Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
Prague's medieval marvel, the Astronomical Clock, captivates with its hourly show and the Old Town Hall Tower offers stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the clock's hourly show
Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
Best Time
See the clock's hourly show

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Prague's medieval marvel, the Astronomical Clock, captivates with its hourly show and the Old Town Hall Tower offers stunning city views.
"A must-see medieval timepiece with breathtaking views from the tower!"
🎯 Arrive Early for the Show
Crowds gather 15-30 mins before the hourly show. Arrive early for a good viewing spot!
🎟️ Tower Ticket Tip
Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for amazing views. Tickets are 250 CZK.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Astronomical Clock Show
Old Town Square
Witness the medieval marvel come alive with apostles parading hourly. A Prague must-see!

Old Town Hall Tower View
Old Town Hall Tower
Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree views of Prague's red rooftops and spires.

The Apostles' Procession
Astronomical Clock
The highlight of the hourly show, where figures of the Apostles emerge. A true spectacle!
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Tower Access & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for the Show
Crowds gather 15-30 mins before the hourly show. Arrive early for a good viewing spot!
🎟️ Tower Ticket Tip
Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for amazing views. Tickets are 250 CZK.
📸 Capture the Moment
The clock's hourly show is a popular photo op. Be patient and find your angle.
🧐 Check for Maintenance
The clock has undergone restoration. Check recent updates to ensure it's fully visible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for the Show
Crowds gather 15-30 mins before the hourly show. Arrive early for a good viewing spot!
🎟️ Tower Ticket Tip
Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for amazing views. Tickets are 250 CZK.
📸 Capture the Moment
The clock's hourly show is a popular photo op. Be patient and find your angle.
🧐 Check for Maintenance
The clock has undergone restoration. Check recent updates to ensure it's fully visible.
🍦 Nearby Treats
Grab some of the best ice cream nearby after your visit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the historical significance and intricate mechanics of the Astronomical Clock, especially during its hourly show. The panoramic views from the Old Town Hall Tower are a major highlight, offering breathtaking vistas of Prague. However, the sheer volume of tourists can sometimes detract from the experience, leading to crowded viewing areas and queues.
"The Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most fascinating landmarks in the city. Before our trip, we researched top sites to visit, and this clock consistently came up high on every list. We arrived just before 9 PM and caught the hourly show—watching the figures pop out as the clock struck was a memorable moment.
Hard to believe this engineering masterpiece was built in the 1400s and still works today. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and the surrounding Old Town Square creates a lively atmosphere, though it does get crowded.
Part of the building was destroyed during WWII, which makes the preservation of the clock even more impressive. A piece of history that leaves a lasting impression."
regis kwong
"The structure is beautiful and ornate, with cute characters on the clocks. However, the hype surrounding its functionality is a bit exaggerated. I’ve seen crowds lining up all day just to catch a glimpse of the clock on the hour. If you want to avoid the crowds, try going at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. for a more manageable crowd. Don’t forget to watch out for the rooster quack at the end of the whole song and dance of the clock."
Anand
"Tower was great but the tour was much more worth it! The prices were swapped in my opinion, 150 for the tour and 350 for the tour, I think they should have been swapped.
The tour was great but it would have been nicer if it was more than just sharing information. Some experience design could go a long way. But still grateful for the guide Erik!
Everything starts on time so make sure you are there ahead of time and bring water!! The tour takes an hour sharp!
The history is great but the clock history was narrowed. I expected the tour to include more information about the building of the clock but it was more about who made it and when and the history around it and its survival through the war.
Overall, it was worth it!"
Rahaf
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock is located in the heart of Prague's Old Town Square. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several tram stops nearby. Many visitors also walk from other central Prague attractions.
Yes, the Astronomical Clock is a central feature of the Old Town Square and is very easy to find. It's a major landmark that draws crowds, so you'll likely see many people gathered around it.
The closest metro station is Staroměstská (Line A), which is about a 5-10 minute walk from the Old Town Square. From there, follow the signs or the flow of people towards the main square.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Old Town Square is very limited and expensive due to its pedestrianized nature. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk. If driving, look for parking garages on the outskirts and take public transport in.
For the best photos, approach from the Charles Bridge side or from the side streets leading into the square. This allows you to capture the clock with the surrounding architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the hourly show of the Astronomical Clock is free to watch from Old Town Square. However, if you wish to climb the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, a ticket is required.
The entrance fee for the Old Town Hall Tower is approximately 250 CZK. Prices can vary slightly, so it's always good to check the official website or ticket office for the most current pricing.
Tickets for the Old Town Hall Tower can be purchased directly at the ticket office located within the Old Town Hall building itself. It's advisable to buy them in advance if possible, especially during peak season.
The Old Town Hall Tower is typically open daily from late morning until around 10 PM. The exact hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm the current schedule before your visit.
Yes, Prague offers various city passes and combination tickets that may include entry to the Old Town Hall Tower and other attractions. Research these options to see if they fit your itinerary and offer savings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The show happens every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 11 PM. While it's free, the square gets very crowded. For a less packed experience, try the earliest or latest shows of the day.
During the hourly show, figures of the Apostles emerge from the windows above the clock, and Death tolls a bell. It's a brief but fascinating display of medieval engineering.
The clock is a historical monument and has undergone maintenance. In the past, it has been covered for restoration. It's wise to check recent visitor reports or official announcements to ensure it's fully visible.
From the tower, you get spectacular panoramic views of Prague's Old Town Square, the Týn Church, Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle complex. It's a fantastic photo opportunity.
Restroom facilities are generally available within the Old Town Hall complex, though there might be a small fee for use. It's always a good idea to use facilities when you see them, as they can be scarce in crowded tourist areas.
📸 📸 Photography
To capture the clock and its hourly show, position yourself in the square with enough space. Consider using a wide-angle lens to include the surrounding architecture. Be patient for the crowds to clear slightly.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Midday can be harsh, but also offers good light for the clock's details.
Absolutely! The Old Town Hall Tower provides incredible vantage points for photography. You can capture stunning aerial shots of Prague's historic center.
Try shooting from slightly different angles in the square to get unique perspectives. Looking up at the clock tower from the base, or capturing it with the Týn Church in the background, are popular choices.
For the hourly show, a faster shutter speed might be needed to freeze the movement of the apostles. If it's darker, consider increasing your ISO or using a tripod for sharper images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Climbing the Old Town Hall Tower can also be an adventure for older children, offering exciting views of the city. Ensure they are comfortable with heights and stairs. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as the square can get busy, and purchasing them on the spot might be more expensive. The surrounding Old Town Square also offers plenty of space for kids to move around before or after watching the clock.
📸 Photographers
The Old Town Hall Tower is a must for panoramic shots. Aim for golden hour for the best light on the city's architecture. Be prepared for crowds, especially around the clock during its hourly show. Consider a wide-angle lens for the square and a telephoto lens for details on the clock or distant castle views.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While climbing the Old Town Hall Tower has a fee (around 250 CZK), it offers significant value for the stunning views. If budget is extremely tight, enjoying the free hourly show and the atmosphere of the square might suffice. Exploring the surrounding cobblestone streets of the Old Town is also free and highly rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mechanics of the Astronomical Clock
Each hour, from 9 AM to 11 PM, the clock puts on a brief spectacle. As the hour strikes, figures of the Apostles emerge from small windows above the clock face, accompanied by the ringing of a bell by a figure representing Death. This hourly performance has captivated visitors for centuries and is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. While the clock has undergone numerous repairs and restorations throughout its long history, its core functionality and charm remain.
It's important to note that the clock has experienced periods of maintenance, sometimes being covered for repairs. Visitors are advised to check recent information to ensure the clock is fully visible and operational during their planned visit. Despite any temporary disruptions, the Prague Astronomical Clock remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, drawing crowds eager to witness its unique hourly performance.
Experiencing the Old Town Hall Tower Views
The tower offers a unique perspective on the layout of the Old Town Square and the winding cobblestone streets that radiate from it. It's an ideal spot for photography, allowing you to capture stunning vistas that are difficult to replicate from ground level. Many visitors find the climb worthwhile for the photo opportunities alone, and it provides a great sense of scale for the city.
When planning your visit to the tower, consider going during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. However, even during the day, the views are spectacular. Be prepared for potentially narrow staircases and the possibility of queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The ticket price is nominal for the incredible experience and the breathtaking scenery you gain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit