Prague: Old Town, Astronomical Clock & Underground Tour

Summary

Walk Prague’s cobbled lanes, meet locals, go underground & climb the tower

You’ll walk winding streets from Charles Bridge through Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter with two local guides, hear legends by candlelit synagogues, descend beneath Old Town Square into medieval cellars, and finish high above city rooftops in the tower—all in one afternoon that leaves more questions than answers.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the group at Charles Bridge because I got distracted by a street musician playing something haunting on a violin. Our guide, Jana, waved me over with a grin—no judgment for being late. Right away she started telling us about the bridge’s old stones and how they used eggs in the mortar (I still wonder if that’s true or just Czech humor). The air smelled like wet stone after last night’s rain. We zigzagged through alleys I’d never have found alone—one minute it was noisy trams and chatter, then suddenly hushed courtyards where you could almost hear your own footsteps.

Jana led us through the Jewish Quarter and paused at the Old New Synagogue. She shared this story about the Golem of Prague—her eyes lit up when she spoke about it, and even though I’d heard bits before, it felt different coming from her. There was a moment near the Old Jewish Cemetery where everyone just went quiet; I caught someone wiping their eyes. It’s strange how history can hit you out of nowhere. The keyword “Old Town Prague tour” came up naturally as we talked about how many layers this city has—she said you need years to really know it.

Then we switched guides at Old Town Hall (bit awkward goodbyes), and our new guide took us inside for the underground part. The air changed instantly—cooler, musty, old stone under your fingers. He showed us carvings in the walls and explained how these cellars survived floods and fires. There was this story about the clockmaker who built the Astronomical Clock—I won’t spoil it but let’s just say it isn’t a happy ending. Climbing up to the top of the tower after all that darkness felt surreal; sunlight everywhere, red roofs stretching forever. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it doesn’t do it justice.

If you’re thinking of booking a day trip in Prague that includes both above-ground stories and those weirdly atmospheric cellars below Old Town Square—with two different local guides who actually seem to care—it’s worth it just for that moment when you step back into daylight blinking like you’ve time-traveled or something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Town and Underground

• Walk across Charles Bridge
• Explore Old Town streets and passages
• Learn about Jan Hus and religion
• Visit Prague’s old Jewish Quarter
• See Old New Synagogue
• Pass by Maisel Synagogue
• Pass by Old Jewish Cemetery
• Visit Old Town Square
• Tour Old Town Hall interiors and underground
• View from Old Town Hall tower

Top questions

How long does the Old Town & Astronomical Clock tour last?

The full experience takes nearly 2 hours plus about 50 minutes inside Old Town Hall with its underground section.

Is there an underground part included in this Prague tour?

Yes, if you book with underground option—you’ll visit unique medieval spaces below Old Town Square with an official guide.

Are there two different guides during this tour?

Yes—you start with one local guide for outdoors/Old Town area then switch to another for inside Old Town Hall & underground.

Does this tour include entry to synagogues or just exterior visits?

You’ll see exteriors like Maisel Synagogue and Old New Synagogue; interior entry is not included for these sites.

What should parents with toddlers know before joining?

Please bring a carrier instead of a stroller due to uneven surfaces and stairs during parts of the tour.

Is pickup included for this Prague walking tour?

No hotel pickup—the meeting point is near Charles Bridge; public transportation options are nearby.

Will I see the Astronomical Clock on this tour?

Yes—the route includes time at Prague Orloj (Astronomical Clock) on Old Town Square plus stories about its history.

What happens if I arrive late to the meeting point?

If you arrive late, you may not be able to join or locate your group; refunds aren’t possible for late arrivals.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Prague’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and Jewish Quarter with two different local guides (one outdoors, one inside), entry to historic halls and underground chambers beneath Old Town Hall—including stories at each stop—and ponchos available at meeting point if rain threatens your adventure.