Prague Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Popular with Locals,
Plaza / Square
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The Old Town Square (or Staroměstské náměstí) is quintessential Prague, and the star of most of the photos you would have seen of the city. Coming out onto the huge square after negotiating the dim mazes of the Old Town's lanes, you'll pinch yourself - it's hard to believe that the airy pastels and incredible profusion of stunning architecture don't belong to a film set.
The Old Town Square began life as a medieval market and has remained at the center of the city's life, acting as a stage for celebrations, gestures of political power and even (during a rebellion in the 17th century) executions.
Most visitors are content to join the crowds wandering or sipping coffee, but if you want a more in-depth experience go into at least a few of the buildings. Some of the best are the impressive Gothic church of Our Lady Before Týn, the Stone Bell House with its Gothic Tower, and the Old Town Hall.
Latest Reviews
Review by Susan H, November 2012
Doing what: Historic Prague Walking Tour including King's Route and Charles Bridge
There were only 4 people on our tour and the two women with my husband and I spoke Italian and we spoke English. Our tour guide accommodated both of us as he spoke both languages,Prague is beautiful and so interesting. The highlights of the tour -Charles Bridge,St. Nicholas, the Clock,artists' island,Church of the Children,Ulatava River,Old Town Square,Republic Square,Smiricky Palace,Municipal House,Powder gate and National Theatre. He allowed time for picture taking but kept us moving so we could see everything. This was a great tour.
Review by Julie S, September 2012
Doing what: Prague Ghost Walking Tour
What a great way to start my trip in Prague. I got to Prague late in the afternoon, jet lagged and tired. I took and nap and then went on this tour. Not really a "Ghost" tour, more of a "Legends" tour. But, also a great way to get your bearings for the rest of your stay in Prague. My guide was very informative. There were 3 of us on the tour, so it was very personal. We saw Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and the Charles Bridge. We were supposed to walk across the bridge and see part of Lesser Town, but I was tired and the couple wanted to have dinner. So be stopped at the Charles Bridge. My guide even walked me to the metro and road part of the way back to the hotel with me. If you are expecting ghosts and ghoulies, this is not the trip for you. But, if you want to have a better understanding of the layout of Prague and some of it's history, sign up now!
Review by Anonymous, February 2010
Doing what: Prague in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Practical Info
Try to time your visit to the Old Town Hall on the hour so you can see the Astronomical Clock do its stuff. As if the blue-and-gold starred clock were not beautiful enough, when the hour strikes its doors open and there's a parade of mechanical figures: the saints and the damned.
Staroměstské náměstí is at the heart of Prague's Old Quarter, facing the Castle District over the Vltava River.
