Golden Lane

nádvoƙí Hradčany Praha 1

See route

🎧 English Audio Narration

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Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane), nestled against the inner wall of Prague Castle, is one of the most popular and intriguing attractions in Prague. This narrow, fairy-tale-like street is lined with tiny, colorful houses that once sheltered castle guards, artisans, and even alchemists—though the latter is likely more legend than fact. The houses were built in the late 16th century and remained inhabited until the 1950s. Today, each restored house offers a glimpse into medieval daily life, from a goldsmith’s workshop to a modest kitchen or a fortune teller’s den.

One of the most famous residents was Franz Kafka, who briefly stayed in house no. 22, which belonged to his sister and served as his writing refuge. His presence adds literary charm to the lane and draws fans of his work from around the world. Above the lane, visitors can explore a former fortified walkway, now home to a fascinating exhibition of historical armory and weapons, offering insight into the defensive history of the castle.

At the far end of the lane stands the imposing Daliborka Tower, once part of the castle’s fortifications and later used as a prison. It was named after Dalibor of Kozojedy, a Czech nobleman imprisoned here in the 15th century. According to legend, he learned to play the violin in captivity, and locals claimed to hear his mournful playing—adding a layer of myth to the already dramatic space. The tower remains a somber reminder of medieval justice and punishment.

💡 Top Tip 💡

If you’d like to visit only Golden Lane without buying the full Prague Castle circuit ticket, arrive about an hour before closing time—access is often free at that point, and the crowds tend to thin out.

📅 Plan your visit  

🏰 Prague Castle Main Circuit Ticket (incl. Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica & Golden Lane)
🕒 Opening Hours:
      Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00
      Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:00
🌐 Buy Tickets Online to avoid queues Tickets MUST be PRINTED!!!!
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

🍮Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

- U Dvou SluncĆŻ (Historic Czech restaurant with literary heritage) 4.5 ⭐

- U LabutĂ­ (Traditional Czech restaurant near Prague Castle) 4.3 ⭐

 

[$]

- Lobkowicz Palace CafĂ© (Elegant cafĂ© with homemade food and castle views) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Snack CafĂ© U Raka (Charming cafĂ© with homemade treats in a fairytale setting) 4.7 ⭐ 

- U ZavěơenĂœho kafe (Legendary pub with “hanging coffee” tradition and Prague views) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

 

[$$]

- VikĂĄrka Restaurant (Historic Czech dining right at Prague Castle) 4.2 ⭐ 

- Kuchyƈ (Traditional Czech cuisine with stunning castle views) 4.6 ⭐

- LvĂ­ DvĆŻr (Elegant Czech restaurant with castle views and garden terrace) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

- Terasa U ZlatĂ© studně (Fine dining with panoramic castle views) 4.7 ⭐ 

- Coda Restaurant (Fine dining with panoramic rooftop terrace) 4.6 ⭐