prague castle inside tour

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Prague Castle Tours

This post is a free, self-guided Prague Castle Tour with a walking tour map and audio tour option.

Also listed are free (pay-what-you-wish) guided and small-group options.

We are a group of local Prague tour guides and we've written this post from our own personal experiences leading thousands of people each month to and through the castle.

And in the video below, Valery from Real Prague Tours takes you on a virtual walking tour of the castle.

We also considered some of the questions and tips from the members of our popular Prague Travel Tips Facebook group, such as the one below.

Our group consists of locals, like us guides, expats, regular visitors to Prague, as well as newbies to the city.

You don't need to join the group to search for and read the posts, comments, and suggestions.

Now, let's get to the post.

• Things to See (self-guided tour)

Guided Tours

• How to Get Here
• Things to Do in Prague

Prague Castle is one of the most historically significant landmarks in the city, and it’s made up of several important buildings including cathedrals, churches, palaces, and more.

It’s important to note that the castle grounds are entirely free to visit.

There are some areas you need a ticket to enter, but most of the castle grounds are free to visit.

These areas include multiple courtyards, gardens, the Deer Moat, the entrance of St. Vitus Cathedral, and more.

The Golden Lane is free daily after 5 p.m.

We have provided a self-guided tour option in the next section ( Things to See ), which is a shortened version of our GPS-led audio tour (€2.99).

Several companies offer pay-what-you-wish walks (which are referred to as "free tours").

These tours essentially follow the route we laid out with our self-guided walk, though some also include a walk up from the Charles Bridge.

If you’re interested in seeing the interior of these locations, you can get tickets that provide entry to these areas with a paid tour . 

These outings run the gamut from short orientations to half-day excursions which cover a lot of information about the historic site.

Prague Castle has both an official guided tour and an official audio guide you may want to consider.

There are even night tours you can take.

If you’re more interested in the self-guided route, there are three different types of tickets that provide admission to certain areas of the castle: Circuit A, Circuit B, and Circuit C.

While Circuit A and C include special exhibitions, Circuit B is the most affordable choice.

It covers the cost of admission to sites such as St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Daliborka Tower.

There are a few different ways to save money on both Prague Castle tours and tickets. We cover these options in the  discounts section  below.

How much time do you need at Prague Castle?

The amount of time you need at Prague Castle can vary widely based on your interests.

A general visit to key attractions like St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace might take around 2-3 hours.

However, if you want to explore all the buildings and museums in detail, plan for a half-day or more.

What is the best time to visit Prague Castle?

The best time to visit Prague Castle is early in the morning, shortly after it opens, or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends and holidays.

Additionally, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) to enjoy milder weather and fewer tourists.

Keep in mind that Prague Castle can be especially crowded during the peak summer months, so plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.

THINGS TO SEE AT PRAGUE CASTLE

There are many interesting you will discover at Prague Castle, and this section provides a map and self-guided walking tour that summarizes them.

This self-guided tour is a shortened version of our Prague Castle audio tour (We also have one of Old Town + the Jewish Quarter ).

Here's a sample.

There is no schedule (take our tours anytime you wish). We also have an audio tour of Central Rome.

• Purchase this audio tour from our  Booking Page  (scroll down to Rome).
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

The tour is researched and recorded by one of our local tour guides and costs just €2.99 per download.

Click on the map to enlarge it.

The First Courtyard

For the most part, the First Courtyard is a latecomer to the castle grounds, but you can still see several phases of history of Prague Castle here.

If you look to the Western edge, you’ll see the Matthias Gate , built in 1614 and named for Matthias, King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor. 

Matthias Gate

Empress Maria Theresa commissioned changes to the castle. 

Her architect, Nicolo Pacassi, designed the buildings of the New Royal Palace, which enclose the First and Second Courtyards. 

Look to the top of the columns on either side of Gate of the Giants, the metalwork that now encloses the First Court, and you’ll see the Wrestling Titans designed by Ignác Platzer.

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk Statue

The statue outside the First Courtyard gates is of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia following the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Besides overseeing huge changes in the government, Masaryk also made some changes to the castle. 

In the First Courtyard, he added the austere flagpoles on either side of the Matthias Gate, made of pine tree trunks.

He also added two additional gates at either corner of the courtyard; using these gates, Masaryk could come and go from the castle without ever passing under the insignia of emperors.

Changing of the Guards Prague Castle

If you decide to watch the changing of the guard ceremony at noon, this is the place. 

The castle is guarded by a special division of the Czech Republic military, and while there’s a small, minimal ceremonial changing of the guard hourly, the one at noon is much more elaborate and includes a brass band.

The Second Courtyard

This is where you’ll find the New Royal Palace , which mostly still serves state functions today. 

From where you’ve entered, the main sight is the Chapel of the Holy Cross : a wide, white building with a tower built into its left end and a small cross at the top center. 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Looking to the left of the chapel, you can see a couple of small features standing in the middle of the courtyard: 

Kohl’s Fountain , a 1686 addition that brings up water from the Brusnice Stream below the Powder Bridge.

Kohl’s Fountain

Further left, the short northern side of the courtyard used to be the Royal Stables. 

In 1583, Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II had ramparts and a vicarage torn down to make room for his horse collection. 

Today, this location is the home of the Prague Castle Picture Gallery.

Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral Exhibit

Some of the more notable relics from the cathedral are actually on display at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Second Courtyard, which is the home of the Treasure of St. Vitus’ Cathedral exhibit .

This attraction includes artifacts from as early as the 11th century, and it’s a lot less crowded on average than the cathedral.

You will need tickets to see this exhibition, and you can purchase them individually in the Second Courtyard. 

Alternatively, entry is included with a Circuit C ticket.

Prague Castle Picture Gallery

Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II was famous as an art collector and art patron; he’s a major reason for Prague’s history as one of Europe’s great cultural centers.

As an emperor, Rudolf acquired much of his collection through war and conquest, and while Prague has a history of battles won, it also had its share of losses.

One notable loss was in 1648 at the end of the Thirty Years War, one of the worst chapters of Central European history.

As the final peace negotiations were underway, the Swedish Empire took one last chance to invade Prague and carry off most of Rudolf’s extremely valuable collection.

This hasn’t kept the collection from amassing to over 4,000 pieces, about 100 of which are on display at any given time, but only a few are pieces Rudolf ever touched.

You can get individual tickets for either of these, or they’re included together on a Circuit C ticket.

The cost is the same either way – 250 CZK for the Chapel of the Holy Cross, 100 CZK for the Picture Gallery, or 350 CZK for a Circuit C ticket which includes both.

Fourth Courtyard

About halfway down the passage that will take you to the Fourth Courtyard, there’s a window that looks into the ruins of the oldest church on the grounds and one of the oldest in the region.

The Church of the Virgin Mary was built in the 9th century when both the castle and the local practice of Christianity were new. 

This was a small church with an adjoining cemetery, and it lasted a few centuries before it burned down.

Garden on the Bastion

At the end of the passage is the Fourth Courtyard, the main feature of which is the Garden on the Bastion . 

It’s named for a 13th-century bastion that probably once stood here, part of the castle’s medieval defenses.

• St. Vitus Cathedral

The building you see today broke ground in 1344 when Prague first became the home of an archbishop. 

The cathedral was only finally considered finished in 1929, after almost six centuries of off-and-on construction.

From the outside, you can see one of the last touches added to it: high above the doors is a Rose Window.

It is a signature of Gothic design, made up of scenes from the Biblical creation story, and positioned to let in a flood of light during the right time of the day.

Today the cathedral is still the seat of the Archbishop of Prague, the largest church in the country, and one of the landmarks of Gothic architecture in the world.

One hallmark of Gothic architecture is extreme detail, and this cathedral has no shortage of architectural details and artifacts in that style. 

It’s free to take a quick peek inside, but you will need to pay to explore the cathedral.

If you aren’t planning to go in, you can still get a feel for Gothic detail by way of the central pair of bronze doors on this side. 

The full name of the building is the Cathedral of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas, and St. Adalbert – all of whom are buried inside alongside several kings, nobility, clergy, and architects.

Third Courtyard

This is the site of Old Provosty , formerly a home for the Bishop of Prague.

This building is now part of the Czech President’s office, one of the areas not usually open to visitors.

Old Provosty

As you pass along the front of the building, notice a small sandstone statue of St. Wenceslas high up on the far corner, here since 1662. 

Past that, you’ll see an obelisk. The obelisk puts us back into the presidency of Masaryk and the changes he commissioned to the castle. 

It was placed to commemorate the Czech dead of World War I.

Finally, in the middle of the Courtyard is a statue of St. George on a pedestal. This is a reproduction of a gothic statue from the 14th century. 

The original is a rare example of cast bronze from that era, and you can see it in the National Gallery.

Great South Tower of the Cathedral

This is another side of the St. Vitus Cathedral, and it’s somewhat historically relevant as well. 

After all, during the 14th century, this was actually the front of the cathedral.

Look above the doors to see a mosaic, the Golden Portal , depicting a scene of the biblical Last Judgment, with a particular focus on Czech saints.

Golden Portal

This tower is the home of Sigmund the bell, the creation of bellmaker Tomas Jaros.

The previous bell came crashing down when a fire destroyed its supports. Sigmund is the replacement.

Unlike many church bells, the ringing of Sigmund has never been mechanized – it’s still a manual endeavor that takes six people.

You can pay to walk to the top of the tower for some spectacular views of Prague.

The Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace has been the site of a statehouse since its origins, and it still serves some ceremonial state functions.

Several rooms of the original 12th-century palace are still there.  Vladislav Hall is one of the most notable rooms in the Old Royal Palace. 

Vladislav Hall

It’s named for King Vladislav II who had this enormous room built for tournaments on horseback indoors, with stairs that horses could traverse.

Climb up to one floor below ground and you’re in the castle’s Gothic period.

This floor contains the exhibit called The Story of Prague Castle , the most comprehensive historical display you’ll find here.

The Story of Prague Castle Exhibit

If you’d like to see the history of the castle in a more orderly way, this exhibit has you covered, with artifacts and models of what the castle probably looked like at every phase.

All of this is spread through twenty rooms in the 14th-century gothic upper basement of the Old Royal Palace. 

It also has specialized exhibits about life around the castle, including church, burial, eating and drinking, scholarship, disasters, and recoveries. 

Like so many ancient buildings, Prague Castle is built on a site that’s been useful to humans for longer than we know, and the artifacts found here go back as much as five millennia.

It’s got a section, particularly for children, and there’s interactivity throughout to make the exhibits as enjoyable as possible. 

Access is available with a Circuit A ticket, but you can also pay for admission just to this exhibit. It’s 140 CZK for an adult, 70 CZK with a discount, and 200 CZK for families.

In the summer season, this exhibit runs slightly different hours from the other historical sites – 9 am to 5 pm, rather than 10 to 6. Written information is in Czech and English

• St. George’s Basilica

St. George’s Basilica is the oldest whole building in the castle, with construction starting in around 920.

The towers (named Adam and Eve) and the crypt are from the 12th century and the main façade is from the 14th century.

There was a 20th-century renovation meant to bring its interior back to its original appearance.

If you go inside, you’ll see a much simpler approach than in St. Vitus’ Cathedral. 

The oldest elements are the frescoes around the choir space and a relief sculpture of Mary and Jesus located in the crypt.

It's part of Circuit Tickets A +B.

Prague is a musical city, and St. George’s Basilica is the most frequent concert venue at the castle. Here is the schedule .

Rosenberg Palace

This Eastern part of the castle takes you further from the royal palaces, into the areas where the nobility and working people lived. 

Like most things you can see in the area, this location was built after a fire in the 16th century.

Later, when Maria Theresa was transforming the castle, the nobility had gone through some decline. She turned this building into a residence for poor, unmarried noblewomen.

With the establishment of democracy in 1918, the home was abolished.

• Golden Lane

This lane is full of small houses. Many of them are souvenir shops now, but they were residences until the conclusion of World War II.

This is when the government of Czechoslovakia reclaimed them and gave them the bright colors you see now. 

The house numbers count down as you proceed east. It’s easy to imagine that small, colorful housing would have once belonged to artists, and sure enough, writer Franz Kafka spent a year writing in #22.

Craftsmen came to live here, and for a while, the street was called Goldsmiths Lane. #15 was actually a goldsmith’s residence. 

It's free to visit between 17:00 (5 pm) and closing, otherwise, it's part of Tickets A + B.

You can reach the next major landmark – Daliborka Tower – from a stairway in #12 at the end of the street.

• Daliborka Tower

Entering Daliborka Tower, you can see part of the prison facility, including instruments of torture. 

You can also see the access point of a kind of solitary confinement chamber at the bottom of the tower, into which a person had to be lowered with a pulley.

The name Daliborka comes from the name of one of its first prisoners, the knight Dalibor of Kozojedy, who was imprisoned here and eventually executed in 1498.

Black Tower and Supreme Burgrave’s House

Across from the Lobkowicz Palace and downhill from the Rosenberg Palace, you’ll find the Supreme Burgrave’s House.

The Supreme Burgrave was a high-ranking member of the nobility who was appointed, usually for life, to serve as the king’s second-in-command.

Besides the Burgraves, Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, also known as Charlemagne, lived here for a short time while his palace was being improved.

The 1541 fire left its mark here, too. The Supreme Burgrave’s House was rebuilt and the Black Tower, the square structure all the way to the right, got its name from the blackening of its walls.

South Gardens

The South Gardens run all along the length of the castle’s southern wall, with the Old Royal Palace and its neighbors towering above on one side, and on the other, the view over Prague.

Belevedere Pavillion (South Gardens)

As you traverse it from east to west, the first point of interest you’ll come to is Bellevue Pavilion, a columned overlook. 

You’ll see Classical Greek touches here – the small fountain and its pedestal, the statues, and the Doric columns along the pavilion.

A little further along, you’ll find a small obelisk along the pathway. Like the obelisk near St. Vitus’ Cathedral, this is a memorial, but to someone who survived.

Defenestration of Prague

Right by it is a protruding portion of the palace walls with vines climbing the lower floors. 

This is the site of a famous Defenestration of Prague from the Old Royal Palace. 

Looking up, you can picture the fall and how lucky anyone would have been to survive.

Royal Gardens

Originally the site of medieval vineyards, this spot became an Italian Renaissance garden in the mid-16th century, under the rule of Emperor Ferdinand I.

Rudolf II, the collector of art and horses and everything else, made it the home of exotic plants and animals brought from afar.

In 1554, an ambassador from Turkey gave Rudolf the gift of tulips, which bloomed here for the first time in Europe, before their famous connection with the Netherlands.

There are several interesting locations to visit within these gardens including the Ball Game Hall, the Orangery, Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, and much more.

FREE PRAGUE CASTLE TOURS

This section covers free tours of Prague Castle. 

These outings are pay-what-you-wish , which means there is no cost to join and you get to decide what to pay after it’s over if anything.

These services do not include admission to any of the landmarks. Instead, they provide historical information from outside each building. 

However, you can expect to see at least the entrance of St. Vitus Cathedral for free!

This tour is perfect for anyone who needs a basic orientation of Prague Castle. 

These outings cover many locations in and around the castle grounds, including:

• St. George Basilica
• Old Royal Palace
• Charles Bridge

Note that Charles Bridge is outside the castle grounds.

As some tours cover both the castle grounds and the surrounding district, you may need a tram ticket (24 CZK) to take this tour.

Be sure to read our guide on public transportation in Prague .

100 Spires City Tours

This company offers a tour of Prague Castle which includes the Changing of the castle Guards.

In addition to seeing this traditional event, you'll also visit the most notable sites in the Castle District.

Click the image to play the video.

While they do offer a pay-what-you-wish model, you can also choose to pay a booking fee ahead of time.

This fee is intended to give the company an idea of how many tour guides to send for any one outing, and the fee is refundable.

This tour is available daily at 11 am and it's approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes in length.

Book this tour or learn more .

Discover Walks

This company offers a free tour of Prague Castle both in the morning at 10:00 am and in the evening at 17:30 (5:30 pm).

And although this tour is shorter (just 90 min) than the others listed below, it spends much more time exploring Prague Castle than the other companies.

This tour begins and ends at Prague Castle.

• Book the morning tour or learn more at 10:00 am.
• Book the evening tour or learn more at 17:30 (5:30 pm). 

Prague Castle Audio Tour

We also have an audio tour of Prague Castle which you can use with your personal smartphone and ear pods/headphones.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the castle grounds and district or you want to get a deeper look by entering some of the buildings at Prague Castle, a paid tour is definitely worth consideration.

While some paid outings include just basic highlights, as well as skip-the-line admission to the castle, other outings are half-day guided tours that include an in-depth history of this area.

This section covers the best-paid tours of Prague Castle, including official tours provided at the landmark as well as a night tour.

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Prague Castle Ticket + Introduction

Whether you’re looking to save some money or you want just a brief overview of Prague Castle before exploring both the interior and exterior on your own, this is an excellent option.

In addition to providing an introductory overview from a professional tour guide, this outing includes a Circuit B ticket to Prague Castle which covers entry to the following locations: 

This is a great way to get skip-the-line tickets before heading to the castle.

Even better, your guide will tell you where the shortest security check queues are located so you can get into each building quickly.

• 400 CZK/Adults | 200 CZK/Youth (6-16) | 100 CZK/Kids
• Availability: Daily at 12:05 pm
• Duration: 15-minute orientation
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Keep in mind that your guide won’t provide much of an actual tour.

This service is more about preparing you to take a self-guided trip around the castle complex complete with a ticket to Prague Castle.

Also, if you’d rather discover this historic site on your own, this is an excellent alternative to a traditional paid tour.

Sandemans New Europe Tours

This is one of the most highly-rated tour companies in Europe, and they currently offer a tour that covers the Prague Castle grounds. 

The Sandemans tour does not include a Circuit A, B, or C ticket , but you can always purchase those tickets separately if you want to spend even more time visiting the various landmarks included.

Visitors can expect to see and learn about several notable sites including the following:

• The Garden of Eden
• Mozart’s House
• Old Town Square

Sandemans provides a slightly longer tour than some of their competitors, and they cover locations that aren’t included on other tours of Prague Castle such as Wallenstein Palace and the Deer Moat.

Much like their competitors, this tour also includes a walk across the Charles Bridge and covers the district surrounding the castle.

As such, you’ll need a tram ticket (24 CZK) to take the tour. Be sure to read our guide on public transportation in Prague .

• 275 CZK/Adults | 225 CZK/Students
• Kids 13 and under can join for free.
• Availability: Daily at 2:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours

Prague Castle and Interiors Tour

If you’re looking for a slightly more in-depth tour which includes admission to some of the most notable buildings surrounding the castle, this half-day outing is an excellent option.

In addition to learning about the Prague Castle grounds, you’ll also enter the following locations with the included Circuit B ticket:

While on this tour, you’ll also see and learn about sites such as the home of Franz Kafka, the vineyards of St. Wenceslas, and hear the story of the Philosopher’s Stone.

One thing that sets this outing apart from the others is that you don’t need a tram ticket and they offer hotel pick-ups/transfers by air-conditioned bus from the city center.

• 1000 CZK/Adults | 900 CZK/Students | 800 CZK/Children
• Includes Circuit B ticket to Prague Castle.
• Availability: Daily at 11:15 am
• Duration: 3 ½ hours

As you can see, tickets for this tour are a bit more costly than some of the other options we’ve mentioned, but it’s also much longer and it includes a ticket to enter Prague Castle.

It’s also nice that you don’t need to pay for any additional tickets or services, as this tour covers everything you need to enjoy the experience.

Prague Castle After Dark Tour

While most people will visit Prague Castle during the day, there’s something magical about seeing the beautiful landmark lit up after the sun goes down.

This tour covers the Prague Castle grounds but does not include admission to any of the buildings. 

You will, however, hear detailed information about the grounds and learn about the Old Town neighborhood of Prague.

In addition to the castle, you’ll also see the following sites:

• St. Wenceslas Vineyard
• Power Tower

Although this tour does not include admission to any of the buildings at the castle, it does cover the cost of a tram ticket, allowing you to reach all of the locations on the trip.

Whether you’re a night owl or you want to discover the most historic landmarks in the city after dark, this is an excellent opportunity to experience Prague Castle and the city in general from a different perspective.

• 525 CZK/Adults | 475 CZK/Students & Seniors
• Kids 6 and under can take the tour for free with adults.
• Availability: Daily at 6 pm

If you’d rather take a self-guided tour of Prague Castle, it’s worth noting that the castle grounds are open until 10 pm each night. 

The historical buildings are only open until 5 pm each night (4 pm in the winter season), so you’ll need to visit them during the day if you plan to purchase a Circuit A, B, or C ticket.

Official Prague Castle Tours

In addition to all the paid guided tours provided by independent professional tour guides and companies, you can also take one of the tours offered directly from Prague Castle.

The standard tour is available in Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. This outing covers sites such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.

While it’s not as extensive as some of the other tours on our list, it’s more affordable than most of the options we’ve already mentioned.

It provides one with a very good overview of the landmark.

• 100 CZK per person.
• Must be taken in groups of at least 4.
• Availability: Daily during opening hours.
• Duration: 1 hour

Tickets for this tour can be purchased only at the Information Centre in the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle.

The only problem with this tour is that you have to purchase tickets at the castle, which means you won’t be able to skip the line and it might take a while to get them during popular times of the year.

If you’re short on time, you may want to consider another option.

Official Prague Castle Audio Guide

If you’re really interested in taking a self-guided tour, you may want to consider picking up the official audio guide provided by Prague Castle.

This guide covers details about a total of 96 different spots at this historic location, and it takes about 3 hours to hear all of the information provided.

The official audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Czech.

Topics covered include both the exterior and interior of the castle.

• 350 CZK per guide for 3 hours.
• 450 CZK per guide for a full day.
• Duration: 3 hours total (not counting walking time).

While the tour itself will take 3 hours to enjoy, that doesn’t account for the time it will take to walk from one spot to the next while using the audio guide.

If you want to take your time, we recommend purchasing a full day audio guide so you won’t have to worry about missing out.

Prague Castle audio guides can only be purchased at the Information Centres in the Second and Third Courtyard.

As with the official tours, you have to get these at the castle, which means you can’t skip the line. If you’re looking to save some time, consider another option.

Additional Prague Castle Tours

We’ve already covered some great tours, but there are even more options you may want to consider.

Many guided tours are run by well-respected tour companies. Others are led by independent professional guides.

If you’re interested in seeing more than just Prague Castle, you can also get a combo package that includes admission to the castle as well as other attractions or activities in Prague.

Alternatively, you could take a self-guided tour to explore the landmark and see the most significant sites in the area.

Visitors planning out a self-guided trip should keep in mind that Circuit B tickets are included with some tourist passes, allowing you to save some money on this activity. Read the discount section below for details.

Check this list of Prague Castle tours for other options .

Do you need a tour for Prague Castle?

No, you don't need a tour for Prague Castle. Visiting independently is possible with information readily available on-site.

However, a tour can enhance the experience, offering historical insights, skip-the-line access, and a structured visit.

Although you can freely explore the castle grounds, there is an admission fee to access the different buildings and exhibitions within Prague Castle.

The complete price list can be found here .

We also offer a free self-guided audio tour of Prague Castle. To know more about the tour, click here .

HOW TO GET HERE

No matter where you're coming from, there are several ways to reach Prague Castle by Tram, Metro, Bus, or Car. If you need additional details about ticket prices, check our post covering how to use Prague public transportation .

Board tram line 22 or 23 , both heading toward Prague Castle (Pražský hrad).

Ride to the "Pražský hrad" tram stop.

Walk uphill to the Prague Castle complex from the tram stop.

Take Line A ( Green Line ) of the Prague Metro to the "Malostranská" station.

Exit the metro station and follow signs for Prague Castle (Pražský hrad).

Walk uphill to reach the Prague Castle complex.

Take bus number 191 from the Prague city center, specifically from the "Na Knížecí" bus station, which is a major transportation hub.

The bus route will take you directly to the Prague Castle area, stopping at "Pražský hrad" (Prague Castle) or "Pohořelec," both of which are close to the castle.

Disembark at your preferred stop based on your proximity to the castle's entrance.

Drive to the city center of Prague.

Follow signs for Prague Castle (Pražský hrad).

Navigate through the narrow, winding streets of Hradčany, which is the district surrounding the castle.

For exact directions from you location use this google map link .

This section lists some of the best deals you can get on tours and tickets to Prague Castle, including tourist passes, combo packages, and opportunities for free admission.

Tourist Passes

If you’re planning to visit more than a few attractions while in Prague, it may be a good idea to purchase a tourist pass, as admission to Prague Castle is included with the following two services:

• Prague Card
• Prague City Pass

Each pass includes a Circuit B ticket to Prague Castle, allowing you to visit several notable buildings on the castle grounds. 

If you’re also interested in a tour of the castle, you may want to consider either the official tour or the official audio guide as a supplement to this ticket.

Depending on which pass you choose, you could save 50% or more off ticket prices for several different landmarks and activities in the city.

While the Prague Card is an excellent choice for anyone planning on visiting for a few days, you might want to choose the Prague City Pass if you’re going to be in the city for a week or more.

The only real disadvantage of the City Pass is that it doesn’t include as many attractions as other Prague tourist passes.

If you’re wondering about some of the other locations and activities included with these passes, here are a few of the most notable options:

• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Petřín Observation Tower
• Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul
• Czech Museum of Music
• Sightseeing Cruise
• Sternberg Palace
• Jewish Museum
• Troja Chateau
• Bílek Villa

For more information about how to save money with these services, please check out our post on Prague tourist passes .

Combo Packages

Prague Castle tours are included in a few different hop-on, hop-off bus tour combo deals and in packages with other notable landmarks in or around the city.

This section covers some of the best combo packages which include tours of the castle.

City Sightseeing + Prague Castle

• 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• 810 CZK/Adults | 405 CZK/Kids

City Sightseeing + Prague Castle + Jewish Quarter

• Prague Castle Tour with Admission
• 945 CZK/Adults | 472.50 CZK/Kids

City Sightseeing Bus & Boat + Prague Castle

City Sightseeing Bus & Boat + Prague Castle + Jewish Quarter

• Prague Castle Tour w/ Admission
• 1-Hour River Cruise
• 1,170 CZK/Adults | 585 CZK/Kids

Purchase City Sightseeing combo packages or learn more .

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Prague Castle + Cruise

• 24-Hour Ticket: 680 CZK per person
• 48-Hour Ticket: 865 CZK per person

Purchase combo tickets or learn more .

Prague Castle + Lobkowicz Palace

• Includes Circuit B ticket for Prague Castle.
• Covers entry fee for Lobkowicz Palace.
• 525 CZK/Adults | 350 CZK/Students & Youth
• Kids 6 and under get in for free.

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Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

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Unveiling the magnitude: how big is prague castle, location of the prague caste & how to get there, prazsky hrad opening hours & entry , what to do & what to see at the prague castle, history of the prague castle.

Explore the enchanting Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, where you can stroll through the royal garden, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, and appreciate the grandeur of the Spanish Hall.

The Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is the most unique Czech structure and a very important cultural sight in the Czech Republic. The Castle is considered the  largest coherent castle in the world  and has an area of almost 70,000 meters. The  UNESCO World Heritage site  consists of many palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of different architectural styles. It is an awesome sight to see the remains of Romanesque-style buildings to Gothic modification. The most extensive renovations of the castle were undertaken from 1918-1938, and since the Velvet Revolution, the Prague Castle has undergone significant repairs.

With its origins tracing back to the 9th century, this sprawling fortress has witnessed the comings and goings of emperors, kings, and the everyday lives of the people it watches over. It was within the shadow of St. Vitus Cathedral, nestled within the castle’s walls, that young Franz Kafka found solace, inspiration, and perhaps even a touch of the surrealism that would later define his literary masterpieces. The castle’s grounds have echoed with the footsteps of Holy Roman Emperors and have been a canvas for the grand ceremonies that marked their reigns.

Experience the ultimate luxury living in the heart of Prague with exquisite Prague Castle apartment rentals .

The Prague Castle (or Pražský hrad) is not just one building. Many buildings with magnificent views over the Vitava River and  Charles Bridge  make up the Castle complex, and the entire complex is located within the historical center of Prague. Don’t miss seeing Prague’s heritage in the  Old City  with its collection of lovely church spires.

The access to the castle complex is not difficult to follow. It is the largest building in the elegant city of Prague, and there are various tram stops near the Castle, Prálovský letohrádek, Pražský hrad, and Pohořelec. You can also get to the castle from the Malostranská or Hradčanská metro stations. Most visitors use tram No. 22 at Pražský hrad. When leaving the castle, visitors go through to the  Old Castle Stairs  to metro station Malostranská. 

• Summer Tourist Season (April 1 till October 31)

The Castle complex includes the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane and Daliborka Tower, and St. Vitus Cathedral . Price: 6.00 22.00 Monday – Saturday from 9.00 am to 17.00 (5:00 pm) and Sunday from 12.00 to 17.00 (5:00 pm.)

Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral 10.00 – 18.00 (6:00 pm)

Exhibition Halls  10.00 – 18.00 (6:00 pm)

Theresian Wing, Prague Castle Riding School, Imperial Stables, and Royal Summer Palace. 10.00 – 18.00 (6:00 pm)

The Garden on the Bastion Entry Fee: 6.00 – 22.00

Château Park in Lány:  Wednesday and Thursday 12.00 – 18.00 (4:00 pm)

Public holidays and weekends 10.00 – 18.00 (4:00 pm)

2.  Winter Tourist Season (November 1 till March 31)

Castle complex 6.00 22.00

Historical buildings  9.00 – 16.00

St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, Daliborka Tower, St. George’s Basilica Monday Saturday 9.00 – 16.00; Sunday: 12.00 16.00

Exhibition “St. Vitus Cathedral Treasures “ 10.00 – 17.00

Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and Exhibition Halls, Prague Castle Riding School, Imperial Stables, Theresian Wing, Royal Summer Palace  10.00- 18.00 (6:00 pm)

The first place you must visit is  The Old Royal Palace . The palace was first built in the 9th century, but the current building is also part of  Emperor   Charles IV ’s 16th-century Gothic palace. Wenceslas added further extensions to the palace, but you must see  Vladislav Hall , a splendid 16th-century hall. This gigantic structure held magnificent coronations, hectic and colorful markets, banquets, and jousting matches. There is an  Observation Galley  overlooking the palace gardens, and you cannot miss seeing the  Riders’ Staircase . This amazing feat of architecture was built for knights in all their glory to ride to the tournaments held in the hall on their horses. 

St. Vitus Cathedral  is the Czech Republic’s greatest Christian building, and the second site you must visit. St. Vitus Cathedral holds the offices of the Archbishop of Prague, and here you can visit the burial tombs of past Bohemian kings, and revered saints. A Romanesque rotunda from AD925 is the base of St. Vitus. St. Vitus itself was started in 1344, but because devastating plagues and wars, 525 years passed before St. Vitus was completed. St. Vitus is an diverse mix of modern NeoGothic, plus 14th century Gothic agriculture with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque influences.

The stores of the Last Judgment and the Holy Trinity are depicted in stained glass windows throughout the castle. This artwork is reported to be from 1370 and is just above the Golden Portal. You cannot miss  St. Wenceslas Chapel , containing a jewel-encrusted altar and several paintings produced in from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

The third must-see site is the  Treasury . The lookout gallery, plus priceless artifacts dating back to the Middle Ages, reside in the South Tower which looks out on the city of Prague.

Loreta church is notable for its impressive façade and interior decoration, including frescoes, sculptures, and paintings by prominent Baroque artists. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and it is especially popular during religious holidays and pilgrimages.

Do not miss walking through the Castle’s history and gazing at magnificent depictions of the story of this immense castle in exhibits that are on display at the Old Royal Palace. The exhibits detail the castle’s rich 1,000-year history and outline the past and present of the Czech people. Also, you can see exhibits of those who shaped the Czech history, including rich arts and inspired writers, and the history of the craftsman who built Prague. 

Take advantage of sightseeing tours. The 3.5-hour walking tour of the inside of the Prague Castle will provide you insights on historical happenings. Take the 1.5 hours castle tour at Night and see wonderful illuminations, no crowds, and access to old prison cells, plus storage and ammunition rooms. Do not forget to watch the intricate movements of the Palace guard as they make their daily changes. Guard changes at the Prague Castle are definitely an interesting thing to see.

Unlock the secrets of Prague’s most iconic landmark with the skip-the-line Prague Castle tickets .

The Prague Castle complex is huge and includes an area of 753,474 square feet. The complex runs down to the  Lesser Quarter  (Malá Strana), where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, home to the Czech Senate, is located in the castle and includes 26 other houses and six gardens.

The ancient Castle has an intriguing history that begins in 880 with Prince Bořivoj and the construction of the  Church of the Virgin Mary . The early castle was built with a moat and stone clay rampart.  Churches like St. Vitus and St. George were built in the 10th century .

In 1541, a fire destroyed parts of the Prague Castle, and under the Habsburgs, buildings in the Renaissance style were added. The Third Defenestration of Prague in 1618 again damaged the castle, and the Swedes looted many artworks in the Battle of Prague, 1648, the final chapter of the Thirty Years’ War.

Built in the last years of the 16th century, alchemists lived in  Golden Lane  and tried to turn metal into gold. 

In the 16th century, Rudolf II built a garden of tropical plants, including citrus trees. A tubular-shaped glass-enclosed greenhouse was built in 1999.

In 1618 the word defenestration was again invoked at the castle. Two Catholic regents were found guilty of violating religious freedom. These gentlemen were shoved out the window. Fortunately, they had a soft landing and survived.

The last major rebuilding of the Prague Castle began in the second half of the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresa, and in 1848 when Franz Joseph abdicated, Ferdinand I move into the Castle.

In the Vitus Cathedral, the  Bohemian Crown Jewels , including the St. Wenceslas crown royal scepter and a coronation cloak, are stored behind a chamber door with seven locks. The keys to these locks are held by the President, Prime Minister, Prague Archbishop, and four other officials. The jewels do go on exhibit every five years.

In  1918 the Prague Castle became the seat of the president , and the New Royal Palace was renovated. Later in the century, 1939, the castle became the headquarters of Reinhard Heydrich, a Hitler supporter. He invited Hitler to spend a night in the Prague Castle. Interesting note, Heydrich later died due to a curse on any usurper who tried to wear the royal crown.

Today the castle is the most visited sight in Prague, the home of the President of the Czech Republic, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Prague LEGO Museum and Prague Castle are two must-see attractions in Prague, and what’s even more exciting is that visitors can see a LEGO replica of Prague Castle at the LEGO Museum.

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Prague Castle guided tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Top things to do in Prague

As you plan your visit to the magnificent Prague Castle, one question inevitably arises: Should you embark on a guided tour or explore this historic landmark on your own? While both options have their own benefits, there are several compelling reasons why taking a guided tour can enhance your experience and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Let’s explore the benefits of taking guided tours to Prague Castle.

Why take a Prague Castle guided tour?

• Engaging storytelling:  A tour paint vivid pictures with their words, transporting you back in time as they recount the events that shaped the castle's history.
• Gain insights and context:  The architecture, art, and cultural significance of Prague Castle are best appreciated with some context. An expert guide will provide valuable insights and anecdotes, giving you a deeper understanding of the castle.
• Stress-free experience:  Navigating a large and complex attraction like Prague Castle can be daunting. By opting for a guided tour, you can relax and let the guide take care of logistics, tickets, and itineraries.
• Uncover hidden gems:  A guided tour allows you to explore the lesser-known corners and discover hidden gems like the Golden Lane that you might miss on your own.
• Local recommendations:  Guides can offer recommendations for other attractions, dining options, and hidden gems in Prague. They know the best viewpoints, the coziest cafes, and the must-visit spots nearby.

Which Prague Castle guided tour is best for you?

Audio guided tour of Prague Castle complex

Suited for:  Independent travelers who prefer to explore Prague Castle at their own pace. Why go for it?

• Enjoy priority access and bypass long queues at the  Prague Castle entrance .
• Get multilingual audio guides providing detailed information about the castle's history and information on navigating the site.

Recommended ticket:   Prague Castle Entry Tickets with Optional Mobile Guide

Guided tour of exteriors with entry tickets

Suited for:  Visitors looking to get an introduction to Prague Castle and its surroundings before exploring the interiors. Why go for it?

• Gain a better understanding of Prague Castle's exteriors with expert guides fluent in your preferred language, and then explore the interiors at your own pace.
• Receive entry tickets and public transfer tickets as part of the tour package, streamlining your visit.

Recommended ticket:   Prague Castle Guided Tour of Exteriors with Entry Tickets

Guided tour of interiors & exteriors

Suited for:  History and architecture enthusiasts looking to explore inside and outside of Prague Castle with expert guidance. Why go for it?

• Explore Prague Castle inside out with an expert guide in your preferred language.
• Enjoy skip-the-line access to castle's historical buildings.
• A tram ticket is included in the package for seamless transportation to the castle complex.

Recommended ticket:  Prague Castle Guided Tour of Interiors & Exteriors with Entry Tickets

Combo guided tour

Suited for:  Travelers seeking a comprehensive Prague sightseeing experience. Why go for it?

• Combine a guided tour of Prague Castle with a relaxing  river cruise along the Vltava River , offering panoramic views of the city.
• Enjoy convenient bus transfers, offering another sightseeing opportunity.

Recommended ticket:  Combo: Prague Castle Guided Tour, River Cruise & Bus Transfer

Inside Prague Castle >

Highlights covered on your guided tour

The Old Royal palace

The Old Royal Palace served as the residence of Bohemian kings and is rich in history and architectural grandeur. Admire the Vladislav Hall, where royal banquets and ceremonies took place, and immerse yourself in the opulence of the past.

St. George's Basilica

St. George's Basilica is the oldest church in Prague, dating back to the 10th century. Explore its Romanesque architecture, visit the tomb of Vratislaus I, the first Bohemian king, and appreciate the serene atmosphere of this historical gem.

St. Vitus Cathedral is a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the most important church in the Czech Republic. Marvel at its towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and magnificent interior adorned with stunning artworks.

The Last Judgement Mosaic

Be captivated by the awe-inspiring Last Judgement Mosaic located inside the Golden Gate of St. Vitus Cathedral. This stunning artwork depicts scenes from the Last Judgment, featuring intricate details in vibrant colors.

The Golden Lane

Explore the charming and picturesque Golden Lane . This colorful row of tiny houses provides a glimpse into the lives of castle craftsmen and soldiers. Explore the quaint shops, learn about traditional crafts, and soak in the enchanting atmosphere.

Daliborka Tower

Daliborka Tower, named after the legendary knight Dalibor, offers panoramic views of Prague Castle and surrounding areas. Ascend to the top of this tower to enjoy breathtaking vistas and learn about the tower's history as a prison during the reign of King Rudolf II.

Prague Castle photos >

Frequently asked questions about Prague Castle guided tours

You can book a guided tour of Prague Castle online or on-site. We would recommend purchasing your Prague Castle tickets online to cut down on your wait time in front of the attraction.

Prague Castle guided tours typically cover the key attractions within the castle complex. You can expect to explore architectural marvels, learn about Czech history, and enjoy breathtaking views of Prague from strategic vantage points.

Absolutely! A Prague Castle guided tour is highly recommended for anyone visiting the castle. The knowledgeable guides bring the history and stories of the castle to life, providing valuable insights and a deeper understanding of its significance.

Yes, many Prague Castle guided tours offer skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the long queues and make the most of your time exploring the castle.

Yes, you can cancel your ticket 24 hours before the experience and get a full refund.

The duration of Prague Castle guided tours can vary depending on the type of ticket you buy.

Yes, you can get discounted tickets for Prague Castle guided tours if you buy them online.

About Prague Castle

Prague Castle Timings

Inside Prague Castle

The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Historic Prague Castle [UPDATED 2023]

Prague Castle is in fact, more like a walled, medieval village, rather than one singular castle. Inside these walls are some of Prague ‘s most famous architectural masterpieces. Combined into a compound, this mini-city is now known as “ Prague Castle “. 

Prague Castle takes up over 70,000 square metres. The various buildings inside date as far back as the 9th century. Hidden within these walls, seemingly ubiquitous townhomes, storefronts and little passageways have been left to the passage of time, almost untouched from the modern world. This timeless atmosphere is a big drawn for tourists wanted to escape and each year more than 1.8 million footsteps tread on these cobblestones.

Alphonse Mucha

The earliest architectural research shows that the Castle was founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj. The castle became home to Bohemian Kings and Queens and today is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The large, wooden walls that surrounded the castle when it was first constructed were built as a defense against incoming invaders and enemies. Over the years, wooden walls were replaced with stone, and many of the original stones are still standing today. Despite these countermeasures, Prague suffered many, many wars over the years, and much of the castle complex has been destroyed and rebuilt in the original style. 

Walking through the walled city, you’ll come upon three different courtyards, each serving a different purpose. Some were meant for the nobility, others marketplaces for the common folk. Since the castle was home not only to royals but their guards, alchemists , servants and craftsmen, this resulted in a hodgepodge of architectural styles. Some are grand structures, others simple homes for the working class.

The castle opens are early as 7am throughout the year, and if you’re able to get up this early, this is the best time to explore the grounds. Crossing the Charles Bridge to get to the castle is always a challenge since the bridge is usually rammed with tourists and street vendors. Going in early not only means you’ll have the bridge to yourself, but you also get to be surrounded by that iconic sunrise along the Vltava river. 

To reach the Castle, you can take the tram to either Královský letohrádek, Pražský hrad, or Pohořelec station. From either of these stops it is only a 5-10 min walk into the entrance of the Castle. For the purpose of this tour, we’re going to get off at the Pohorelec  stop. If it’s the summertime, consider getting off at the tram stop for the Summer Royal Palace . This way, you have the opportunities to walk through the lush, manicured gardens of the royal palace on your way into castle’s labyrinth.

Exploring the complex can take a whole day. Two if you want to go inside every building and visit every museum. But if you’d rather just wander the streets, most the Castle can be explored in half a day.

Upon arriving at the castle gates from the tram stop, you can stop at the ticket booth. This is where you can buy your ticket to access the interior of various famous buildings. But before you do, know that you DO NOT need to buy a ticket simply to walk around Prague Castle. What the ticket is for is access to the Cathedral, Residence and exhibitions. Many tourists don’t know this. And for most of us who are on a schedule, and don’t need to go inside the museums, there’s no reason to pay extra for things you don’t want to see.

There are all sorts of different tickets available, all of which offer access to various parts of the castle. Check this list for the complete details. The Prague Circuit Ticket costs CZK 250 ($12 USD.) This ticket gives you access to the Old Royal Palace, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane, and St. Vitus Cathedral. To take pictures inside any of the buildings you’ll need to purchase a photo pass for 50 CZK ($2 USD.) If you’d like to go up the Tower inside St. Vitus Cathedral this is an extra 150 CZK and if you want to purchase an audio guide this will cost 350 CZK for 3 hours, after which it must be returned on time.

Entry Castle Gates

At the front gate, the first stop on our tour, you’ll see the castle guards standing tall within their grey and white striped booths. There is a changing of the guard ceremony every hour. So try to arrange your arrival in time to catch this short but entertaining ceremony.  

As you pass through the gate, be sure to look up at Ignaz Frantisek Platzer ’s stone giants. They stand atop the columns. They hold in their hand’s giant clubs. Ready to swing wildly at any enemies who try to invade the castle. A show to any visitor entering the palace grounds of the might of the people of Prague.

Matthias Gate

Inside the first gate, you can see in front of you the 17th century Matthias Gate , designed by Italian artist Giovanni Maria Flipp i. This gate once stood freely, but eventually, the Maria Theresa extension was built up around it to connect the various residence buildings together.

Water Sprite Fountain

Pass through this gate, and you’ll come upon a gorgeous stone fountain from 1686. The fountain is set beside the largest well which was used for all the citizens of Prague Castle. The old well can be seen under a thick, black, brought-iron cage. Legend has it that the well was guarded by the water sprite Pakit , who protected the city’s water from evil demons.

St. Vitus Cathedral

Through the first courtyard, you’re led into the second courtyard. Here you’ll immediately be struck with the image of St. Vitus Cathedral, looming overhead. St. Vitus is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Prague. And its silhouette creates the iconic skyline when looking up at Prague Castle from below.

The name of the Cathedral is actually from St. Wenceslas himself. Saint Wenceslas had acquired a holy relic, the arm of St. Vitus, from Emperor Henry I. Since Saint Vitus has a slightly Slavic name, the Emperor thought this was the perfect relic to give to Wenceslas to convert the Slavic people to Christianity.

Standing in the courtyard of the Cathedral, you are in the same spot where a Romanesque rotunda once stood in 924. Eventually, the old church was demolished to build St. Vitus. St. Vitus Cathedral was the crowning place of all the Kings of Bohemia and the resting place of St. Wenceslas himself. Take some time to wander around the church’s exterior. Spot all the gargoyles which hang over the roof, along with; dragons, scorpions and musicians. At night these creatures are all lit up from below, creating a haunting spectacle as their faces seem to move in the light.

Construction of the Cathedral

Like many of the great churches of the world, construction took ages. It began in 1344 but was not completed until 1929. Even today, the Cathedral is constantly being restored to ensure all the work that went into building such a gem isn’t lost to time.

The designer of the Cathedral was Frenchman Matthias of Arras who had previously designed the famed Papal Palace in Avignon. Matthias was responsible for the French Gothic style found so prominently in the Cathedral. You’ll see flying buttresses, short transepts, five-bayed choirs and radiating chapels. Matthias of Arras was a schooled geometer and mathematician, who loved rigid, proportions. Everything shot up vertically, high up to the heavens.

Architect Peter Parler

Matthias didn’t live to see the Cathedral finished and after his death, 23-year-old Peter Parler took over construction. He was the son of the architect of the Heilig-Kreuz-Münster so, despite his age, he had much-lived experience from working with his father.

Parler was an innovator and brought his own unique designs to the Cathedral. He synthesized traditional gothic elements and his modern ideas, exemplified in the vaults he designed for the choir. These now named “Parler” vaults, have diagonal ribs that span the width of the choir bay giving them additional strength and also producing a dynamic pattern effect along the ceiling.

Parler was a sculptor and woodcarver as well as an architect. When he took over the project, he moved away from the mathematical, structured designs of Matthias and added natural ornamentation. Study the tracery panels of the buttresses, window ornaments, the bell-shaped columns, passageway lintels and the busts in the triforium – each one given an artistic flourish that only a sculptor could have conceived.

St. Wenceslas Chapel

The most important area of the Cathedral is St. Wenceslas Chapel. Inside, relics of the Saint of Prague are still housed. The lower portions of the walls in here are decorated with over 1300 semi-precious stones and paintings depicting the Passion of Jesus from 1372–1373. In the corner of the room, you can see a small door with seven locks, leading to the ‘Crown Chamber’ which contains the precious Crown Jewels of the city. These jewels are off limits to the public, except for one day every eight years, when the seven locks are opened, and these incredible treasures can be looked upon by the people of the city.

The last thing to make sure to gaze upon in here are the stained glass windows. The most important being created by Czech Art Nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha . Created in the early 1930s, the piece was made for the millennium jubilee of St. Wenceslas. The window displays the young St. Wenceslas with his grandmother St. Ludmila. Surrounding the centre scene are smaller vignettes of the lives of Saints Cyril and Methodius who spread Christianity among the Slavs. 

The first thing you’ll notice upon looking at this piece is the saturation of the colours and strong lines around the figures. With more modern technology in 1930 then many people had in the earlier years of stain glass production, Mucha was able to produce a more impactful piece of artwork. Alphonse Mucha’s art nouveau stylings are prevalent in the look and feel of this window. Despite being locked into glass, there is still a flow to the piece with powerful organic forms blossoming in the panels.

For those of you who have the courage and energy, be sure to climb the stairs up to the top of the tower to get some beautiful views of the city and courtyards below.

Royal Gardens

After exiting the church, head across to the Royal Gardens. These contain an incredible display of fountains, manicured hedges and colourful flowers. The inside of the house which surrounds the garden has been turned into a gallery for art aficionados.

To the east of the Cathedral, you’ll find the place where the throne room of the old princes of Bohemia once stood. Now, in its place, stands an iron statue of St. George slaying the dragon – a memorial to the dead of the first World War.

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Old Royal Palace

Adjacent to the statue is the Old Royal Palace . This building was first erected in the 9th century but has since been through various renovations. Although you can only view parts of the Palace, the grandest part of it is Vladislav Hall. This once was the place where the kings and queens of Prague hosted feasts, balls and large markets. The vaulted, late gothic ceilings in this room are the only real ornamental left, but one can imagine the bright colours with would have flooded this hall when the tables cloth, velvet dresses and the colourful food was all laid out for the nobility.

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The palace also still holds the crown jewels of the empire, including the Czech Crown. There is a legend that anyone who dons the crown as a false king would die within a year. During WWII, during the Nazi occupation, Reinhard Hedrick did this very thing, and before the year was out, he was assassinated.

New Royal Palace

Attached to the Old Palace is the New Royal Palace. This houses some of the most fantastically decorated halls in all of Prague. This building once served as the living quarters for the Kings and Queens and is today the residence of the president of the Czech Republic and his administration. Large, elegant receptions are held for diplomats and state representatives and it is only open to the public two days a year.

St. George Basilica

After visiting the Old and New Palace, make your way over to St. George Basilica. St. George Basilica is the oldest surviving building in Prague Castle and the second oldest church in Prague. It was founded by Vratislaus I of Bohemia in 920 and dedicated to Saint George.

The red, Baroque facade was added in the 17th century, but the original structure from the 1100’s remains preserved inside. The ceiling is made of dark wood and only small, decorative windows dot the thick stone walls. It is a cool place to rest during a hot day, and it’s stone seem to vibrate with history.

In addition to being able to visit during the day, if you’d like to see it in the evening you can attend an evening classical concerts. The thick walls make for great acoustics and give guests an excellent introduction to some classic Czech composers.

Golden Lane

The final area to explore is the narrow street named Golden Lane . Golden Lane is a row of miniature houses built in the 16th century in the mannerism style of architecture. These served as home to the castle’s servants. Although these little houses are now only home to touristy gift shops and miniature museums, try to spend your time studying the design and colours of the exterior of each house. Look up at the windows and tiny the roof tiles. Also, don’t miss House #22, the blue house, which was home to Franz Kafka.

The street gets its name from the famous alchemist who once lived here during the reign of Rudolf II. This alchemist was obsessed with creating the philosopher’s stone, the elixir of youth and most of all, trying to turn worthless metals into gold! He was never successful but his memory lived on. In the 20th century, an old doctor of philosophy spent his life savings collecting old books on magic and went about secret experiments in his house on Golden Lane.

One day, neighbours heard an explosion and came running. His house was on fire, and when firefighters finally were able to extinguish the blaze, they found the old man dead inside, clutching a large piece of gold in his hand. Perhaps he finally accomplished what all those alchemists before him were attempting to do, as no one could understand how else he would have come to own such a large, expensive piece of gold.

White Tower

At the end of the Golden Lane, is the White Tower . This White Tower served as a prison for noblemen from the 1500s to 1700s. Although most of the crimes were for rioting and unpaid debts, one of the cruellest women in Czech history was also housed here after her arrest. Allegedly she murdered over 14 people and performed horrible acts of torture on her victims.

Daliborka Tower

The other tower at the end of Golden Lane is Daliborka Tower . This tower you can go inside and see some recreations of the torture chambers that were once hidden inside this picturesque lane. This tower was another prison used during the end of the 18th century. It was named after a young knight, Dalibor, who was sentenced to death and imprisoned in the tower’s dungeon. When Dalibor was locked up inside the tower, waiting for his fate to be decided, he learned to play the violin. His playing was so beautiful and sad that people would come from all over the city to listen to him.

The citiziens took pity on poor Dalibor and brought him gifts and food while he was imprisoned. The day he was sentenced to death, everyone knew he was dead when the music which had once graced the laneways of the castle was suddenly gone. Dalibor was seen as a kind of ‘Czech Robin Hood’, and after his eventual capture, all prisoners to follow him into the Tower called it the Daliborka Tower.

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As you leave the castle, take a final look back at you exit, the small bridge you’ll pass under before leaving the city provides the perfect frame for the candy coloured houses which line the road. Despite its overwhelming levels of tourists which come to visit, the sheer size and sprawl of the Castle mean you never to feel too overwhelmed. But get here early or late, and wandering this empty, medieval wonderland will feel like a dream come true.

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Prague Castle – tickets, prices, discounts, hours, guided tours

“Being in Prague feels like you are in a fairy tale, except for one key difference – the city of Prague is for real.”

Since no fairy tale is complete without a castle, Prague has its own – the world’s oldest castle, aptly named The Prague Castle.

Prague Castle, which was built in 880 AD, is locally also referred to as Pražský Hrad.

It is a Guinness World Record-holder as the largest ancient castle in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This article covers everything you must know about booking tickets to Prague Castle.

Top Prague Castle Tickets

# Skip The Line Prague Castle Tickets # Skip The Line tickets + Mobile Guide + Orientation # 2.5-hour guided tour of Prague Castle

Table of contents

What to expect at prague castle, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, skip the line prague castle tickets, lobkowicz palace entry tickets, prague city tour with astronomical clock admission, best time to visit prague castle, how long does prague castle take, where is prague castle, how to get to prague castle, prague castle hours, prague castle free entry, what’s inside prague castle, prague castle map, understanding circuits in prague castle, prague castle guides, photography in prague castle.

Wander through centuries-old courtyards, embracing breathtaking views of the Vltava River from atop a hill.

Gothic spires, Baroque wonders, and tales of Bohemian kings await to transport you to Prague’s historic charm.

Stroll through the iconic Golden Lane, a fairytale alley frozen in time.

Stand in awe of St. Vitus Cathedral’s sublime beauty.

Here are a few different ticket options and tours for you to pick from to explore the Prague Castle:

If money isn’t an issue, but you want to create beautiful memories, check out the Best of Prague: 5-Hours Private Guided Tour .

Back to Top

Tickets for Prag ue Castle are available online and at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters and book your preferred time of visit in advance. 

Because Prague Castle is a very popular attraction and guided tours fill out quickly, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Visit the booking page for  Prague Castle,  select your travel date and the number of tickets, and make the booking.

Once you complete the booking process, the tickets will be mailed to you.

You do not need to carry printouts.

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in. Carry a valid ID.

Prague Castle Tickets

For the Prague Castle: Skip The Line Ticket , an adult ticket for all ages 17 and above costs €18.

Children between the ages of six and 16 can gain access at €8, while kids under six are only charged €4.

For the Tickets for Prague Castle: Entry + Mobile Guide & 15-Minute Orientation , an adult ticket for all ages 16 and above costs €22.

Children between the ages of five and 15 can gain access at €9, while kids under five are only charged €4.

For the Tickets for Prague Castle: 2.5-hr Guided Tour, an adult ticket for all ages 16 and above costs €35.

Kids under 16 are charged €20 for entry.

For Prague Castle: 1-Hour Guided Tour + Fast Track , an adult ticket for all ages 16 and above costs €21.

Children between the ages of six and 15 can gain access at €15, while kids under six are not charged anything.

For Prague Castle: 1-Hour Guided Tour + Fast Track , the entry ticket is priced at €40 for all ages.

For Lobkowicz Palace and Prague Castle Entrance Tickets , the entry ticket is priced at €20 for all ages 16 and above.

Kids under 16, seniors above 60, and students with ID aged between 16 and 26 can buy discounted tickets at just €12.

Discounts available at the Castle

On presentation of valid ID at Prague Castle’s ticketing booth, secondary school students, university students (aged from 17 to 26), and senior citizens aged 66 and above can also get discounts.

Note: Buying the Prague Castle tickets online will help you save money and time (because you won’t have to wait in the long ticketing counter lines).

There are a number of Prague Castle Tours with varying prices, itineraries, and duration. Sift through the following to pick your favorite:

With these tickets, you don’t have to wait in line at the Castle’s ticketing counter.

This Circuit ‘B’ ticket covers all the best attractions inside Prague Castle.

The route covers the castle interiors, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Golden Lane, and the stunning stained glass windows of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Admission to the Charles Bridge Museum is included in the tickets.

On the ticket booking page, you can choose from four time slots – 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 1.05 pm, 2 pm.

A small introduction will be given to you about the tour before you start.

You will access the cathedral from the side entrance, skipping the major queues.

This ticket does not allow you to skip the security check line.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (17+ years): €18 Youth ticket (6 to 16 years) : €8 Child ticket (up to 5 years): €4

Tickets for Prague Castle: Entry + Mobile Guide & 15-Minute Orientation

With tickets to this tour, you will get access to all attractions inside the Prague Castle Complex, a 15-minute introduction, and a mobile virtual guide on your phone.

The mobile ticket voucher will have to be exchanged for the Castle ticket once you meet your guide.

This ticket grants admission to St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.

You will go through the main entrance.

Adult ticket (16+ years): €22 Youth ticket (5 to 15 years) : €8 Child ticket (up to 4 years): €4

Tickets for Prague Castle: 2.5-Hr Guided Tour

This is a 2.5-hour guided tour in which a local expert takes the lead.

Your guided tour of Prague Castle starts from a convenient location outside the Palace.

The guide will meet you near the Charles Bridge, where they will give you a short overview of the history of the castle looming over the capital city.

Then, the guide leads you across the bridge to Lesser Town Square, from where you hop on a tram to Prague Castle. 

As you explore the Old Castle, Vladislav Hall, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, etc., your local guide provides all the stories of princes, kings, and emperors.

This tour is available in English, German, Italian, French, Russian and Spanish.

Tram tickets are also included in the package.

Adult ticket (16+ years): €35 Child ticket (up to 15 years) : €20

These tickets guarantee entrance to the Lobkowicz Palace and also allow you to see other highlights of the Prague Castle complex, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace, and St. George’s Basilica.

Learn about the Lobkowicz family’s art collection, porcelain, military equipment, and musical instruments in Central Europe.

With this entry ticket, you also get a 10% discount at Lobkowicz Palace Cafe and can attend the midday concert. 

Your audio guide will be narrated by the members of the Lobkowicz family.

Pets, smoking, luggage, and large bags are prohibited at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle. 

Meeting Point: Meet the tour guide at the entry point of Lobkowicz Palace Prague. 

Adult Ticket (16 to 59 years): €20 Youth Ticket (7 to 15 years): €12 Student Ticket (16 to 26 years with valid ID): €12 Child Ticket (up to 6 years): €12 Senior Ticket (60+ years): €12

Infants under six years are not charged anything.

This tour is perfect for people who want to learn more about the history of Czech and Prague. 

Visit the Gothic-style Astronomical Clock Tower and admire panoramic views of Prague.

Take a 3-hour guided walking tour from Old Town Square to New Town. 

The tour is offered in five languages- Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. 

Ticket Price

Adult Ticket (15+ years): €45 Child Ticket (up to 14 years): €30

The best time to visit Prague Castle is as soon as it opens at 9 am.

From 10 am, the crowd starts pouring in and reaches its peak around 1 pm. By 3 pm, the lines at the Prague Castle shorten again.

If you can’t make it to the Castle by 9 am, the next best time to visit is after 3 pm.

A hidden perk of arriving at the Castle after the peak time is over is that you can visit the Golden Lane for free.

That is, after 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter, you don’t need an entry ticket to explore the Golden Lane.

Golden Lane is a street inside the Castle, consisting of tiny houses painted in bright colors.

Like any other tourist attraction, Prague Castle sees the biggest crowd during weekends.

An ideal tour of the Prague Castle Complex, where you explore the historical buildings, the cathedrals, the exhibitions, and stroll in the gardens, will take you at least five hours.

If you are not travelling with kids or seniors and want to explore everything on offer in Prague Castle quickly, three hours should be enough.

Prague Castle’s audio guide is 3 hours long.

Many tourists believe that “you can stay a whole day and still not see everything at Prague Castle.”

Prague Castle entry tickets  don’t have a time limit. Once inside, you can spend as much time exploring the Castle as you want.

Prague Castle is one of the most significant monuments in the Czech Republic.

The famous Castle, which also doubles up as the house of the current Czech President, is located in the Hradčany district (also known as the Castle district).

Standing on top of a hill overlooking Lesser Town, on the left bank of river Vltava, the Castle is Czech’s most significant historical and cultural treasure.

Google Map Link

Since it is a significant tourist draw, Prague Castle is well connected to every corner.

One can easily reach Prague Castle on foot, by tram, or by metro.

You can take bus number 194 to Valdštejnské náměstí or Malostranské náměstí . Both are nearly 10 minutes walk away from the attraction.

A brisk eight-minute walk from Metro station Malostranská (Line A) can get you to Prague Castle.

If you are roaming around in the Lesser Town Square, you can find your way to Prague Castle via Nerudova Street .

Although this walk is a bit steep, the views are worth every moment.

At the end of your small trek, you will be in front of the Prague Castle gates.

Tram no. 22 will take you up the hill to the tram stop called ‘Pražský Hrad’.

Once you get down, turn left and start walking. In 5 minutes, you will reach the 2nd Courtyard of Prague Castle.

You can board the tram at any station of your preference.

However, Národní Třída Metro stop (in front of the National Theater – Národní Divadlo) and Malostranská Station are the most convenient boarding points.

If you want to avoid walking or the crowd of public transportation, we recommend hiring a taxi or renting a car.

Taxis can go up to the gates of the Castle.

You can use Google Maps to navigate to the castle.

Several parking spots in the vicinity can be found here.

Prague Castle opens at 6 am and closes at 10 pm all through the year.

However, the historical buildings in Prague Castle follow their timings – in the summer months (Apr to Oct), they are open from 9 am to 5 pm, and in winter (Nov to Mar), from 9 am to 4 pm.

Wondering what the historical buildings at Prague Castle are?

1. Old Royal Palace 2. The exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” 3. St. George Basilica 4. Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower 5. Prague Castle Picture Gallery 6. Powder Tower 7. Rosenberg Palace

And since you don’t want to miss out on these historical buildings, you must visit Prague Castle according to their timings.

Entry to Prague Castle is free.

Without buying any tickets, you can roam around in the castle corridors and the gardens.

However, there are many impressive buildings, exhibitions, etc., which you can’t access without entry tickets.

Here is the list –

1. St. Vitus Cathedral 2. Old Royal Palace 3. The exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” 4. St. George’s Basilica 5. Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower 6. Rosenberg Palace 7. Prague Castle Picture Gallery 8. Great South Tower with a View Gallery

If you are NOT on a budget holiday in Prague, we recommend you buy the Prague Castle tickets online and explore it to the fullest.

Free entry to ‘qualified’ tourists

Tourists who fulfill specific criteria can enter Prague Castle for free. They are –

1. Kids six years and below 2. Nursery school group and their teacher 4. Differently-abled tourists with a valid disability card 3. EU licensed tour guides with clients holding purchased tickets

The Prague Castle complex dominates the city’s skyline and offers many attractions and sights within.

1. Prague Castle church

There are two Cathedrals inside Prague Castle – St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica.

These are the oldest of the churches in the Czech Republic.

St. Vitus Cathedral

The St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important church in Prague.

The Cathedral stands in the centre of the Castle, with its oldest parts dating back to the 14th century.

Tourists who have visited this cathedral have marvelled at the intricate stained glass making up the windows.

St. George’s Basilica

It is the second oldest church in the Castle, founded around 920 by Prince Vratislav I.

The Cathedral features a beautiful and colourful Baroque facade.

The facade dates from the 17th century and is dedicated to Ludmila of Bohemia.

The building is now home to a 19th-century Bohemia Art collection and also serves as a concert hall.

2. Prague Castle Gardens

The castle garden was commissioned by Habsburg Ferdinand I and founded in 1534.

Apart from the rare botanical specimens and exotic plants, the garden also has a few buildings built to entertain the Royals who stayed here.

While in the garden, you can spot the Ball Game Hall, the Royal Summer Palace, etc.

3. Golden Lane

Golden Lane is a street with small, colourful houses.

This street gets its name because it is believed that Goldsmiths (and alchemists) lived on it. Today, these houses are mostly souvenir shops.

Among these houses, one of them is more popular than the rest – House No. 22 – for this is where writer Franz Kafka is known to have stayed.

He lived in House No 22 with his sister Ottla from 1916 to 17.

It is believed Franz Kafka got his inspiration to write his book titled ‘The Castle’ while living in Golden Lane, inside Prague Castle.

4. Rosenberg Palace

The Rosenberg Palace is situated on Jirska Street inside Prague Castle.

This Renaissance Palace was used as a residence for unmarried noblewomen.

The palace is small yet adequately restored and maintained.

5. Change of Guard

Presidential Guards stand at all three entrances of the Prague Castle, and every hour, they change without much of a show.

However, every day at noon, the first courtyard of Prague Castle sees the ceremonial Change of Guard.

If you can arrive at the courtyard by 11.40 am, you can get a vantage position for the best view.

Note: To see the change of guard, you don’t need to buy any tickets.

6. Prague Castle Moat

If you are visiting Prague Castle in the summer months, don’t miss out on the moat.

Once you have seen the manicured gardens, get to the Upper Moat via the entrance to the royal gardens.

If you love walking, this is a great way to enjoy nature.

From Prague Castle’s Upper Moat, you will find trails that will take you to the Lower Moat.

7. Vladislav Hall

Vladislav Hall is one of the most magnificent structures within Prague Castle.

It was built between 1493 and 1502 and today is used for large public gatherings such as coronations, banquets, and other conferences.

The most striking feature of the hall is its ceiling, making it the largest secular vaulted room in Europe.

The Gothic ribbed vaulting of the roof holds the ceiling spanning over fifty feet.

8. Powder Tower

The Powder Tower dates back to the 15th century and served as one of the main entrances to the walled city of Prague.

This Gothic gate originally separated the Old Town from the New Town.

When it was built, it was called the ‘New Tower.’

However, since it was used to store gunpowder, it got the nickname ‘Powder Tower’ with time.

9. The Story of Prague Castle

This fantastic exhibit illustrating the history of Prague Castle is a must-see while visiting the Old Royal Palace.

The exhibit also displays the extensive and vibrant history of Prague and Czech.

Primary displays include the displays and artefacts related to Czech crown jewels and the treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Stretching over 750,000 square feet, the Prague Castle is a vast and magnificent structure.

While trying to absorb this true beauty, one can quickly lose track of time and way.

List of Buildings

I – Old Royal Palace II – The Story of the Prague Castle III – St. George’s Basilica IV – The Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral V – Golden Lane VI – The Picture Gallery at Prague Castle VIII – St. Vitus Cathedral IX – Rosenberg Palace X – Great South Tower of the Cathedral

Gardens in Prague Castle

1 – Royal Garden 2 – The South Gardens (closed in 2019) 3 – Stag Moat (closed in 2019)

Carrying a map of the Castle will not only save you from getting lost but will help you find the tourist attractions faster.

Recommendation: Since Prague Castle is enormous, touring it with a local expert makes a lot of sense. Check out this  guided tour of the Castle .

Once you decide to buy Prague Castle tickets, the first question that gets asked is, “Which Prague Castle ticket should one buy?”

Most tourists get confused because there are three types of tickets –

1. Circuit ‘A’ tickets 2. Circuit ‘B’ tickets 3. Circuit ‘C’ tickets

Prague Castle complex is so big that its organizers have taken two steps to make it easy for tourists:

1. They have increased the validity of the tickets for two days. Yes, that’s right. So you can bring the same ticket the next day and explore the Castle for one more day.

2. The organizers have divided the points of interest in the Prague Castle complex into 3 different circuits, making it easier for visitors to decide what they want to see.

Before we come up with our recommendation on which circuit ticket you must buy, let’s first understand what each of these circuits means.

Circuit A of Prague Castle

A Circuit A ticket gives you access to all the historical buildings inside Prague Castle.

The buildings are St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, the Exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle”, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, and Rosenberg Palace.

Circuit B of Prague Castle

Circuit B ticket includes entry to St. Vitus Cathedral, The Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower.

The only building missing in this Circuit is the Rosenberg Palace.

Circuit C of Prague Castle

With a Circuit C ticket in your hand, you can enjoy “The Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral” Exhibition and the Prague Castle Picture Gallery.

Yes, that’s about it.

Which is the better Circuit at Prague Castle?

With three different types of tickets to choose from, it is natural to get confused.

Tourists who have been to Prague Castle say that the Circuit B tickets are the best – they cover the most important historical buildings.

Check out tourists who provide their reasons on  TripAdvisor  and  Ricksteves.com .

Circuit A & Circut C tickets are costlier than Circuit B tickets, which also works in the latter’s favor.

If you are looking for a guide to help you explore Prague Castle better, you have two options.

Human guides

Professional tour guides in the following languages – Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian – are available.

A standard one-hour tour takes you to the St. Vitus Cathedral and The Old Royal Palace. You can arrange for both a personal or group trip.

If you want the Prague Castle guide in the Czech language, it will cost you 50 CZK/ hour/person.

Foreign language guides charge you double that. Find out More .

Audio Guide

You can also opt for an Audio Guide to explore the Castle.

They cover 95 points of interest within the Prague Castle complex, and this AudioGuide tour lasts 3 hours.

Hiring the Audio Guide for three hours will cost you 350 CZK per device. If you want it for the entire day, you will have to shell out 450 CZK per device.

While you can take photographs in Prague Castle, not all areas allow for free photography.

To take photos of the building’s interiors, you need to buy a Photography license.

If you carry a camera and love taking pictures, this is a small and quick investment in creating memories.

If you decide not to buy a Prague Castle photo license, keep an eye out for markings where you can take free photographs and where you can’t.

Sources # Wikipedia.org # Hrad.cz # Britannica.com # Praguecastletickets.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Prague Castle Inside

Inside prague castle: exploring prague castle's interior.

Prague Castle, a sprawling premise dating back to the ninth century, is located on the top of a hill. This is one of the most important castles in the Czech Republic and it features different types of architecture across time, like the Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Some of the most important structures worth checking out in the Prague castle inside include the St Vitus Cathedral for housing the Czech Crown Jewels, the Old Royal Palace and even the Vladislav Hall. 

The Castle complex also includes some of the most picturesque gardens worth checking out, along with the iconic Charles Bridge and the presidential house. Thanks to the wealthy records, breathtaking Prague castle inside and for some of the best views of the city, Prague Castle is a charming destination that surprises vacationers to discover its timeless beauty and know more about the historical past of the Czech Republic.

St. Vitus Cathedral , a Gothic masterpiece located within the Prague castle inside, is a striking symbol of Czech architecture and faith. The cathedral’s premises are known to have mesmerised visitors, especially by its soaring windows, stained glass windows, and especially the magnificent Rose Window. The cathedral contains the crown jewels of the Czech Republic and this is also the place where many Bohemian kings are buried. 

 Must Checkout: Restaurants Near Prague Castle

The Golden Lane in Prague Castle is a street located amidst the premises of the castle. It was originally built as a place of residence for the castle guards of King Rudolf II. It dates back to the 16th century and it got the name due to the goldsmiths that have lived there. Today, the houses are brightly painted since the 1950s and are located near the Northern Wall of the Prague Castle. In fact, it is also interesting to know that one of the houses here was even the place of residence for the popular writer Franz Kafka. 

You May Also Like: Prague Castle Church

This palace dates back to the 12th century and is famous for housing a copy of the Czech crown. The Vladislav hall is located within the premises of the hall and is predominantly used for state ceremonies. Its architecture­ gracefully combines Romanesque­ and Gothic styles from the 12th century, and it has serve­d as the prestigious reside­nce for Bohemian kings, empe­rors, and presidents.

Also Checkout: Exhibitions at Prague Castle

The St. George's Basilica takes pride in being one of the oldest surviving basilicas in the premises. This is dedicated to Saint George and was built by Vritislaus I in the early 900s. This has stood the test of time and a major part of the structure has been preserved and after the founding of the convent of the Benedictine nuns in 973, the church was further developed and its space was further enlarged.

Recommended Read: Prague Castle Faq's

Alternatively known as the Royal Gardens, this is an opportunity for you to explore and discover the vibrantly coloured flowers in the garden. They are world famous and are filled with elegant sculptures like the Singing Fountain and the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace. The Prague Castle Gardens are also the host venues for popular events and concerts too. The gardens are interconnected and some of the best ones worth checking out include Labour and Small and Great Pallfy gardens.

You May Also Like: Prague Castle Architecture

Out of all the structures in Prague castle inside, Lobkowicz Palace is the only privately owned building. This is an opportunity for you to explore the largest private art collection of the Lobkowicz family and even admire the different types of musical notes and manuscripts of some of the best stalwarts of music like Ludwig van Beethoven and even Mozart. The tour of this Prague castle interior comes with an audio guide that you can make use of to know more about this palace too. 

This tower is located close to the Golden Lane and was once used as a prison. This is as old as the late 1400s and was originally used as a prison. The dungeon comes with big vaults and with a circular opening. The prison got its name from the first prisoner of the tower, namely Dalibor of Kozojedy. Tourists opting for a guided tour will be able to check out the tower as a part of the tour.

Must Read: Prague Castle History

This hall takes pride in being one of the largest ones of its kind in Prague castle inside. A lot of state and public events are hosted here, like the swearing in ceremony of the President of the Czech Republic, theatre performances, and even coronation banquets, and is more than 500 years old. The Prague castle interior features a blend of Gothic style and the early Renaissance architecture and is located close to the All Saints Church. 

Architectural Highlights Inside Prague Castle

• All Saints Church: Consecrated back in 1185, All Saints Church flaunts a magnificent Romanesque building and houses the tomb of St. Procopius.
• St. Vitus Cathedral: Established back in 1344, the majestic Gothic style building of St. Vitus Cathedral was completed in a time span of a whopping 600 years. Its interiors house the Crown Chamber and the tomb of St Wenceslas.
• Holy Cross Chapel: The Holy Cross Chapel lies in the second courtyard, inside of Prague Castle. Temporarily, this chapel was used as the treasury of the St. Vitus Cathedral.
• St. George’s Basilica & Convent Of Saint George: Known as the oldest church present in Prague Castle inside, this church building is dedicated to St. George.

Also Checkout: Spanish Hall Prague Castle

• New Royal Palace: The New Royal Palace is located in the third courtyard of Prague Castle complex and comprises four wings.
• Old Royal Palace: Flaunting Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, the Old Royal Palace is a visual delight. Formerly, it served as a residence building.
• Lobkowicz Palace: The stunning Lobkowicz Palace happens to be the only privately owned structure in Prague Castle. It is home to intriguing museums and rich fascinating collections.
• Queen Anne's Summer Palace: Nestled amidst the lush Royal Gardens on the Prague Castle inside, Queen Anne's Summer Palace boasts a breathtaking Renaissance style architecture.

Must Checkout: Facts for Prague Castle

• The Vladislav Hall: Considered to be one of the largest halls of the Prague Castle complex, the Vladislav Hall serves as a venue for the public events organized by the state.
• The Spanish Hall: Nestled within the New Royal Palace, the Spanish Hall happens to be a stunning ceremonial hall. This is the place where Emperor Rudolph II showcased his intriguing art and science collections.
• Rothmayer's Hall: Named after Otto Rothmayer, the architect who renovated it in the 20th century, the spectacular Rothmayer's Hall houses a brilliantly sculpted statue of the first president of Czech, Tomas Garrique Masaryk.
• Hall Of Columns: Nestled inside the New Royal Palace, the majestic Hall Of Columns is architectured by the renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik between the years 1927 and 1930.
• Rudolph's Gallery: The Prague Castle inside features the beautiful Rudolph's Gallery, which is home to the rich, fascinating collections of Emperor Rudolph II.

• The Royal Garden: Laid out by Habsburg Ferdinand I, The Royal Garden flaunts a breathtaking renaissance architecture. The garden is home to many rare botanical species that have been bought here from foreign lands.
• South Gardens: The 500-meter long South Gardens in Prague Castle is basically a conglomeration of three small gardens - Hartig Garden, Garden on the Ramparts, and Paradise Garden.
• Horticultural Gardens: Nestled on the northern side of Prague Castle, the Horticultural Gardens span across an area of around 4 hectares. The products from this garden are sent for the use of the President of the Czech Republic.
• Orangery: The Orangery In Prague Castle was established in 1999 by Eva Jiřičn. The garden is home to a greenhouse made up of stainless steel and a 90-meter long tubular glass.
• St. Wenceslas Vineyard: Lying between Klárov and Deer Moat and opened to visitors in 2008, St. Wenceslas Vineyard is considered to be Bohemia’s oldest vineyard.

Also Checkout: Plan Your Visit to Prague Castle

• Riding School: At present, Riding School serves as an exhibition ground.
• The Golden Lane: Named after the goldsmiths residing here, the charming Golden Lane is bordered by quaint ancient houses.
• Prašný Bridge: Connecting Stag Moat to the Royal Garden, Prašný Bridge was a former bridge at Prague Castle.
• Ball Game Hall: The majestic Ball Game Hall lies on the southern side of the beautiful Royal Gardens of the complex.
• Old Supreme Burgrave’s House: The magnificent Old Supreme Burgrave’s House was owned by the highest official in Prague Castle, the Supreme Burgrave.
• New Provost Residence: The New Provost Residence lies beside St. George’s Basilica.
• Old Provost Residence: The Old Provost Residence served as the seat of the bishops of Prague.

Checkout: Activities to do near Prague Castle

Know Before You Go To Prague Castle

Location:  The Palace is located in Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic. 

Opening Hours:  The opening hours are from 6 AM to 10 PM. 

Best Time to Visit:  We recommend the early morning or late afternoon as the best times to visit the Prague castle interior. Weekends attract more visitors, so do plan to visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds. 

Entrances: There are 4 entrances for the Prague Castle- Courtyard I and II, Na Opysi Gate, and the Royal Summer Palace Entrance. 

• We recommend arriving at the entrance of the castle at least15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time of entry. 
• If you head to the castle at noon, you can also get a glimpse of the changing of guards ceremony that involves a trumpet call and even an exchange of flags. 
• You will require a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to explore even the important places in the castle, so plan accordingly.

Book Prague Castle Tickets

Prague castle tickets, book prague castle tour with local guide, prague castle tour with local guide, what is inside prague castle.

Inside Prague castle complex, there is a mix of palaces, churches, fortified walls, courtyards, gardens, and even towers. You do not require any payment to enter the castle grounds, but to enter the interiors and specific attractions, you will have to pay to enter and check them out. Popular attractions inside Prague castle include New Royal Palace, Old Royal Palace, and even the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace.

How much time do you need at Prague Castle?

If you are running short on time, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 hours inside Prague castle as it is sufficient to check out only the key landmarks in the venue. However, you can still take a much longer time if you are willing to explore more inside Prague castle at your own pace and check out the attractions patiently.

What are the palaces inside of Prague Castle?

• New Royal Palace: Located in the third courtyard of Prague Castle complex, the New Royal Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces inside of Prague Castle. Surprisingly enough, the construction of this palace started in the 17th century and ended in the 18th century.
• Old Royal Palace: Once a residence building, the brilliantly architectured Old Royal Palace flaunts striking Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, offering a true visual delight. The palace is home to the spectacular Vladislav Hall, which boasts a Gothic-style vaulted ceiling.
• Lobkowicz Palace: The majestic Lobkowicz Palace happens to be the only privately owned structure in Prague Castle. The 16th century palace is home to intriguing museums and rich fascinating collections.
• Queen Anne's Summer Palace : The Renaissance style Queen Anne's Summer Palace is nestled amidst the lush Royal Gardens of the Prague Castle complex. It was constructed between 1538 and 1560 under Ferdinand I, who dedicated it to his consort Anna Jagiellon.

When was Prague Castle built?

The magnificent Prague Castle was built sometime back in the 880s. The various halls, palaces, churches, gardens, and other buildings present inside the complex came up gradually over the following years. These buildings also have gone through multiple renovations, with most of them done between the 18th and 20th centuries.

Can you go Inside Prague Castle?

Yes, visitors can go inside of Prague Castle and take a tour of the beautiful complex. You can book your Prague Castle tickets online and get access to the various historical buildings present in the complex.

Are discounts available on Prague Castle tickets?

Yes, many amazing deals and discounts are available on Prague Castle tickets online. You can check for these at the time of your slot booking.

Which are the best gardens to explore in Prague Castle?

• Royal Garden: Established in 1534, the Royal Garden of Prague Castle was laid out under Habsburg Ferdinand I. Originally a Renaissance garden, it features an English style at present, though retaining certain Renaissance and Baroque elements.
• Stag Moat: A lush, natural ravine, Stag Moat in Prague Castle is named so as this place served as a deer breeding site in the 17th century. It was until the 18th century that spotting deer was possible here.
• Terrace of the Riding School: Established between the years 1950 and 1956, Terrace of the Riding School serves as a venue for various cultural events. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Prague Castle.

What are some the best things you can see inside the Prague Castle?

The following are the best things to see inside Prague Castle:

• Prague Castle Gardens
• Prague Castle Orangery
• Garden Of Bastion In Prague Castle

Architecture

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Tips for Visiting Prague Castle

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Prague Castle is one of Prague's main attractions and may be one of your most memorable experiences of Prague. Use these tips to make the most of your visit.

Visit Early

Plan the night before to visit Prague Castle early in the morning. If you go early, you'll be able to beat the crowd. Prague Castle opens at 9 am. Plan to arrive a little before 9. You'll notice the crowds gradually thicken over the course of the next hour or two.

Allocate Plenty of Time to Visit

You should allow 2-3 hours at minimum for visiting Prague Castle. However, if you find that you want to follow the audio tour, seeing the Prague Castle Complex may take longer. Make sure you've eaten breakfast before you go. You can get lunch in the vicinity of Prague Castle after your visit and digest all you've seen over hot dumplings or cold beer.

Rent the Audio Tour

Don't let previous bad experiences with audio tours prevent you from renting the one for Prague Castle. The English language audio tour is easily understood, offers quality information, and is thorough. (If you aren't interested in history, it's almost too thorough, but you can fast forward through what doesn't interest you).

Purchase the Photo License

In addition to the tickets and the audio tour, you have the option of purchasing a license that will allow you to take photos on the interiors of the buildings that make up the Prague Castle complex. If you have a camera, purchase this license. St. Vitus Cathedral, in particular, is visually stunning, and you'll find yourself disappointed if you can't take photos while you're there.

Visit St. Vitus Cathedral First

St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most interesting and beautiful buildings in the Prague Castle complex. Visit Vitus Cathedral before you see anything else. Traipsing around the complex can quickly wear you out, so you should see St. Vitus Cathedral while you've still got lots of energy and enthusiasm.

Dress for the Weather

Prague Castle is an enormous complex of buildings, most of which will only protect you from extreme weather conditions to some degree. If the weather is cold, you'll be cold throughout your tour of Prague Castle. If it's rainy, you'll get wet walking from building to building.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes should be worn for your tour of Prague Castle. Like all walkways in Prague, the squares and alleys in Prague Castle are paved with bricks, some of which have settled into uneven angles and can become slick when wet.

Visit on a Weekday

Try to see Prague Castle on a weekday. Weekends at Prague Castle see the worst crowds.

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