Old Town Hall Underground Tickets and Hours: Planning Your Visit

The Old Town Hall is more than just a clock tower. Its underground complex is a preserved medieval neighborhood. You must plan ahead to see these 12th-century rooms. Most visitors combine this tour with a visit to the tower gallery. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prague.

Standard hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. On Mondays, the hall often opens later at 11:00 AM. Always check the official schedule for seasonal changes or private events. Tickets can be bought at the main reception or online. Adult tickets generally cost around 250 to 300 CZK. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and families.

Booking online is the best way to skip long lines. Tours are available in many languages including English and German. Before you go, consider what to wear for Prague underground tour adventures. The air below ground is cool and damp even in summer. Wear comfortable shoes as the floors are uneven and made of stone.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Underground
• Best for families: Speculum Alchemiae
• Best rainy-day: Museum of Alchemists
• Best free: Vyšehrad Fortress Grounds

10 Best Prague Underground Tours and History Experiences

Prague offers many ways to see its hidden past. From alchemist labs to nuclear bunkers, there is something for everyone. Here are the top ten historical experiences you should not miss. Each offers a unique look at how the city has changed over the centuries.

1. Name: Old Town Hall Underground Type: sight Why go: See medieval houses that were buried to raise the city level. Best for: History buffs. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~300 CZK. Getting there: Metro A to Staroměstská. Tip: Look for the former prison cells and the old well.
2. Name: Speculum Alchemiae Type: experience Why go: Explore a hidden 16th-century alchemy lab found after a flood. Best for: Mystery lovers. Where: Jewish Quarter. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~200 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Buy a bottle of "elixir" made from ancient recipes.
3. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates Type: sight Why go: Walk through massive brick tunnels inside a fortress. Best for: Military history. Where: Vyšehrad district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: The tour includes the original statues from Charles Bridge.
4. Name: Museum of Alchemists and Magicians Type: museum Why go: Visit the house of Edward Kelley and see his attic lab. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Lesser Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~250 CZK. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Climb the spiral staircase for a great view.
5. Name: Prague Castle Archaeological Area Type: sight Why go: View the foundations of 10th-century churches under the cathedral. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Prague Castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Part of Castle Circuit (~250 CZK). Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: This area has very limited access; check availability early.
6. Name: Clementinum Baroque Library Type: indoor Why go: See one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near Charles Bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~300 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská. Tip: The tour includes the Meridian Hall and Astronomical Tower.
7. Name: Vitkov Hill Nuclear Bunker Type: experience Why go: Enter a Cold War shelter designed for thousands of people. Best for: Modern history. Where: Žižkov district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: ~600 CZK. Getting there: Bus 133, 175, or 207 to U Památníku. Tip: This is one of the best underground dungeon tours in Prague for atmosphere.
8. Name: Pinkas Synagogue & Jewish Cemetery Type: neighborhood Why go: Honor history at the memorial and see the ancient layered graves. Best for: Cultural reflection. Where: Josefov. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~500 CZK (Jewish Museum pass). Getting there: Walk from Old Town. Tip: The cemetery has 12 layers of graves due to lack of space.
9. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: day trip Why go: Visit the royal treasury and see where the crown jewels were kept. Best for: Full day out. Where: 30km southwest of Prague. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: ~300 CZK + train fare. Getting there: Train from Prague Main Station (40 mins). Tip: Hike the forest path up to the castle for better views.
10. Name: Sedlec Ossuary in Kutná Hora Type: day trip Why go: See a chapel decorated with the bones of 40,000 people. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Kutná Hora. Time: 6-7 hours. Cost: ~200 CZK + train fare. Getting there: Train from Prague Main Station (1 hour). Tip: Visit the nearby St. Barbara's Cathedral while you are there.

Tips for Exploring Prague Underground Tours and History

Exploring underground sites requires some preparation. Most tunnels are narrow and have low ceilings. If you suffer from claustrophobia, check the tour details before booking. The Old Town Hall is generally spacious, but some bunkers are tight. Always listen to your guide regarding safety and restricted areas.

Photography is usually allowed but flashes are often banned. This is to protect old wall paintings and delicate stones. Bring a camera that performs well in low light. Some sites charge a small extra fee for a photography permit. It is worth the cost to capture the unique atmosphere.

Timing is also very important for a good experience. Early morning tours are usually the quietest and least crowded. Weekdays are better than weekends for popular spots like the Old Town Hall. If you visit in winter, the underground can actually feel warmer than the street. In summer, it provides a perfect escape from the heat.