Prague Castle

Prague 1 Hlavní město Praha Prague

See route

🎧 English Audio Narration

0:00

Pražský Hrad (Prague Castle) is not only the largest ancient castle complex in the world, but also the living heart of Czech history and culture. Founded in the 9th century, it has been the seat of Czech kings, Holy Roman emperors, and today serves as the official residence and office of the President of the Czech Republic. Its sprawling courtyards, palaces, churches, and gardens make it a unique destination, blending over a thousand years of architectural styles and stories.

Self-Guided Tour Through Prague Castle

Your journey begins at Hradčanské náměstí (Hradčany Square), where the imposing Main Gate—the Gate of Giants—is guarded by dramatic statues and the ceremonial Castle Guard. Here, you can witness the Changing of the Guard every hour, with a special ceremony at noon. Note that this gate is used as the main exit; the entrance for visitors is to the left of the main gate.

Passing through the entrance, you enter the First Courtyard, a grand open space used for state ceremonies and official events. The highlight here is the impressive symmetry and the view of the castle’s stately façade. The presidential offices and ceremonial rooms are located within the New Royal Palace, spanning the First and Second Courtyards. While these areas are not open to the public, their presence underscores the castle’s ongoing role as the center of Czech statehood.

Moving on, the Second Courtyard welcomes you with the beautiful Kohl’s Fountain and the entrance to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This courtyard is also home to the Obrazárna (Picture Gallery), which houses masterpieces from the castle’s historic art collection, and is part of the area where the presidential offices are situated.

Continuing into the Third Courtyard, you’ll find the heart of the complex, dominated by the soaring St. Vitus Cathedral, the spiritual symbol of the Czech nation. This courtyard also features the Information Centre, a post office for unique castle stamps, and the striking St. George’s Statue. On one side stands the Old Royal Palace, once the seat of Bohemian kings, and nearby is the St. George’s Basilica, the oldest surviving church building within the castle.

The Story of Prague Castle exhibition, located on the Gothic floor of the Old Royal Palace, offers a fascinating journey through the thousand-year history of the site where Czech statehood was born. This engaging exhibition brings the past to life with original objects from the Prague Castle collections, personal stories of the people who have shaped and served the castle, and interactive displays. There’s also a special children’s programme, making the rich history of Prague Castle accessible and entertaining for young visitors.

Winding behind the Basilica, the charming Golden Lane is lined with tiny, colorful houses that once sheltered castle guards, goldsmiths, and writers. Today, it’s a living museum of medieval life.

At the southern end, the Rosenberg Palace tells the story of Bohemian nobility and the Institute for Noblewomen, while next to it the Lobkowicz Palace is the only privately owned building in the complex, home to world-class art collections and daily classical concerts. Near the Golden Lane, the Toy Museum delights visitors of all ages with its extensive collection of toys from around the world.

Head toward the Black Tower gate and follow the path that leads you out onto the Old Castle Steps. Along the way, take the opportunity to explore the South Gardens and the nearby St. Wenceslas Vineyard with Villa Richter. These beautifully landscaped areas offer a peaceful retreat from the busy courtyards and some of the most stunning views over Prague.

Looping back to the Second Courtyard, walk through the passage to the north entrance where you’ll find access to the Stag Moat (Jelení příkop), the Riding School (Jízdárna), which hosts exhibitions and events, as well as the entrance to the Royal Gardens. The gardens are a tranquil escape, featuring highlights such as the Ball Game Hall, the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, and the New Orangery. Along your route, you’ll also encounter the Mihulka Powder Tower, a massive 15th-century fortification that once stored gunpowder and now houses exhibitions on castle defenses and alchemy.

Prague Castle is a living monument—a city within a city—where every courtyard, palace, and garden tells a story. Whether you’re drawn by history, architecture, or simply the breathtaking views, it’s an essential experience for any visitor to Prague.

💡 Top Tip 💡

For the ultimate Prague Castle day, buy your Circuit A ticket online and start your visit early in the morning to beat the crowds—Circuit A gives you access to all the highlights, including St. Vitus Cathedral (don’t miss the climb up the South Tower for a magnificent view and a visit to the royal tombs), the Old Royal Palace, and the enchanting Golden Lane. Time your route so you can catch the midday Changing of the Guard ceremony at the main gate, then head to the Lobkowicz Palace (separate entrance) to explore its world-class collections, enjoy a classical concert at 1pm, and treat yourself to a late lunch in the palace café. In the afternoon, stroll to the nearby Loreta and Strahov Monastery—be sure to take the guided tour, where the highlight is the library, considered one of Europe’s most stunning. Finish your day with a glass of wine at the charming Café U Raka in Nový Svět.

📅 Plan your visit

Prague Castle Complex Opening Hours: The castle complex grounds are open daily from 6:00 to 22:00.

1. 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
🕒 Opening Hours St. Vitus Cathedral:
Apr–Oct: Mon–Sat: 9:00–17:00, Sun: 12:00–17:00
Nov–Mar: Mon–Sat: 9:00–16:00, Sun: 12:00–16:00
🌐 Buy Tickets Online to avoid queues Tickets MUST be PRINTED!!!!
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

2. South Tower Lookout
🕒 Opening Hours:
Apr–Oct: 10:00–18:00
Nov–Mar: 10:00–17:00
🌐 Ticket Price Information
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

3. Prague Castle Permanent exhibitions Ticket (incl. Story of Prague Castle, Castle Guard Exhibition, Prague Castle Picture Gallery & Rosenberg Palace)
🕒 Opening Hours:
Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00
Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:00
🌐 Ticket Price Information
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

4. Picture Gallery only
🕒 Opening Hours:
Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00
Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:00
🌐 Ticket Price Information
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

5. Lobkowicz Palace only or incl. Prague Castle Tour
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00–18:00
🌐 Buy tickets online
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at the Palace ticket office on Jiřská Street

6. Royal Gardens & South Gardens
🎫 Admission: Free Entrance
🕒 Opening Hours:
Apr–Jun & Sep: 10:00–19:00
Jul–Aug: 10:00–20:00
Oct & Mar: 10:00–17:00
Nov–Feb: Closed

7. St. Wenceslas Vineyard & Richter Villa
🎫 Admission: Free Entrance
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 11:00–19:00

Castle Complex Entrances:

Option 1 (The Easiest): Take tram 22 or 23 to Pražský Hrad stop, turn left, and in under 5 minutes you’ll reach the Second Courtyard.

Option 2 (A Scenic Walk Downhill): Take tram 22 or 23 to Pohořelec stop, walk downhill for 10 minutes to Hradčanské náměstí and the Gate of Giants. Enter via the Fourth Courtyard next to the gate.

Option 3 (A Challenging Uphill with Views): Take tram 22 or 23 to Malostranské náměstí, walk up Neruda Street about 50 m and turn sharp to the left to Zámecká and Thunovská streets to the New Castle Stairs, and enter via the Fourth Courtyard.

Option 4 (A Short Climb with Panoramas): Take metro line A to Malostranská stop, walk 100 meters along the tram route, then turn sharply left up the Old Castle Stairs past St. Wenceslas Vineyard to the Na Opyši Gate, which offers stunning views of the Vltava valley.

Option 5 (A Scenic Walk through the Royal Garden, Mar to Oct Only): Take tram 22 to the Královský letohrádek stop and enter the Royal Garden. Walk past the Royal Summer Palace (Belvedere) and continue through the garden; within 15–20 minutes you’ll arrive at the Prague Castle Riding School (Jízdárna) and the north entrance to the castle complex.