Twelve ideas around the clock
Most visitors see the Prague Astronomical Clock in a few minutes and then wonder what to do next. The Old Town has plenty within a short walk. This list mixes free sights on the square with churches, towers and museums that need a ticket. Walking times depend on where you start and on the crowds.
If you want to go up the town hall tower first, the tower page explains the lift and the hours. Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Malá Strana and boat trips on the Vltava are covered by charlesbridge.org and are not part of this list.
On the square itself
Four things within a few steps of the clock.
1. Týn Church
A Gothic church with a baroque interior and the grave of Tycho Brahe. It opens at set hours, and a donation of CZK 50 is suggested (2026). Details are on the Old Town Square page.
2. Jan Hus monument
A large monument of stone and bronze in the middle of the square, free to see at any time. It is a useful meeting point.
3. Marian Column
The column you see is a replica set up in 2020. The first column dated from 1650 and was pulled down in 1918.
4. The crosses in the paving
Crosses by the town hall remember the executions of 1621. Treat the spot as a memorial.
Our pick: the Clementinum
Choose this guided route for the Meridian Hall, the tower and a view into the baroque library from behind a barrier.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Old Town tours and tickets near the clock
Guided walks, underground tours and town hall tickets, with live prices and availability.
Churches, a palace and the Jewish Quarter
Four more stops, one of them closed to visitors.
5. St Nicholas Church on the square
A baroque church from 1732 to 1737, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free outside services. Concerts are ticketed separately. It is not the St Nicholas in Malá Strana.
6. Kinský Palace, from outside only
The National Gallery building has been closed to the public since 1 June 2025. Enjoy the rococo facade and skip any exhibition plans.
7. House at the Minute (Dům U Minuty)
A house in the town hall complex with a sgraffito facade. Franz Kafka lived here with his parents from 1889 to 1896. It is a look-from-outside stop.
8. Josefov and the Jewish Museum
The old Jewish Quarter has several synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, run as one museum. The adult ticket is CZK 600, students under 26 pay CZK 400, children aged 7 to 15 pay CZK 200 and children up to 6 are free (2026). A ticket is valid for three opening days, with one visit per site. The museum is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, and hours vary by season.
Towers, halls and a market
Four ideas for rain, for views or for lunch.
9. Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
A gallery at 44 m, reached by 186 steps. There is no step-free access. Adult tickets cost CZK 200, children aged 6 to 15 and seniors from 65 pay CZK 130, young people aged 16 to 26 pay CZK 160 and a family ticket costs CZK 400. Children up to 5 are free (2026). It opens daily, with longer hours from June to September.
10. Municipal House (Obecní dům)
A guided tour of the interior takes about one hour. An adult ticket costs CZK 320, reduced CZK 270 and a family ticket CZK 660 for one or two adults with one to three children under 18. Children under 10 are free (2026). Tickets are sold on site and online, so check the tour times.
11. Clementinum
A guided route of about 45 minutes with a view of the baroque library, the Meridian Hall and the tower. You do not enter the library hall. Adults pay CZK 380, children aged 6 to 15 and seniors from 65 pay CZK 230, ages 16 to 26 pay CZK 300 and a family ticket costs CZK 810 (2026). There is no lift and the gallery is up 172 steps. Groups are limited to 25, so booking online is the safer choice.
12. Havelský Market
A market at Havelská 13, open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It sells fruit, vegetables and tourist goods. It is not a pure farmers' market.
How to combine them
Three simple plans.
A free morning
Watch the show, walk past the monuments, and look at the facades of St Nicholas, Kinský Palace and the House at the Minute. End at the Havelský Market.
A culture day
Start with the Clementinum, then cross to Josefov for the Jewish Museum. Remember that the museum is closed on Saturdays.
A views day
Combine the town hall tower with the Powder Tower. Both involve stairs or a lift, so wear comfortable shoes. See the show times to plan your hour.
Things to do near the Prague Astronomical Clock: frequently asked questions
What can I do for free near the clock?
Watch the show from the square, see the Jan Hus monument, the Marian Column and the crosses in the paving, and look at the facades of St Nicholas and Kinský Palace. St Nicholas is free outside services.
Can I visit Kinský Palace?
No. It has been closed to the public since 1 June 2025, so enjoy the facade from the square.
Which is better, the Powder Tower or the Old Town Hall tower?
The Old Town Hall tower is on the square and has a lift. The Powder Tower is at 44 m and has 186 steps with no step-free access. For most people the town hall tower is the easier choice.
Do I need to book the Clementinum?
Tours are limited to 25 people, so online booking is the safer option. Check the booking page for the dates you want.
How many places are in this list?
There are twelve. Charles Bridge, the castle, Malá Strana and Vltava cruises are covered elsewhere and are not part of the list.
Is this the official site for the clock area?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by the City of Prague, Prague City Tourism or the Old Town Hall. Prices and hours are examples for 2026, so check them before you go.