Plan your visit to Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock | Visitor information at a glance

What are the Prague Astronomical Clock’s opening hours?

Prague Astronomical Clock is open daily from 9am to 9pm (except on Mondays from 11am to 9pm when closed).

Where is the Prague Astronomical Clock located?

The Astronomical Clock is located on the Southern side of the town hall's tower in Prague’s Old Town Square. Its address is Staroměstské náměstí 1/3, 110 00, Staré Město, Praha 1.

How many visitors does the Prague Astronomical Clock see per year?

Millions of people visit the Prague Astronomical Clock every year.

Best time to visit the Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Tower illuminate during night time during Christmas

Peak season vs off-peak season

Prague is an affordable destination with comfortable temperatures and budget-friendly hotels and flights, making it a great option for travelers. While spring and fall are peak seasons with more crowds, visiting in early spring offers the ideal conditions to explore sights like the Astronomical Clock, with longer days and fewer tourists.

Prague Astronomical Tower, aerial view of crowd during weekends

Weekdays vs weekends

Weekdays are the best time to visit Prague, as the city is less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. In contrast, weekends, especially during peak tourist seasons, see larger crowds, resulting in longer wait times for attractions like the view tower.

Golden hour vs nighttime

Visiting the Prague Astronomical Clock during golden hour—just after sunrise or at sunset—offers unique photo opportunities. Early morning provides soft lighting and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the clock's intricate details. Sunset, with its warm glow, creates a stunning backdrop for wide-angle shots of the clock and Old Town Square. In the evening, the illuminated clock stands out beautifully; using a tripod for long-exposure photos captures the square's magical atmosphere.

Book your Prague Astronomical Clock tickets

Prague Astronomical Clock Tower Tickets

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Combo (Save 8%): Prague Castle + Astronomical Clock Tower Tickets

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Skip-the-Line Combo: Prague Castle, National Museum & Astronomical Clock

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Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour

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Where is the Prague Astronomical Clock located?

Old Town Square in the early morning with Astronomical Clock in the foreground

Prague Astronomical Clock address: Staroměstské náměstí 1/3, 110 00, Staré Město, Praha 1
Location: The Astronomical Clock, a prominent landmark in Old Town Square, is located on the southern wall of Prague Town Hall.
Closest landmark: Charles Bridge (2km)

How to get to the Prague Astronomical Clock?

Man in a blue tshirt sitting inside the car at the backseat

By car

The Astronomical Clock is located nearly 5 km from the city center, and can be reached in about 10 minutes via the Masarykovo route.

By public transport

By bus: Take a bus to the Naměstí Republiky station, located 800 meters from the Astronomical Clock. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to the activity location.
By train/metro: Take a train to Staroměstská station, just 400 meters from the Astronomical Clock. The activity location is a quick 5-minute walk from the station.

Know before you go

Prague Astronomical Tower in Old Town Square in early morning with sun peaking from behind

Here are a few ways you can skip the line at the Prague Astronomical Clock

Visit early or late: The clock is busiest during the middle of the day, so visiting early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 7 p.m.) can help you avoid the crowds.
Weekdays: Weekends and holidays tend to attract more visitors. If you can, plan your visit on a weekday, especially outside the peak tourist season.
Skip the full show: If you're okay with missing the hourly display, you can still enjoy the clock’s beauty from a distance without waiting for the crowds to gather.
Buy tickets for the Astronomical Clock Tower: Skip the lines by purchasing tickets for the clock tower in advance, which gives you access to the tower’s observation deck (and a more exclusive view of the clock from above).
Consider a guided tour: Some tours offer skip-the-line access, which can help you bypass the wait and get a more in-depth explanation of the clock’s history.
Visit off-peak seasons: If possible, visit during the off-season (fall or winter), when the crowds are smaller.

Old Town Sqaure, Prague aerial view during morning

Here are some routes and entrances to consider when visiting:

Old Town Square Entrance (Main entrance)

Route: The most direct way is through Old Town Square. You'll approach the clock from the main square, and it's hard to miss.

Old Town Hall Entrance (To access the Tower)

Route: If you want to access the tower (for the panoramic view), enter through the Old Town Hall building itself. The entrance is on the square's east side, just across from the clock. Here, you'll find the ticket office to buy tickets to go up the tower.

Via Křížovnické Square (Hidden entrance)

Route: There's a lesser-known, more hidden entrance via Křížovnické Square, near the Charles Bridge. This will bring you into a quieter part of the square and might offer less crowded access if you're trying to avoid the busiest areas.

Elevator inside Prague Astronomical Tower

Elevator: The elevator inside the Prague Astronomical Clock Tower transports you to the rooftop, where you can enjoy stunning views of the market square and the city.
Cafe: Located in the heart of Prague, directly across from the Astronomical Clock, Café Mozart offers a tempting selection of delicious breakfast dishes, aromatic coffee, ice cream, and homemade pastries—perfect reasons to climb the stairs to the first floor.

Wheelchair: The Prague Astronomical Clock is not the best fit for those with mobility impairments.
Dedicated parking: There are accessible parking spaces near the Prague Astronomical Clock, though not directly in front. You can find spots a short walk away at Mariánské náměstí or Na Příkopě.

Verification: All foreign nationals must provide their passport and visa details upon entry. All participants must present a valid ID upon arrival.

Typical Neapolitan gift shop and Christmas gadgets in Prague

Timing: Arrive 15–20 minutes early to secure a prime spot for capturing the procession of the Twelve Apostles during the hourly show.
When to avoid: It’s best to avoid visiting at midday during peak tourist seasons (May–September and December) when the square tends to be the most crowded.
Christmas market stalls: If you’re visiting in winter, consider including the festive stalls in your shots for a seasonal touch.

The area surrounding the Prague Astronomical Clock is home to several great shops where you can find unique souvenirs. Here are some of the best ones to check out nearby:

Karlova 28: A charming shop offering a variety of beautiful, handmade gifts, including jewellery, glassware, ceramics, art prints, and more.
Leeda: A lovely shop with embroidered textiles, painted ceramics, and clothing inspired by traditional Czech folk art.
Bohemia Crystal: A diverse selection of exquisite Czech crystal and glassware, with the option to have items engraved.

Frequently asked questions about the Prague Astronomical Clock

Is the Prague Astronomical Clock wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the Prague Astronomical Clock is not wheelchair accessible.

How long should you spend at the Prague Astronomical Clock?

Exploring the Prague Astronomical Clock thoroughly usually takes about 30 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and prepare to experience one of the world's oldest functioning clocks.

Are there guided tours available for the Prague Astronomical Clock?

Yes, guided tours of the Prague Astronomical Clock are offered, providing in-depth insights into its history, mechanics, and significance, enriching the visitor experience.