Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Prague’s Old Town (2025)

One of Europe’s most beautiful public spaces, the Old Town Square is the heart of historic Prague. It has served as a bustling marketplace, civic center, and social gathering space for over 1,000 years. The square is flanked by striking architectural landmarks including the Týn Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Old Town Hall. Horse-drawn carriages, street musicians, and seasonal markets bring the square to life throughout the year. It’s also the location of historic events such as the execution of 27 Czech leaders following the Battle of White Mountain in 1621, an event that dramatically marked the end of Bohemian independence. The square was also where Jan Hus’s reformist ideals gained public traction, memorialized by the Jan Hus Monument at its center, and it has witnessed moments of political resistance, including mass protests during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Whether lit by the sun or glowing under lantern light, the square exudes atmosphere and history.

Dominating the square with its twin Gothic spires, this 14th-century church is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its towers, each over 80 meters high, are intentionally asymmetrical—a symbolic representation of male and female balance, and a reminder that imperfection reflects divine creation. The richly decorated interior includes ornate altarpieces, vaulted ceilings, and the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe. During the Hussite movement, the church became a bastion of reformist ideals, serving as the main Hussite place of worship and a powerful symbol of Czech religious identity. After the movement was suppressed, the church was re-Catholicized and richly re-decorated, yet its layered past remains visible in its art and architecture. Despite its commanding exterior, the entrance is tucked away through a small arch at the base of surrounding buildings, making the discovery feel all the more special.

Often confused with its namesake in Lesser Town, this Baroque gem stands on the northwestern edge of Old Town Square. Built in the early 18th century by architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, the church is admired for its majestic dome and stucco interior. Inside, visitors can admire the grand organ and ornate frescoes that reflect the grandeur of Prague’s Baroque period. The church also functions as a concert venue, renowned for its acoustics and regular classical music performances. Its white façade gleams in the afternoon sun and contrasts beautifully with the Gothic elements nearby. This church remains a tranquil refuge in the bustling square.

Set on the wall of the Old Town Hall, the 15th-century Astronomical Clock is one of Prague’s most treasured landmarks. Every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM, crowds gather to watch the parade of the Twelve Apostles appear from behind two small windows. The lower dial serves as a calendar, while the upper shows the position of celestial bodies and time in multiple systems. The clock’s intricate mechanism reflects medieval Europe’s scientific ambition and fascination with the cosmos. Four allegorical figures flank the clock: Vanity, Greed, Death, and the Turk. According to legend, its creator, Master Hanuš, was blinded after completing the mechanism to prevent him from replicating it elsewhere—a grim tale that underscores the clock’s mystique. Over the centuries, the clock has been meticulously restored several times, most notably after damage sustained during World War II. Today, it remains a marvel of engineering and storytelling, offering not just the time, but a performance rich in symbolism and history.

Founded in 1338, the Old Town Hall has long been the seat of civic power. Over the centuries, it expanded to include adjoining buildings, giving it a slightly irregular appearance. Its iconic Gothic tower offers sweeping views over the Old Town and beyond. Beneath the structure, a network of Romanesque and Gothic cellars reveals layers of medieval life. Inside, you can explore ceremonial halls and the historic council chamber. The hall has played a central role in key political moments, from medieval councils to uprisings during Nazi occupation, and even as a rallying point during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. A visit to the Old Town Hall is essential to understanding the city’s political, architectural, and social evolution.

This historic route once formed part of the Royal Way, connecting Old Town Square to Prague Castle. Today, it’s lined with pastel-colored buildings, souvenir shops, and hidden arcades that still echo the footsteps of coronation processions. The street derives its name from “calty,” a type of twisted pastry that was once baked here in medieval times. It’s also home to the House at the Black Madonna, an early Cubist building that now houses a design museum and café. As you stroll along, you’ll notice elaborate signage on buildings, including golden eagles, red lions, and mythological creatures—these signs once helped identify homes before the advent of street numbers. Over the centuries, notable residents such as writer Franz Kafka lived just off Celetná, and the route was frequently traversed by royal entourages heading to Prague Castle, making it both a cultural and ceremonial artery of the city.

Just outside the medieval walls, this square bridges the Old and New Towns. Known locally as Náměstí Republiky, it’s a dynamic crossroads of history and modern life. It’s home to the magnificent Art Nouveau Municipal House and the Gothic Powder Tower, both architectural highlights. The Palladium shopping mall introduces a contemporary dimension with shops and eateries. Republic Square also hosts seasonal markets and public events, keeping the area lively throughout the year. With major tram stops and metro access, it’s also a vital transportation hub for locals and tourists alike.

One of Prague’s Art Nouveau masterpieces, this cultural palace was built in the early 20th century. It stands on the former site of the Royal Court palace, where Bohemian kings once resided before Prague Castle became the main seat of power. Most notably, the Municipal House played a pivotal role in Czech history as the site where the independence of Czechoslovakia was officially declared on October 28, 1918. Today, the building houses the Smetana Hall, known for its splendid acoustics and frequent concerts. Lavish murals, stained glass, and mosaic details make the interior a visual feast. Guided tours reveal richly decorated salons and the history of the building’s civic role. Don’t miss the elegant cafés and restaurants tucked inside its halls.

This imposing Gothic tower once formed part of Prague’s medieval fortifications. It was originally built in 1475 and intended to serve as a ceremonial entrance to the city for Bohemian kings. Later, it was used to store gunpowder, which gave the tower its current name. Visitors can climb a winding staircase to reach a gallery with panoramic views of the city’s rooftops. Inside, you’ll also find a small exhibit on the tower’s history and role in Prague’s defenses. Its dark stone façade and decorative carvings make it a favorite photo stop on any walking tour.

A former moat turned boulevard, Na Příkopě now serves as a bustling commercial corridor separating the Old and New Towns. It stretches between Republic Square and Wenceslas Square, making it one of the busiest and most prominent streets in the city. Along this avenue, you’ll find elegant 19th-century façades housing department stores, international retailers, and elegant arcades. The street has retained its importance since medieval times, once serving as part of the city’s fortification system. Today, it’s also a favorite for window shopping, people-watching, and admiring Prague’s urban evolution. Whether you’re seeking luxury fashion or a quiet café tucked inside a historic passageway, Na Příkopě offers something for everyone.

One of the oldest continuously operating markets in Prague, Havel’s Market dates back to 1232. Located between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square, it’s a vibrant place where locals and tourists mingle. The stalls are filled with fresh fruit, flowers, handmade crafts, wooden toys, and traditional souvenirs. Some of the vendors have been in the market for generations, preserving its authentic character. The market is open daily and offers a cheerful, colorful atmosphere year-round. Just behind the market, Havelská Street invites further exploration with its mix of cozy shops, arcaded buildings, and historic signage.

This majestic Gothic tower marks the entrance to Charles Bridge from the Old Town side. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, it served both ceremonial and defensive purposes. The tower is richly decorated with statues of saints and the emperor himself, watching over the entrance like a stone guardian. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views of the bridge, river, and Lesser Town beyond. Inside, small exhibits detail the tower’s architectural history and role in royal processions. It remains one of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in the world.

One of the most beloved bridges in the world, Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with Lesser Town across the Vltava River. Construction began in 1357 under the reign of Charles IV and took several decades to complete. According to legend, Charles chose to lay the foundation stone at precisely 5:31 AM on July 9th—a moment chosen for its alignment with a numeric palindrome thought to bring strength and harmony. The bridge is lined with 30 statues, most of which are Baroque-era replicas of earlier originals. Over the centuries, it has served as the ceremonial route for royal coronation processions heading to Prague Castle, and it has also seen its share of military action and flood damage. Among the statues, the most famous is that of Saint John of Nepomuk—touching the plaque beneath is said to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague. With its solid stone construction, romantic views, and layers of history and superstition, Charles Bridge remains a must-visit landmark in the heart of the city.

Located just steps from Charles Bridge, the Clementinum is one of the largest and most historic building complexes in Prague. Originally founded by Jesuits in the 16th century, it evolved into a hub of education, science, and spirituality. Its most remarkable feature is the Baroque Library Hall, often cited among the most beautiful libraries in the world, with ceiling frescoes celebrating knowledge and learning. The complex also includes the Mirror Chapel, known for its ornate interior and classical concerts, and the Astronomical Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Historically, the Clementinum housed the National Library of the Czech Republic and served as a major center of Jesuit scholarship. A visit offers a rich tapestry of art, architecture, and intellectual heritage in the very heart of Prague.

Not to be confused with the historic New Town Hall in Karlovo náměstí, Prague’s New City Hall (Nová radnice) stands on Mariánské náměstí near the Klementinum and serves as the current seat of the Prague City Council and Mayor. Built between 1908 and 1911 in the Art Nouveau style, the structure is known for its ornate façade, decorative ironwork, and elegant interior details. Visitors may enter on select days to see its grand staircase, ceremonial halls, and rooftop terrace offering a rare panoramic view over the Old Town. The building plays a key administrative role in the city’s governance today, continuing Prague’s long tradition of civic representation. Its understated presence masks the importance of the work carried out inside and connects the capital’s political life to its architectural heritage.

The House At The Minute, located near Old Town Square in Prague, is an architectural and historical treasure. Dating back to the early 1400s, it underwent a Renaissance transformation in 1564, adding a third floor and intricate Sgraffito etchings. These designs showcase a mix of Biblical tales, Roman mythology, and figures like Ottoman Sultan Selim and Habsburg rulers. The building, once known as the White Lion House, also housed a pharmacy until 1712, and its corner is adorned with a Lion statue, a relic from the late 18th century.

Renamed At The Minute when it became a tobacco shop, the title refers to the small tobacco packs sold there—minute as in “my-nute.” Its historic facade, once hidden under plaster, was rediscovered in 1919. The house also holds literary significance as Franz Kafka’s childhood home from 1889 to 1896. Today, it combines history and modernity, with Ristorante Italiano Al Minuto occupying its ground floor.

Tucked just behind the Astronomical Clock and adjacent to Old Town Square, Little Square (Malé náměstí) offers a quieter, more intimate slice of Prague’s historic center. Once a vibrant market space, the square is now a scenic stop surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque townhouses with beautifully decorated façades. At its center stands an ornate wrought-iron fountain dating to the 16th century, originally used as a source of drinking water. Look up to spot colorful murals and gables that add visual charm to this compact square. Today, it hosts several cafés, galleries, and small shops—ideal for a relaxed break away from the busy main square. It’s also a great spot to admire architectural details and enjoy people-watching in one of Prague’s coziest pockets.