17 best attractions in Old Town Prague – A local’s guide for 2026
I’ve spent the last eight years living in Prague and writing my travel blog and, yet the Old Town still finds ways to surprise me every single day. I moved back to Prague after living abroad and really enjoyed re-discovering the main attractions in the Old Town.
The guidebooks aren’t wrong when they tell you to see the “big” sights—they are famous for a reason—but they often forget to tell you how to see them. The reality is that the Old Town can get incredibly crowded and if you just show up at midday, you’re going to spend more time fighting the crowds than actually seeing the city.
This is why with each attraction I’m giving you my local tips, the best timings and ideas to help you to enjoy them properly.
Whether it’s your first time here or you’re back for a second look, I’m happy to show you around, so let’s get into my favourite parts of the Old Town.
1. Old Town Hall & The Astronomical Clock
You simply can’t visit Prague without standing in front of the Astronomical Clock (Orloj) and admire it for a bit. It’s been ticking away since 1410, making it the oldest clock of its kind still in operation.
The history is a bit dark—legend has it the city councillors blinded the clockmaker, Hanuš, so he could never recreate his masterpiece elsewhere! The Hall itself was established in 1338 and has survived everything from fires to the final days of WWII. It’s the beating heart of our history.
My Local Tip: Everyone stands at the bottom to watch the “Walk of the Apostles” on the hour, but for me, the real magic is inside. I highly recommend taking the lift (or the ramp) to the top of the tower. Most people don’t realise that the view from the gallery is one of the best in the city—you get that perfect “red roof” view of the Old Town Square.
Also, if you want to avoid the crushing crowds, try to watch the clock strike early in the morning before 9:00 am or after 9:00 pm. It’s much more peaceful!
- Location: Staroměstské náměstí 1/3, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Monday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (Tower stays open until 9:00 pm)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 300 CZK (Includes the tower and the historical underground)
2. Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is the grand, thousand-year-old stage where Prague’s history has played out—from royal coronations to tragic executions.
Dominating the center of the square is the massive bronze monument to Jan Hus, the religious reformer who was burned at the stake in 1415. The statue was unveiled in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of his death and the sculpture was designed by Ladislav Šaloun.
Next, you will notice a tall, sandstone column topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary. This is actually a very modern replica of a 1650 original that was pulled down in 1918 because people saw it as a symbol of Habsburg oppression. Its return to the square in 2020 was a huge deal for locals—it’s a beautiful piece of Baroque craft that restored the square’s historical symmetry.
If you look closely at the pavement near the Old Town Hall you will see 27 white crosses marked in the stones. These commemorate the 27 leaders of the Bohemian Estates who were executed right here on June 21, 1621, following the Battle of White Mountain.
My Local Tip: Don’t miss the Prague Meridian. Before the city adopted standardized time, the shadow of the original Marian Column would fall across this line at exactly high noon.
- Location: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: 24/7 (Public square)
- Ticket Prices: Free to explore
3. Charles Bridge
I couldn’t write a guide to the Old Town without mentioning the Charles Bridge, even though it’s in between the Old Town and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Finished in the early 15th century, it was the only way to cross the river for over 400 years. It’s lined with 30 Baroque statues, though most are now replicas and the weather-beaten originals are tucked away safely in the Lapidarium of the National Museum and also at Gorlice Hall at Vysehrad Fortress.
Keep an eye out for the statue of St. John of Nepomuk (the one with the five gold stars). You’ll see a polished bronze plaque at the base; legend says if you touch it, you’ll return to Prague.
My Local Tip: The photos in your guidebook will look much different than reality. This is not because the town somehow changed, but because the bridge is normally very crowded! If you want that fairytale shot, you need to get there super early in the morning (like at sunrise!).
- Location: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1
- Opening Times: 24/7 (Public bridge)
- Ticket Prices: Free to walk
4. The Church of Our Lady before Týn
You can’t miss the magnificent dark twin spires of the Týn Church behind the houses on Old Town Square. It was build in the mid-14th century and for a long time it was the main Hussite church in Prague. It’s actually quite hidden; you have to walk through a small archway in the houses in front of it to find the entrance! Inside, it’s a stunning mix of Gothic architecture and lavish Baroque decor.
My Local Tip: Look for the tomb of Tycho Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer. He lived in Prague during the final years of his life, from 1599 until his death in 1601.
- Location: Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Subject to services)
- Ticket Prices: Voluntary contribution (Suggested 50 CZK)
5. Clementinum
The Clementinum is one of the largest building complexes in Europe, originally founded as a Dominican monastery and later turned into a Jesuit college. It’s here, where you can the beautiful Baroque Library, which is often mentioned as the most beautiful library in the world.
You have to take a guided tour to see the Baroque Library Hall and the Meridian Hall, but I think it’s really worth it. The tour ends at the top of the tower with a view that is as amazing as the view from the Old Town Hall tower.
My Local Tip: I think, it’s also quite fascinating, that they’ve been recording weather data here daily since 1775 and you can still see the weather recording equipment bellow the window opposite the tower as you walk towards the Charles Bridge.
- Location: Mariánské náměstí 5, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Daily from 10:00 am (Closing times vary by season, usually 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 300 CZK (Guided tours only)
6. The Powder Tower
This was one of the original 13 city gates when Prague’s Old Town was first fortified back in 1475. It’s called the Powder Tower because, in the 17th century, it was used to store… you guessed it, gunpowder! It marks the beginning of the Royal Route, which is the path the Bohemian kings used to take for their coronation processions heading towards the Castle.
My Local Tip: If you’re feeling brave, climb the 186 stairs and you can admire the views from the top. If you arrive within the first hour of opening you also get 50% off from your ticket price.
- Location: Na Příkopě, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Later in summer months)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 190 CZK
7. The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
If you look at a map, the Jewish Quarter (known as Josefov) is like an island sitting right inside the Old Town. In fact, until the late 18th century, it was a walled-off ghetto. Today, the walls are gone, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city, but it has a very different soul than the rest of the Old Town.
Most of what you see today, the stunning Art Nouveau building, were built during a massive sanitisation project around 1900, but the synagogues and the cemetery were spared. They now form the Jewish Museum in Prague, and I really think you need a dedicated afternoon to do them justice.
You’ll find the Pinkas Synagogue, whose walls are a heartbreaking memorial inscribed with nearly 80,000 names of Holocaust victims, leading directly into the world-famous Old Jewish Cemetery, where 12,000 tombstones are jumbled in many layers. From there, the street takes you through the Klausen Synagogue with more history of Jewish people in Bohemia and the Maisel Synagogue, which house incredible collections of silver and textiles that explain the daily traditions of Jewish life.
If you walk just a few minutes further, you will come across the Spanish Synagogue, a Moorish masterpiece of gold and tile that looks like a slice of Andalusia dropped into Central Europe. And of course, I must not forget the Old-New Synagogue; built around 1270, which is the oldest active synagogue in Europe and the legendary resting place of the Golem.
My Local Tip: You can walk around the streets for free to see all the buildings from the outside if you don’t have the time to visit them inside. But if you like to visit one of the most decorated synagogues inside – the Spanish Synagogue, but book a ticket for one of the evening classical concerts here. The acoustics are phenomenal because of the dome, and seeing the gold-covered walls flickering in the evening light is a totally different experience than visiting during the day.
- Opening Times: Most sites are open Sunday–Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Strictly closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
- Ticket Prices: A combined “Jewish Town” ticket for adults is 550 CZK (includes all synagogues and the cemetery).
- Dress Code: Men are usually required to wear a head covering (kippah), which is often provided at the entrance.
8. House of the Black Madonna & Czech Cubism Museum
This building is a total masterpiece of Czech Cubism. Built between 1911 and 1912 by the famous architect Josef Gočár, it was incredibly controversial at the time because it looked so modern next to the old Baroque houses. It gets its name from the 17th-century stone statue of the Black Madonna tucked behind a gold grate on the corner of the building. Inside the House of the Black Madonna, you’ll find the Museum of Czech Cubism, which has great examples of cubist furniture, pottery and history of other cubist houses you can see in Prague and beyond.
My Local Tip: After you visit the museum on the upper floors, you must stop at the Grand Café Orient on the first floor. It is the only Cubist interior café in the world. Everything—from the chandeliers to the coat hooks—is geometric and specifically designed for this cafe. My favourite thing to do is order the square ‘Vetrnik’ cake with coffee and just sit by the large windows.
- Location: Ovocný trh 19, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Ticket Prices: Adults 200 CZK (Museum)
9. The Municipal House
If you want to see Art Nouveau at its most decadent, this is it. Built between 1905 and 1911 on the site of the former Royal Court, it was intended to be a symbol of Czech national pride. The mosaics on the facade, the stained glass, and the paintings inside were done by Alfons Mucha.
It was here on the main balcony where the independent state of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed in 1918.
The Municipal House puts on frequent exhibitions, concerts and also runs regular guided tours if you want to have a look inside. You can also visit the historic ground floor cafe or the restaurant for a special meal.
My Local Tip: If you don’t want to pay for a tour, just go down to the American Bar in the basement. It’s the oldest bar in Prague and feels like a hidden 1920s time capsule. It’s much quieter than the main café upstairs!
- Location: Náměstí Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Tours usually run between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 320 CZK (Guided tours)
10. Pařížská Street & Luxury shops
If you walk from the Old Town Square towards the river through the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find yourself on Pařížská street. It was built at the end of the 19th century when they sanitised the old ghetto, and it was designed to look like a Parisian boulevard. Today, it’s the most expensive street in Prague, lined with luxury brands and stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
My Local Tip: I usually come here just for the architecture—the facades are totally fabulous! But if you look down at the pavement you will see so called “Stolpersteine” (Stumbling Stones). These are small brass plaques embedded in the pavement in front of houses where Jewish residents lived before being deported and you will find them freequently around the former Jewish quarter.
- Location: Pařížská, 110 00 Josefov
- Opening Times: Always open (Public street)
- Ticket Prices: Free to walk
11. St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square
Now, don’t confuse this with the other St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town! This one sits right on the corner of the Old Town Square. It was completed in 1735 and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It has a very interesting history: it’s been a warehouse, an archive, and even a place for the Russian Orthodox church before becoming the main church for the Czechoslovak Hussite Church.
My Local Tip: What I really like about this church is the absolutely large crystal chandelier. It was a gift from Tsar Alexander II of Russia, during the time this church belonged to the Orthodox church, and it’s shaped like a crown.
- Location: Staroměstské nám. 1101, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Subject to services)
- Ticket Prices: Free to enter
12. Clam-Gallas Palace
If you walk down Husova street, you cannot miss the Clam-Gallas Palace because of the giant stone titans (Atlantes) literally holding up the doorways! Built in 1713 by the legendary architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, it was the height of Baroque luxury.
In the 18th century, this was the place to be—Mozart and Beethoven both performed here for the aristocrats. It was the social heart of Prague for the elite, and the interiors are as lavish as the palaces at the Prague Castle.
My Local Tip: For years, the palace was used as the city archives and not opened to the public, until recently, when it was restored and opened up. I’ve been inside recently and I’m sure that the grand staircase is the most magnificent in Prague.
- Location: Husova 158/20, Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
- Ticket Prices: Adults 250 CZK (for exhibition tours).
13. Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
I think what makes the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague so special is the sheer elegance of the building itself. It was built in 1897 in the Neo-Renaissance style, and it represents the height of 19th-century Prague’s obsession with beauty and utility.
Inside, you’ll find everything from massive tapestries and delicate glassware to 19th-century furniture that looks like it belongs in a palace. I’ve been many times, and the ceiling murals alone are worth the entry price!
My Local Tip: Apart from permanent exhibitions, the museum also puts on themed exhibitions, which are always really well presented (and with both Czech and English descriptions). Visiting the whole building exhibitions can easily take a whole day, but you can also buy a separate ticket for the themed exhibition only.
- Location: 17. listopadu 2, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 350 CZK for the whole building or 180 CZK for main exhibition only
14. Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia & National Gallery Exhibition
This is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Prague, founded in the 1230s by Přemyslid Princess Agnes (who was later canonised). It was the first Gothic building in Bohemia and was originally used as a dual monastery for the Poor Clares and the Friars Minor. Today, it’s managed by the National Gallery and houses an incredible collection of Medieval and Early Renaissance art. The architecture alone, with its ribbed vaults and peaceful cloisters, is enough to transport you back 800 years.
My Local Tip: I think what I really like about St Agnes is how tucked away it is in a quiet corner of the Old Town (Na Františku). Most tourists never make it this far, so you often have the place to yourself! If you do go inside the gallery, don’t miss the “Master Theodoric” paintings—the faces are so expressive, they almost look like they’re watching you move around the room!
- Location: U Milosrdných 17, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Wednesdays until 8:00 pm)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 220 CZK (Gardens are free)
15. The Estates Theatre
If you’re a fan of Mozart you simply can’t miss this place! Opened in 1783, it’s one of the most beautiful Neoclassical theatres in Europe. Its claim to fame? Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni here in 1787.
It’s also one of the few theatres in the world that remains almost exactly as it was back then. If it looks familiar, it’s because Miloš Forman filmed many scenes for the movie Amadeus right here!
My Local Tip: I’ve been lucky enough to see many performances here and recently noticed, that most of the plays and operas also have English subtitles. The theatre also runs guided tours and many are in English.
- Location: Železná, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Box office daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Ticket Prices: Performance prices vary (usually 300 CZK – 2,000 CZK); Tours approx. 250 CZK
16. The Rudolfinum
This is Prague’s main concert hall and art gallery, sitting right on the banks of the Vltava. It was named after Archduke Rudolf of Austria and opened in 1885. It’s the home of the Czech Philharmonic, and its Dvořák Hall is world-famous for its acoustics.
During the world wars, it was also used as the seat of the Czechoslovak Parliament, which is a bit strange to think about when you’re sitting there listening to a violin concerto!
My Local Tip: The Galerie Rudolfinum in the back of the building often has world-class contemporary art exhibitions that are sometimes free (or very cheap) to enter. Also, there’s a lovely café inside called Café Rudolfinum with very high ceilings and beautiful decor. And if you are after something completely different as a gift, the gift shop sells honey, from hives that the philharmonic conductor looks after on the top of the building!
- Location: Alšovo nábř. 12, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Gallery: Tue-Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Thu until 8:00 pm); Box office open weekdays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Ticket Prices: Concerts vary (150 CZK – 2,500 CZK); Gallery prices depend on the exhibition (often free)
17. Kinský Palace
This is the stunning pink-and-white Rococo palace that sits right on the Old Town Square. It was built in the mid-18th century for the Golz family and later bought by the Kinský family.
It has a bit of a mixed history—Franz Kafka’s father had a haberdashery shop on the ground floor, and Kafka himself attended secondary school here. On a darker note, this is the balcony where communist leader Klement Gottwald addressed the crowds in 1948 to announce the victory of the working people.
My Local Tip: The palace is part of the National Gallery and often has special temporary exhibitions. I think it’s worth visiting just to see the interiors—the staircase is magnificent! Also, because it’s an art gallery, it’s never as crowded as the square outside.
- Location: Staroměstské nám. 12, 110 00 Staré Město
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Wednesdays until 8:00 pm)
- Ticket Prices: Adults 220 CZK
This blog post was originally written on 25 March 2026 and last updated on 25 March 2026
