Top Things to See in Prague Old Town Square

The square is filled with architectural wonders from different eras. You can spend hours exploring the details of each building. Here are the top Old Town Square sightseeing highlights for your itinerary.

• Name: Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous mechanical clock in the world. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Western side of the square. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Free to watch; fee for tower entry. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Arrive five minutes before the hour to see the figures move.
• Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: Sight Why go: Its twin gothic spires dominate the city skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Eastern side of the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small voluntary donation requested. Getting there: Located directly on the square. Tip: The entrance is hidden behind the front row of houses.
• Name: Jan Hus Memorial Type: Sight Why go: It honors a key figure in Czech history. Best for: Learning about local culture. Where: Center of the square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: In the middle of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Read about the history of the Jan Hus monument before visiting.
• Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of high baroque architecture. Best for: Classical music fans. Where: North-west corner of the square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free for prayer; fee for concerts. Getting there: Near the corner of Pařížská street. Tip: Check the evening schedule for organ concerts.
• Name: Kinský Palace Type: Museum Why go: It houses beautiful art collections in a pink rococo building. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to Týn Church. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Standard museum entry fee. Getting there: Walkable from any part of the square. Tip: Visit the National Gallery Prague website for current exhibitions.
• Name: Stone Bell House Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the oldest gothic houses in Prague. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Beside Kinský Palace. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Depends on the current exhibition. Getting there: Eastern side of the square. Tip: Look for the stone bell on the corner of the building.
• Name: House at the Minute Type: Sight Why go: It features incredible sgraffito decorations from the Renaissance. Best for: Art and literature fans. Where: Next to the Old Town Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: South-west corner. Tip: Franz Kafka lived here as a child.
• Name: The Prague Meridian Type: Experience Why go: It marks where the sun stood at noon in the past. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Ground level near the Jan Hus statue. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look at the paving stones in the center. Tip: It is often overlooked by tourists, so look down!
• Name: Old Town Square Markets Type: Experience Why go: They offer local food and traditional crafts. Best for: Foodies and families. Where: Throughout the square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry; pay for food. Getting there: Central area. Tip: Try the Trdelník pastry during the Christmas or Easter seasons.
• Name: The Powder Tower Type: Day trip Why go: This dark gothic gate was the start of the Royal Route. Best for: Exploring must-see historical monuments in Prague. Where: 5-minute walk from the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Fee to climb the tower. Getting there: Walk down Celetná street. Tip: Use the bridge to see the Municipal House next door.

Best Views and Photo Spots Nearby

Finding the right angle is key for great photos. The Old Town Hall Tower offers the best panoramic view. You can see the entire square and the distant castle from the top. Many people prefer visiting at sunset for golden light. There are also several rooftop restaurants around the square. These provide a comfortable place to enjoy the view with a drink. For a classic shot, stand near the Jan Hus monument. This allows you to frame Týn Church perfectly in your photo.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Visiting the square requires some simple planning. It is best to arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid the largest crowds. Most people gather near the clock every hour on the hour. You can use the Visit Czechia portal for official travel updates. Walking is the easiest way to reach the square from the city center. The nearest metro stations are Staroměstská and Můstek. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be very uneven. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.