Prague New City Hall Opening Hours for Tourists

The Prague New City Hall is a working government building. It is not a traditional museum. Because of this, the doors are open during office hours. You can usually enter from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. These hours may change on Friday afternoons. It is best to check the official city website for updates. The building is typically closed to tourists on weekends. National holidays will also affect the schedule.

Always plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. This helps you avoid the busiest times for local workers. The building is located at Mariánské Náměstí 2. It is very close to the Old Town Square. You do not need to buy a ticket to enter the lobby. Security guards are usually present at the entrance. They are helpful if you have simple questions. Please remember to stay quiet inside the halls.

The main reason people visit is the historic lift. If you arrive too late, you might miss it. The lift often stops running shortly before the building closes. Most tourists spend about thirty minutes inside. This gives you enough time for photos and a ride. If the building is closed, you can still enjoy the exterior. The statues on the corners are very famous. They are accessible 24 hours a day.

10 Best Things to See at Prague New City Hall

There is more to this building than just offices. It features beautiful Art Nouveau and sculpture work. Here are the top items to see during your visit. Some are inside the hall and some are just outside. Each one offers a unique look at Prague history. Make sure to have your camera ready for these iconic spots.

• Best overall: The Paternoster Elevator
• Best for families: The Idiom Book Tower
• Best free: The Iron Knight Statue
• Best rainy-day: Municipal Library

1. Name: The Paternoster Elevator Type: experience Why go: This is a rare, doorless elevator that never stops. It is a piece of living history from the early 20th century. Best for: history fans. Where: New City Hall main lobby. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Take the Metro Line A to Staroměstská. Tip: Read about the paternoster elevator Prague New City Hall history before you ride.
2. Name: The Iron Knight Statue Type: sight Why go: This dark statue depicts a cursed knight from local legends. It stands on the corner of the building. Best for: fans of ghost stories. Where: Corner of Platnéřská street. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Walk around the building exterior. Tip: Look for the small frog on the knight's armor.
3. Name: Rabbi Löw Statue Type: sight Why go: This statue honors the famous creator of the Golem. It is a beautiful piece by Ladislav Šaloun. Best for: art lovers. Where: Left corner of the front facade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Located at the main entrance. Tip: The style is very distinct Art Nouveau.
4. Name: The Grand Staircase Type: sight Why go: The interior features wide, elegant stairs and ornate railings. It shows the wealth of Prague in 1911. Best for: architecture photographers. Where: Inside the main entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Walk past the security desk. Tip: Be respectful of officials using the stairs.
5. Name: Mariánské Náměstí Type: experience Why go: This square was recently renovated for pedestrians. It is a peaceful place to sit and relax. Best for: a quick break. Where: Directly in front of City Hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: It is the main square for the building. Tip: Check out the mobile chairs often placed here.
6. Name: The Municipal Library Type: sight Why go: This building sits right across from City Hall. It houses the famous "Idiom" book tower. Best for: book lovers. Where: North side of the square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Walk 30 meters from City Hall. Tip: Look into the mirror inside the book tower.
7. Name: Clam-Gallas Palace Type: day trip Why go: A stunning Baroque palace located just a few steps away. It often hosts exhibitions and concerts. Best for: Baroque architecture fans. Where: Husova street corner. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: varies by exhibit. Getting there: Walk south from the square. Tip: Look at the massive giants holding up the doors.
8. Name: Clementinum Type: sight Why go: One of the largest building complexes in Europe. It has a world-famous library and astronomical tower. Best for: panoramic views. Where: Opposite the City Hall side entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: approx. 300 CZK. Getting there: Enter from Karlova street. Tip: You must join a guided tour to see the library.
9. Name: The Council Chamber Hallway Type: sight Why go: The upper floors have beautiful wooden doors and historic signage. It feels like a time capsule. Best for: quiet exploration. Where: Upper floors of New City Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: free. Getting there: Take the elevator to the second floor. Tip: Only visit during official Prague New City Hall opening hours for tourists.
10. Name: Old Town Square Type: sight Why go: The most famous square in Prague is just 2 minutes away. You can see the Astronomical Clock here. Best for: first-time visitors. Where: East of the New City Hall. Time: 1 hour. Cost: free. Getting there: Walk down Platnéřská street. Tip: Find more hidden gems in Prague Old Town while you are there.

Planning Your Visit to Mariánské Náměstí

Mariánské Náměstí is the square where the New City Hall sits. It was recently turned into a pedestrian zone. This makes it a very safe place for tourists to walk. You can find many benches to rest on. The official tourism portal suggests visiting in the morning. This is when the light is best for photos of the statues. There are several cafes nearby for a quick snack.

Be mindful of people entering the hall for official business. Keep your voice low while inside the corridors. Do not block the path of the elevator for long. Security may ask you to move if you are in the way. It is a good idea to learn how to ride a paternoster elevator safely. This ensures a fun experience for everyone. The square is also a great meeting point for walking tours.