Day 1: the old center of Prague and the Jewish quarter
How many days do you need to visit Prague? You can visit the main attractions in 2 days, but it is preferable to spend 3-4 days for your visit to Prague. If we also take into account the numerous excursions you can make outside the city, we can easily add another 1-4 days.
On this page we describe what to see in the old center of Prague (places of interest to tourists are marked on the map in blue). Please note: some museums are closed one day a week!
Page last updated: December, 2024.
The Old Town Square
The most famous and most ancient (XII century) square in Prague is Staroměstské Square. From this stone-paved square you have a wonderful panorama of the baroque and gothic architecture: the town hall, the Church of San Nicola, the Stone Bell House, the Church of Our Lady before Týn. And in the center is the monument dedicated to Jan Hus. There are many restaurants, bars and kiosks that sell local food around the Old Town Square. You can find out what and where to eat in Prague on the page “Restaurants in Prague”.
Name in Czech: Staroměstské náměstí.
The Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock
The most beautiful building on the Old Square is the City Hall of Prague (XIV century), which is a combination of different architectural styles, but the dominant style is definitely gothic. The astronomical clock on the City Hall is a unique object dating back to XV century. The clock is recessed in the walls of city hall and surrounded by gothic figures that move every hour. Below that is a disk with the calendar and the signs of the zodiac, created in the nineteenth century. You absolutely must climb up the tower! It is open until 10 pm (the city hall until 6 pm) and you will enjoy a wonderful view from here both during the day and evening. There is an elevator and everything is equipped for the disabled.
Price: 100 CZK / €3.70 / $3.90 for the city hall and 130 CZK / €4.80 / $5.10 for the tower (free with the Prague Card).
Name in Czech: Staroměstská radnice s orlojem.
Charles Bridge
Mala Strana and the Old Town are joined by the gothic Charles Bridge, the most visited bridge in Prague. Designed by Peter Parler in the XIV century, the bridge consists of numerous arches and 75 statues that were installed on it starting from the XVII century.
Name in Czech: Karlův most.
The Old Town Bridge Tower
Strolling across the Charles Bridge, climb up the Gothic tower, a Prague archetype of the Arc de Triomphe, under which the Czech kings passed at the time of their coronation.
Price: 90 CZK / €3.30 / $3.50 (50% discount with the Prague Card).
Opening times: from 10 am to 10 pm (in March and October until 8 pm, and in winter until 6 pm).
Name in Czech: Staroměstská mostecká věž.
The Spanish Synagogue, the Jewish Museum
The Synagogue of Prague is one of the oldest synagogues and was built in the 13th century. Tourists are mainly impressed by the Moorish style of the structure, a rarity in the architecture of Prague. Prague is also home to the largest Jewish Museum. It is a wealth of history and culture, brought to life in five expositions divided among different buildings, together with the Jewish cemetery. It is one of the most visited cultural places in the Czech Republic.
Price: 300 CZK / €11 / $12 (free with the Prague Card).
Opening times: from 9 am to 6 pm (in winter until 4.30 pm). The complex is closed on Saturday.
Time needed for the visit: 1-2 hours.
Name in Czech: Španělská synagoga, Židovské muzeum.
The Church of Our Lady before Tyn
This is a Gothic style church and its high twin towers are visible from any point of the city of Prague. During the day the Church of Our Lady before Tyn is a spectacular building, but the church appears even more beautiful at night. Do not miss the opportunity to take a look at the interior as well: ancient altarpieces, tombs and the oldest organ in Prague (dating back to 1673) are preserved here under its arches.
Entry is free and it is forbidden to take photographs.
Name in Czech: Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem.
Kinsky Palace (National Gallery)
A beautiful building in Rococo style with rich stuccoes and other decorations. Today it is the national gallery of Prague, where you will find a collection of oriental art.
Price: 150 CZK / €5.50 / $5.90 (free with the Prague Card).
Opening times: from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Mondays.
Time needed for the visit: 30 minutes up to one hour.
Name in Czech: Palác Kinských.
Wenceslas Square
There is always lots of movement on Wenceslas Square. It is located in the New Town (Nové Město) and it is the center of entertainment and nightlife of Prague. You can safely spend half a day here and try some of the local food at the street hawkers stands.
Name in Czech: Wenceslas Square / Václavské náměstí.
The City Hall and the Powder Gate
The City Hall of Prague is a true jewel in modern style. From the outside, it has a very rich appearance, but it is even more sumptuous inside. The beautiful Powder Gate in the Gothic style, adjacent to the city Hall, remains a symbol of that era. An observation deck is located on the top (44 m / 145 feet) from where you have a view over the Old City.
Price: 90 CZK / €3.30 / $3.50 (free with the Prague Card).
Opening times: from 10 am to 10 pm (in March and October until 8 pm, and in winter until 6 pm).
Name in Czech: Obecní dům + Prašná brána.
