Planning Your Visit to Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the most popular part of the city. It is often very crowded during the day. For the best experience, arrive early in the morning. You can see the sunrise over the towers. This is also the best time for photos without crowds.

The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 10th century. It began as a central marketplace for the region. Today, it hosts seasonal markets and major celebrations. You should spend at least half a day exploring the square itself.

Many of these sites are close together. You can walk from one to another in minutes. However, some towers and museums require climbing stairs. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: The Prague Astronomical Clock
• Best for families: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best free site: Jan Hus Memorial
• Best rainy-day: Kinský Palace (National Gallery)

Top 10 Old Town Square Historical Sites

This list covers the most significant landmarks within the square. Each site offers a unique look at Prague's past. Make sure to look up at the facades for intricate carvings. Many buildings have names instead of numbers.

1. Name: Prague Astronomical Clock Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: South side of the Old Town Hall. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free to watch from outside. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Learn how to see the clock strike on the hour for the full show.
2. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: Sight Why go: Its iconic twin Gothic towers dominate the city skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: East side of the square. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Voluntary donation suggested. Getting there: Entrance is through a narrow passage behind the front buildings. Tip: Check the visiting info before you go, as it is often closed during mass.
3. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best 360-degree view of the square and city. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Attached to the Astronomical Clock. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Use the elevator or stairs inside the hall. Tip: This is one of the best observation towers in Prague for sunset.
4. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Sight Why go: A stunning example of High Baroque architecture with a massive chandelier. Best for: Fans of classical music and art. Where: Northwest corner of the square. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Free for prayer, fee for some concerts. Getting there: Located near the start of Pařížská street. Tip: Attend an evening organ concert for a magical experience.
5. Name: Kinský Palace Type: Museum Why go: A beautiful Rococo palace that now houses art collections. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to the Stone Bell House. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Standard museum entry. Getting there: East side of the square. Tip: Visit the National Gallery website to see current exhibitions.
6. Name: Jan Hus Memorial Type: Sight Why go: It honors a famous Czech reformer and symbolizes national pride. Best for: History fans. Where: Center of the square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: You cannot miss it in the middle of the open space. Tip: Sit on the base of the monument to people-watch.
7. Name: House at the Stone Bell Type: Experience Why go: One of the oldest Gothic houses in the city, once a royal residence. Best for: Medieval history lovers. Where: Next to Kinský Palace. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: Look for the stone bell on the corner of the building. Tip: This is one of the many hidden gems in Prague often missed by tourists.
8. Name: 27 Crosses Pavement Type: Sight Why go: Marks the spot where 27 Czech lords were executed in 1621. Best for: Somber historical reflection. Where: On the ground next to the Old Town Hall. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look down at the white crosses in the cobblestones. Tip: It is a very important spot in Czech history; please be respectful.
9. Name: House at the Minute Type: Sight Why go: Famous for its incredible sgraffito wall decorations from the Renaissance. Best for: Art and photography. Where: Near the Astronomical Clock. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Just a few steps from the Old Town Hall entrance. Tip: Look for the scenes from Greek mythology and the Bible on the walls.
10. Name: Marian Column Type: Sight Why go: A replica of a historic pillar destroyed in 1918, recently restored. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Jan Hus Memorial. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central part of the square. Tip: Check out the sun shadow it casts, which relates to the old Prague Meridian.

Historical Sites Near Old Town Square

If you have more time, explore the areas just outside the square. Many places to visit in Prague are within a five-minute walk. These sites add more context to the history of the Old Town.

The Powder Tower is a great example of late Gothic style. It was once a gate to the city. Kings used this path for their coronation processions. You can climb to the top for a different view of the square.

You should also visit the nearby Jewish Quarter. It is home to many monuments of the Jewish Quarter that are world-famous. The synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery are very moving. This area is only a short walk from the north side of the square.

For more inspiration, visit the Visit Czechia portal. They offer maps and walking routes for the whole city. Always check for local events that might affect access to these streets.

Practical Tips for Exploring Prague's Heart

Prague is very safe for tourists. However, the square is a hotspot for pickpockets. Always keep your bags closed and in front of you. Do not leave your phone on the table at outdoor cafes.

Dining in the square is expensive. You will pay much more for a beer here than elsewhere. Walk two or three blocks away to find better prices. You can find many free tourist attractions in Prague to balance your budget.

Most sites accept credit cards. It is still good to have some Czech Koruna for small shops. Use official ATMs inside banks to avoid high fees. For more official city info, check the Prague tourism portal.