Your Detailed Guide to Visiting Prague Castle | Timings, Getting There, Tickets & More

Prague CastlePlan Your Visit

Built in the 9th century, Prague Castle, or Pražský hrad is the largest ancient castle in the world. The castle complex covers over 70,000 square meters and is currently used as the office of the President Of the Czech Republic. With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views, this magnificent castle is a must-visit destination in Prague. Keep reading to find all the information you need to plan an unforgettable visit to Prague Castle.

Prague Castle at a glance

Timings: The castle complex is open from 6am to 10pm.

Location: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Entrances: There are 4 Prague Castle entrances:

The I Courtyard Entrance (West)
The II Courtyard (North)
The Na Opyši Gate (East)
The Royal Summer Palace Entrance (North)
No. visitors per year: More than 2 million

Prague Castle

Prague Castle Tickets

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Flexible duration

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Prague Castle Guided Tour

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2 hr. - 4 hr.

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Combo (Save 5%): Prague Castle + 1-Hour Prague River Cruise Tickets

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Combo (Save 8%): Prague Castle + Astronomical Clock Tower Tickets

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What are the Prague Castle opening hours?

Summer season (April 1st - October 31st)

Prague Castle Complex: 6am - 10pm every day
Historical Buildings: 9am - 5pm
St. Vitus Cathedral:
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Exhibition halls: 10am - 6pm

Winter season (November 1st - March 31st)

Prague Castle Complex: 6am - 10pm every day
Historical Buildings: 9am - 4pm
St. Vitus Cathedral:
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 4pm
Sunday: 12pm - 4pm
Exhibition halls: 10am- 6pm

Closed on: December 24

Last entry: 30 minutes before closing time.

Prague Castle opening hours

Best time to visit Prague Castle

Early morning or late afternoon: It's best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to fully appreciate the grandeur of Prague Castle without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Weekends: Weekends tend to attract more visitors, so try to plan your visit for a weekday.
Spring and Autumn: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and thinner crowds, making them ideal seasons to explore the castle's grounds. Avoid visiting during peak tourist months of July and August, as the castle can become quite crowded.

Please note: The castle opens at 9am, while the castle grounds are open at 6am. Try to visit the Castle grounds by 8:40am to spend some time in the beautiful Prague Castle gardens before exploring the historical buildings.

Where is Prague Castle located?

Address: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Find on map

Location: Prague Castle is located in the heart of Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. It stands proudly on a hillside overlooking the Vltava River and offers breathtaking views of the entire city.

Closest landmarks:

Old Towns Square
Charles Bridge
National Museum
Astronomical Clock

Prague Castle directions

Getting to Prague Castle

Prague has a well-planned network of public transportation services, that can help you reach Prague Castle from anywhere in the city.

By tram

Tram line: 22

Tram is probably the easiest way to get to Prague Castle as tram number 22 conveniently connects various parts of the city to Prague Castle. Get down at the Pražský hrad tram stop, and you will reach the 2nd Courtyard entrance of the Castle after a short 5 min walk.

By bus

Bus number: 192

Take bus number 192 which will take you directly to Prague castle's main entrance. Taking a bus is a convenient and budget-friendly option if you're coming to Prague Castle from the Lesser Town area or any other nearby areas.

By metro

Metro line: Line A (Green)

Take the Metro Line A (green line) and alight at the Malostranská station. From there, a pleasant walk through the charming Lesser Town will lead you to the castle's entrance. This option is convenient if you're staying in distant parts of the city connected by the metro.

By car

ETA from airport: 22 min

You can use Prague’s taxi service or rent a car for yourself to drive to Prague Castle. You can get off at the Hradčanské square or at the tram stop Pražský hrad tram stop to reach the castle. Taxis in Prague are readily available and offer a convenient door-to-door service.

Know before you go

The I Courtyard Entrance: For those taking a tram to Pohořelec or those coming from the Lesser Town area.
The II Courtyard: For those taking a tram to Pražský hrad station.
The Na Opyši Gate: For those planning to reach Prague Castle via metro by getting down at Malostranská.
The Royal Summer Palace Entrance: For those traveling by tram 22 to get down at Královský letohrádek during summer season.

Prague Castle entrances

Wheelchair Access: Prague Castle is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and elevators in many areas. However, it's important to note that due to the historical nature of the site, there may be limitations in accessing some parts of the castle.
Guided Tours: For visitors with mobility challenges, the castle offers guided tours specifically designed to accommodate their needs. These tours provide accessible routes and knowledgeable guides who are experienced in assisting visitors with disabilities.
Audio Guide: If you have visual impairments, Prague Castle offers audio guides that provide descriptive information about the castle's highlights and picturesque surroundings. These audio guides ensure that you fully immerse yourself in the castle's beauty and history.

Modest Attire: Prague Castle is a place of historical and cultural significance. Please avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing with offensive slogans to show respect. Instead, opt for modest attire that reflects the grandeur of the surroundings.
Comfortable Shoes: The castle grounds are vast and require a fair amount of walking, so choose footwear that will keep you comfortable throughout your visit.
Layered Clothing: The weather in Prague can vary, so it's a good idea to dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures

Explore lesser-known sights: While St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace are must-see attractions, don't miss out on the lesser-known gems within the castle complex. Take the time to wander through the charming Golden Lane, lined with colorful houses that once housed castle guards and artisans.
Take a guided tour: Consider joining a guided tour to delve into the rich history and stories behind Prague Castle. Expert guides will lead you through the castle's fascinating past, sharing intriguing anecdotes and legends along the way.
Enjoy the changing of the guard: Witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a quintessential Prague Castle experience. The ceremony takes place daily at noon in the first courtyard, and it's an opportunity to observe the grandeur of this age-old tradition.
Visit in different seasons: Prague Castle takes on a different charm with each passing season. Whether it's the vibrant blooms of spring, the golden hues of autumn, or the snow-dusted rooftops in winter, each season offers a unique backdrop for your visit.

Respectful Behavior: Please respect the historical significance of the castle and its surroundings. Avoid littering, defacing property, or causing disruptions.
Photography: Feel free to capture your memories, but be mindful of any restrictions on photography in certain areas. Flash photography may be prohibited in certain locations.
Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to the designated paths and avoid trespassing into restricted areas.
No Pets: Except for service animals, pets are not allowed within the castle grounds.
Silence in Sacred Spaces: Some areas within the castle may have religious significance. Please maintain a respectful silence when visiting these spaces.
Security Checks: Be prepared to go through security checks upon entry. Please follow the instructions of the security personnel for a smooth process.

Lobkowicz Palace Café (54 m): Indulge in delightful pastries and aromatic Czech coffee while enjoying stunning views of Prague.in this beautiful cafe.
U Zlaté Studně (700 m): Experience exquisite gourmet cuisine with a fusion of Czech and international flavors in this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Café Kaficko (1 km): Grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink at this charming café offering sandwiches, salads, and homemade lemonades.

Luxury Options:

Aria Hotel Prague (650 m)
Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa (700 m)
Golden Well Hotel (750 m)

Mid-Budget Options:

Hotel Three Storks (750 m)
Domus Balthasar Design Hotel (800 m)
Archibald at the Charles Bridge (1 km)

Low-Budget Options:

The MadHouse Prague ( 2 km)
Sophie's Hostel (3.2 km)

Charles Bridge (1 km): It is an iconic bridge spanning the Vltava River, offering breathtaking views of Prague's skyline.
Old Town Square (1.4 km): It is a historic square featuring the Astronomical Clock, Gothic architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Petrin Hill (2 km): Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this beautiful park and climb the Petrin Tower to see panoramic views of the city.
Vyšehrad (3.8 km): Explore this ancient fort with its picturesque park, historical cemetery, and stunning views over the city.
National Theater (1.9 km): Attend a performance at this iconic theater, renowned for its stunning neo-Renaissance architecture.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Prague Castle

Where is Prague Castle located?

Prague Castle is located at Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia. Please check the Prague Castle map and location before visiting.

What are the Prague Castle opening hours?

Prague Castle complex is open daily from 6am to 10pm.

What is the best time to visit Prague Castle?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit Prague Castle to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful views.

How much do Prague Castle tickets cost?

The prices for Prague Castle tickets start from $5.82

Are guided tours of Prague Castle available?

Yes, guided tours of Prague Castle are available. They provide insightful information about the history and architecture of the castle complex.

Which are some of the important areas to visit in Prague Castle?

Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and the Great South Tower of the Cathedral are some of the important areas you must explore during your visit. Make sure to learn more about Prague Castle before your visit to make the most of your experience.

How much time does it take to explore Prague Castle?

It takes around 3 to 4 hours to explore Prague Castle thoroughly, but you can spend more time if you wish to explore every nook and cranny.

Can I enter at any time during operating hours?

Yes, you can enter Prague Castle any time during its operating hours. However, some areas may have specific entry times or limited access.

Is there any metro stop near Prague Castle?

Yes, the nearest metro stop to Prague Castle is Malostranská.

Can I take photographs inside Prague Castle?

Yes, photography is allowed inside Prague Castle, except in specific areas where photography is prohibited.

Is there a security check at the entrance of Prague Castle?

Yes, there is a security check at the entrances of Prague Castle. Bags and belongings may be subject to inspection to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Are there restrooms available at Prague Castle?

Yes, there are restrooms available at various locations within Prague Castle. Look for signs indicating their presence.

Are there any prohibited items at Prague Castle?

Weapons, sharp objects, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited at Prague Castle. It is advisable to check the official website for a detailed list of prohibited items.

What is the easiest way to reach Prague Castle?

Prague has a well-planned network of public transport systems. But the tram is one of the best and probably the easiest way to reach Prague Castle. Check Prague Castle directions for more information.