The Old Town Square in Prague is the place from which tourists begin their acquaintance with the city. What should be seen here and what should be prepared for? We tell you about our conflicting impressions and the main attractions of the square: opening hours, entrance fees, location, how to get there.
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is a pretty square where Chinese from all over the world seem to have gathered. There are also a lot of European and Russian tourists. The closer it is to the astronomical clock, the greater the concentration of people and the higher the selfie sticks will fly. A place that you want to run as soon as possible and not come back - there are so many tourists here!
However, you need to visit the square and see its sights. It's better to come here early. Late in the evening is also good: tourists scatter to pubs and cafes, and the square becomes empty. In the afternoon there is pandemonium here. There are stalls with street food on the square, full of expensive cafes. From the beginning of December, the main Christmas market opens and a tree is installed.
From the square goes Celetna street, all in souvenir shops - along it you can walk to the Powder Tower. Behind the church of St. Nicholas already begins the Jewish quarter of Josefov.
Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
Staroměstská radnice is the name of the town hall in Czech. The curious astronomical clock in the Old Town Square is called Eagle (orloj). They give a mini show every hour from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Just imagine, this is the oldest working clock in the world - since 1410! There are many who want to see this miracle, take a seat. You can learn about the symbolism of the figures, decoding, the device of the clock, as well as interesting facts here in English (the menu is from the top horizontally).
The coolest view of the square and the Tyn Church is from the town hall tower (and also from the roof of the U Prince restaurant). The entrance to the tower is 250 CZK. Check the prices on the official website.
Tyn temple
Tyn Church (Kostel Panny Marie před Týnem) is a cathedral, thanks to which we have come to Old Town Square more than once. This is my favorite temple, I think one of the most beautiful. However, from the inside, I was not impressed. In the evening, it is beautifully illuminated.
Opening hours: Tue-Sat from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00, on Sun - from 10:00 to 12:00, Mon - closed. Photo is prohibited. It seems like it is impossible to climb the towers. The entrance is centered through the arch of houses. Donation is requested - 25 CZK.
Church of St. Nicholas
In Czech - the church of St. Mikulas (Kostel sv. Mikuláše). Beautiful paintings, baroque decoration, a chic chandelier in the form of an imperial crown, donated by Alexander II. There is another church of St. Nicholas, but she is in Mala Strana - do not confuse, in appearance they are a little similar.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 10:00 to 16:00, Sun - from 12:00 to 16:00. Admission is free, paid concerts are held.
Interesting houses
- "U Minuty" (Dům "U Minuty") is a beautiful bourgeois house with paintings. Located on the corner to the left of the Town Hall, if you stand facing the clock.
- "At the Stone Bell" (Dům "U kamenného zvonu") is a house in the form of a Gothic tower between the Kinsky Palace and the Tyn Church.
- Storch House (Štorchův dům) with frescoes and a neo-Gothic balcony on the south side of the square. To the right of the Tyn Church, if you stand facing it.
Monument to Jan Hus
This monument to the national hero is located in the middle of the Old Town Square. There are benches around it, where tired tourists like to relax.
Christmas market and tree at Old Town Square
The main Christmas market and the tree are set up here. But the main one does not mean the most beautiful. We visited several fairs (in Zizkov, Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, Peace Square), and we liked more on Peace Square near the Gothic Cathedral of St. Lyudmila. There are few tourists there, mostly local.
The fair on the square usually works on December 2 - January 6 from 10:00 to 22:00.
How to get to Old Town Square?
You can get there by metro - get off at Staroměstská station (line A). There are also trams # 1, 2, 14, 17, 18, 25, 53 and bus # 194. We always walked through Wenceslas Square.
Old Town Square on the map
Old Town Square Photos
