Visiting Prague Castle is a must, if you’re in traveling to the Czech Republic. It is a huge fortress, consisting of a complex of buildings built in different architectural styles. It combines Gothic style, Roman and modern architecture. Since this complex is quite large, a reasonable question arises, how to visit Prague Castle?
Check this ultimate travel guide on visiting Prague Castle and get more details on where to buy tickets, best time to visit, opening hours and other useful information for first time visitors.
General Information
- Address: Hradcany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic.
- Summer Season Prague Castle Opening Hours (April 1 – October 31):
- Prague Castle Complex – From 6 AM till 10 PM
- Historical Buildings – From 9 AM till 5 PM
- Winter Season Timings (November 1 – March 31):
- Prague Castle Complex – From 6 AM till 10 PM
- Historical Buildings – From 9 AM till 4 PM
- Book a Prague Castle tour with a local guide here.
- Book Skip the Line Tickets to Prague Castle here.
- Phone: +420 224 373 368
- Official website – hrad.cz
- On the map: link .
Note for visitors: Free entrance to Prague Castle and Historical Buildings is included in Prague CoolPass (Prague Card)
How To Get To Prague Castle
Given its size and importance, it is no surprise that Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get there. The easiest way to reach the castle is by taking public transportation.
A number of trams (22,23) and buses (the most convenient is line 194) stop near the castle complex, making it easy to hop on and off without having to walk too far.
By Tram – 22 and 23
The easiest option is to take Tram 22 or 23 to Pražský hrad station and then after 3-minute walk you will reach Prague Castle, the 2nd Courtyard.
You can also use this link with directions to open in Google Maps on your smartphone.
By Metro (Line A, Green)
Take metro on Line A (Green) to the station Malostranská, then go to the Malostranská Tram Station (follow the Tram 22 for about 100 meters, after that turn left and soon you will reach Old castle stairs. You can use them as the entrance while they are mostly used as exit.
After climbing the stairs you will see the gate Na Opyši.
By Bus 194
Take a Bus 194 to the Malostranská stop and the rest of directions are the same as above (for metro). You can also use this link to open directions in Google Maps on your phone.
Other Options
If you are staying in the city center, you can also take a leisurely stroll through one of Prague’s many parks to reach the castle grounds.
For those looking for a more unique experience, there are also a number of bike and Segway tours that make a stop at Prague Castle. Whatever your preferred mode of transportation, getting to Prague Castle is easy and convenient.
Where to buy Prague Castle tickets
You can see the sights of Prague Castle on your own, by paying the admission fee only, with a guide or an audio guide, which is available in different languages.
Tickets can be bought directly at the ticket office. There are several information offices in Prague Castle, located in different parts of the entrance to the castle.
But keep in mind that this place is one of the most popular attractions in the Czech Republic and visited by millions of tourists every year. So, the best option is to buy Prague Castle tickets online in advance. You can do it, using GetYourGuide platform. There you buy entrance tickets + audioguide or make choice in favor of entrance tickets + guided tour.
Visiting Prague Castle and Learn about Its History
Being one of the biggest ancient castle in the world, it covers an area of about 70,000 square meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was founded in 870 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty and it was expanded during the reigns of his successors.
The Prague Castle complex consists of a large number of palaces, churches, towers and other buildings. Prague castle gardens deserves special attention. Castle has been the seat of power for Kings of Bohemia, Emperors from Holy Roman Empire, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
It is open to the public all year round with different parts of the castle open at different times. The Prague Castle grounds are also home to many museums and art galleries.
Prague Castle was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle. This attraction is a popular place among tourists.
You can get inside the courtyard without buying a ticket, while you wait in line to buy tickets to see other places in Prague Castle.
Do not miss the opportunity to see the beautiful facades of old buildings that have survived more than one century.
Prague Castle in the Czech Republic was gradually built up, new buildings appeared in it regularly, modernization work was carried out, starting from the 800s. This means that here you can see buildings made in accordance with various architectural styles that have been popular over the past thousand years.
Prague Castle map
Inside Prague Castle
This attraction is very huge, to visit it properly you definitely need to allocate a day, or maybe two. What tourists can see:
Old Royal Palace
The Old Royal Palace is the largest and most important building in Prague Castle. It was founded in the 12th century by Prince Vratislav II and served as the seat of Czech kings for centuries. Today, it houses several museums and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Czech capital.
The Old Royal Palace is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with lavish embellishments and a grandiose overall design. Its facade is decorated with statues of saints and allegorical figures, and its interior is filled with sumptuous furniture and artwork.
Visitors can explore the royal apartments, chapels, halls, and other rooms at their own pace, or take part in a guided tour. Whether you’re interested in Czech history or just want to see some beautiful architecture, the Old Royal Palace is definitely worth a visit.
Hradcany Square
Hradcanske square in Prague Castle is a beautiful sight. It is a large, open space with a central fountain and plenty of room to walk around. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral.
Hradcanske square is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and explore. It is also a popular place for weddings and other special events.
Basilica of Saint George
Today only the foundation remains of the original building. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Each time, the architectural style in which the building was built also changed. This is the second church in the Prague Castle in Prague, which was built back in 920.
The building that has survived to this day is a reconstruction of 1142. It is made in the Romanesque style, distinguished by the severity of the interior.
Golden Lane in Prague Castle
Golden Lane is a small street that you can enjoy walking along while visiting Prague Castle. The lane is lined with colorful houses, each of which is only a few meters wide. The houses date back to the 16th century and were originally built for castle guards.
Today, Golden Lane is a popular place and many of the houses have been turned into shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. Golden Lane provides a charming glimpse into the past, and its cheerful façades are sure to brighten any visitor’s day.
Workers lived in this part of Prague Castle for centuries: soldiers or merchants lived here – jewelers, after whom this lane was named the Golden Lane in Prague. They were people of low social status, but important enough to live in the main part of the castle fortifications.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus Cathedral in Prague is one of the most significant places in the Prague Castle complex. This is the largest church in the Czech Republic with a long but not simple history.
The construction of St. Vitus Cathedral began in 1344, but was not completed until 1929. Various ceremonies were held in it even during construction.
St Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, located within Prague Castle. The cathedral was founded in the 10th century, and today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.
The exterior of St Vitus Cathedral is characterized by its Gothic architecture, with soaring spires and intricate stone carvings. The interior is equally impressive, with a wealth of artwork and stained glass windows.
Massive columns, paintings – at St Vitus Cathedral you can spend hours looking at the decoration and decoration of the halls.
The cathedral also houses the tomb of St Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. St Vitus Cathedral is a stunning example of medieval architecture, and a must-see for any visitor to Prague.
Here Czech kings were crowned and important personalities were buried.
You can view this majestic building from the outside for free and without excursions, but if you want to get closer, look inside the palaces and cathedrals, see how the guard of Prague Castle changes, then you’ll need tickets that you can get at the information center right behind the guard post.
Daliborka Tower
This tower is located in Prague Castle. It was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest parts of the castle. The tower gets its name from Dalibor, a knight who was imprisoned there in the 15th century.
Dalibor was known for playing his violin while in prison, and his story has become famous in Czech folklore. Today, Daliborka Tower is open to the public and offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the surrounding city.
Visitors can also learn about the history of Dalibor and the tower itself. If you’re visiting Prague Castle, be sure to add Daliborka Tower to your list of places to see.
Great South Tower
The Great South Tower is a part of the castle complex. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest parts of the castle. The tower is approximately square in shape and has four corner turrets.
The tower’s main entrance is located on the south side and leads to a staircase that leads up to the top of the tower. The Great South Tower is open to the public and offers stunning views of Prague Castle and the city below.
There is a developed infrastructure on the territory of the Castle in Prague: there are cafes, souvenir shops, free toilets, equipped lifts and ramps for wheelchairs. Its allowed to make pictures. There is a park area with gazebos and benches to relax between sightseeing visits.
Changing of the Guards
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. The ceremony takes place every day at noon in front of the Presidential Palace, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The guards are changed four times a day, and each ceremony lasts for about 30 minutes.
The event is free to attend, and it is a great way to learn about the Czech Republic’s rich history and culture.
So whether you’re a tourist or a local, be sure to check out the Changing of the Guard in Prague Castle. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re going to visit other historical sights in Prague you can buy Prague City Card.
Tips for Visiting Prague Castle
- Buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Don’t forget to check these Rules and Regulations before visiting Prague Castle.
- It’s not allowed to use drones or other flying devices at the territory of Prague Castle. Flash photography is also prohibited.
- Be prepared to do a lot of walking – the castle is enormous! So please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at noon.
- Take your time to explore all the different courtyards and gardens.
- Stop by the gift shop “My Prague” for some souvenirs. Store address is Zlatá ulička u Daliborky 21, 110 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia (click this link to open the map).
Prague Castle Walkthrough Video
Prague Castle FAQs
The castle is open all year round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months. And while there’s no bad season to explore this place, the best time to go is during the spring or fall.
During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for touring the castle grounds. In addition, the springtime flowers and autumn foliage add an extra touch of beauty to the already picturesque setting.
Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with over 1.8 million visitors a year.
The castle has been used as a royal residence, a fortress, and even a prison, and today it’s home to the Czech President.
Absolutely! Prague Castle is one of the most significant sites and important historic buildings in the Czech Republic.
Even if you’re not interested in history, the castle is definitely worth a visit for its architecture and stunning location.
The castle is currently the home of the Czech President and his family. However, in the past it has served as a royal palace and a fortress.
It usually takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Prague Castle. You may, however, spend more time appreciating architecture of Prague Castle.
Yes, you can! The castle is open to the public and there are a number of guided tours available. You can purchase tickets or book tour online or enter Prague Castle with Prague CoolPass (Prague Card).
Yes, there is a public bathroom available, located at Zlatá ulička u Daliborky 8/9.
