Stare Misto, Prague, or Old Town, is a historic and picturesque part of the city that is filled with fascinating sights and attractions. Here are some of the best places to see in Stare Misto.
Visiting Stare Misto, Prague: Our Experience
We spent the entire day exploring Staré Město in Prague, starting from Josefov. In the morning, we visited the Old and New Synagogues and stopped by the Jewish Museum. The rich history and cultural significance of these sites were truly captivating.
Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day wandering around the charming streets, taking in the architecture and vibrant atmosphere. We stopped by the Astronomical Clock and spent a good 20 minutes there, mesmerized by its intricate details and the hourly show.
As the afternoon turned into evening, we couldn’t resist stopping for a local beer at a cozy pub. Prague is renowned for its beer culture, and sampling the local brews is an essential part of the experience.
How much time to spend in Prague’s Stare Misto
Spending one full day in Staré Město, Prague, is enough to cover its main attractions and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the area. Start your day in Josefov, exploring the Old and New Synagogues and the Jewish Museum. Take your time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance of these sites. As you continue, wander through the charming streets, stopping by the Astronomical Clock to witness its intricate hourly show.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants, savoring traditional Czech cuisine. In the afternoon, visit landmarks like the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, capturing the essence of the city’s medieval charm. Conclude your day with a visit to a cozy pub. You can sample local brews and soak in the friendly, lively atmosphere. While one day is sufficient to experience the highlights of Staré Město, additional time would allow for deeper exploration and the discovery of hidden gems in this captivating district.
So, here are the best places to see in Stare Misto.
Best places to see and do in Stare Misto, Pargue
Dancing House
The Dancing House, also known as the Fred and Ginger Building, is a unique and modern architectural gem that stands out in the midst of Prague’s historic buildings. Even though it is not directly part of Stare Misto, it is a very short walk for the Charles Bridge. So, I strongly recommend to make a stop there.
It was designed by the architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić and completed in 1996. The building’s curvy shape and glass façade make it look like a couple dancing. To get to the Dancing House, take the metro to the Karlovo náměstí station and then walk for about 10 minutes.
Charles Bridge and the view from the top
The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the Old Town with the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) across the Vltava River. It was built in the 14th century and is adorned with statues of saints and historical figures. We got tickets , climbed up the towere and I’m glad we did cause the view of the city was fantastic. To get to the Charles Bridge, take the metro to the Staroměstská station and then walk for about 10 minutes.
Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague’s Old Town and is surrounded by stunning buildings with intricate architecture. The square is also home to the famous Astronomical Clock, which was installed on the Old Town Hall in the 15th century.
The clock displays the time, the position of the sun and moon, and other astronomical information. Every hour, the clock comes to life with a procession of figures that represent the twelve apostles. To get to the Old Town Square, take the metro to the Staroměstská station and then walk for about 5 minutes.
Josefov
Josefov is the historic Jewish Quarter of Prague, and it is home to several important landmarks, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Spanish Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum. The cemetery dates back to the 15th century. It contains thousands of tombstones in a small space, reflecting the limited space available for the Jewish community at the time.
The Spanish Synagogue is one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe, with an elaborate Moorish-style interior. The Jewish Museum tells the story of the Jewish community in Prague, including its persecution during the Holocaust. To get to Josefov, take the metro to the Staroměstská station and then walk for about 10 minutes.
Jerusalem Synagogue
The Jerusalem Synagogue is another beautiful synagogue in the heart of Prague’s Jewish Quarter. It was built in 1906 in a Neo-Gothic style, with elements of Moorish and Art Nouveau design. The synagogue’s interior is breathtaking, with intricate stained-glass windows, a vaulted ceiling, and ornate decorations. To get to the Jerusalem Synagogue, take the metro to the Náměstí Republiky station and then walk for about 10 minutes.
A beer in a local pub
Prague is famous for its beer, and there’s no better place to enjoy a pint than in a local pub in the Old Town. Try some of the traditional Czech beers, such as Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser Budvar, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the pub.
Best pubs in Prague’s Stare Misto
Here’s a list of the best pubs in Prague’s Staré Město where you can try local Czech beers. These pubs are famous for their great beer choices and cozy, historic settings. Whether you want to enjoy a traditional Czech beer in an old tavern or try something new, these places are perfect for experiencing Prague’s beer culture.
- U Zlatého Tygra (At the Golden Tiger) – Husova 17, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague
- Lokál Dlouhááá – Dlouhá 33, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague
- U Medvídků – Na Perštýně 345/7, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague
- U Parlamentu – Valentinská 8, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague
- T-Anker – Nám. Republiky 656/8, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague (on the roof of the Kotva Department Store)
Take a walk through the picturesque streets
The narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town are full of charm and character. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and admire the colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops and cafe
To get around Stare Misto, you can use the city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes the metro, trams, and buses. Alternatively, many of the sights are within walking distance of each other. So, exploring the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town on foot is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of this historic district.