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Astronomical Clock, Česko - Things to Do in Astronomical Clock

Things to Do in Astronomical Clock

Astronomical Clock, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic (Česko), is home to one of the world's most famous astronomical clocks, located in the heart of Old Town Square. This medieval marvel, installed in 1410, represents the pinnacle of Gothic science and artistry, drawing millions of visitors annually to witness its hourly show featuring the twelve apostles and intricate astronomical displays. The city surrounding this iconic timepiece is equally captivating, with its fairy-tale architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history spanning over a thousand years. Beyond the famous clock, Prague offers an extraordinary blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, creating one of Europe's most photogenic cityscapes. The city's compact historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features magnificent castles, ancient bridges, charming squares, and countless churches and palaces that tell the story of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and centuries of cultural evolution.

Top Things to Do in Astronomical Clock

Watch the Astronomical Clock hourly show

Experience the mesmerizing hourly performance of the medieval Astronomical Clock as the twelve apostles appear in the windows above while the clock chimes. The intricate mechanism displays astronomical information including the position of the sun and moon, zodiac signs, and the current phase of the lunar cycle. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot as crowds gather before each hour.

Booking Tip: The show is free and occurs every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM. Best viewing times are early morning or late evening when crowds are smaller. Consider booking a guided tour (€15-25) that includes historical context and access to the clock tower for panoramic city views.

Explore Prague Castle complex

Discover one of the largest castle complexes in the world, featuring St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and beautiful gardens overlooking the Vltava River. The castle has been the seat of Czech rulers for over 1,000 years and houses the Czech Crown Jewels. Allow at least half a day to explore the various buildings, courtyards, and exhibitions within this magnificent fortress.

Booking Tip: Standard tickets cost around €12-15, with audio guides available for €3. Book online to skip ticket lines, especially during summer months. Early morning visits (before 10 AM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.

Stroll across Charles Bridge

Walk across this iconic 14th-century stone bridge adorned with 30 baroque statues of saints, connecting Old Town with Lesser Town. The bridge offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the city's spires while providing encounters with street artists, musicians, and local vendors. The bridge is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset when the light creates perfect photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but arrive early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening to avoid crowds. Photography tours (€20-35) can provide professional guidance for capturing the best shots. Avoid purchasing souvenirs on the bridge as prices are inflated.

Experience traditional Czech cuisine and beer

Indulge in hearty Czech specialties like goulash, schnitzel, and dumplings while sampling world-renowned Czech beer in historic pubs and beer halls. Prague is home to famous breweries like Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar, offering authentic beer experiences in atmospheric settings. Many establishments feature live folk music and traditional Czech hospitality.

Booking Tip: Beer tours range from €25-45 per person and typically include 3-4 venues with tastings and traditional snacks. Book evening tours for the most authentic atmosphere. Look for tours that include both historic pubs and modern craft breweries for a comprehensive experience.

Take a Vltava River cruise

Enjoy spectacular views of Prague's skyline from the water while cruising along the Vltava River past illuminated monuments and bridges. Evening cruises offer romantic ambiance with dinner options and live music, while daytime cruises provide excellent photography opportunities. Many cruises include audio commentary about the city's history and landmarks visible from the river.

Booking Tip: Standard cruises cost €15-25, dinner cruises €35-60. Evening cruises offer the most scenic experience with illuminated buildings. Book at least 2-3 days in advance during peak season, and choose operators with good reviews for food quality if selecting dinner options.

Getting There

Prague is easily accessible via Václav Havel Airport Prague, located 17 kilometers from the city center, with regular flights from major European and international destinations. The Airport Express bus (€2) connects directly to the main train station, while taxis cost approximately €25-30. Prague is also well-connected by train to major European cities, with the main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží) located in the city center. For those driving, Prague is accessible via major highways from Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, though parking in the historic center is limited and expensive.

Getting Around

Prague's efficient public transportation system includes metros, trams, and buses, with a unified ticket system costing €1.20 for 30 minutes or €3.20 for 24 hours. The compact historic center is best explored on foot, as most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Trams are particularly scenic and useful for reaching areas like Prague Castle and Petřin Hill. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be expensive, while bike rentals offer an alternative way to explore the city's parks and riverside paths.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Staré Město)
New Town (Nové Město)
Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Vinohrady
Wenceslas Square area
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Food & Dining

Prague's dining scene combines traditional Czech cuisine with modern international flavors, from historic beer halls serving hearty goulash and fresh pilsner to contemporary restaurants offering innovative takes on Central European dishes. The Old Town and New Town areas feature the highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from budget-friendly local pubs (hospoda) to upscale establishments with Michelin recognition. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), trdelník (sweet pastry), and washing it down with world-famous Czech beer, which is often cheaper than water and considered among the best in the world.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Prague

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

‪La Piccola Perla‬

4.5 /5
(5773 reviews) 2
bar

Indian Jewel

4.6 /5
(5040 reviews) 2

Restaurant Mlýnec

4.7 /5
(4691 reviews)

GamberoRosso

4.6 /5
(4619 reviews) 2

Fly Vista

4.8 /5
(3855 reviews)
bar

San Carlo Dittrichova

4.6 /5
(3704 reviews) 2
meal_delivery

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Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Prague is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days but bring large crowds and higher prices. Winter (December-February) can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered architecture, though weather is cold and some attractions have reduced hours. Spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for walking tours and outdoor photography while offering better value for money.

Insider Tips

Visit the Astronomical Clock tower early morning or late afternoon for the best photos without crowds blocking your view
Many restaurants in tourist areas add automatic service charges, so check your bill carefully and tip additionally only for exceptional service
Purchase a Prague Castle ticket online in advance and enter through the less crowded northern gate near the Royal Gardens to avoid long queues at the main entrance

Explore Activities in Astronomical Clock