🗺️ Old Town Square: when the clock strikes and how much the tower costs

Old Town Square draws a crowd every hour. People raise their phones and wait for the astronomical clock to strike. This is the heart of Prague and the starting point for almost any walk through the old town. The Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, two Gothic churches, and the Jan Hus Memorial stand within steps of each other. The clock strikes every hour from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (as of 09/2026, Prague tourism office website). Below: what to see, how to climb the tower, and how to get there by metro.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Old Town Square: the essentials

💡 In short:

The square is open 24/7 and free; you only pay to enter the Town Hall and climb the tower.
Watch the clock strike with the figures of the apostles every hour; it's free from the square.
The nearest metro stations are Staroměstská (line A) and Můstek (lines A and B), about a 5-minute walk from the exits to the square (based on the map).
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.

The official name of the place is Staroměstské náměstí. The square lies in the very center of the Old Town, between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge. Along its edges, it's surrounded by buildings with facades in various styles, from Gothic to Baroque. How much time you spend here depends on whether you're just stopping by the clock or also going into the Town Hall and the churches.

History of old town square

In the 12th century, a market bustled on this spot. Craftsmen and merchants, both Czech and foreign, traded here. In the early 14th century, King John, who depended heavily on the local nobility, granted the district the right to self-government.

Old Town Square in Prague with a crowd of tourists

The Old Town got its Town Hall in 1338, when it became the seat of the city administration (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). Later, the merchant Wolflin of Kamene donated a building to the city that is still considered the main structure on the square today. Over time, the Town Hall incorporated five neighboring houses, and a spacious assembly hall was added inside.

The clock didn't appear right away; it came in 1410. Merchants needed to know the time, but the master craftsman made the mechanism so that it also became a work of art.

During World War II, the Town Hall was badly damaged. During the Prague Uprising, on May 8, 1945, the eastern wing was destroyed by shelling and was never rebuilt (as of 09/2026, page about the Town Hall).

Today the square is full of life. Horse-drawn carriages give rides, street musicians perform, and processions in national costumes pass through. The place makes an especially strong impression at Christmas and New Year's: a large Christmas tree is set up in the center, and there is singing and dancing. If you come in December, try the hot mulled wine and Czech sweets.

Town hall and the astronomical clock

Astronomical dial of the Prague astronomical clock with figures

The main draw of the square is the Astronomical Clock, or Orloj. It shows not only the current time but also old Czech time, as well as the phases of the moon and the times of sunrise and sunset.

Every hour from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, small windows open above the dial and the twelve apostles parade in a circle (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism website). Then the figures representing human vices, Death, and the Angel move. A crowd gathers to watch this spectacle, and you'll understand why when you see it in person.

The ticket is not for the fight itself, but for entry inside the town hall. The tour includes the tower and the historical halls: the chapel, the ceremonial rooms, and the dungeon. From the observation deck you get a view of the tiled roofs of the Old Town and Prague Castle. Inside you'll see the old halls, sculptures including the goddess of justice, and the mayor's chair. The dungeon used to hold prisoners.

How to get there: the town hall entrance is on the west side of the square, right by the tower.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:00-20:00 from April to December, 10:00-19:00 from January to March (as of 09/2026, hours on prague.eu).
Ticket: paid, sold only by Prague City Tourism; during the first hour of opening there's a 50% early bird discount (as of 09/2026, tickets and discounts).
Who it's for: you'll enjoy it if you want to see the city from above.
The catch: at midday the tower has the densest crowd.

Church of Our Lady before Týn

Across from the town hall, on the east side of the square, rise the two dark spires of the Týn Church. Its full name is the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and its history began in the mid-14th century.

The church entrance is hidden behind the arcade of the Týn School rather than opening directly onto the square, so it's easy to walk right past. Inside stands an old organ that, according to tradition, the composer Gluck once played. The tombstone of the astronomer Tycho Brahe is also here.

Entry: free, but the church is open mainly during services.
How to find it: from the east side of the square, walk through the arcade of the Týn School.
The catch: tourist hours change, so it's better to treat the church as an add-on to your walk.

Jan Hus Monument

In the center of the square stands the Jan Hus Monument, created by sculptor Ladislav Šaloun in the Art Nouveau style (as of 09/2026, official website).

It's not a single figure but a whole group: Hus himself above the pyre, Hussite warriors, and a woman with a child. The monument was unveiled in the early 20th century in honor of the preacher who was burned at the stake for his beliefs.

If you photograph the square as a whole, Hus almost always ends up in the frame. During the day people rest here, and in the evening different crowds gather on the steps.

Church of St. Nicholas

Baroque St. Nicholas Church in Prague at sunset

In the northwest corner of the square stands the Church of St. Nicholas. It's a Baroque building with rich decoration: stucco, frescoes, and masterfully executed sculptures that make tourists reach for their cameras.

Today it regularly hosts classical music concerts, most often organ music. If you want to hear music within historic walls, this is one of the most accessible options in the city center.

Concerts: tickets are sold at the entrance and online, performances are usually in the evening.
Nearby: Pařížská Street with its boutiques, which leads to the Vltava River.

Tickets and hours

Entry to the square itself is free; you only pay inside the town hall.

Site	Entry	Hours	Closed
Town hall and tower	paid	9:00-20:00 (April-December), 10:00-19:00 (January-March) (prague.eu)	none
Church of Our Lady before Týn	free	depends on services	varies
Church of St. Nicholas	free	depends on services and concerts	varies

You can climb the tower on foot via the stairs or take the elevator. It's better to book a tower ticket in advance: during the season, evening slots sell out quickly.

tickets for the tower and town hall rooms

Tours and tickets in Prague

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Tiqets

The widget loads once you give your consent.

How to get there on your own

The easiest way to reach the Old Town is by metro or tram, because parking in the center is expensive and almost always full.

The closest metro stations are Staroměstská (line A) and Můstek (lines A and B). From Můstek, Celetná Street leads straight to the square, about a 5-minute walk from the exit (on the map). From Staroměstská you reach the square from the west almost immediately.

By tram, get off at the Staroměstská stop. If you're coming from Wenceslas Square, it's easier to walk, the distance is quite short.

From Václav Havel Airport, buses and taxis go to the center. If you have luggage, a Prague airport transfer is more convenient: the driver waits in the arrivals hall.

Landmark: Celetná Street leads to the Powder Tower.
The catch: parking in the center is paid and expensive.

Old Town Square on the map

Open the square on the map to plan your route from your hotel or the train station.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Old Town Square?

The square itself is open 24/7 and free; you only need a ticket to enter the town hall and the tower. Check prices in the Prague City Tourism e-shop, where timed entry slots are also sold. Other sites, including the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Church of St. Nicholas, are visited without a ticket.

Where is the best place to watch the astronomical clock show?

Stand across from the tower, slightly away from the center of the crowd, so you can see both the dial and the figures. The show runs every hour and lasts less than a minute. Arrive a few minutes before it starts to get a good spot.

How much time do you need to see everything?

Half an hour is enough for the square and the astronomical clock. If you add the town hall with its tower and halls, allow one and a half to two hours. The Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Church of St. Nicholas are worth adding if they are open.

When should you go to avoid the crowds?

Early in the morning there is almost no one at the clock. During the day and in high season, the largest crowds gather at the tower. In winter the square looks festive, but the holiday crowds are also at their peak. If you want calm photos, come at opening time.

What should you see nearby?

Charles Bridge is a two-minute walk away, and Prague Castle is on the other side of the Vltava. Celetná starts at the square and leads to the Powder Tower. If you enjoy organ music, stop by the Church of St. Nicholas for an evening concert.

In short: what's worth booking

If you have half a day, see the astronomical clock, climb the tower, and walk to the Church of Our Lady before Týn. If you're here for a full day, add the town hall halls and an evening organ concert. If you're traveling with kids, the square is compact and safe, and the clock show runs every hour, so it's easy to fit into your schedule.

What to book in advance:

A timed ticket for the tower and town hall halls so you don't have to wait in line.
Hotels near Old Town Square if you want to stay in the center.
Guided tours of Prague if you don't want to figure out the route on your own.

Check available tower time slots before your trip.

Old Town Square in Prague: what to see and when the clock strikes