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The Plague Doctor of Prague

140 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 140 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Prague, Czech Republic

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 3 more
German, Spanish, Portuguese

Overview

In 1713, the plague returned to Prague. Most doctors suddenly remembered urgent business elsewhere. Alexandr Schamsky, 28 and apparently missing that survival instinct, stayed — treated patients, documented the chaos, somehow lived to tell the tale.

Three centuries later, follow his exact footsteps with a guide in full plague doctor costume: beaked mask, hooded cloak, leather bag and all. In 90 minutes you'll hear five competing theories on what caused the plague, taste a (modern, harmless) anti-plague pill, smell historic lavender oil and pass one of Europe's oldest hospitals - emerging with nothing worse than a newfound suspicion of avocados.

Real history. Real character. Zero actual plague.
Featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes. Suitable for all ages.

What's Included

  • The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
  • A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
  • A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Aurus Hotel by Adrez

    Meet your plague doctor outside the beautifully decorated House of the Golden Well, built in 1715 to celebrate the end of the plague. Make the acquaintance of Alexandr Schamsky, learn about the plague saints Sebastian and Rochus, and find out why three litres of garlic beer a day was considered solid medical advice.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Klementinum

    Step into one of Prague's most atmospheric courtyards - just 20 metres from the tourist crowds but feeling like a different century entirely. Learn how the rich escaped the plague (they always do), how ordinary families were locked inside their own homes by armed night watchmen, and how Schamsky ended up becoming a doctor against all odds.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Marianske Namesti

    Get acquainted with the two types of plague - bubonic and pneumonic - including symptoms, survival rates and the surprisingly avocado-like nature of a bubo. Meet the plague doctor's costume up close, including the famous beaked mask and its rather pungent air filtration system.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Old Town Square

    Discover why the Jewish community of Prague fared significantly better during the plague - and what that tells us about hygiene, fresh water and the dangers of throwing garbage out of windows. Also a brief encounter with Kafka, who, like the plague, appears everywhere in Prague whether you want him to or not.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Church of Saint Simon and Jude

    Pass by the oldest active hospital in Europe and meet another forgotten hero: Celestine Opitz, the surgeon who performed the first successful surgery under full anaesthesia in 1847. The patient woke up, everyone celebrated, and then the patient died. But still - progress. Learn about the rat flea, Yersinia Pestis, and receive your anti-plague pill.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    National Gallery Prague - Convent of St. Agnes

    End your journey at the serene 13th century convent where Prague's very first plague cases were reported. Learn about alternative medieval medicine, why lavender kept the fleas away, and what ultimately happened to Alexandr Schamsky. The tour closes with a group photo and a poem - part medieval, part metal band, entirely unforgettable.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 5 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Plague Doctor of Prague?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-62337P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.91
    140 reviews

    Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 140 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    133
    4 stars
    4
    3 stars
    2
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    1

    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
    • A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
    • A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour
    • A tour featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
    • Five root causes of the plague, explained with props, pictures and questionable medical advice
    • 90 minutes of time travel with your personal plague doctor in full authentic historical costume
    • A tasting of the legendary anti-plague pill - sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the original.
    • A professional, licensed guide who is genuinely enthusiastic about medieval medical disasters

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
    • Operated by a business

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    Free Cancellation

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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