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The Old Town or Staré Město is recognized as one of the oldest and most beautiful locations in Prague. However, beneath this exterior lies a rich history still evident today. Going off the beaten path and exploring the Prague Old Town will reward you with beautiful sights and experiences that you’ll treasure for life.
A Brief History of the Old Town
The Old Town was considered as one of the largest and most important towns in Prague. It first went by the name “Bigger Town”, but was renamed when the need to create distinguishing names for individual quarters came during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Today, the Old Town Prague is home to structures embodying different architectural styles that reflect various time periods, from Baroque and Rococo to Gothic. It’s also home to outdoor food stalls, cafés, museums, and shops.
What to See in the Old Town Prague, Czech Republic
The Old Town has its fair share of labyrinthine streets you can leverage to get to know the town better.
Old Town Prague Square
Founded in the 12th century, the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) dates back to the 10th century, when it was first used as a marketplace for merchants plying the European trade routes during the Middle Ages. The site eventually became the center of many political and cultural events that molded the city’s history.
It’s surrounded by historical buildings such as the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall, and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn. Built around the 15th century, the striking Astronomical Clock is famous for its hourly shows. Known as the “Parade of the Apostles”, 12 mechanical dolls representing the apostles come out to signal the beginning of every hour.
Old Town Prague Hall
One of the city’s most important monuments, the Old Town Hall is a complex of medieval buildings. It’s open to the public and offers unparalleled views of the Town Square. Moreover, you can take a tour of the Town Hall so you can better explore its hidden rooms and dungeons.
The Powder Tower
Spanning a height of 65 meters, the Powder Tower (Prašná brána) takes its name from when it was used as storage for gunpowder, and it’s since been used as a starting point for the king’s coronation ride to Prague Castle.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) at the Prague Old Town was considered as the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and stands as a testament to the interactions between the Jewish and Christian communities who lived under political constraint. It provides important insights and is a reminder of the tragic history that befell the Czech Jewish community.
Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is one of Prague’s most frequented landmarks. It was named after King Charles IV, who ordered its construction to replace Judith’s Bridge, which collapsed in 1342 due to a flood. If you climb one of the two bridge towers, you’ll be rewarded with a scenic view of the city.
Church of our Lady before Týn
Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem is a Gothic church located at the Prague Old Town built around the 14th to 16th centuries and was used as the city’s main church during the Hussite era. As a result of several reworkings, it now combines Gothic, Renaissance, and early Baroque elements.
Havel Market
Havel Market is an open-air market located at the Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic that dates back to the 13th century. You can find a wide selection of fresh produce, along with trinkets and even paintings and leather goods.
Klementinum
The Klementium is home to the Czech Republic’s National Library. Dating back to the 11th century, it was used mainly as a Jesuit dormitory. To visit and see the Klementium’s impressive collection of books, antique globes, and frescoes, you’ll need to join a guided tour.
Jan Hus Monument
The Jan Hus Monument is a tribute to Jan Hus, a Czech priest and professor who was executed in 1415. Prior to his execution, Hus’s teachings impacted the history of the nation and allowed him to contribute to the development of the Czech literary language. The monument was made from stone and bronze by Ladislav Šaloun and was unofficially unveiled in 1915.
Illusion Art Museum
The Illusion Art Museum in Prague is a unique and interactive museum that explores the fascinating world of optical illusions and trick art. Visitors can experience mind-bending exhibits and illusions that challenge their perception of reality, including 3D paintings, holograms, and augmented reality installations. The museum is located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. One of the highlights of the museum is the infinity room, which creates the illusion of an endless space with mirrors and clever lighting effects. The Illusion Art Museum is a great place to visit for anyone who loves art, science, or just wants to experience something truly unique and entertaining.
Leading Torture Museum
The Leading Torture Museum in Prague is a museum dedicated to the gruesome and often disturbing history of torture throughout the centuries. Located in the city’s Old Town, the museum offers visitors an eye-opening experience into the brutal methods that were used to extract information or confessions from individuals, as well as the punishments that were inflicted upon criminals. The museum houses an extensive collection of torture devices, such as the rack, iron maiden, and thumb screws, accompanied by graphic descriptions of their use. Visitors can also view exhibits on witch hunts, inquisitions, and public executions. While the subject matter can be unsettling, the museum provides a unique and educational experience for those interested in history and the dark side of human nature. The Leading Torture Museum is not recommended for children or those who are sensitive to graphic content.
How to Get To The Old Town Prague, Czech Republic
There are several options to get to the Old Town from the airport. You can choose a private airport pickup for convenience, or use an airport shuttle transfer and an Uber.
The most affordable option is through public transport. Go to the bus station in front of Terminal 1 and take the bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin. From there, take the green subway line (Line A) and alight at the Prague Metro, which is a station in the Old Town.
The Best Places to Eat at the Prague Old Town
With plenty of food stalls and restaurants, you’ll get to sample a wide range of dishes in Old Town.
For a cozy café, you can visit Tricafe at the Prague Old Town which is close to the Theater on Balustrade (Divadlo Na zábradlí). Craving a vegetarian meal? Drop by Lehká Hlava (Clear Head) on Boršov 180/2, Praha 1 – Old Town. It’s close to the Charles Bridge, so you can get to the next destination on your list after enjoying a sumptuous meal.
Donuterie and Puro Gelato in Prague Old Town offer sweet treats to help you recharge after exploring. They’re located at Náprstkova 9 which is around 0.3 km from the Old Town Bridge Tower and Na hrobci 410/1, close to the Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument, respectively.
For American cuisine tea, head to the Sad Man’s Tongue Bar & Bistro, located at Konviktská 7, close to the Old Town Bridge Tower.
Night Life in the Old Town Prague
The Old Town is home to a thriving nightlife scene, with an abundance of themed bars and clubs.
Jazz enthusiasts will delight in the unique music scene that the Jazz Republic (Jilská 1a) and AghaRTA Jazz Club (Železna 491/16) have to offer. Enjoy live music from Czech musicians and an all-around friendly atmosphere. If you want to do a pub crawl while in Prague Old Town, check out the Drunken Monkey Prague Pub Crawl & Bar (U milosrdných 848/4). You can also join organized bar crawls such as the Clock Tower Bar Crawl and the Prague Pub Crawl.
For cocktails, head on over to the Hemingway Bar at Karolíny Světlé 279/26.
The Old Town in Prague is a testament to a city’s history and how it adapted through the times. When you’re in the Old Town, you’ll get to feel history come alive while enjoying modern-day comforts.
