Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock, Prague - A large building with a clock on the front of it
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Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock

4.7
·84k reviews·, Czechia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Hourly, 9 AM - 11 PM

See the clock's hourly show

CrowdHigh
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Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock, Prague - A large building with a clock on the front of it

Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock

Best Time

Hourly, 9 AM - 11 PM

See the clock's hourly show

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.7
(84k reviews)

"A must-see medieval timepiece with breathtaking views from the tower!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Astronomical Clock Show

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 View

Old Town Hall Tower

Ascend for breathtaking 360-degree views of Prague's red rooftops and spires.

The Apostles' Procession

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

The Astronomical Clock show happens hourly, but crowds gather 15-30 minutes prior. For fewer people and better views, aim for early morning or late evening shows. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid the busiest times.

Tower Access & Views

Climbing the Old Town Hall Tower offers stunning panoramic views of Prague. Tickets are required and can be purchased onsite. Be prepared for narrow staircases and potential queues, especially during peak hours.

Best Times

When
Hourly, 9 AM - 11 PM
Why
See the clock's hourly show
Crowd
High
When
Early morning or late evening
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old Town Hall, Prague 🤍 #prague #praguebucketlist #view
@anastasia.kazimir
592.6K likes • 4.7M views

🎯 Arrive Early for the Show

Crowds gather 15-30 mins before the hourly show. Arrive early for a good viewing spot! Reddit

🎟️ Tower Ticket Tip

Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for amazing views. Tickets are 250 CZK. Reddit

Ever walk through an old subway station? here’s how you can get inside the old City Hall Subway station. #n#nychistoryn#nycs#subwayn#newyorkcityn#nyctour
@hereinnyc
27.9K likes • 329.2K views
One of my favorite highlights of Bratislava is the Old Town Hall & its amazing views 💛 Save it for your trip 📎 #thisisbratislava #visitbratislava #bratislava #slovakia #slovensko #pressburg #viennat...
bratislava_
1.5K likes • 29.6K views

📸 Capture the Moment

The clock's hourly show is a popular photo op. Be patient and find your angle. Reddit

🧐 Check for Maintenance

The clock has undergone restoration. Check recent updates to ensure it's fully visible. Reddit

Time-travel to the 20s with this incredible theatre 🎥🍿 Thank you to the Old Town Music Hall for a fantastic cinema experience and for a backstage tour. This is my new favorite theatre! Check out thei...
@callmeharlowe
15.6K likes • 90.4K views

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! Reddit

🎟️ Tower Ticket Tip

Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for amazing views. Tickets are 250 CZK. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The clock's hourly show is a popular photo op. Be patient and find your angle. Reddit

🧐 Check for Maintenance

The clock has undergone restoration. Check recent updates to ensure it's fully visible. Reddit

🍦 Nearby Treats

Grab some of the best ice cream nearby after your visit! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(84k reviews)

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

Hourly clock show
Stunning tower views
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Large crowds
Maintenance closures

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Absolutely! The Old Town Hall Tower provides incredible vantage points for photography. You can capture stunning aerial shots of Prague's historic center. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock offers a magical experience for families. The hourly show of the clock, with its moving figures, is captivating for children and provides a fun way to learn about history. Arrive a bit early to secure a good spot where kids can see without being blocked. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock is a dream location. The clock itself offers intricate details and the hourly show provides dynamic moments. The Old Town Square provides a grand backdrop, especially with the Týn Church. TikTok

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. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

The main attraction, the Astronomical Clock show, is completely free to watch from the Old Town Square, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Mechanics of the Astronomical Clock

The Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock is a marvel of medieval engineering, first installed in 1410, making it the world's oldest functioning astronomical clock.Reddit Its intricate design not only tells time but also displays astronomical information, including the positions of the sun and moon, and zodiacal signs. The clock is comprised of three main parts: the astronomical dial, representing the sky; 'The Walk of the Apostles,' a show that occurs hourly; and a calendar dial below. The complexity of its mechanics, powered by a single winding mechanism, is astounding for its era. TikTok

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Experiencing the Old Town Hall Tower Views

Ascending the Old Town Hall Tower is a highly recommended experience for any visitor to Prague. The climb, though involving many steps, rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views of the city's historic heart. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the sprawling red rooftops, the majestic spires of churches like the Týn Church, and the iconic Prague Castle complex perched on the hill. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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