First Day: Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge


Old Town Square with Tyn ChurchOld Town Square

The heart of Prague's historical center is the Old Town Square. It has been beautifully restored and it is a good place to start your Prague visit. You will find the Gothic spires of the Týn Church towering over the square and the statue of reformer Jan Hus, and the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall on the opposite side of it. Personally, we don't think that the hourly display of the 12 apostles on the Astronomical Clock is worth a wait longer than ten minutes, but some may disagree.

You will not regret a climb to the top of the Old Town Hall tower. The view of the square and beyond is spectacular.

 

St. Nicholas ChurchAround Old Town Square

Wander the streets leading off the square - the grand Pařížská, the charming Týnská that leads to Ungelt, the ever-busy Melantrichova that will take you to Wenceslas Square. Walk down Celetná to the Powder Tower, one of the historical entrances to the Old Town. Connected to the tower is the exquisite Municipal House, Prague's Art Nouveau gem.


Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is not far from Old Town Square and it would make sense to visit it in connection with your tour of the Old Town. The Jewish Museum administers the following sites: the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klaus Synagogue, and the Ceremonial Hall. The Old-New Synagogue is the oldest working synagogue in Central Europe.


Charles Bridge in WinterCharles Bridge

A walk across Charles Bridge will take you from Old Town to Lesser Town. We recommend strolling across the bridge at night to enjoy the magnificent view of the Prague Castle all lit up. Also, at night the crowds will be smaller. Another special time of day to be on the bridge is very early in the morning when there is hardly anyone there. Climbing the towers on both sides of the bridge, especially the one on the Old Town side, offers beautiful views. Read more on our Charles Bridge page.

 

 

 Top Rated Hotels near Old Town Square:
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague 5 stars
Jakubská 8, Prague 1 - Old Town
The luxury Buddha-Bar Hotel is located in the heart of Prague, close to the Old Town Square, and features a luxurious contemporary Asian-Colonial interior design. Enjoy the ultimate in atmosphere, “eatertainment”, highly personalised service and wonderful rooms. The Buddha-Bar restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience.
Ventana Hotel Prague Ventana Hotel Prague 5 stars
Celetná 7/600, Prague 1 - Old Town
The Ventana boutique hotel enjoys a superb location near Old Town Square. It is housed in a historic, Neo-Renaissance palace. The elegantly furnished rooms have high ceilings and marble bathrooms, and offer views of the Týn Cathedral, the Royal Route or Old Town Square.
Hotel Paris Hotel Paris 5 stars
U Obecního domu 1, Prague 1 - Old Town
The Hotel Paris is located by Prague's Municipal House and was built in 1904 in Neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau elements. All elegant rooms are decorated with replicas of original Art Nouveau furniture. The Sarah Bernhardt restaurant offers French and international cuisine and the Café de Paris has a charming Parisian atmosphere of the 1920s.
Merchant's Yard Tyn Yard Residence 4 stars
Týn 10, Prague 1 – Old Town
The Tyn Yard Residence is a wonderful value thanks to its excellent service, amenities and superb location. It is housed in a 15th-century building in a UNESCO protected site right off of Old Town Square. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms are quiet and offer views of the Týn Church and Old Town.