Old Town Square Prague
Prague's historic heart, a vibrant square with a 10th-century past, featuring the iconic Astronomical Clock and stunning Gothic architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Old Town Square Prague
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Prague's historic heart, a vibrant square with a 10th-century past, featuring the iconic Astronomical Clock and stunning Gothic architecture.
"A must-see in Prague, the Old Town Square is a feast for the eyes with its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere."
🎯 Clock Maintenance Check
Verify if the Astronomical Clock is under maintenance before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore Early or Late
To experience the square with fewer tourists, visit at sunrise or after sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Town Astronomical Clock
Old Town Square
Witness the hourly show of the medieval astronomical clock, a marvel of engineering and art.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
Old Town Square
Admire the striking Gothic spires of this iconic church, a dominant feature of the square's skyline.
Old Town Hall Tower
Old Town Square
Climb the tower for panoramic views of the square and the red rooftops of Prague.
Jan Hus Memorial
Old Town Square
See the imposing statue commemorating the religious reformer Jan Hus, a central monument in the square.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Astronomical Clock
Navigating Old Town Square
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Clock Maintenance Check
Verify if the Astronomical Clock is under maintenance before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore Early or Late
To experience the square with fewer tourists, visit at sunrise or after sunset.
⬆️ Best City Views
Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the square and city.
🍦 Local Ice Cream Spots
Try Cukrar Skala for pistachio or Crème de la Crème for other flavors, but visit Vinohrady location to skip lines. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Clock Maintenance Check
Verify if the Astronomical Clock is under maintenance before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore Early or Late
To experience the square with fewer tourists, visit at sunrise or after sunset.
⬆️ Best City Views
Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the square and city.
🍦 Local Ice Cream Spots
Try Cukrar Skala for pistachio or Crème de la Crème for other flavors, but visit Vinohrady location to skip lines. +1
🎟️ Book in Advance
For popular attractions, consider booking tickets online in advance to save time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Town Square for its stunning historical architecture, iconic landmarks like the Astronomical Clock, and vibrant atmosphere, especially during festive seasons. However, many note the overwhelming crowds and the prevalence of tourist-trap restaurants, suggesting venturing off the main square for more authentic experiences.
"If you're in Prague, you have to visit the Old Town Square. I went on a Saturday in the summer. There are people from all over the world there. It's filled with beautiful architecture and amazing sights. It gets busy, even fairly early in the morning; that just adds to its charm. Enjoy. Highly recommended!"
Bryan Stoops
"The Old Town Square in Prague is where the city’s past and present meet seamlessly. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture and the famous Astronomical Clock, the square feels alive and modern with cafés, street performers, and locals mingling with visitors. The real magic is not just in the buildings or history but in the people. There is a warmth here that stands out in Europe, as random strangers return your smile while you walk the streets, making the city feel welcoming and alive. It is one of the friendliest places you can visit, and the Old Town Square captures that spirit perfectly."
Ali
"One of the oldest parts of the city is the heart of medieval Prague. The most significant square of historical Prague, founded in the 12th century, has witnessed many historical events. In addition to the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the square is dominated by the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the Rococo Kinsky Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell and the Jan Hus Monument. On the pavement of the square there are memorial stones commemorating the execution of 27 Czech lords in 1621 and the Prague Meridian. Perhaps the most beautiful square in the whole city. Gothic houses and churches; cobblestone streets and squares; stone towers create an amazing historical atmosphere. And all kinds of bars, restaurants, dance clubs, shops of international brands, galleries and hotels give energy to the old city, presenting its modern face."
Witold Drutel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Town Square is centrally located and easily accessible. Most visitors arrive by walking from nearby attractions like Charles Bridge. Public transport options include trams and metro lines that stop within a short walk. For example, the Staroměstská metro station (Line A) is very close. +1
Yes, Old Town Square is very walkable and is best explored on foot. It's part of a larger historic district that is ideal for leisurely strolls. +1
From Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), you can take bus AE (Airport Express) to the main train station (Hlavní nádraží), then transfer to public transport or a taxi to Old Town Square. Alternatively, ride-sharing services are readily available.
Parking directly in Old Town Square is highly restricted and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated garages outside the historic center and walk or take public transport in.
Taxis are available, but it's advisable to use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps to avoid potential overcharging in tourist areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Town Square itself is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. However, individual attractions within or around the square, like the Old Town Hall Tower or certain churches, will have their own admission fees.
Old Town Square is always open as it's a public square. However, the hours for specific attractions like the Astronomical Clock viewing gallery or the Old Town Hall Tower vary. The Christmas market has specific operating hours.
The hourly show of the Astronomical Clock is free to watch from the square. If you wish to go up the Old Town Hall Tower for a view of the clock and the square, there is an admission fee.
Discounts may be available for students or seniors at some attractions. If you have an ISIC card, it's worth inquiring about potential discounts at ticket offices.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for early morning or late evening. The hourly show can draw significant numbers of people.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key sights include the Old Town Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Jan Hus Memorial, and the Old Town Hall Tower. Exploring the surrounding narrow streets is also highly recommended. +1
The Old Town Hall Tower offers the most iconic and comprehensive views of Old Town Square and its surroundings.
Yes, Old Town Square is one of Prague's most popular tourist destinations and can get very crowded, especially during peak season and holidays.
At night, the square is beautifully illuminated, offering a different, often less crowded, atmosphere. Many restaurants and bars around the square are open, and you can enjoy the illuminated architecture.
Beyond the main sights, look out for street performers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and seasonal markets like the famous Christmas market.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the square itself has many tourist-focused restaurants, venturing a few streets away can lead to more authentic and better-value options. Look for traditional Czech pubs or explore the diverse international cuisine available. +1
Must-try Czech dishes include goulash, svíčková (marinated sirloin), trdelník (a sweet pastry, though more of a tourist treat), and various dumplings.
Prague has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. You can find options ranging from traditional Czech cuisine adapted for plant-based diets to international vegan eateries.
Travelers rave about Cukrar Skala for pistachio ice cream and Crème de la Crème for other flavors. For a less crowded experience, visit the Vinohrady location of Crème de la Crème. +1
Food directly on Old Town Square can be pricey. For more budget-friendly options, explore side streets or consider trying local bakeries or food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square is photogenic! Key spots include the Astronomical Clock, the Týn Church spires, the Jan Hus Memorial, and views from the Old Town Hall Tower. Capture the square at different times of day for varied light.
Early morning or late evening offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photos. Golden hour before sunset can also be magical.
Yes, you can photograph and video the hourly show of the Astronomical Clock. Be prepared for crowds gathered to watch.
Generally, photography in the public square is allowed. However, some individual attractions within the square might have specific rules regarding photography, especially inside churches or museums.
The Týn Church looks stunning throughout the day, but its Gothic spires are particularly dramatic against a blue sky or during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the square itself is free to explore, be mindful of the crowds, which can be overwhelming for younger children. Look for kid-friendly food options like ice cream or pastries from local vendors.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, avoid the restaurants directly on the square and instead explore the side streets for more affordable local eateries or grab a delicious and inexpensive trdelník from a street vendor.
📸 Photographers
For the best light and fewer people, aim for sunrise or the golden hour before sunset. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the Old Town Hall Tower for breathtaking panoramic shots of the square and the city's red rooftops.
Experiment with different angles and times of day to get unique perspectives of this historic heart of Prague.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Old Town Astronomical Clock
Visitors gather in front of the clock tower every hour on the hour to witness the procession of the Apostles and other figures. While the show is brief, it's a quintessential Prague experience. Be aware that the clock has undergone significant renovations, so it's wise to check its operational status before your visit.
Exploring the Architecture of Old Town Square
Other notable buildings include the Old Town Hall, a complex of medieval structures that houses the famous astronomical clock and offers tower climbs for panoramic views.
Experiencing Old Town Square During Festive Seasons
Stalls offer everything from handmade ornaments and wooden toys to mulled wine (svařák) and gingerbread. The giant Christmas tree at the center of the square is a spectacular sight, illuminated each evening. Beyond Christmas, the square also hosts other events and markets throughout the year, though none quite match the scale and charm of the winter festivities. Visiting during these times offers a unique cultural experience, but be prepared for significantly larger crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit