The Old Town's narrow streets and cobbled alleys may be crammed with fabulously varied architecture, intriguing restaurants and wonderful bars. But they're also packed with tourists. So many visitors to Prague end up making their way to the Old Town Square (or Staromestske Namesti) just to get away from the busy intensity of the rest of town. That, and the fact that it happens to be the most beautiful square in Europe.It dates back 800 years, as the first market-place for the small settlement Prague then was. Despite the intervening years, which saw the switch of Prague's focus to the western bank – when Prague Castle became the home-palace of the Holy Roman Emperor – Staromestske Namesti only grew in stature and splendour. Three Prague icons front the Square – the Old Town Hall Tower (with its magnificent Astronomical Clock) the twin fairy-tale spires of the Tyn Church and the contrasting copper-topped domes of St. Nicholas Church. But the lynch-pin of the square is the Jan Hus Memorial.Jan Hus was a radical preacher, for his time in the 1400s, daring to question the orthodoxies of the Catholic Church. He was burned at the stake for his defiance. The massive monument was unveiled in 1915, on the 500th anniversary of his martyrdom. It remains inspirational to Czechs to this day, as a symbol of standing up against repression. Prague's communist-era citizens would sit on the steps under Hus to show their dissent.Nowadays, you're more likely to find markets at the foot of the monument. The Old Town Square hosts special market events at Easter and Christmas. Their stalls are laden with traditional hand-crafted decorations, tasty Prague snacks like Mazanec, and the best of Czech produce from farm, orchard and sea. The prices may be expensive, and the crowds ever-present – but the backdrop is sublime.
Old Town Square Tours and Activities
Visit Old Town Square
Shows & concerts
See all 43 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet
History & culture
See all 760 activitiesOpens in new tabUNESCO Cesky Krumlov from Prague with Guided Tour and Transfer
Adventure & outdoor
See all 147 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: City Highlights Guided Electric Trike Tour
Attractions
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague City Pass
Private & custom tours
See all 421 activitiesOpens in new tabCity of Beer Self Guided Walking Tour in Prague
Popular places to visit
Royal Route
During your trip to Prague, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Royal Route. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area or seek out the local tours.
Prague Astronomical Clock
The hourly performance of Prague's Astronomical Clock will leave you trying to work out the mysteries of the multiple ways this clock can tell you the time.
Old Town Hall Tower
Enjoy an aerial view over Prague’s Old Town and admire the city’s world-famous astronomical clock at this 14th-century Gothic tower.
St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square
One of the Old Town Square's icons, deserving of tourist snaps, but more deserving of an exploration of its decorated interior and its troubled history.
Stone Bell House
Learn about the local history of Prague when you take a trip to Stone Bell House. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
Kinsky Palace
Learn about the local history of Prague when you spend time at Kinsky Palace. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.