Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge
The Old Town (Staré Město) has been an official Prague district since the 13th century. It lies on the right bank of the Vltava River and covers an area between the river and the streets Národní, 28. října, and Revoluční. The Old Town is connected with the left bank of the Vltava by five bridges: Legion Bridge, Charles Bridge, Mánes Bridge, Čech Bridge, and Štefánik Bridge. Its neighboring districts are the New Town on the right river bank and Lesser Town and Letná on the left.
OLD 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 the square. 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.
Old Town Hall Tower
You will not regret a climb to the top of the Old Town Hall tower. The view of the square and beyond is spectacular. Don’t worry about having to walk up lots of stairs. You’ll be walking up a ramp or you can take an elevator.
Around Old Town Square
Wander the streets leading off the square – the grand Pařížská, the charming Týnská that leads to Ungelt, the 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 district was named Josefov after emperor Josef II and was added to Prague’s historical center in 1850. Prague’s Jewish population has lived in this area for centuries and was nearly wiped out during World War II. Today, the Jewish Museum administers a number of synagogues, such as the Old-New Synagogue (the oldest working synagogue in Europe), the Pinkas Synagogue that serves as a memorial to the victims of the holocaust with almost 80,000 names inscribed on its walls, the astonishing Spanish Synagogue, and others. All of the synagogues have been beautifully restored and house priceless exhibits collected throughout the past.
CHARLES 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, there will be a lot fewer people on the bridge at night. 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 offers beautiful views. Read more on our Charles Bridge page.
Top Rated Hotels near Old Town Square:
Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague
Jakubská 8, Prague 1 – Old Town
The Buddha-Bar Hotel is located in the heart of Prague and features a luxurious contemporary Asian-Colonial interior design. Enjoy the ultimate in atmosphere, “eatertainment”, personalized service and wonderful rooms. The Buddha-Bar restaurant offers an exquisite culinary experience.
Ventana Hotel Prague
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
U Obecního domu 1, Prague 1 – Old Town
The Hotel Paris was built in 1904 in Neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau elements. All 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.
Týn Yard Residence
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.