- The courtyards and grounds are free; the main circuit ticket covers the four big interiors
- Tickets are valid for two days
- Take tram 22 up and walk down through Malá Strana
- Arrive at 9am, before the tour groups
- Type
- Landmark
- Where
- Prague
- Time needed
- half a day
- Admission
- from about 450 CZK for the main circuit (2026); grounds free, check current prices
Founded in the 9th century, Prague Castle has been the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors and now Czech presidents. It is one of the largest castle complexes in the world, more a walled town of palaces, churches, courtyards and gardens than a single building, and its skyline of spires is the defining view of Prague.
What you'll see
The main circuit ticket covers the four headline interiors:
- St Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took nearly 600 years to complete. Look for the Mucha stained-glass window, the silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk and the jewel-like St Wenceslas Chapel.
- The Old Royal Palace, whose vast Vladislav Hall once hosted jousting on horseback.
- St George's Basilica, a Romanesque church with a striking red façade.
- Golden Lane, a row of tiny, colourful houses built into the castle walls, where Franz Kafka once wrote.
Elsewhere, climb the cathedral's Great South Tower for a separate fee, and watch the changing of the guard at the main gate; the noon ceremony is the most elaborate. In the warmer months the Royal Garden and the gardens below the castle are lovely for a stroll.
Practical information
- Tickets: the main circuit costs about 450 CZK for adults, 300 CZK reduced and 950 CZK for a family in 2026. Tickets are valid for two days, but each building can be entered once. A separate ticket covers the permanent exhibitions, and the cathedral tower is about 200 CZK. Buy at the information centres in the castle, or check current prices on the official site.
- Opening: the grounds are open daily from about 6am to 10pm. The historic buildings open from 9am to 5pm from April to October and 9am to 4pm in winter. St Vitus Cathedral opens only from midday on Sundays, and the castle occasionally closes for state events.
- Security: everyone passes a bag check at the entrances, which can mean queues in summer.
- Getting there: take tram 22 or 23 uphill to Pražský hrad or Pohořelec, then walk down, or climb the Old Castle Steps from Malostranská metro. Prague is about 1 hour 45 minutes by air from London.
Go straight to St Vitus Cathedral at 9am, before the queue builds, then do the rest of the circuit. Finish with the walk down Nerudova Street into Malá Strana and over Charles Bridge.
The Czech Republic is in the Schengen area but uses the koruna, not the euro, so pay in CZK and decline any offer to charge your card in pounds. Our Czech Republic guide covers the rest of the country, and our Prague, Budapest and Vienna by train itinerary links three capitals.
Where is Prague Castle?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 50.09081, 14.40052
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Prague Castle for free?
Yes. The courtyards, the exterior of St Vitus Cathedral, the front part of the cathedral nave and the gardens (in season) are free. You need a ticket for the main interiors.
How long do you need at Prague Castle?
Allow about three hours for the main circuit, or half a day including the gardens and the walk down.
Is Prague Castle worth it?
Yes. St Vitus Cathedral alone justifies the ticket, and the views over the city are among the best in Prague.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.