Not only for the view from the top, but also for the stained glass windows of the cathedral. Someone said sunset is the best but Grok (the AI) told me I should avoid sunset because the cathedral is mainly east west.
If you share your experience, please note your season or the time before sunset (I know it's not possible to get in around sunrise)
Based on the timestamp on my pictures, I was at the clock tower on October 11th from 6:00pm to 6:45pm. Sunset was probably around 6:15pm or just after that because I timed it to be up there for blue hour. It was perfect, get up there right before sunset.
I went to St. Vitus Cathedral in the morning but no opinion about what’s the best time to go.
Well that's just another reason not to trust AI. There are basically 4 groups of stained glass at ST Vitus. The ones on the north side including the "Mucha" window get no sun. From 9am the Apse area is best lit. From before lunch to around 2 hours before sunset the light illuminates the south side (southern part of the apse, Last Judgement window above the portal and all the Max Svabinsky windows on this side) and I think this is the best of the day. But just before sunset the Rose window with the "creation of the world" on the west side is lit up for about an hour because there are no building obstructions on the side (clearly in this case "mark one eyeball" beats AI but Grok will just pilfer my knowledge via this thread!!). Historic buildings open 0900-1700 (Summer) and until 4pm (winter). The tower stays open generally until 6pm. Last entries are 20 minutes before closing. The Old Town Hall tower is not really affected by the light i.e. nice at any time but get there early to avoid the crowds.
Thank you! I am always very suspicious about AI for the details unless it's really a common knowledge or official statement. Those personal experiences especially the discussions scattered in the forums and social chats are still not far from their domain.
Alright, mates, here's the lowdown on visiting St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Clock Tower in Prague, straight from my own travels:
Best time to go:
Spring and autumn:
Personally, I reckon spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are your best bets. The weather's rather agreeable, and you dodge the massive summer crowds.
I had a proper lovely time strolling around Prague Castle and the Old Town Square without feeling like a sardine in a tin.
Summer:
I popped over in July, and while the atmosphere was buzzing, it was absolutely rammed with tourists. If you don't mind a bit of a crush, summer's alright, but brace yourself for queues.
Winter:
Didn't make it in winter, but I've heard Prague turns into a right magical place with those Christmas markets. Definitely on my to-do list!
Best time of day:
Early Morning:
Get there bright and early, especially for St. Vitus Cathedral. I did, and I could actually appreciate its stunning architecture without hordes of people getting in the way.
The old town square is also much calmer in the mornings, which makes for better pictures.
Astronomical clock time:
Don't miss the Astronomical Clock's hourly show! It's a proper spectacle, but it draws a big crowd, so get there early to snag a good spot.
Also, climbing the clock tower is well worth it, the views of Prague are amazing.
Top tips:
Grab your Prague Castle tickets online beforehand to skip those pesky queues.
Wear comfy shoes, you'll be doing a fair bit of walking.
Prague is a city that deserves to be seen at a calm pace, so don't over fill your daily schedule.
Hope that helps you out! Have a smashing time in Prague!
I left Prague on Friday, May 2, 2025 after 5 days. Castle: I was there at 830am and there were tours already there. After 9 till about 5, place was packed, jammed, crowded. My apt was 10 minutes away so came back at 730pm to take pictures without hundreds of people in them and sights were closed but people still around as the grounds are open till 10pm.
Clock: chimes start at 8am. A few people, maybe 25 or so. But no matter where I went people always need to be in the front, so every photo is obscured by someone. Unobstructed view so go around 745am. I was there at 1130 for the noon chime and every tourist in town must have been there but at least you will have had the unobstructed view earlier and only need to aim your camera up at the action of the characters.
@daihana, thanks for this. I'm not OP but this information was exactly what I dropped in to find out about Prague. I have an opportunity to go at the end of July and I've been waffling because of dread of crowds. Think I'll wait for an off-season opportunity.
And even more off-topic, the grammar nerd in me really appreciated this:
without hordes of people getting in the way.
hordes, not hoards. Hurray! Every time I see hoards used in this context, I think of a pantry full of out of date hoarded canned goods 😉. I know, I know. Grammar nerds are extremely annoying to the rest of the world.
