Prague: Plague Doctor Old Town History Walking Tour
Josefov, Prague
See Prague from a new perspective with this unique walking tour. Follow your guide, dressed in the historical clothing of a plague doctor, and learn about the terrifying history of the bubonic plague.
Plague Doctor Walking Tour in Prague Old Town
This 90-minute walking tour in Prague’s Old Town follows the true story of Alexandr Schamsky, the city’s 1713 plague doctor, suitable for history enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Description
In 1713, while most doctors fled Prague during the plague outbreak, Alexandr Schamsky stayed to treat patients and document the epidemic. Today, you retrace his steps through Prague’s Old Town with a guide dressed in full 17th-century plague doctor costume, including the iconic beaked mask, hooded cloak, and leather medical bag.
This is not a conventional sightseeing tour. Over the course of 90 minutes, your guide brings Schamsky’s story alive with historical detail, dark humor, and stories refined through thousands of performances. The tour has been featured in major publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and Forbes.
What You’ll Experience
- Walk 1.5–2 km through Prague’s Old Town, beginning near Klementinum and ending at St Agnes Convent
- Learn five competing 18th-century theories about the plague’s cause, including planetary alignments
- Discover how quarantine was enforced with sword point if necessary
- Smell the lavender oil used by plague doctors for protection
- Taste a sugar-based, vegan anti-plague pill safer than the original recipe
- Pass by one of Europe’s oldest continuously operating hospitals
- Hear the “avocado analogy” that changes shopping perspectives as shared by previous guests
The tour is based on rigorous historical research, with unexpected surprises and moments of humor. It concludes with a group photo beside your plague doctor guide at St Agnes Convent.
Who This Tour Is For
This tour suits visitors who prefer history presented with a slightly uncomfortable edge. No prior knowledge of Prague or the plague is needed. Participants should be comfortable walking on cobblestones and open to dark humor and unusual historical facts.
Families do well on this tour, with children often remembering the plague doctor experience more vividly than traditional landmarks. Medical professionals and students also find it particularly engaging, especially the plague-related details.
The tour is operated by a family-owned Prague company founded in 2016, which also runs The Nightwatchman of Prague tour.
Includes
- Professional guide in historical plague doctor costume
- 90-minute walking tour of Prague’s Old Town
- Anti-plague pill tasting
- Lavender oil demonstration
- Group photo with your guide
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks other than the anti-plague pill
- Gratuities (optional but appreciated)
Important Information
- The tour operates rain or shine
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book this tour in advance to secure your preferred language option. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for cobblestone streets and bring a rain jacket if needed.
