Astronomical Clock (Orloj)

The medieval Orloj on Old Town Hall puts on its little apostle show every hour — it's charming, free, and takes 45 seconds. Honest take: the show underwhelms many; the real payoff is climbing the tower (350 CZK) for the best rooftop view in Old Town. Watch the show once, then go up.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Old Town Hall tower cost?

Standard admission is 350 CZK at the door, with discounts for seniors, youth, and families, and 50% off standard tickets in the first hour after opening. There's a lift most of the way up, so it's not a brutal climb.

What do the figures on the clock actually mean?

The skeleton ringing the bell is Death, reminding everyone their hour will come — very medieval. The clock itself is from 1410, making it the oldest astronomical clock still operating anywhere. The dial shows the sun, moon phases, and old Czech time all at once.

Where's the best spot to watch the show from?

Stand back toward the center of the square rather than right under the clock — you'll see both windows and the full dial without craning your neck. Watch your pockets; the hourly crowd is prime pickpocket territory.

What time does the clock show run?

Every hour on the hour from 8:00 to 23:00. Evening shows are less crowded and the square looks better lit up anyway.

Is the astronomical clock show worth waiting for?

See it once — it's 45 seconds of apostles rotating past two windows, and plenty of people find it anticlimactic. It's free, so the only cost is standing in a crowd for ten minutes. Don't build your day around it.

Is the clock ever under scaffolding or not working?

It's had restoration stints over the years, but as of mid-2026 it's running normally. If maintenance is scheduled, Prague City Tourism (prague.eu) posts it — worth a 30-second check if the show is your priority.

Is the tower wheelchair accessible?

Yes, surprisingly — there's a lift to the viewing gallery, and it's one of the more accessible towers in Prague. The viewing gallery itself is narrow, so it can be tight when busy.

Can I buy tower tickets online?

Yes, through Prague City Tourism's site, though online skip-the-line tickets cost more than at the door. On a normal day the box office queue moves fast; book ahead only in peak summer or December.

Nearby in Ask Prague

• Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)Landmark0.07 km · 1 min walk
• Havelské tržiště (Havel's Market)Market0.25 km · 3 min walk
• Mucha MuseumAttraction0.36 km · 4 min walk
• Jewish Museum & Old Jewish CemeteryMuseum0.4 km · 5 min walk
• Josefov (Jewish Quarter)Neighborhood0.41 km · 5 min walk