Why go

Prague Castle has crowned the hill above the Vltava since the 880s, when Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid family moved his seat here. It has been the home of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors and, since 1918, Czech presidents, and it is still the official seat of the head of state. The result is not one building but a walled town of palaces, churches, courtyards and gardens built up over eleven centuries, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque work side by side.

Above it all rises St Vitus Cathedral, whose spires are the defining shape of the Prague skyline. Even if you never buy a ticket, a walk through the courtyards and along the ramparts gives some of the best views over the red roofs of Malá Strana and the river below.

What to see

  • St Vitus Cathedral. The Gothic cathedral holds the tombs of Czech kings, the richly decorated St Wenceslas Chapel and stained glass from several centuries.
  • The Old Royal Palace. Its great Vladislav Hall, vaulted by the architect Benedikt Ried around 1500, was one of the largest secular halls in Europe.
  • St George’s Basilica. A Romanesque church behind a red Baroque front, and one of the oldest buildings in the complex.
  • Golden Lane. A row of tiny painted houses built into the castle walls, ending at the Daliborka Tower, once a prison.
  • The changing of the guard. Guards change on the hour at the main gates from 9am to 6pm, with a full ceremony and fanfare in the first courtyard at noon.

Plan your visit

The castle grounds are open every day from 6am to 10pm and are free. The historic buildings open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the cathedral opens at noon on Sundays because of services. The main circuit ticket costs 450 CZK for adults, 300 CZK reduced and 950 CZK for a family, and covers the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica, St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. It is valid for two days, with one entry to each building, which makes it easy to split the visit. The climb up the cathedral’s Great South Tower costs 200 CZK extra.

Tickets are sold at the information centres in the second and third courtyards and online in advance. Expect random security checks at the entrances, and leave large bags at your hotel, as bulky luggage is not allowed. Allow three to four hours for the circuit. The buildings close on 24 December, though the grounds stay open, and from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 the castle holds its Christmas Stroll.

The easiest approach is by tram 22 or 23 to the Pražský hrad stop, then a short walk to the north entrance, and the walk down through the Old Castle Steps or Nerudova Street leads you into Malá Strana.

Nearby

Strahov Monastery and its historic library are about 15 minutes’ walk west along the hill, with the Loreto shrine on the way. Below the castle, the lanes of Malá Strana lead to St Nicholas Church and on to Charles Bridge in about 20 minutes.