Staré Město (Old Town) is the historic core of Prague, occupying the right bank of the Vltava River and dating to the 10th century. Its street plan has changed little since the medieval period, making it one of Europe’s most intact historic city centers. The district contains an extraordinary concentration of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings within walking distance of one another.
What is Staré Město known for?
Staré Město is known for Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), the Astronomical Clock (Orloj) mounted on the Old Town Hall tower since 1410, and Charles Bridge (Karlův most), the 14th-century stone bridge lined with 30 Baroque statues connecting Old Town to Malá Strana. The square also holds the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, whose twin spires dominate the skyline, and the Baroque St. Nicholas Church on its western edge. The Jewish Quarter, Josefov, sits on the district’s northwestern edge and includes six historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Best things to do in Staré Město
The single most essential activity is watching the Astronomical Clock’s hourly mechanical procession of apostles on the Old Town Hall tower, after which visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views. Beyond the clock, the district rewards slow exploration on foot.
- Tour the Old Jewish Cemetery and Spanish Synagogue in Josefov
- Walk the full length of Charles Bridge at dawn before crowds arrive
- Visit the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, Prague’s oldest Gothic complex
- Attend a classical concert at the Municipal House (Obecní dům) on náměstí Republiky
- Explore the medieval lanes of Týnská and Celetná streets
Where to eat in Staré Město
Staré Město offers everything from traditional Czech pub food to modern Czech cuisine; the street Dlouhá and the area around Týn courtyard (Ungelt) concentrate many reliable restaurants away from the most tourist-heavy blocks. Classic Czech dishes to order include svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce with bread dumplings), pečená kachna (roast duck), and trdelník pastry sold from street stalls along the Royal Route on Celetná Street.
- Lokál Dlouhááá on Dlouhá Street: tank-fresh Pilsner Urquell and Czech classics
- Restaurace v Ungeltě in the Týn courtyard for traditional Bohemian dishes
- Café Louvre-style coffeehouses along Národní and surrounding streets
- Havelské tržiště market on Havelská Street for fresh produce and souvenirs
Where to walk in Staré Město
The Royal Route (Královská cesta) runs from the Powder Tower (Prašná brána) on náměstí Republiky along Celetná Street through Old Town Square and across Charles Bridge; it traces the historic coronation path of Bohemian kings and passes the district’s greatest landmarks in sequence.
- Celetná Street: pedestrian lane from Powder Tower to Old Town Square
- Pařížská Street: Art Nouveau boulevard through Josefov to the river
- Karlova Street: winding medieval lane from Old Town Square to Charles Bridge
How to get to Staré Město
Staré Město is served directly by Prague Metro Line A at Staroměstská station and Line B at náměstí Republiky station; tram lines 2, 17, and 18 stop along the riverfront at Staroměstská, providing additional surface connections across the city.
- Metro Line A: Staroměstská station, central Old Town access
- Metro Line B: náměstí Republiky station, eastern Old Town and Municipal House
- Trams 2, 17, 18: Staroměstská riverfront stop
- On foot from Hlavní nádraží (main railway station) in approximately 20 minutes
Best time to visit Staré Město
May through June and September through October offer the most comfortable conditions: mild temperatures, lower crowd density than peak July–August, and good light for photography on Charles Bridge in early morning. The Christmas market on Old Town Square in December is one of Central Europe’s most atmospheric, running from late November through early January.
