Old Town Prague

An Overview of the Heart of Prague

Old Town Prague is an incredible area of narrow streets highlighted by Old Town Square. For most people, it's the heart of Prague.

I always see somthing different each time I pass through Old Town. Its beauty is wrapped in surpise details and ambience.

But, since your time is probably a bit limited, I've compiled this quick guide of essential and hidden sights along with a very short video of Old Town Square.

Essential Parts of Old Town Prague

Old Town Prague centers around Old Town Square. All the little streets seem to empty into this awesome sight. (But, there's more to Old Town than just the square.)

Aside from Prague Castle, I think the square is the most impressive sight in Prague. It's actually one of the largest open public spaces in all of Europe and is surrounded with mesmerizing buildings.

These are the main elements of Old Town Square:

Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn looms over Old Town Square with gothic fairytale spires and beautiful vaulted ceilings inside. Find the hidden entrance to the left. Inside is only accessible by attending church service, but you can peek in during other times.

If you look closely at the church's towers, you'll notice that one is bigger than the other - suggesting one to be Adam and one Eve.

Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock - this remarkable 15th century clock is on the Town Hall's tower. On each hour characters including the apostles, a rooster and skeleton mark time in their own way.

Legend has it that the creator of the mechanical parts, Master Hanus, was blinded afterward so he could not replicate it elsewhere.

St. Nicholas' Church

The Church of St. Nicholas occupies a corner of the square in splendid baroque style. It was created by master craftsman Kilian Dientzhofer. You can catch daily concerts here - some by donation only.

Legend has it that the creator of the mechanical parts, Master Hanus, was blinded afterward so he could not replicate it elsewhere.

Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall is a collection of small buildings including the gothic tower with astronomical clock in the corner of the square. There's a helpful info center downstairs and a gallery too.

I recommend visiting either the historical rooms upstairs or the view tower. Either costs 100 CZK but it's well worth it. The tower opens at 9:00 Tu-Su and at 11:00 on Monday.

Video of Old Town Square

(Audio by WestonWyse; found at Creative Commons.)

Jewish Quarter in Old Town Prague

Hidden amongst the little streets of Old Town you'll find what's left of Prague's Jewish Quarter. This incredibly interesting area adjacent to Old Town is actually called Josefov. It's a small version of the former Jewish Ghetto that was mostly destroyed in the 19th century. Regardless, many original synagogues have survived along with a wonderful storied past.

Maybe the most remarkable sight of the Jewish Quarter is its 14th century cemetery. It's Europe's oldest Jewish cemetery and provides a breathtaking scene. This is a must see experience. If you come to Prague and skip the cemetery, you will absolutelyregret it.

Jewish Cemetery and Spanish Synagogue in Old Town, Prague

I recommend setting aside at least a half day to explore the Jewish Quarter. All of its sights are pay-to-enter, but it's well worth it. Consider buying an all-in-one ticket that includes the museums, exhibitions, synagogues and cemetery. Or, you can get individual tickets for particular sights. More information can be found at Prague Jewish Museum.

Other Sights in Old Town Prague

Old Town Prague is chock full of other sights besides the essentials. It's difficult to list them all, but here are a few of my favorites.

• For a different perspective of Old Town Prague, check out the Charles Bridge Tower. Hordes of tourists pass under it but only a few take advantage of its incredible views and historical exhibition. It's well worth the small entrance fee. And, your camera will thank you for the view of Prague Castle, Malá Strana and Old Town.

• Visit the Klementinum. This is a complex of buildings just between Charles Bridge. It consists of some of Prague's most beautiful architecture with four wings, three churches and a few courtyards. It now houses the National Library as well. Take a few minutes and just wander around it's arched and painted ceilings.

• Prague's Municipal House (Obecní Dum) is just as impressive as any other Old Town building - if not more. The building's construction was a collaboration of early 20th century artists including Alfons Mucha. So to say the least,  this building is an array of lush details - from the grandiose entrance and painted facade to the various music halls - it's an eyeful. For a closer look you can take a tour, visit the exhibition halls or take in a concert. There's never a shortage of people offering various concerts outside the entrance. Or, there's an information center just inside to the left.

• Have a drink and soak in the wonderful view near the Bedřich Smetana Museum. It's a perfect little spot to rest and get away from the nearby crowds. This great view is just south of Charles Bridge on the Old Town side.

• Visit Prague's open air market just southwest of Old Town Square. This small market on Havelská street is smack between the walk between the square and Wenceslas Square. Here you'll find plenty of kitschy items and delicious fresh fruit and vegetables.

• Take in a concert. You don't have to be a classical music connoisseur to enjoy a concert in Old Town Prague. In fact, there are so many choices that you don't even have to book ahead. Just pop by any number of churches with concert posters outside. You can buy tickets at the door and some are free or by donation only.