Mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall is one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world: Pražský Orloj, the Astronomical Clock. Established in 1410, it has often stopped working and its mechanism has been repaired many times. Luckily it was spared from destruction and has even been upgraded with symbolic figures, so it is still ticking away the minutes today. Better still, it now comes to life every hour!Make your way to the Old Town Square in time for the famous clock ceremony. Every hour, small doors open and animated figures appear and sculptures begin to move on the clock. Death, holding its hourglass, seems eager for the change of the hour. The other three sculptures represent vanity, greed and pleasure. The 12 wooden figures represent the apostles. When the golden cockerel moves its wings, a bell chimes the hour. Find a café with a good view of the clock and sit back with a drink to watch the spectacle. Observe that the astronomical dial is the oldest part and underneath it is the calendar dial. In addition to keeping the time these dials display a range of details. See the position of the sun and the moon, or the intricate medallions that depict each month below it. You can even see what the current star sign is on the zodiacal ring.Climb to the top of the clock’s tower, within the Old Town Hall, to experience one of the best views in Prague. Look across the Old Town and the Vltava River to the Prague Castle upon its hill.Visiting the Astronomical Clock is free of charge, however, there is a small fee to climb the tower. Due to the large crowds that form for the hourly ceremonies it is recommended you visit the clock early in the morning. The Astronomical Clock is located in the Old Town Square and can be reached by both tram and metro.
Prague Astronomical Clock
Visit Prague Astronomical Clock
Greg Apartments Kampa Prague
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2024
Shows & concerts
See all 39 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: Sightseeing Dinner Cruise on Open-Top Glass Boat
History & culture
See all 428 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague’s TOP Sights - Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge (Tip-based t...
Adventure & outdoor
See all 61 activitiesOpens in new tabGrand city tour on Scrooser in Prague
Cruises & boat tours
See all 50 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: 50-Minute Sightseeing Evening Cruise
Wildlife & nature
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabPrague: CoolPass with Access to 70+ Attractions
Reviews of Prague Astronomical Clock
4/5 - Good
Be aware prices of food and drink are 30% dearer around the clock but not extortionate ...
4/5 - Good
Very disappointing. Worth stopping by just to say you saw it and were disappointed.
4/5 - Good
Gets very busy as the action on the clock only happens on the hour.
5/5 - Excellent
Crowded
5/5 - Excellent
Gets very busy and congested in this area - stay aware of your surroundings.
5/5 - Excellent
Fascinating to see this unique clock
Popular places to visit
Old Town Hall Tower
Enjoy an aerial view over Prague’s Old Town and admire the city’s world-famous astronomical clock at this 14th-century Gothic tower.
Royal Route
During your trip to Prague, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Royal Route. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area or seek out the local tours.
Old Town Square
This public space is as important to the people of Prague today as it was a thousand years ago.
Stone Bell House
Learn about the local history of Prague when you take a trip to Stone Bell House. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
St. Nicholas Church at the Old Town Square
Admire the impressive facade or watch a classical music performance at this important religious site of the Hussite community in Prague.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
While in Prague’s Old Town Square, visit one of the most visually stunning religious buildings in Europe.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Prague Astronomical Clock
- Holidays and getaways similar to Prague Astronomical Clock
- Hotels Near Prague Astronomical Clock, Prague City Center
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Hotel Theme
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Old Town Square
- Hotels near Prague Castle
- Hotels near Charles Bridge
- Hotels near Wenceslas Square
- Hotels near Sex Machines Museum
- Hotels near Palladium Shopping Centre
- Hotels near O2 Arena
- Hotels near AquaPalace
- Hotels near Prague Congress Centre
- Hotels near Prague Zoo
- Hotels near St. Vitus Cathedral
- Hotels near Powder Tower
- Hotels near Old Jewish Cemetery
- Hotels near Charles University
- Hotels near Fortuna Arena