Things to Do in Old Town in Prague (Stare Mesto), Czech Republic (2024)

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Stare Mesto in Prague is a lively central area with fortresses and towers from the 9th to 15th centuries, medieval houses and narrow streets. There are many things to do in Old Town, Prague, because main attractions of the Czech capital are located in this area.

Stare Mesto, or Old Town in English, is one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in Prague.

Old town is home to a number of important historical landmarks, including the Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, and Charles Bridge.

In addition, Old town is also a great place to enjoy traditional Czech food or do some shopping, as there are a number of restaurants and shops located within its boundaries. Whether you’re interested in history or simply looking for a bustling place to explore while visiting Prague, Old town is sure to have something for you.

This is the only complete first timer’s guide you need to check to get up-to date information about things to do in Old Town, Prague.

Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town, Prague: General Info

  • Prague’s Old Town on the map: link.
  • Best season to visit Old Town, Prague: From March to October, in winter cold winds blow in Prague and the temperature drops to -5 degrees.

You can buy Prague Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock Entrance Tickets on GetYourGuide

Stare Mesto, Czech Republic

Czech history through Old Town, Prague

Old Town in Prague is a must-visit tourist destination in the Czech Republic. The area is well known for its Old Town Square, which is home to a number of historic buildings and monuments.

Old Town Square first became a marketplace in the 12th century, and it was here that many of the city’s most important events took place. In the 16th century, for example, Old Town Square was the site of the execution of Czech reformer Jan Hus.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Today, Old Town Square is a vibrant and bustling part of the city, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visitors to Old Town Square can also enjoy a number of exciting activities, such as taking a horse-drawn carriage ride or visiting one of the many museums, like Franz Kafka museum or art nouveau Mucha museum.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Tourists go to Old Town, Prague to plunge into the atmosphere of the European Middle Ages. The main attractions of the Old City, Prague:

Things to do in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic

Old Town Square

Staroměstské náměstí or Old Town Square is the historic and social center of Prague. It has been a gathering place for centuries, and it is still a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Old town square is home to numerous historic buildings, including the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn (not far away from this place there is medieval tavern U Pavouka, where you can enjoy medieval dinner).

Jewish quarter in Prague

Old Town Square is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. In the summer months, the square is filled with street performers, and in the winter it is transformed into a festive Christmas market. Old Town Square is definitely worth a visit.

Old Town Hall Tower

As you’ve probably noticed upon your arrival to Old town Prague, the concentration of really fundamental buildings in this area is incredibly high. Old Town Hall Tower is one of them, its history started in 1338. Over the years, other buildings were added to the already existing one.

Old town Prague best things to do

Prague Astronomical Clock

The chimes on astronomical tower are already 600 years old, but they still show the time and serve as a gathering place for tourists and Prague residents, arriving to Old Town square. The chimes beat every hour. Inside the town hall, you can look at the dungeons, old stairs and frescoes.

Prague astronomical clock is considered to be one of the oldest in the world, so you can imagine how popular they are and how crowded it can be. Plan your visit to astronomical tower early in the morning for better experience.

Municipal House in Old Town, Prague

Jewish Quarter

Visit to this area once known as “Ghetto” is a must. It’s not about entertainment, but rather education and filling gaps in knowledge of Jewish history. The area is compactly located between Old Town, Prague and famous Vltava river along which cruise boats are moving slowly.

Jewish museum

In Prague Jewish museum you’ll find a huge collection of artifacts and documents devoted to the life of Jews from Moravia and Bohemia. Nowadays, in the museum there are about 100000 books, each of them describing the life of Jewish people, like Franz Kafka, in the region.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Jewish Cemetery

It may sounds weird, but Old Jewish cemetery is one of the things to do in Old Town, Prague. It’s one of the overcrowded cemetery in Central Europe and maybe all over the globe, with more than 100000 people being buried there.

Some of the visitors are consufed as they think that the grave of Franz Kafka is also on this cemetery. Yes, famous writer was buried in Prague, but in another place.

This place in Old Town, Prague is usually visited on behalf of guided tour, this way you’ll not miss any important details. Your way to the Old Jewish cemetery goes through many interesting places, like Jewish town hall and others, whose silent walls witnessed the terrible events of the Holocaust.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Spanish synagogue

Spanish synagogue is the youngest among the 6 Prague synagogues, built in the second half of the 19th century. Designed in neo-Moorish style it has colorful stained-glass windows, domed ceilings and golden furnishings await you.

This synagogue is considered as the most beautiful one in Europe.As, this synagogue along with others in the area are the active ones, many places are closed for visits during Jewish holidays as well as on Saturday. So, please plan your visit accordingly.

You can book Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter tour guide on GetYourGuide.

Old Town, Prague Undergrounds

Church of Our Lady before Tyn

Gothic church with sharp spiers, built in the 14th century. Its 80-meter towers, carved façades and baroque altar are considered a national treasure of Prague.

Religious ceremonies take place there even nowadays. Due to this, access to the Church of Our Lady can be restricted on certain days.

Gothic church of Our Lady is absolutely free for visiting, but small donations are welcome.

Things to see in Old Town Square in Prague

History Museum Speculum Alchemiae Museum

In this museum you will learn about how science developed in the Middle Ages, get acquainted with ancient alchemy. Thanks to special effects and the general surroundings, a feeling of mysticism and magic is created.

The Powder tower

Black medieval gates to the city, known as Powder tower or Powder gate was built in the 15th century and restored after the battle of the Czech capital. The height of the gate is 65 meters.

There is an observation platform in Powder tower located at a height of 44 meters. To reach the top you have to climb 186 stone steps on rather steep staircase. But, the views opened are worth it.

Make sure you arrive early in the morning, this way you’ll have more chances to enjoy the beauty of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on your own.

Entrance tickets to Powder tower is 6 USD. You can make your reservation here.

Old Town in Prague

The Náprstek Museum

Museum is located in Stare Mesto in Prague, Czech Republic. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Czech Republic and its people. The museum was founded in 1891 by František Náprstek, a Czech businessman and philanthropist.

The Náprstek Museum houses a collection of more than 3,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and weapons. The museum also has a library with more than 60,000 volumes.

The Náprstek Museum is open to the public from Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, and from Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm. Admission is free for children under the age of 6, and for adults over the age of 65.

Places to visit in Old Town, Prague

St. Cross rotunda

This is a unique structure located in Old Town, Prague. The rotunda was built in 1134 and is one of the oldest surviving Romanesque buildings in the city.

The exterior of the rotunda is decorated with intricate carvings, and the interior is home to a beautiful fresco of the Crucifixion. St. Cross rotunda is a popular tourist destination, and it is well worth a visit if you are in Prague.

Stare Mesto, Prague (Czech Republic)

Havel Market

This marketis a great place to buy fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. The market is open every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm, and is just a short walk from the Havelská Metro station. Perfectly located between Wenceslas square and Old Town – this market is a must-visit places for everyone visiting Prague.

Havel Market offers a wide variety of goods at very reasonable prices, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. In addition to fresh produce, Havel Market also sells flowers, baked goods, and other items.

There is also a small food court where you can enjoy a quick meal or snack. Whether you’re looking for fresh groceries or just want to browse the stalls, Havel Market is definitely worth a visit.

Places to visit in Old Town, Prague

Jan Hus monument

Old town square is the place where you can find Jan Hus memorial. Famous reformer, who was burned alive and was proclaimed as heretic, inspired sculptor Ladislav Saloun for creation of this art nouveau monument.

Enjoy the beauty of Municipal house

There are many architectural styles mixed in Old town, Prague. In Old town you’ll find many buildings in Art Nouveau style, which impresses with its pomposity. While enjoying Prague sightseeing around Old town square make sure to stop near Municipal house.

You can join guided tour and learn more about municipal house. Here, of the Prague’s largest concert halls is located, where you classical music concerts by Prague symphony orchestra.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Kinsky palace

Located in the center of Old town square, Prague – Kinsky palace stands out from the rest of the medieval buildings. At different times, this palace performed various functions, for example, it was the place of study of the famous Franz Kafka.

Nowadays, Kinsky palace is a national gallery, with plenty of art hidden gems to be explored. If you’re a big fan of art, make sure to visit Stone bell house as well. Built in 13th century, Stone bell house is a place where different art exhibits are usually take place.

Undergrounds of Old Town, Prague

Visit Prague and explore this medieval city in traditional way or choose more intiguing and less touristic option. You’re invited to explore the corridors and dungeons and some hidden rooms.

It’s highly recommended to join guided tour during which you’ll learn more about Czech history. Click here to book.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

Estates theatre

Located between Wenceslas square and Old town square, you’ll find Estates theatre. Being one the oldest in Europe, make sure to include it in your list of things to do in Old town Prague.

It was opened to public for the first time in 1783, it took about two years to finish its construction. Today, it offers drama, opera and ballet performances to the visitors. Estates theater has been proclaimed a part of National theatre since 1920.

Places of interest in Old Town, Prague

Modern attractions in Old Town, Prague

In Old Town of Prague, it will be interesting not only for lovers of architecture and history. The city has many modern attractions:

Apple Museum

In this museum, you will learn about the life, work and innovation of one of the technical geniuses – Steve Jobs. The museum contains Apple devices, released from 1976 to 2012. There is a bar with soft drinks.

Beer Museum

Czech beer is a national landmark. In beer museum in Prague you will get acquainted with the history of Prague’s brewing, look at the process of making beer and taste more than 15 varieties of intoxicating drink.

Things to do in Old Town, Prague

WOW Black Light Theater

Light show theater on Broadway in Prague. Its main feature is in complete darkness. All scenery, actors and special effects are highlighted with multi-colored ribbons. It creates the feeling of a surreal fairy tale.

The Old Town in Prague will surprise even the most sophisticated tourists with its beauty and originality. If you arrive in the capital of the Czech Republic, then immediately go here – you definitely won’t be bored.

Prague Old Town attractions

Old Town Hall
Prague Astronomical Clock

Best Ways to Explore Old Town, Prague

If you’re not limited in time, visit Old town square in the evening. Buildings with centuries of history look special, slightly mystical at this time. There are ghost tours available with many horror stories to be told.

Take a look at Old town bridge tower at absolutely different perspective. And one of the main advantages to explore Old town Prague at night is that it’s almost free from tourists.

If you’re not looking for someone’s company and would like to explore Old town square Prague on your own, feel free to do this. But its important to learn as many details as possible about the places you’re going to visit in Old town, like Municipal house and its features, for example or how to enjoy the views on Prague castle.

Tips for visiting Old Town Prague

Old Town is the historic core of Prague and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to Old Town, Prague:

  1. Start at Old Town Square. This is the great place to orient yourself before exploring further. Take in the sights of the iconic Astronomical Clock and Týn Gothic chapel, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants surrounding the Old town square. Then you can move towards Vltava river, pass by Old Town bridge tower, cross Charles bridge and move ahead to Prague castle.
  2. Wander down Old Town’s atmospheric cobblestone streets. Old Town is full of charming medieval architecture and narrow cobbled lanes. Be sure to explore some of the side streets off the main square, where you’ll find hidden courtyards and plenty of photo opportunities.
  3. Visit Old Town Hall. This imposing Gothic building dates back to 1338 and is one of the most important historical landmarks. Today, it houses a museum showcasing the history of Prague’s Old Town.
  4. Be sure to visit medieval tavern Krčma U Pavouka and enjoy medieval dinner, accompanied with belly dancing, sword fight and fire show.
  5. Take a break in one of Old Town’s parks. There are several parks located within Old Town, including Letná Park with its sweeping views over the river Vltava, and Riegrovy Sady.

Old Town, Prague Walkthrough Video

FAQ

Why is the Old Town Square in Prague famous?

It is historical centre of Prague, dated back to 10th century. Initially it was a marketplace, nowadays many preserved buildings are of great historical importance.

How old is Prague Old Town?

Old town square dated back to 10th century. For a long time of its existence, many architectural styles were mixed there, like Baroque style, Gothic and Romanesque.

Is the Old Town or New Town better in Prague?

It depends on what are you interested in. If you’re up to interesting nightlife then its better to choose New Town. If you’re looking to so-called “real Czech” make your choice in favor of Old Town.

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