Old Town Square Square

Address: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), Prague 1, Czech Republic

Hours: Open 24/7

Admission: Free (public square)

Old Town Square is the historic central square of Prague’s Old Town, forming the civic heart of the city and dating back to the 12th century. It is one of Prague’s principal public spaces and a focal point for events and tourism.

The square is dominated by the medieval Astronomical Clock (Orloj), installed in 1410, which draws crowds each hour for its mechanical procession. Surrounding the clock are cafés, cobbled open space and outdoor markets that expand the square’s function as a social and commercial hub.

Large historic churches frame the square - notably the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church - while monuments and façades from Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods line the perimeter. The open area is used for Christmas and Easter markets and can hold many thousands of people during festivals.

The square grew from a medieval marketplace in the 12th century into Prague’s civic centre. Over the centuries it accumulated important public buildings, churches and monuments; the Orloj was added in 1410 and the present ensemble reflects layers of urban development from medieval to modern times.

Situated in Prague’s Old Town, the square sits within walking distance of the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square and is in the historic core of the city. It is easily reached on foot or by metro from central Prague.

• Best viewpoint: Climb the Old Town Hall tower for the best panoramic views over the square and to see the Orloj mechanism from above.
• Timing tip: Arrive early in the morning or late evening to avoid large tour-group crowds around the Astronomical Clock.

What to See#

• Astronomical Clock (Orloj): Located on the south side of the square, the Orloj is a medieval astronomical clock first installed in 1410 and famous for its hourly procession of Apostles and animated figures.
• Church of Our Lady before Týn: A Gothic landmark whose towers dominate the square, construction began in the 14th century and the church remains an active parish with a striking silhouette visible across the square.
• St. Nicholas Church (Old Town): A large Baroque church on the east side of the square, completed in the early 18th century and noted for its interiors and dome.

Old Town Square sits in the centre of Prague’s Old Town and is easily reached on foot from central metro and tram stops. Take Metro Line A to Staroměstská (a few minutes’ walk) or exit at Můstek (Lines A and B) and walk 5-10 minutes.

Numerous tram stops around the square also provide immediate access; if driving, the area is central and best accessed by public transport due to limited parking.

• Visit Old Town Square at dawn or after 20:00 on weekdays when the majority of tour groups have left and you can appreciate the siting of the churches and palaces with far fewer people.
• Approach the square via the narrower historic lanes (e.g., Týnská or Celetná) to arrive into the space from less-congested vantage points and notice small shops and façades that many miss.
• For a less-cluttered view, go up the Old Town Hall tower or one of the surrounding rooftop terraces-photos from above capture the square's layout far better than ground-level shots.