Top 10 Old Town Square Attractions in Prague

Old Town Square is the most vibrant part of the city. It is always busy with street performers and markets. You should give yourself several hours to see everything properly. Here are our top picks for your itinerary.

• Best Overall: Prague Astronomical Clock
• Best View: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for Art: Kinský Palace
• Best Free Sight: Jan Hus Memorial

1. Name: Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world. Every hour, the Twelve Apostles appear in a small window. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Southern wall of the Old Town Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to watch from outside. Getting there: Walk to the center of the square. Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before the hour to get a good spot.
2. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous 360-degree views of the city. You can see the red roofs and the castle clearly. Best for: Panoramic photography. Where: Attached to the Old Town Hall. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Look for the entrance next to the clock. Tip: This is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Prague for sunset.
3. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: Sight Why go: Its twin gothic spires dominate the skyline. The interior is a beautiful mix of gothic and baroque styles. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: East side of the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Voluntary donation. Getting there: Enter through the small passage behind the restaurants. Tip: The entrance is hidden behind the front row of houses.
4. Name: St. Nicholas Church (Old Town) Type: Experience Why go: This baroque masterpiece hosts regular classical music concerts. The huge crystal chandelier is breathtaking. Best for: Music and interior design fans. Where: Northwest corner of the square. Time: 20 minutes (longer for concerts). Cost: Free for prayer; paid for concerts. Getting there: Near the start of Pařížská Street. Tip: Check the evening concert schedule at the entrance.
5. Name: Jan Hus Memorial Type: Sight Why go: This massive bronze monument honors a famous Czech reformer. It is a symbol of national pride and resilience. Best for: Relaxing and people-watching. Where: Center of the square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the large statue in the middle. Tip: Use the stone base as a meeting point for groups.
6. Name: Kinský Palace Type: Museum Why go: This pink and white rococo palace houses the National Gallery. It features impressive art collections from across Asia and Europe. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to the Týn Church. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Standard museum fee. Getting there: Located on the eastern edge. Tip: Visit the National Gallery Prague website for current exhibitions.
7. Name: Stone Bell House Type: Experience Why go: A rare example of gothic domestic architecture. It often hosts unique contemporary art exhibits. Best for: History and modern art. Where: Beside Kinský Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: Look for the stone bell on the corner. Tip: Look at the corner of the building to see the actual stone bell.
8. Name: House at the Minute Type: Sight Why go: This building is covered in beautiful sgraffito decorations. Franz Kafka lived here with his family for several years. Best for: Literature fans and artists. Where: Near the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: It is the dark building with white drawings. Tip: Look closely at the mythological scenes on the walls.
9. Name: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Type: Day trip/Neighborhood Why go: It is located just steps away from the square. It contains the Old Jewish Cemetery and several historic synagogues. Best for: Cultural history. Where: North of the square. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Combined ticket for sites. Getting there: Walk down Pařížská Street for two minutes. Tip: Explore the Jewish Quarter historical sites early in the morning.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Experience Why go: This iconic bridge is the most famous walk in Prague. It connects the Old Town to the Lesser Town. Best for: Everyone. Where: Five minutes west of the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow Karlova Street from the square. Tip: Read these Charles Bridge sightseeing tips to avoid the biggest crowds.

Planning Your Visit to Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the busiest place in Prague. To enjoy it, you need a good plan. Most people arrive in the middle of the day. This is when the square is most crowded.

Try visiting at sunrise for a peaceful experience. The morning light makes the buildings glow. You can take photos without hundreds of people in them. Most shops and sites open around 9:00 or 10:00 AM.

Public transport is the best way to get here. Take the Metro Line A to Staroměstská station. From there, it is a short three-minute walk. Avoid driving as parking is almost impossible in the center.

Consider buying a Prague city pass for your trip. It covers entry to the Old Town Hall and other sites. You can find official tourism info at Prague.eu for updated schedules. Always stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas.

Historical Significance of the Square

This square is more than just a tourist spot. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The history here spans many centuries of European change. It has hosted markets, executions, and political protests.

The architecture is a living textbook of styles. You can see Romanesque foundations under many houses. Gothic towers stand next to ornate Baroque facades. This mix makes the square unique in Central Europe.

Key events like the 1621 execution of 27 lords happened here. Look for the 27 white crosses on the ground. They mark the spot where this event took place. It is a somber reminder of the city's past.

Today, the square remains the center of celebrations. It hosts the famous Christmas and Easter markets. These markets are known globally for their festive atmosphere. They keep the ancient traditions of Prague alive for everyone.