Small-Group Old Town, Two Languages

Overview

This walk starts in front of Cartier on Old Town Square, where the guide waits with a red, white and blue umbrella, and runs for 2 hours 45 minutes through the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. The route takes in Old Town Square itself, the Astronomical Clock, the Powder Gate and Josefov, with the guide layering in history, myth and local legend behind the facades along the way. The GuruWalk page promises that nothing is as it first seems, and the itinerary stops at the Týn Church side of the square, the Estates Theatre with its Don Giovanni statue, and the synagogues and history of the Jewish Quarter.

It runs in English and French, and the guide on recent walks, Nathan, comes up again and again in traveller feedback as knowledgeable, friendly and quick to give personalised recommendations, both during the walk and afterwards. One family with a twelve year old said the itinerary was adjusted for them. One group was even led to a local restaurant for lunch when the walk finished.

The tour is listed on GuruWalk and is free to book: guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. It suits travellers who want more than a sight-by-sight recital, since the emphasis falls on stories and context, and it fits anyone happy to walk briskly for close to three hours.

Itinerary

1. Meet at Old Town SquareMeet at Staroměstské náměstí, in front of Cartier. The guide carries a red, white and blue umbrella.
2. Old Town Square stopThe walk takes in the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, Kinský Palace and the statue of Jan Hus.
3. Estates Theatre stopThe route passes the Estates Theatre, the Don Giovanni statue and the university.
4. Josefov stopThe walk covers various synagogues, the history of the Jewish people in Prague, and the Rudolfinum.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up repeatedly in traveller feedback and on the GuruWalk page itself.

• Be a good walker. Reviewers more than once describe the pace as covering a lot of ground, so comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness help. The walk runs for 2 hours 45 minutes with standing and stopping throughout.
• English moves fast. One reviewer notes that the English is not aimed at intermediate speakers, since the guide is British and speaks rather fast. The same reviewer adds that he was patient and friendly, so questions are welcome.
• Ask for adjustments. One family said the guide adapted the itinerary to their pace and preferences, travelling with a twelve year old. If the route or the speed is not working, it is worth saying so.
• Recommendations included. One reviewer mentions personalised recommendations given during the walk and after it. Come with questions ready.
• Payment at the end. Booking is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end, on the GuruWalk model. There is no set price printed on the GuruWalk page.
• Find the umbrella. The meeting point is in front of Cartier on Old Town Square, and the guide carries a red, white and blue umbrella.

Common issues. The clearest caveat comes from a reviewer who found the spoken English too fast for intermediate learners, though the same reviewer called the guide patient. The same reviewer warns that a lot of ground is covered, so the walk demands some fitness.

Common Questions Before You Book