The Old Town Hall Tower in Prague, crowned by the world-famous Astronomical Clock, is one of the city’s most visited landmarks. This guide explains everything you need to know before you go – from opening times and ticket prices to accessibility information and nearby attractions. You can book entry in advance to skip the queues here:
History and overview of the Old Town Hall Tower
The Old Town Hall was founded in 1338 after Prague’s burghers were granted the right to establish their own council building. Over the following centuries, neighbouring houses were added to the complex, creating the mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that dominates the square today. The Gothic tower, completed in the 14th century, quickly became one of the defining symbols of the Old Town.
The famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj) was added in 1410. Still functioning, it remains one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. Every hour between 9.00am and 11.00pm, crowds gather to watch its twelve apostles and carved figures pass by in procession – a scene that has played out daily for more than 600 years.
Inside, visitors can explore the historic halls, a Gothic chapel, and the remains of a medieval underground level. The highlight, though, is the tower gallery at over 40 metres high, offering panoramic views across the Old Town, Týn Church, and towards Prague Castle. An elevator makes the ascent easier for visitors who prefer not to climb the spiral staircase.
Five great things to do while you’re in Prague
- Discover Prague’s communist history and nuclear bunkers on a Cold War-themed tour.
- Let a knowledgeable guide explain the highlights on a Prague Castle tour.
- Learn Czechia’s World War II history on a day trip to the Terezin concentration camp.
- Combine Czech beer with some of Prague’s best dining on a food and beer tour.
- Cover more ground in less time on a Prague bike tour.
How to get to the Old Town Hall Tower
The tower stands in the centre of Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), within easy walking distance of most of central Prague. The nearest metro station is Staroměstská (Line A), about a five-minute walk away. Trams also stop at Staroměstská, from where signs point towards the square.
Driving is not recommended, as parking in the historic centre is restricted and costly. The nearest public car park is at the Rudolfinum Garage on Alšovo nábřeží, around a 10-minute walk from the square. From there, the tower is best reached on foot.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Old Town Hall Tower
The Old Town Hall Tower is open year-round, with slightly longer hours in summer. Current opening times are:
- January to March: 10am – 7pm
- Monday to Sunday: 9am – 8pm
Ticket prices (subject to change):
- Adult: 350 CZK
- Reduced (students, children, seniors): 230 CZK
- Family ticket: 750 CZK
Guided tours of the historic halls and underground rooms cost extra and are run at set times throughout the day. For the fastest entry, book a skip-the-line ticket and show your mobile voucher at the priority desk on arrival.
Best times to visit the Old Town Hall Tower
The quietest times to visit are usually weekday mornings right after opening, when the square is less crowded. Late afternoons and evenings can be busier, particularly when people gather for the hourly clock performance. If you want to photograph the view from the tower, the light is best in the late afternoon before sunset.
A standard visit to the tower takes around one hour. Adding a guided tour of the interiors or underground chambers extends this to about 90 minutes. In peak season, allow extra time for queues, even with pre-booked tickets.
Nearby attractions to combine with your visit
Old Town Square is packed with major sights, making it easy to combine the tower with other highlights in one day:
- Watch the Astronomical Clock procession from the square before heading inside.
- Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn, whose twin Gothic spires dominate the skyline.
- Walk to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) to see the synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery.
- Cross the Charles Bridge to explore the Lesser Town (Malá Strana).
- Stop for coffee or lunch at one of the cafés lining the square or tucked in nearby streets.
Practical tips for visiting Old Town Hall Tower
- Book your ticket online in advance to skip the ticket queue.
- Arrive about five minutes before the hour to see the clock show, then enter as the crowd disperses.
- Use the elevator if you prefer not to climb the stairs – it reaches the gallery level.
- Bring a camera or phone – the panoramic platform offers excellent photo opportunities.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding streets and stairways are cobbled.
- Allow extra time in summer, when the square is busiest with tour groups.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Old Town Hall Tower wheelchair accessible? | Yes. There is an elevator to the upper levels, and staff can assist visitors with reduced mobility. Some older sections, such as the underground rooms, have uneven floors and are not fully accessible. |
| Is there parking nearby? | No dedicated parking is available at the tower itself. The nearest paid garage is at the Rudolfinum, around a 10-minute walk away. |
| When is the Astronomical Clock show? | The clock performance takes place every hour from 9.00am to 11.00pm. |
| How do I skip the line? | Book your skip-the-line ticket online and present your mobile voucher at the priority entrance when you arrive. |
| Can I take photos inside? | Yes, photography is allowed throughout the tower and viewing platform. |
| How long should I allow for a visit? | Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes in total, depending on whether they join a guided tour. |
| Are strollers allowed? | Yes, but space is tight on the viewing platform, so lightweight strollers are recommended. |
| Are there cafés nearby? | Several cafés and restaurants line Old Town Square, all within a minute’s walk of the tower entrance. |
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Prague travel
Other Prague travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to get inside the St Wenceslas Chapel in Prague.
- Visitor guide to Vladislav Hall.
- Exploring the synagogues and history of Josefov – Prague’s Jewish Quarter.
- What to see on the Golden Lane inside Prague Castle.
- Tips for visiting Prague’s Karel Zeman Museum.
