Old Town Square

Prague's most iconic public space features the Astronomical Clock, Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Baroque buildings surrounding a vast plaza. Millions visit annually to witness the hourly clock show and experience the heart of Old Town.

Things to do

• Watch the Astronomical Clock — View the hourly performance of the 600-year-old clock on the Old Town Hall's southern facade, where apostles and skeletal figures emerge through mechanical doors.
• Explore Church of Our Lady before Týn — Step inside this stunning Gothic church with twin spires dominating the square's skyline, featuring ornate interiors and Renaissance tomb monuments.
• Climb Old Town Hall Tower — Ascend 56 meters via elevator or stairs for panoramic views across Prague's red roofs and the Vltava River.
• Browse Jan Hus Memorial — Pay respects at the bronze monument honoring the religious reformer, set at the square's center as a focal point for reflection.
• Wander the surrounding arcaded streets — Discover narrow medieval passages radiating from the square lined with galleries, shops, and hidden courtyards.
• Visit Storch House — Admire the Art Nouveau building's ornate facade on the square's east side, beautifully restored with period architectural details.

Food to try

• Trdelník — A sweet pastry spiral dusted with cinnamon and sugar, often sold by street vendors around the square as the quintessential Prague snack.
• Goulash in bread bowl — Hearty Czech beef goulash served inside a hollowed rye bread bowl, a filling meal from traditional restaurants lining the square.
• Klobása with mustard — Grilled Czech sausage served with spicy mustard and dark bread, a simple street food reflecting local culinary tradition.
• Svíčková — Marinated beef sirloin with creamy root vegetable sauce and a dollop of sour cream, a classic Czech main course found in old town restaurants.
• Czech pilsner lager — Sample authentic Pilsner Urquell or local varieties at traditional beer halls surrounding the square, integral to Prague's drinking culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive early for the clock — Come before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds of thousands who gather hourly for the Astronomical Clock performance, especially in peak season.
• Respect sacred spaces — Remove hats and speak quietly when entering the Church of Our Lady before Týn, as it remains an active place of worship despite tourist traffic.
• Cash preferred at small vendors — Many street food vendors and smaller shops around the square operate primarily on cash, so carry Czech koruna rather than relying solely on cards.
• Learn the Jan Hus history — Understanding Hus's role in Czech religious reform enriches your appreciation of the memorial and the square's significance to Czech national identity.

Nearby

• Prague Old Town — 0 km
• National Museum — 0 km
• Prague New Town — 1 km
• Vyšehrad — 1 km