12 Top Attractions Near Old Town Square Astronomical Clock

The area around the clock is dense with history and beauty. You can easily spend a whole day within a few blocks. Here are our top picks for a perfect itinerary.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for families: Kampa Island
• Best rainy-day: Jewish Quarter Synagogues
• Best free: Charles Bridge

1. Name: Old Town Square Astronomical Clock (The Orloj) Type: sight Why go: It is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to watch from outside. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before the hour to get a good spot.
2. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best 360-degree views of the square and the city. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Attached to the Astronomical Clock. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Entrance is right next to the clock. Tip: Use the elevator if you want to save your legs for more walking. Check out historic towers and viewpoints in Prague for more ideas.
3. Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn Type: sight Why go: Its iconic twin Gothic spires dominate the Prague skyline. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Opposite the Old Town Hall. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations encouraged). Getting there: Walk across the square from the clock. Tip: The entrance is hidden behind the cafes in front of the church.
4. Name: St. Nicholas Church (Old Town) Type: indoor Why go: This Baroque church features a massive crystal chandelier and stunning frescoes. Best for: Classical music fans. Where: North corner of Old Town Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free for prayer; paid for concerts. Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the clock. Tip: Check the evening schedule for beautiful organ concerts.
5. Name: Charles Bridge Type: sight Why go: This medieval stone bridge is lined with 30 statues of saints. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Connecting Old Town and Lesser Town. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down Karlova street from the square. Tip: Visit at sunrise to see Charles Bridge history and statues without the crowds.
6. Name: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Type: neighborhood Why go: It is one of the best-preserved Jewish heritage sites in Europe. Best for: Cultural history. Where: North of the Old Town Square. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Paid for synagogue entry. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the clock. Tip: Buy a combined ticket to see the Jewish Quarter synagogues in Prague.
7. Name: Prague Castle Type: sight Why go: It is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Best for: Royal history. Where: Hradčany district. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid for interiors; free for grounds. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Start early to enjoy the visiting Prague Castle complex experience before the tour buses arrive.
8. Name: Kampa Island Type: nature Why go: A peaceful island with a park and the famous giant baby statues. Best for: Families and relaxation. Where: Just under the Charles Bridge on the Malá Strana side. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge and take the stairs down. Tip: Look for the Lennon Wall and Kampa Island nearby.
9. Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: experience Why go: A historic fort with great views and fewer tourists than the castle. Best for: Local vibes. Where: South of the city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; paid for casemates. Getting there: Take Metro Line C to Vyšehrad station. Tip: Explore the Vysehrad fortress hidden gems like the cemetery of famous Czechs.
10. Name: Kinsky Palace Type: museum Why go: A beautiful Rococo palace that hosts National Gallery art exhibitions. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Located right on the square. Tip: The balcony was once used for major political speeches.
11. Name: Kutná Hora Type: day trip Why go: Home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church). Best for: Unique history. Where: 80 km east of Prague. Time: Full day. Cost: Paid train and entry. Getting there: Direct train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Book your Bone Church tickets in advance for 2026.
12. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning high Gothic castle founded by Charles IV. Best for: Fairy-tale views. Where: 30 km southwest of Prague. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: 40-minute train ride from Prague. Tip: The hike from the train station to the castle is steep but beautiful.

Planning Your Visit to the Prague Orloj

Visiting the Old Town Square Astronomical Clock requires some timing. The show happens every hour on the hour. It runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Thousands of people gather to watch the figures move. For a better experience, try to visit early in the morning. The square is much quieter before 10:00 AM. You can find more information on the official city tourism portal.

In 2026, many sites may require digital tickets. It is wise to book the Old Town Hall Tower online. This saves you from waiting in long lines. The tower is accessible by a modern elevator. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the view. Always check the weather before you go up. Clear days offer views all the way to the mountains.

Prague is a very walkable city. Most sites near the clock are within 10 minutes of each other. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones are uneven. You should also be aware of your surroundings. Crowded areas around the clock can attract pickpockets. Keep your bags closed and in front of you. This is a safe city, but it pays to be careful. You can learn more about the city on Visit Czechia.

Hidden Gems and Experiences in Central Prague

If the square gets too busy, head into the side streets. Just behind the clock, you will find small courtyards. Many of these house quiet cafes and local shops. Look for the "Ungelt" courtyard near Týn Church. It was once a fortified merchant yard. Today, it is a peaceful spot for a coffee. It is a great way to escape the main tourist path.

Another great experience is the Municipal House. It is a short walk from the Old Town Square. This building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau style. You can take a guided tour or enjoy a meal in the cafe. The interiors are filled with gold and intricate paintings. It represents the height of Czech culture from the early 20th century. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don't forget to try some local food. Many kiosks near the square sell Trdelník. This is a sweet pastry topped with sugar and nuts. While popular, also look for traditional Czech pubs. They often serve hearty goulash or roast pork. These spots are usually found a few blocks away from the main square. They offer better prices and a more authentic feel.