Why Visit the Paternoster Elevator Prague New City Hall?

The Paternoster elevator at the New City Hall is a living piece of engineering. It was installed in the early 20th century. Unlike modern lifts, it has no doors. The cabins move in a continuous loop. This design was once very common in office buildings. Today, very few remain operational in the world. Prague is lucky to still have several working models.

Visiting the official municipal government portal provides updates on building access. The elevator is located inside the Prague City Hall building. This is the seat of the Mayor of Prague. The building itself is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. You can admire the grand staircase and high ceilings. It is a perfect spot for photography lovers. Just remember to be quiet and respectful of the office workers.

Check the Prague New City Hall opening hours for tourists before your visit. The elevator usually runs during standard business hours. It is often closed on weekends and public holidays. Security guards are present at the entrance. They may ask for identification or check your bags. The experience is free, making it a great budget activity. It is one of the most unique places in Prague to explore.

Top 12 Unique Sights and Experiences in Prague

Prague offers more than just the Paternoster elevator Prague New City Hall. The city is full of mechanical art and historic gems. Use this list to plan your 2026 itinerary. These picks include iconic sights and hidden treasures. Many are located within walking distance of the Old Town. You can find more places to find paternoster elevators in Prague if you enjoy the thrill.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: New City Hall Paternoster
• Best for families: Prague Astronomical Clock
• Best rainy-day: National Museum
• Best free: Head of Franz Kafka

1. Name: Prague New City Hall Paternoster Type: Experience Why go: Ride a rare, doorless elevator from the early 1900s. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Mariánské náměstí 2, Old Town. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line A to Staroměstská. Tip: Visit mid-morning to avoid the lunchtime rush of office workers.
2. Name: Lucerna Palace Paternoster Type: Sight Why go: Another iconic lift located inside a beautiful historic arcade. Best for: Vintage vibes. Where: Štěpánská 61, New Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (or small voluntary fee). Getting there: Metro Line A/B to Můstek. Tip: Explore the historic passages and arcades in Prague while you are there.
3. Name: Head of Franz Kafka Type: Experience Why go: Watch the giant mirrored layers of Kafka's head rotate. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Spálená 22, New Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Národní třída. Tip: This is a highlight of any David Cerny sculptures walking tour.
4. Name: Prague Astronomical Clock Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the world's oldest working astronomical clock perform every hour. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to watch. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Stand near the front 5 minutes before the hour begins.
5. Name: Municipal Library Infinity Book Tower Type: Unique indoor Why go: Look into a tower of books that appears to go on forever. Best for: Bookworms. Where: Mariánské náměstí 1. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Across from New City Hall. Tip: This is one of the best hidden gems in Prague Old Town.
6. Name: National Museum Type: Museum Why go: Explore Czech history in a grand neo-Renaissance building. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Approx. 250-350 CZK. Getting there: Metro Line A/C to Muzeum. Tip: Visit the official National Museum site for current exhibitions.
7. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Climb the "Little Eiffel Tower" for panoramic city views. Best for: Nature and views. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Approx. 220 CZK. Getting there: Funicular from Újezd. Tip: Walk down through the gardens for a scenic descent.
8. Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: Neighborhood Why go: Escape the crowds at this historic fort with stunning river views. Best for: Quiet walks. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free (some interiors require a fee). Getting there: Metro Line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Visit the cemetery to see the graves of famous Czechs.
9. Name: Havelská Market Type: Market Why go: Buy traditional Czech puppets and local snacks. Best for: Souvenirs. Where: Havelská Street. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Můstek. Tip: Look for the "Trdelník" stalls for a sweet treat.
10. Name: YMCA Building Paternoster Type: History Why go: A well-maintained elevator in a historic sports complex. Best for: Enthusiasts. Where: Na Poříčí 12. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: The building also has a great retro swimming pool.
11. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Day trip Why go: Visit the most famous medieval castle in the Czech Republic. Best for: History fans. Where: 30km southwest of Prague. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Train ticket + castle entry (approx. 500 CZK). Getting there: Train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Book your tour in advance as they sell out fast.
12. Name: Kutná Hora Bone Church Type: Day trip Why go: See the Sedlec Ossuary, decorated with thousands of human bones. Best for: Unique experiences. Where: Kutná Hora. Time: 6-8 hours. Cost: Approx. 400-600 CZK total. Getting there: Direct train from Prague (1 hour). Tip: Visit the St. Barbara's Cathedral while in the town.

Planning Your Visit to Prague New City Hall

When visiting the Paternoster elevator Prague New City Hall, timing is everything. The building is an active government office. It is usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. On Fridays, it may close earlier. Check the official city tourism portal for any special closures. Security is strict but usually friendly. You will need to walk through a metal detector.

The elevator is located at the back of the ground floor. You do not need a ticket to enter the lobby. Please do not ride the elevator for more than one loop. This helps keep the line moving for others. It also prevents mechanical strain on the vintage parts. If the lift is crowded, wait a few minutes. Most tourists leave quickly after taking a video.

Prague is very walkable, so you can easily reach the hall. It is located near the Municipal Library and the Old Town Square. This area is perfect for exploring on foot. You can see many architectural styles in one afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven. Always carry a small amount of Czech Koruna for snacks or small fees.

Best Day Trips Near Prague for History Lovers

If you have extra time, explore the regions near Prague. The Czech Republic has many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Karlštejn Castle is a top choice for a half-day trip. It was built by Emperor Charles IV to hold royal treasures. The train ride from Prague is scenic and affordable. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the village.

Kutná Hora is another fantastic destination for a full day. It was once a wealthy silver mining town. The Bone Church is its most famous attraction. However, the town center is also beautiful. You can walk through narrow streets and visit local craft shops. Many restaurants here offer traditional Czech meals at lower prices than Prague. It is a great way to see the local culture.

Both locations are easy to reach by public transport. The trains are clean, safe, and reliable. You can buy tickets at the main station or via a mobile app. Visiting these sites gives you a deeper look at Czech history. They provide a nice break from the busy city streets. Plan your trips for mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds.