Things to Do in Old Town Square

Old Town Square sits at the heart of Prague like a perfectly preserved medieval stage set, surrounded by Gothic churches, baroque palaces, and colorful merchant houses that somehow survived centuries of European upheaval. The square actually feels more intimate than you might expect from photos - it's large enough to accommodate crowds but small enough that you can take in all the architectural details from the center. What makes it genuinely special isn't just the famous Astronomical Clock (though that's admittedly impressive), but the way the entire space feels like a living museum where locals still go about their daily business among the tourists.

The restaurants directly on Old Town Square tend to be tourist-oriented with inflated prices, but duck into the side streets and you'll find excellent traditional Czech pubs serving hearty goulash and fresh Pilsner. The area around Wenceslas Square offers more international options, while the Jewish Quarter has some of Prague's finest upscale dining. For authentic local experience, look for pubs with Czech-only menus - the language barrier is worth it for the prices and atmosphere you'll find.

Prague is genuinely beautiful year-round, but late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Summer brings festivals and long daylight hours but also peak tourist numbers and higher prices. Winter can be magical, especially if you catch snow on the medieval rooftops, though temperatures drop well below freezing. The Christmas market season (late November-early January) is atmospheric but expect serious crowds.