The Old Town Square (or Staroměstské náměstí) is quintessential Prague, and the star of most of the photos you would have seen of the city. Coming out onto the huge square after negotiating the dim mazes of the Old Town's lanes, you'll pinch yourself - it's hard to believe that the airy pastels and incredible profusion of stunning architecture don't belong to a film set.
The Old Town Square began life as a medieval market and has remained at the center of the city's life, acting as a stage for celebrations, gestures of political power and even (during a rebellion in the 17th century) executions.
Most visitors are content to join the crowds wandering or sipping coffee, but if you want a more in-depth experience go into at least a few of the buildings. Some of the best are the impressive Gothic church of Our Lady Before Týn, the Stone Bell House with its Gothic Tower, and the Old Town Hall.
Try to time your visit to the Old Town Hall on the hour so you can see the Astronomical Clock do its stuff. As if the blue-and-gold starred clock were not beautiful enough, when the hour strikes its doors open and there's a parade of mechanical figures: the saints and the damned.
Staroměstské náměstí is at the heart of Prague's Old Quarter, facing the Castle District over the Vltava River.
