Old Town Square, Prague

As you enter Prague’s Old Town Square, proceed to the center of it—near the Jan Hus Memorial, a large bronze sculptural group rising from a stone base—and use it as your compass point. From here, you can read the square almost like an open-air museum, with Prague’s history arranged around you.

First, face the tall tower with the Astronomical Clock at the base. This is the Old Town City Hall, the main landmark on the square’s southwest side. Built in 1364, it is easy to identify by its Gothic tower and the usual crowd beneath the clock. Look closely at the clock face, then consider going inside to climb the tower—or take the elevator—for one of the best 360-degree views over Prague’s rooftops.

Now turn toward the north side of the square. The large white church with a curving Baroque façade is Saint Nicholas Church. Its bright exterior makes it one of the easiest buildings to spot, especially in sunlight. The interior is worth a brief visit if open, and the church is also known for classical concerts, making it more than just a photo stop.

Next, turn toward the east side and look up. The twin dark Gothic spires rising above the roofline belong to the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the most dramatic silhouette on the square. Its entrance is partly hidden behind the lower buildings in front, including the Gothic Týn School with its arcades. The church interior is worth seeing, though the real visual impact comes from outside, where the towers dominate the skyline.

Still on the east side, look for the dark, medieval-looking Stone Bell House, recognizable by its sharp Gothic lines. Today, it hosts art exhibitions, so it is a good stop for visitors interested in culture beyond the postcard views. Beside it stands the Kinsky Palace, identified by its pale pink-and-white Rococo façade. Now part of the National Gallery, it is worth visiting if exhibitions are open.

Then turn toward the south side of the square. Here, rows of Baroque and Renaissance townhouses form a colorful backdrop. Look for old house signs such as At the Golden Unicorn, At the Blue Star, and At the Red Fox—reminders of the time before numbered addresses...

Finally, return your gaze to the Jan Hus Memorial. It anchors the square with a more serious note, honoring the Czech reformer executed in 1415 for challenging Church corruption.