Old Town Prague

Old Town Prague is the number one travel destination for East Central Europe. Why? Because it simply has it all in the way of things to do, sights to see, nightlife to enjoy, and events to anticipate. Many travelers to Prague consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and first-time travelers often plan return visits to this medieval Bohemian capital to take in everything they missed on their introductory trip. Start your tour of Prague in its old town, where Czech culture and traditions can be experienced first hand.

Old Town Prague Sights

Old Town Prague, known as Stare Mesto in Czech, dates from the 13th century and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Start your tour of Old Town's sights in Old Town Square, where Gothic, Renaissance, and medieval structures crowd around a cobbled space featuring the monument to Jan Hus. The most famous feature of the square is the 600-year-old astronomical clock, which draws crowds with its hourly chime and parade of figures. You'll also see two churches – the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas and the Gothic Lady Before Tyn. Historic houses have been transformed into shops and restaurants, and many have their own special stories to tell.

Josefov, or the Jewish District, occupies a subsection of Old Town. Take a tour of Josefov to understand how synagogues, Jewish centers, and the famous Old Jewish Cemetery illustrate the influence and size of the Jewish population of pre-20th century Prague.

As you explore Old Town Prague, you'll see former palaces, museums, monuments, theaters, historic cafes, and more. The Vlatva River acts as the western border of Old Town, where you can access Charles Bridge to cross into Prague's Mala Strana district.

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Things to Do in Old Town Prague

After you've seen the sights of Old Town Prague, you can still find plenty to do.

A branch of the Prague National Gallery exists right on Old Town Square in the former Kinsky Palace, but quirkier museums can also be patronized in Old Town. The most popular of Prague's unusual museums is probably the Sex Machines Museum, a collection of sexual devices through the ages. Similarly strange is the Torture Museum, where medieval torture contraptions and their descriptions make visitors cringe.

Shops, shopping malls, and markets are integrated into the Old Town Prague landscape. The Prague Christmas market is an annual attractions that draws international crowds, and the Easter market is equally popular. Souvenir shops, such as Manufaktura and Botanicus, sell Czech-made products. Prague's shopping centers contain shops that sell apparel, accessories, crystal and glass, food items, and more.

Restaurants in Old Town Prague

Dining establishments in Old Town Prague are located on squares, off of side streets, and in courtyards. Have dinner right on Old Town Square to watch how activity levels change as night falls. Or find a restaurant with a secluded terrace and order a bottle of wine, a glass of Czech beer, or the local sparkling water with your meal as your relax away from the bustle. Prague's cafes and coffeehouses provide historic atmospheres and serve up hot drinks and decadent European-style desserts. Czech food restaurants can be found around every corner, but ethnic restaurants, pizza joints, and sandwich shops are also well-represented.

Events in Old Town Prague

Old Town Prague's calendar of events is always full, and if you travel during a holiday or festival, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the color and creativity that finds its way to this Prague district when it's time to celebrate. Prague's Easter market is an event with enormous draw; preparations start well before the holiday, enabling travelers who prefer not to visit Prague at Easter to take advantage of souvenir stalls and Easter-related performances. Open-air parties on the square include Bohemain Carnevale and New Year's Eve. One-off events also occur on the square, and it isn't unusual to happen upon a concert or performance as you sightsee.

Hotels in Old Town Prague

Finding a hotel in Old Town Prague isn't difficult with advanced planning and a realistic idea of your budget. Old Town is a prime location and hotels there – especially those right on the main square – will command the highest prices per night. You don't have to stay right in the heart of Old Town to enjoy your stay, however. Consider hotels just outside of Old Town or in the Castle District, Mala Strana, or New Town Prague.

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More to Prague than Old Town

Old Town Prague is only one section of a much larger historic Prague. Castle Hill and Mala Strana, on the east side of the Vlatva River, are also packed with sights, restaurants, museums, shops, churches, and more. New Town Prague, which neighbors Old Town to the south, is an excellent neighborhood for shopping and dining, as well as taking in Art Nouveau architecture, exhibits, and cultural events.