Prague is a top-tier travel destination filled with intriguing history, gorgeous architecture, and the largest castle complex in the world. Every traveler should take their time exploring this amazing city, especially visiting its top attractions. As you plan your epic trip to Prague, you don’t want to miss out on visiting Prague Castle.
Known as the City of Hundred Spires, architecture lovers journey to Prague for the medieval styles throughout the city. That incredible architecture is most notably preserved at Prague Castle, combining more than ten centuries of history and architecture. First-time visitors will benefit from this ultimate guide to visiting Prague Castle for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Prague Castle’s History
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prague Castle sits on a hill on the banks of the Vltava River. Prague Castle’s history includes housing monarchs and emperors and is currently the official office of the Czech president.
The castle was founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the first Christian prince of Bohemia. The fortress’s original position on the hill was perfect for scoping out possible invasions and keeping enemies at bay.
As the centuries passed, each resident added their own buildings, churches, towers, and gardens to the complex. All the additions helped grow the castle into the beautiful architectural wonder it is today, making it the largest medieval castle complex in the world, according to The Guinness Book of World Records.
Today, the complex sits at over 110 acres, welcoming visitors from all over the world to explore its historic structures and see its architectural feats up close.
Your guide to visiting Prague Castle
When are Prague Castle’s opening hours?
Prague Castle’s opening hours are from 6 am to 10 pm; however, the monuments do not open until 8 am. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to arrive at the castle at least 15 to 20 minutes before it opens. Walking the empty grounds is an amazing experience and also means tourist-free pictures!
When is the best time to visit Prague Castle?
You should aim to visit Prague Castle during the week instead of the weekend to avoid crowds. The peak visiting hours are around the middle of the day, so try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the business of the crowds.
The best time of year to visit Prague Castle is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to October.) The weather is still enjoyable, but there are fewer tourists in the shoulder seasons, meaning fewer crowds at the Castle’s grounds.
However, if you can brave the cold, winter in Prague is especially picturesque. You can catch a spectacular view of the city’s red roofs dusted with snow from the Great South Tower, part of Prague Castle’s Cathedral.
Is there security at Prague Castle?
Yes, there are security checks at all entrances to Prague Castle. You will have to open your bags and walk through a security frame. Remember that the security lines can get quite long during peak hours, so try to arrive early!
How much time do I need to visit Prague Castle?
To fully experience the beauty and history of Prague Castle, you need at least three hours to visit the attraction. Three hours is enough to tour all the grounds, cover all 110 acres, and fully appreciate this historic monument.
Is visiting Prague Castle free?
The Prague Castle gardens and grounds are free and open to the public starting at 6 am. However, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to visit the actual castle and other buildings on the ground.
Your Prague Castle tours and tickets are valid for two consecutive days. So, if you don’t have three hours to spare in one day, you can return the next day to complete your tour. This is perfect for travelers who want to linger and appreciate the entirety of the complex but are in a time crunch.
What are the three ticket choices to Prague Castle?
There are three different ticket choices for exploring Prague Castle:
Circuit A: Entry into St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace and the special exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle,” St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, and Rosenberg Palace.
Circuit B: Entry into St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower.
Circuit C: Entry into the Exhibition “The Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral,” Prague Castle Picture Gallery.
Highlights of Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral
The Prague Castle Cathedral, St. Vitus, is the most popular attraction at Prague Castle. The Cathedral towers over the other buildings, and its construction reportedly took nearly 600 years. You’ll find many architectural styles within the beautiful Cathedral, primarily Gothic, but also Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque.
The Old Royal Palace
One of the oldest structures in the Castle complex, The Old Royal Palace is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It was built in 1135 and was originally used by the Czech princesses in the 12th century before it was the official King’s palace between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Golden Lane
As you walk through the Prague Castle gardens, you’ll come across one of the complex’s highlights, Golden Lane. It’s a picturesque cobblestone street in the northeast corner of the complex. The street is lined with tiny 16th-century homes filled with antiques and artifacts from the time period. The homes even housed some very famous residents, like novelist Franz Kafka.
Bohemian Chancellery
One of the most interesting events in Prague Castle’s history took place at the Bohemian Chancellery. Prague’s second defenestration occurred within this chamber, which is the act of throwing someone out of a window. In 1618, two Catholic regents and their secretary were found guilty of violating the right to religious freedom and were shoved outside the window. This incident reportedly started the Thirty Years’ War.
Other buildings that you simply cannot miss at Prague Castle include St. Wenceslas Chapel, St. George’s Basilica, and the Great South Tower of the Cathedral.
A few things to know about visiting Prague
💰The Czech Republic does not use the Euro
Even though the Czech Republic is in the European Union, it does not use the Euro. Instead, the country uses its original currency, Czech Koruna (Crown). You can pay with your credit card throughout the city, but smaller businesses may still prefer cash.
☝🏼Be aware of pickpocketing
Prague is known for pickpocketing, especially in more touristy parts of the city. So, as you visit Prague Castle, keep an eye on your belongings. Cross-body bags are great for traveling Europe, especially at major tourist attractions.
🍺 Enjoy a pint of beer for cheap
Do you like beer? Well, Prague has the highest beer consumption in Europe. For many years, in fact, beer was cheaper than water! That’s no longer the case, but Prague still sells the cheapest beer compared to any other major European city. Check out this list of the best bars and pubs in Prague.
🙋🏼♀️ Learn some Czech pleasantries
The Czech language is compared to Russian and Polish, but the accent and pronunciation make it difficult to understand. Many locals and tour guides may speak English; however, it’s still polite to learn a few basic Czech words:
- Hello – ahoj
- Goodbye – nashledanou
- Please – prosím
- Thank you – děkuji
- Beer – pivo
Prague Castle Tours
Tickets for Visiting Prague Castle: Skip The Line
This skip-the-line ticket gives you fast access to the 70,000 ㎡ Castle Grounds, so you don’t have to wait in long lines. This ticket takes you along Circuit B, where you can explore the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, and the famous St. Vitus Cathedral. Meet your representative directly in front of St. Vitus Cathedral to grab your tickets and begin your personal tour of this fairy-tale castle.
Tickets for 2.5-Hour Tour Through Prague Castle
This exciting 2.5-hour Prague Castle tour takes you through all of the Castle’s highlights, led by an expert guide. You’ll start your tour at Charles Bridge, where you’ll see the castle as it looms over the city. Then, you’ll take the tram up and learn all about the kings, emperors, princes, and princesses that once lived in this 11-century-old complex. This Prague Castle tour is ideal for travelers who prefer an in-depth history lesson about one of Europe’s greatest monuments.
Tickets for Visiting Prague Castle: Interiors & Lunch with Local Guide
Feast like a royal for a day with this special Prague Castle tour, including a delicious three-course meal featuring homemade Czech delicacies. This ticket is perfect for those who want a more comprehensive Prague Castle tour along with a memorable dining experience. This ticket includes access to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.
Planned your visit to Prague Castle? Here’s a helpful guide to 48 hours in the Czech Capital.
