Visit Iconic Old Town Square in Prague in 2023 (with video)
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Prague is a visit to Old Town Square. It’s home to some of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, including the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Jan Hus monument, the Prague Astronomical Clock, and St. Nicholas’ Church.
One of the best things to do in Old Town Square is simply wander around and take in all the sights and sounds, like I did when I visited and filmed this video below with my 360 camera. Be sure to check out the impressive architecture of the churches and buildings and listen to the street performers playing music.
I’ll also be recommending guided tours you can take when you go yourself.
Best of Prague: City Walking Tour, Boat Cruise, and Typical Czech Lunch
Here is my 360 VR travel video tour.
If using mobile then open in YouTube app to look around in 360.
Things to see in Old Town Square in Prague
Old Town Hall
In my video you can see the Old town tower from the most popular perspective on the clock side but you can also see it from the square, which is also an impressive view.
The Old Town Hall became the center of town administration in 1784 when four surrounding towns united. The building is made up of a block of houses from different eras, which were gradually added to it. In addition to its beautiful architecture, the Old Town Hall also features a chapel, Halls, and a basement.
Today, it is made up of a mix of different styles, including Romanesque in the interior basement and Gothic inside and out.
One of the most famous features of the Old Town Hall is its astronomical clock and the tower it is in offers magnificent views of the city from the top.
Prague Astronomical Clock
As you can see from my video, it can get crowded, but I got a close up shot of the clock extending the camera on the selfie stick. I also have views both in day and night.
A must-see attraction in Old Town Square is the Prague Astronomical Clock. This medieval clock is one of the oldest and most famous in the world and has been ticking away since 1410. It’s definitely worth stopping by to watch all the intricate moving parts.
The Prague astronomical clock, or Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock located in the Old Town Square of Prague. The clock is a complex mechanical device that includes several moving parts, which represent various aspects of the celestial world.
The zodiacal ring, for example, shows the position of the sun and planets relative to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The outer rotating ring represents the orbit of the moon around the earth. And the two icons, one standing for the sun and one representing the moon, show the current positions of these celestial bodies.
In addition to its practical function of keeping time, the Orloj also serves as a kind of planetarium, providing a glimpse into the workings of the cosmos.
Here is a cinematic short video from my Youtube channel of Old Town Square.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
In my video you will see the spires of the church towering over the far end of the square.
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is an awe-inspiring Gothic church that has been a main attraction for visitors to Prague Square and was built in the 14th century.
Jan Hus Monument
Jan Hus became a symbol of dissidence and strength against oppressive regimes in his time. He opposed the Hapsburg’s control over Czech lands as well as church rule by the Vatican.
The statue sits in the middle of the square as seen in the video.
Kinský Palace
You can see this palace just behind the Jan Hus Monumnet in my video, as well as in the picture above.
The Kinský Palace, with its beautiful pink and white stucco façade, creates an alluring atmosphere in Old Town Square. The buildings were rebuilt as a Roccoco palace in 1765.
Today, the Kinský Palace houses the City Gallery of Prague, which showcases both temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection of 20th-century Czech art.
St. Nicholas Church
Tucked away at the other end of the square, I show the Church from a distance in the day and then a closer outside view at night when it is lit up.
The Church of Saint Nicholas, or the Kostel svatého Mikuláše as it is known in Czech, was built in 1737 on top a parish church from around 1200 AD. This stunning building can be found near Old Town Square now also serves as a venue for concerts.
Štorch House
The Štorch family were prominent booksellers and publishers. The words on the facade of the house are taken from a poem by Saint Wenceslas.
The most notable feature of the house is the series of frescoes depicting various figures from Czech history, including Jan Amos Komenský, Saint Wenceslas, and the Prague coat of arms. The Štorch family crest, which prominently features a stork, is also displayed.
The House at the Minute
The House at the Moment is a Czech Renaissance building. This townhouse has a facade decorated with sgraffito, which depicts scenes drawn from biblical and mythological and Renaissance sources.
For a summary tour of all of Prague with more videos and pictures, then go here.
Things to do when visiting Old Town Square, Prague
If you’re looking for a place to eat, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Old Town Square. Or, if you’re looking for something more unique, why not try one of the traditional Czech restaurants serving hearty fare like goulash and pork knuckles?
I ate at Mlejnice Restaurant right around the corner and had some mulled wine and dumplings.
Also right around Old Town Square is my written guide and video of walking from Rudolfinum to Wenceslas.
Charles Bridge
A short walk from Old Town Square is Charles Bridge and here is my 360 video tour and blog. And there are lots of shops and snack foods to eat on the way.
360 VR travel tour
The best way to see things before you go is with a 360 VR video.
I filmed this video using my Insta360 X3 camera. Check price here or see my blog on why I use the Insta360 X3 as my main camera when travelling.
Make sure you sit in a swivel chair for best experience if using mobile or tablet.
And always make sure settings are set to maximum resolution to get a crisper picture.
