Prague: The Old Town in 3 Highlights

The Old Town, Staré Mesto, is almost certainly the most visited district in Prague. It is also the oldest part of the city and certainly one of the most pleasant parts of Prague to wander about. The big bonus is that Stare Mesto is almost entirely car-free, so you can stroll through the narrow, winding streets at leisure without cars.

Here are three highlights which must be on your what-to-do-in-Prague list.

1. Old Town Square – Staromestske Namesti

Old Town square, Staromestské námestí, hums with activity. In summer, cafes spill out onto the street. In winter the Christmas market draws a crowd. Pastel-coloured houses ring the square. Cobbled streets lined with shops fan out in all directions.

The pink and white Kinsky Palace dazzles in the afternoon sun. In 1948, Klement Gottwald proclaimed communist rule from the first floor balcony. The palace is now part of the National Gallery and exhibits Czech art from the seventeenth to twentieth century.

The eye catcher of the square is Tyn Church with two irregular towers flanked by a forest of spires and pinnacle. The most popular attraction is the Old Town Hall Tower and the astronomical clock. The monument in the middle of Old Town Square commemorates reformer Jan Hus and is a fine example of an Art Nouveau sculpture.

Local expert tip: Climb the Old Town Hall tower for sweeping views of Prague, the Vltava River and the city beyond.

2. Astronomical Clock – Orloj

The astronomical clock is probably Prague’s most famous attraction. It is a complicated timepiece as it indicates the hours, the phases of the moon, the equinoxes, the seasons and the days. At the same time, the twelve zodiac signs make their course through the heavens. Watch the spectacle at the hour and join the crowd. Vanity admires herself in a hand mirror. Miser clutches a bag of gold. Death rings the bell and a Turk shakes his head. A shutter opens and out pop a procession of apostles. They make their round and exit through another shutter, the cockerel crows. The hour strikes.

Local Expert Tip: Have your camera focused and don’t blink. The spectacle of the astronomical clock is over in a minute.

3. Charles Bridge – Karlův most

Festooned with statues and crammed with people, Charles Bridge is Prague’s best-loved bridge. It was named after Charles IV and replaced the Judith Bridge which was destroyed in the 1324 floods. The slightly curved new bridge, Charles Bridge was a true engineering feat; wide enough for four carriages to pass at the same time, but now pedestrian only.

The crucifix was the first statue to appear on the bridge, followed by a whole string of statues standing on the parapets. The most popular is St John Nepomuk. Legend has it that when you rub his feet, you will return to Prague. Others claim this will bring you happiness. Whichever is true, be sure to polish the brass.

As wind and rain eroded the statues, the originals were moved to the Lapidarium Museum (temporarily closed). Mingle with the multitude on the bridge, listen to the Dixieland band and buy souvenirs from the hawkers.

Local expert tip: Stand on Charles Bridge for sweeping views of Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. Browse hawkers’ stalls and go home with local souvenirs.

Also close by

St Nicolas Church Ornate Baroque Building
Shopping in Tyn Court for Antiques and Bohemian Crystal
Karlova Street for Souvenir Shops

Photos: Marianne Crone