Prague Astronomical Clock

We took the tour but I only remember sitting inside for the explanation. It was very interesting. You can go up the tower next door, it has an elevator.

"Silly me!" I thought the "elevator" mentioned with the Astronomical Clock tour was inside the clock...so that sounded fascinated. But I now realize it is for the Old Town Tower.
Does anyone know if tickets can be purchased just for the elevator of the Town Tower? Has anyone done that?

Yes, twice. I just bought them onsite at the ticket window. Be sure you keep your ticket handy - I remember having to show it twice, I think.

TTM: Did you have to buy tickets ahead of time, or is there not a huge demand to ride the elevator to the top of the tower?
Did you buy tickets for the Astronomical Clock?

Well, my 2 times were in Dec, and Jan., so not as many crowds. But no, I did not buy them ahead. It might be wise if you are there in the height of summer, though.

And unless you are talking about a tour I don’t know about, the Astronomical Clock faces the square and people just wait to watch it. It might get crowded but it’s certainly free and fun. It doesn’t chime at night.
https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/czech-republic/prague/prague/prague.html

TTM: “Tour of astronomical clock:” I did find a “tour,” but I now think it is more of an information only tour. I included a link in my opening post.
There’s no mention of the tour in the RS’ guidebook.
As I mentioned in my opening post, we saw the clock several years ago, but it was under repair. So, it is one of our most “must sees” when we are there in August.

Have to be careful which "tour" you do as there are the official tours with an Official Old Town Hall qualified guide and there unofficial "show you the tower and view" guides and there are the "How it works" guides but you do not go into the tower. Many guides (including me) will show you how to tell time on the clock in a couple of different ways but if I were you I would carefully read the website at https://orloj.com/ because this is run by the guys who actually look after the Astronomical Clock and Calendarium and should answer ALL your questions. Then just enjoy the clock when you get here.

Jason, thanks so much for posting here.

I/we value your opinion and thoughts…having taken a tour with you the last time we were in Prague.
Loved your tour!

a huge demand to ride the elevator to the top of the tower

The tower is fun, but rather a high price even without the elevator, so I would not buy the ticket with the elevator as it costs more (something like $5 more). It is not really much of a climb, just a few minutes, and the elevator clientele are not people I would normally choose to associate with, and the elevator (glass walls so the climbers can see in) gets really packed at times. Also, a lot of the elevator people missed the exhibit rooms partway up.