Essential Old Town Square major attractions for first-timers

The square is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Central Europe. These sites are essential for any visitor. They offer a deep look into the religious and political history of the Czech people. Most of these attractions are located within a few steps of each other.

Quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
• Best for families: The hourly clock show
• Best rainy-day: St. Nicholas Church
• Best free: Jan Hus Memorial

1. Name: Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: West side of the square. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free to watch; fee for tower entry. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before the hour to see the mechanical figures move.
2. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: Religious site Why go: Its massive Gothic spires are the most recognizable feature of the square. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: East side of the square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Voluntary donation suggested. Getting there: Walk through the narrow passage from the square. Tip: This is one of the most beautiful churches in Prague, but entry times are limited.
3. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: Religious site Why go: This Baroque masterpiece features a stunning crystal chandelier and impressive frescoes. Best for: Art and music fans. Where: Northwest corner of the square. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Free for prayer; fee for evening concerts. Getting there: Located near the start of Pařížská street. Tip: Visit during the day to see the interior light up through the dome.
4. Name: Jan Hus Memorial Type: Monument Why go: This large bronze monument honors the religious reformer Jan Hus. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Center of the square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the central focal point of the square. Tip: The benches around the monument are a great place for people-watching.

Historic houses and museums on the square

Beyond the large churches, the square is lined with historic houses. Many of these buildings now serve as galleries or museums. They showcase the artistic heritage of the Czech Republic. Exploring these interiors provides a quiet escape from the busy square.

1. Name: Kinský Palace Type: Museum/Art Why go: This pink Rococo palace houses part of the National Gallery Prague. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: East side of the square. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located next to the Stone Bell House. Tip: Check out the best museums in Prague for more art options nearby.
2. Name: House at the Minute Type: Architecture Why go: It features incredible sgraffito decorations from the 17th century. Best for: Fans of Renaissance art. Where: Next to the Old Town Hall. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Located on the corner leading to Small Square. Tip: Franz Kafka lived in this house as a child.
3. Name: Stone Bell House Type: History/Gallery Why go: It is one of the oldest and best-preserved Gothic houses in the city. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Right next to Týn Church. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Fee for temporary exhibitions. Getting there: Look for the stone bell on the corner of the building. Tip: The building often hosts high-quality contemporary art shows.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Interiors Type: Experience Why go: You can see the historical council chambers and a Gothic chapel. Best for: Indoor sightseeing. Where: Inside the Old Town Hall. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Enter through the main tourist information center. Tip: The tour includes a visit to the medieval underground areas.

Famous viewpoints and nearby highlights

To truly appreciate the square, you should see it from different angles. Climbing high above the cobblestones offers a unique perspective. There are also several major attractions just a short walk away. These sites complement your visit to the historic center.

1. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best 360-degree views of the square and the city. Best for: Photographers. Where: Part of the Old Town Hall complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take the elevator or stairs inside the hall. Tip: It is one of the best scenic viewpoints in Prague for sunset.
2. Name: Pařížská Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the most expensive and beautiful shopping street in Prague. Best for: Luxury shopping and architecture. Where: Leading north from the square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Starts between St. Nicholas Church and Kinsky Palace. Tip: Look up to see the beautiful Art Nouveau facades.
3. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Iconic sight Why go: This historic bridge connects the Old Town to the Lesser Town. Best for: Everyone. Where: 500 meters west of the square. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow Karlova street from the square. Tip: Learn more about the Charles Bridge statues and towers before you go.
4. Name: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Type: Neighborhood Why go: It contains the best-preserved Jewish historical monuments in Europe. Best for: History and culture. Where: North of the square. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the museum circuit. Getting there: A five-minute walk from the square. Tip: Visit the Jewish Quarter sights in Prague for a moving experience.

Planning your visit to Old Town Square

Visiting the square requires some basic planning to avoid the largest crowds. The area is most crowded between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Early morning or late evening visits offer a more peaceful atmosphere. You can find more details on the official city tourism portal.

Prague is very walkable, and the square is mostly pedestrianized. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven. Many people use the square as a meeting point. It is easy to find, but it can get very busy during festivals.

If you visit in December, the square hosts a world-famous Christmas market. The Easter markets in spring are also very popular. These events bring local crafts and traditional food to the center. Expect higher prices for food and drinks in this immediate area.