Things to Do in Old Town Hall, Česko

Prague's Old Town Hall stands as one of the most magnificent examples of medieval civic architecture in Central Europe, serving as the historic heart of Czech governance and culture for over 600 years. Located on the iconic Old Town Square, this Gothic masterpiece houses the world-famous Astronomical Clock, drawing millions of visitors annually to witness its hourly show and explore the building's rich tapestry of architectural styles spanning from the 14th to 20th centuries. The Old Town Hall complex represents far more than just a single building – it's a living museum that chronicles Prague's tumultuous history through wars, revolutions, and cultural renaissance. From its ornate council chambers where crucial decisions shaped Czech destiny to its underground Gothic cellars and the panoramic tower offering breathtaking views across Prague's red-tiled rooftops, the Old Town Hall embodies the essence of this enchanting city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern vitality.

Top Things to Do in Old Town Hall

Prague Astronomical Clock Tour

Experience the mesmerizing hourly show of the medieval Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest working clocks in the world. The intricate mechanism displays astronomical information and features moving figures of the Twelve Apostles, making it a must-see spectacle that has captivated visitors for over 600 years.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around 250-350 CZK ($11-15) and include tower access. Book online in advance during peak season (June-August) as slots fill quickly. Best times are early morning (9-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid crowds.

Old Town Square Walking Tour

Explore the stunning medieval square surrounding Old Town Hall, featuring Gothic churches, baroque palaces, and colorful merchant houses. Professional guides share fascinating stories about the square's role in Czech history, from medieval markets to the dramatic events of the Defenestration of Prague.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily with tips expected (200-300 CZK/$9-13 typical). Paid tours cost 400-600 CZK ($18-27) for 2-3 hours. Look for small group tours (max 15 people) for better experience and certified local guides.

Prague Castle and Lesser Town Tour

Visit the magnificent Prague Castle complex, the largest ancient castle in the world according to Guinness World Records. Explore St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and charming Lesser Town with its baroque architecture and picturesque streets leading down to the Vltava River.

Booking Tip: Castle tickets cost 250-350 CZK ($11-15) depending on circuit chosen. Skip-the-line tours range from 800-1200 CZK ($35-55). Book morning slots to avoid afternoon crowds, especially in summer. Audio guides available for 350 CZK ($15).

Vltava River Cruise

Enjoy spectacular views of Prague's historic skyline from the Vltava River, passing under the famous Charles Bridge and seeing the city's landmarks from a unique perspective. Evening cruises offer romantic sunset views with the castle and cathedral illuminated against the darkening sky.

Booking Tip: Basic 1-hour cruises start at 390 CZK ($17), dinner cruises from 1200 CZK ($55). Book sunset cruises well in advance during summer. Look for boats with open upper decks for best photo opportunities and commentary in multiple languages.

Czech Beer Tasting Experience

Discover Prague's legendary beer culture through guided tastings at historic breweries and traditional beer halls. Learn about Czech brewing traditions dating back to 993 AD while sampling world-renowned Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar, and local craft beers in authentic medieval cellars.

Booking Tip: Beer tours cost 800-1500 CZK ($35-65) including 4-6 beer samples and snacks. Evening tours (6-8 PM) offer better atmosphere in traditional pubs. Choose tours that include brewery visits and traditional Czech appetizers for full cultural experience.

Getting There

Prague's Václav Havel Airport is located 17km west of the city center, with regular flights from major European cities and direct connections to North America and Asia. The Airport Express bus (60 CZK/$2.70) runs every 30 minutes to the main train station, while taxis cost 400-600 CZK ($18-27) to Old Town. Prague's central train station (Hlavní nádraží) connects to major European cities including Vienna (4 hours), Berlin (4.5 hours), and Budapest (7 hours), with the Old Town Hall just a 10-minute metro ride or 20-minute walk from the station.

Getting Around

Prague's excellent public transportation system includes metro, trams, and buses, with 24-hour tickets costing 120 CZK ($5.50) and 3-day passes at 310 CZK ($14). The historic city center is highly walkable, with Old Town Hall easily accessible on foot from most major attractions. Taxis are readily available but use ride-sharing apps like Bolt or official taxi companies to avoid overcharging, while bike rentals and electric scooters offer eco-friendly alternatives for exploring the city's numerous parks and riverside paths.

Where to Stay

Old Town Square

Lesser Town

New Town

Vinohrady

Karlín

Smíchov

Food & Dining

Prague's culinary scene brilliantly combines hearty traditional Czech cuisine with innovative modern gastronomy, offering everything from medieval taverns serving goulash and roasted duck to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing culinary boundaries. Traditional beer halls like U Fleků (brewing since 1499) and Lokál serve authentic dishes alongside world-class Czech beer, while the trendy Karlín and Vinohrady districts feature contemporary bistros and international cuisine. Don't miss trying svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), trdelník (sweet pastry), and the incredible variety of Czech beers that pair perfectly with the rich, flavorful local cuisine.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Prague is during late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather perfect for outdoor dining and river cruises, but also peak crowds and higher prices, especially around Old Town Hall where the Astronomical Clock draws massive gatherings every hour. Winter visits offer a magical Christmas market atmosphere and fewer tourists, though weather can be cold and daylight hours are limited, making indoor attractions like the Old Town Hall's historic interiors particularly appealing.

Insider Tips

Visit the Astronomical Clock at 9 AM or 6 PM for the best photos with fewer crowds, and climb the Old Town Hall tower 15 minutes before the hour show for spectacular overhead views of the gathering crowd below

Purchase a Prague Castle + Old Town Hall combination ticket online to save 20% and skip entrance lines, valid for 2 consecutive days with flexible timing

Explore the Old Town Hall's underground Gothic cellars and Romanesque rooms, often overlooked by tourists focused on the clock, for a fascinating journey through Prague's architectural evolution spanning eight centuries

Things to Do in Old Town Hall