Planning Your Visit to Old Town Square

The Old Town Square has been the center of Prague life for centuries. It is always busy with tourists and locals. You can see Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings all in one place. Most visitors start their journey here because it is very central. The square is officially part of the historic center of Prague.

To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit early in the morning. The square is also beautiful at night when the buildings are lit up. You can find many cafes around the edges, but they are often expensive. It is better to walk a few streets away for cheaper food. Many walking tours meet near the central statues.

Here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Prague Astronomical Clock
• Best for families: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best rainy-day: Kinský Palace Art Gallery
• Best free: Jan Hus Memorial

For more general information, you can check the official Prague tourism portal. This site offers maps and event schedules for the whole city. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. The square is safe, but pickpockets sometimes operate in large groups. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is made of cobblestones.

12 Old Town Square Sightseeing Highlights

This list covers the most important sights you should not miss. Each spot has a unique story and beautiful design. Make sure to bring your camera for these iconic views.

1. Name: Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) Type: iconic sight Why go: It is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Best for: History lovers Where: Southern wall of the Old Town Hall Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free to watch Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro Tip: Read this clock viewing guide before you go.
2. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire square. Best for: Photographers Where: Next to the Astronomical Clock Time: 45 minutes Cost: Moderate entry fee Getting there: Walk from the center of the square Tip: This is one of the best viewpoints in Prague for sunset.
3. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: iconic sight Why go: Its dark Gothic spires dominate the city skyline. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Eastern side of the square Time: 20 minutes Cost: Voluntary donation Getting there: Walk across the square Tip: The entrance is hidden behind the houses in front of the church.
4. Name: Jan Hus Memorial Type: iconic sight Why go: It honors a famous Czech reformer and national hero. Best for: History buffs Where: Center of the square Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the middle of the square Tip: Learn about the history of the Jan Hus monument to understand its meaning.
5. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: iconic sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque church with a massive chandelier. Best for: Music lovers Where: North-west corner of the square Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free (except for concerts) Getting there: Walk from the Jan Hus Memorial Tip: They often hold classical music concerts in the evenings.
6. Name: Kinský Palace Type: museum/indoor Why go: This Rococo palace houses part of the National Gallery Prague. Best for: Art enthusiasts Where: Next to the Stone Bell House Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Ticket required for exhibitions Getting there: Walk towards the Týn Church Tip: Look for the balcony where political history was made in 1948.
7. Name: House at the Minute Type: iconic sight Why go: Famous for its detailed sgraffito wall art and Kafka history. Best for: Literature fans Where: Near the Old Town Hall Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free (exterior) Getting there: Walk 50 meters from the Clock Tip: Franz Kafka lived here as a young child.
8. Name: The 27 Crosses Type: unique local experience Why go: White crosses on the ground mark where 27 nobles were executed. Best for: History lovers Where: Pavement next to the Old Town Hall Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Look at the ground near the tower Tip: It is considered bad luck to step directly on the crosses.
9. Name: Stone Bell House Type: museum/indoor Why go: One of the oldest Gothic houses in the city. Best for: Medieval history fans Where: Next to Kinský Palace Time: 30 minutes Cost: Ticket required for gallery Getting there: Walk to the east side of the square Tip: Look for the stone bell on the corner of the building.
10. Name: Prague Meridian Type: unique local experience Why go: A brass strip in the ground used to tell noon in the past. Best for: Curious travelers Where: Ground near the Jan Hus Memorial Time: 5 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk towards the center of the square Tip: It shows where the shadow of the Marian Column used to fall.
11. Name: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Type: neighborhood/market Why go: A historic area with old synagogues and a famous cemetery. Best for: Culture seekers Where: 5-minute walk north of the square Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Ticket for Jewish Museum Getting there: Walk down Pařížská street Tip: Follow this Jewish Quarter walking route for the best experience.
12. Name: Charles Bridge Type: iconic sight Why go: The most famous bridge in the Czech Republic. Best for: Everyone Where: 10-minute walk west of the square Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk down Karlova street Tip: Check out our guide on Charles Bridge photography for the best photo spots.

Practical Tips for Prague Sightseeing

Getting around the Old Town is very easy on foot. Most streets are pedestrian-only or have very little traffic. If you need to go further, use the metro or tram. The Staroměstská station is the closest stop to the square. Buy your tickets at yellow machines or via a mobile app.

Prague uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) as its currency. Many places in the square accept cards, but keep some cash. Avoid the currency exchange offices directly on the square. They often have very bad rates or high fees. Look for reputable exchange offices in nearby side streets instead.

Public toilets are available but usually cost a small fee. You can find them near the Old Town Hall. Most museum staff speak English well. If you need help, look for the official tourist info center. It is located inside the Old Town Hall building.

Exploring Beyond the Square

Once you see the square, there is much more to find. You can walk towards the Vltava River for great views. Many people enjoy taking a boat cruise to see the city. This is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You can see the castle and the bridge from the water.

The streets leading away from the square are full of shops. Pařížská street is famous for luxury brands and fashion. Celetná street leads you towards the Powder Tower. This was the traditional route for royal coronations. It is a very scenic walk with many photo opportunities.

In the evening, the atmosphere in the square changes. Many street performers play music near the Jan Hus statue. You can find traditional Czech pubs in the smaller alleys. Try the local beer and traditional goulash for dinner. It is a great way to end your day of sightseeing.