Old Town Square, Prague

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Old Town Square, Prague

Old Town Square, Prague

When in Prague, chances are you’ll be drawn into the Old Town Square—set right in the city’s historic core. It opens up dramatically from the winding alleys around it, and the sheer scale might catch you off guard. Once a bustling medieval marketplace, it’s now a lively, pedestrian-friendly zone filled with shops, cafés, hotels, and street performers. The kind of place where you can relax with fellow travelers, soak in centuries of history, or get swept up in the city’s nightlife as live musicians vie for your attention.

Some of Prague’s most iconic medieval landmarks gather here. You’ll spot the Old Town City Hall, built in 1364, best known for its intricate Astronomical Clock that still draws a crowd every hour. To the north, the 18th-century Saint Nicholas Church gleams in the sunlight, its white façade now home to classical concerts.

Towering above everything else are the spires of the Týn Church, an unmistakable Gothic presence and one of the city’s most photographed churches. Access is tucked behind the Týn School, itself a beautiful Gothic building with graceful arcades. Just nearby, the Stone Bell House hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, while the neighboring Kinsky Palace—now part of the National Gallery—shows off its delicate Rococo façade.

Look south and you’ll see rows of Baroque and Renaissance townhouses, each marked not by numbers but by colorful names and symbols: At the Golden Unicorn, At the Blue Star, At the Red Fox... a throwback to the days before numbered addresses.

At the heart of the square stands the powerful Jan Hus Memorial, erected 500 years after the religious reformer's execution. Burned at the stake in 1415 for his beliefs, Hus remains a symbol of Czech defiance and conviction, known for his firm position against corruption and the abuse of power within the Catholic Church

Tip: Climb the clock tower—or take the elevator—for a sweeping 360-degree view of Prague’s rooftops and beyond. It’s the kind of panorama that sticks with you.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Old Town Square on Map

Sight Name: Old Town Square
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour

Lesser Town Walking Tour

Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
New Town Walking Tour

New Town Walking Tour

The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.

At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.

The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Staré Město) of Prague.

The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.

One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

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