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Old Town Square, Česko - Things to Do in Old Town Square

Things to Do in Old Town Square

Old Town Square, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) stands as the beating heart of Prague's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has witnessed over 900 years of Czech history. This magnificent medieval square is surrounded by Gothic churches, Baroque palaces, and colorful townhouses that create one of Europe's most photographed cityscapes. The iconic Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and St. Nicholas Church frame this cobblestone plaza where emperors were crowned, revolutions began, and countless stories unfolded. Today, Old Town Square seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with vibrant modern life. Street performers entertain crowds while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop across ancient stones, and traditional Christmas markets transform the space into a winter wonderland. The square serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Prague's winding medieval streets, world-class museums, and legendary beer culture, offering visitors an authentic taste of Central European charm.

Top Things to Do in Old Town Square

Watch the Astronomical Clock Performance

Witness the famous hourly show of the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel that has been marking time since 1410. Every hour on the hour, crowds gather to watch the procession of apostles, the crowing rooster, and the moving figures that represent vanity, greed, death, and lust. The intricate clockwork mechanism displays not only the time but also astronomical information, zodiac signs, and Old Czech time.

Booking Tip: The show is completely free and happens every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, especially during peak tourist season. For the best photos, position yourself slightly to the left of the clock tower.

Climb Old Town Hall Tower

Ascend the Gothic tower of Old Town Hall for breathtaking panoramic views over Prague's red-tiled rooftops and spires. The tower offers the best vantage point to photograph the square from above and provides stunning views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River. The elevator ride takes you up 60 meters to observation decks with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around 250 CZK for adults and can be purchased on-site or online. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The tower is wheelchair accessible via elevator.

Explore Týn Church

Visit the imposing Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, whose twin spires dominate the Old Town Square skyline. This 14th-century masterpiece features stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful baroque interior decorations, and houses the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe. The church's dark, mysterious atmosphere and impressive vaulted ceilings create an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but donations are welcomed. The church is typically open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-1 PM and 3-5 PM, with limited Sunday hours. Access is through a narrow passage beside the building, not directly from the square.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Experience Old Town Square like royalty with a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour through Prague's historic streets. These traditional carriages, often decorated with flowers and driven by costumed coachmen, offer a leisurely way to see the city's main attractions while learning about its history. Routes typically include the square, nearby streets, and sometimes extend to the Jewish Quarter or toward Charles Bridge.

Booking Tip: Prices range from 800-1500 CZK for 30-60 minute rides. Book directly with carriage operators in the square or through your hotel. Evening rides offer magical lighting but book ahead during peak season and holidays.

Browse Traditional Christmas Markets

Immerse yourself in the magic of Prague's famous Christmas markets that transform Old Town Square into a winter wonderland from late November through January. Wooden stalls sell traditional Czech handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, mulled wine (svařák), and local delicacies like trdelník and roasted sausages. The enormous Christmas tree and festive decorations create an enchanting atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to browse and typically run from late November to early January. Bring cash as many vendors don't accept cards. Visit in early evening when the lights create the most magical atmosphere, and try the hot mulled wine to stay warm.

Getting There

Prague's Old Town Square is easily accessible from Václav Havel Airport Prague via the Airport Express bus to Hlavní nádraží (Main Train Station), followed by metro line C to Můstek station, just a 3-minute walk from the square. International train connections arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží, with direct metro access to the city center. From other European cities, numerous bus services operate to Prague's central bus station Florenc, connected by metro line B and C to the Old Town area.

Getting Around

The Old Town area is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of the square and the historic center is largely pedestrianized. Prague's excellent public transportation system includes metro, trams, and buses with integrated ticketing - purchase 24-hour tourist passes for unlimited travel. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available, while bike rentals and electric scooters offer alternative ways to explore the wider city beyond the cobblestone streets.

Where to Stay

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

Food & Dining

Old Town Square and its surrounding streets offer an incredible range of dining options, from traditional Czech taverns (hospoda) serving hearty goulash and world-famous Czech beer to upscale restaurants featuring modern interpretations of Central European cuisine. The square itself hosts numerous restaurants with outdoor terraces perfect for people-watching, though expect tourist prices for the prime location. Venture into the nearby side streets to discover authentic local eateries, cozy wine bars, and trendy cafes where locals actually dine, offering better value and more authentic experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Prague

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

‪La Piccola Perla‬

4.5 /5
(5773 reviews) 2
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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

Looking for specific cuisines?

When to Visit

The best time to visit Old Town Square is during late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Summer brings warm weather and long daylight hours but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices. Winter visits offer the magical Christmas markets and fewer tourists, though weather can be cold and daylight hours are limited. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography and a more peaceful atmosphere regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Visit the Astronomical Clock at the top of the hour early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid massive crowds and get better photos
Many restaurants around the square are tourist traps with inflated prices - walk just 2-3 blocks away to find authentic Czech restaurants where locals eat
Free public restrooms are located in the underground area beneath the square near the metro entrance, saving you from paying café fees

Explore Activities in Old Town Square