Four areas to choose from
For a stay built around the Astronomical Clock, four areas matter: the Old Town (Staré Město) with the clock itself, Josefov, the New Town (Nové Město) around Wenceslas Square, and Malá Strana across the river. Pick the area by what else you plan to do, and then judge the individual hotel.
The clock hangs on the Old Town Hall on the Old Town Square, and you can watch it without a ticket. A hotel near the square puts the hourly show from 8 am to 11 pm within reach. If you plan to go up the tower, see the Old Town Hall tower page for hours and access. Hotel prices and availability depend on the date and the house, so this page compares areas only.
The areas compared
What each one is good for.
| Area | Good for | Getting to the clock | Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Staré Město) | Being next to the clock and the square | The Town Hall and the square are in this area | The distance from your exact address |
| Josefov | The former Jewish quarter and its museum sites | About 5 minutes from the square to the museum area | This figure is for the museum, not every hotel |
| New Town (Nové Město) | Wenceslas Square and Metro access | Metro A or B from Můstek, then on foot | The route from your hotel to Můstek |
| Malá Strana | The other side of the river, near the castle and bridge | No fixed walking time from the Old Town Square | It is a different district from the Old Town |
For most visitors who want the clock close, the Old Town is the first area to look at. If you want a neighborhood with more distance from the square, compare the New Town and Josefov next. Neither price nor quiet follows from the area alone.
Our pick: a first walk from the Old Town
Our take: from the clock over Charles Bridge to the castle, a good first walk from any central hotel.
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.
Tickets and tours in the Old Town
Old Town Hall visits, walks and underground tours, with live prices and availability.
Staying in the Old Town
Closest to the clock.
The argument for it
The Old Town Hall, the Týn Church and the square are all here. You can watch a show, come back between shows and walk to the sights on the Old Town Square without a ride.
Not every house is equally close
Old Town hotels differ in distance from the square. Measure the walk from the exact address on a map instead of relying on the district name.
Evenings
The last apostle show is at 11 pm. A hotel near the square makes a late visit easy. See the Prague at night page for what is open in the evening.
Josefov
The former Jewish quarter.
What is here
Josefov is the historic Jewish quarter, with synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The museum area is about 5 minutes from the square. That is a figure for the museum, not for each hotel.
Planning a visit
The museum is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, and opening times change by month. See the things to do near the clock page for admission and hours.
New Town and Malá Strana
Two alternatives.
New Town
Wenceslas Square belongs to the New Town, and Můstek offers Metro lines A and B. This makes it a good base for rides to other parts of Prague. To the clock you walk or take Metro A to Staroměstská. See getting there for lines and fares.
Malá Strana
This district lies on the other bank of the river, below the castle. It is a different stay from the Old Town and has no fixed walking time to the clock. For the district, the castle and the bridge, see where to stay near the Charles Bridge.
What to check before you book
Questions that the area cannot answer.
Street or courtyard side
Ask which side your room faces. The answer differs by house and cannot be read from the district.
Stairs and lift
Many historic buildings have stairs. If you travel with luggage or have limited mobility, ask whether there is a lift and how many steps lead to the lobby.
Air conditioning
Check whether the room has air conditioning, especially for July and August, when average highs reach 25.3 and 25.1 °C. See the best time to visit for the weather by month.
Arriving with a car or taxi
The area around the Town Hall is a pedestrian zone with signed exceptions. Do not assume that hotel guests may drive in. Ask the hotel how to arrive.
Plan the rest of your visit
What to look at next.
Where to stay near Old Town Square: frequently asked questions
Which area is closest to the Astronomical Clock?
The Old Town, where the Town Hall and the Old Town Square are. The exact distance depends on the hotel's address, so measure it on a map.
Is Josefov within walking distance?
It is about 5 minutes on foot from the square to the Jewish Museum area. That does not apply to every hotel in the district.
Is the New Town a good base?
It has Wenceslas Square and the Můstek stop for Metro A and B. You reach the clock on foot or by Metro A to Staroměstská.
Should I stay in Malá Strana?
It suits a stay around the castle and the river, but it is a different district from the Old Town. There is no fixed walking time to the clock.
Are hotel prices listed here?
No. Prices and availability depend on the date and the hotel, so compare current offers for your dates.
Is this the official site of the clock or a hotel portal?
No. This is an independent guide and is not connected to the Old Town Hall, the city or any hotel. It compares areas only.