided groups are generally expected to keep commentary low and brief while inside, with longer explanations often given outside the building.
There may be areas that are not accessible to visitors or that are reserved for worshippers; these are usually marked, and staff may gently redirect you if needed. If you are unsure whether something is appropriate, such as where to sit or whether to wear a head covering, it is acceptable to ask staff at the entrance. Taking a moment to sit quietly can be one of the most meaningful parts of the visit, even if you are not religious.
- Keep voices low, phones on silent, and avoid blocking entrances or seating areas.
- Follow staff instructions and posted signs; when in doubt, ask politely before proceeding.
Nearby Sights, Food Stops and Suggested Route
The Old-New Synagogue sits among several major sites of the Jewish Museum in Prague, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Klausen Synagogue, and the Spanish Synagogue, all within a short walk. Many visitors also combine Josefov with Old Town Square, which is only a few minutes away on foot and offers access to the Astronomical Clock and side streets leading toward Charles Bridge.
For a simple route, you might start at Staroměstská metro, walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Old-New Synagogue, continue to the Old Jewish Cemetery and Pinkas Synagogue, then finish at Old Town Square. Cafés and small restaurants are scattered throughout Josefov and the surrounding streets; prices are generally a bit higher than in some residential districts, reflecting the central location. If you prefer quieter breaks, consider stepping a few streets away from the main tourist corridors.
- Combine your visit with the Old Jewish Cemetery and nearby synagogues for more context.
- Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are within walking distance, making it easy to plan a half-day loop.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to visit the Old-New Synagogue?
In most cases, yes. Entry is usually ticketed, either as a standalone ticket or as part of a combined Jewish Museum ticket. Exact prices and combinations can change, so it is advisable to check current information shortly before your visit or at the nearby ticket offices.
How long should I plan for a visit to the Old-New Synagogue?
Many visitors spend around 20–40 minutes inside, depending on how closely they look at the details and whether they sit for a while. If you plan to see other sites in the Jewish Quarter on the same ticket, it is reasonable to allow several hours or up to half a day for the whole area.
Is there a dress code at the Old-New Synagogue?
A modest dress code is expected because it is an active synagogue. Shoulders should be covered, and very casual beach-style clothing is best avoided. Men are usually asked to cover their heads; disposable skullcaps are often available at or near the entrance, but it can be useful to bring your own hat or cap.
How do I get to the Old-New Synagogue using public transport?
The easiest way is usually to take metro Line A to Staroměstská, then walk for about 5–10 minutes through Old Town toward the Jewish Quarter. Several tram lines also stop at Staroměstská or Právnická fakulta, from which you can reach the synagogue on foot. The area is compact, so having a map or an offline navigation app helps you find the exact entrance without detours.
Important note
- Routes, timetables and ticket prices can change. Please verify current information on the official DPP or PID websites.
- Prices, fees and exchange rates are indicative only and may change.
- Opening hours may change seasonally or without notice. Check the official venue website before visiting.
Sources and official links
Prague Tour Guide App – Prague app (coming soon)
We are building a Prague app with offline maps and practical walking routes.
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