Neighbourhoods
Prague Castle visitor guide: tickets, opening hours and how to avoid the crowds
Updated 4 min read
Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech rulers for more than a thousand years and is today the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. It is not a single building but a whole district of palaces, churches, courtyards and gardens on the hill above Malá Strana, listed by Guinness World Records as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. This guide explains what you can see for free, what the ticket covers and how to plan your visit.
What is free and what needs a ticket
The courtyards and the grounds are free and open every day from 6:00 to 22:00. In the warmer months most of the castle gardens are open too. To go inside the main historic buildings you need a ticket.
The Main Circuit ticket covers:
- St Vitus Cathedral, the Gothic heart of the castle, with the Chapel of St Wenceslas and a stained glass window by Alfons Mucha.
- The Old Royal Palace, with the vast Vladislav Hall and the room of the 1618 defenestration that started the Thirty Years' War.
- St George's Basilica, the best preserved Romanesque church in Prague.
- Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower, a row of tiny houses where Franz Kafka wrote in 1916 and 1917 at number 22.
The ticket is valid for two days, with one entry to each building. In 2026 the full adult ticket costs 450 CZK, with reduced and family tickets available. Separate tickets exist for the Great South Tower of the cathedral, the Prague Castle Picture Gallery and several exhibitions. You can buy tickets at the castle information centres or online through the link on the official website, hrad.cz.
Opening hours in 2026
| April to October | November to March | |
|---|---|---|
| Courtyards and grounds | 6:00 to 22:00 | 6:00 to 22:00 |
| Historic buildings | 9:00 to 17:00 | 9:00 to 16:00 |
| St Vitus Cathedral, Monday to Saturday | 9:00 to 17:00 | 9:00 to 16:00 |
| St Vitus Cathedral, Sunday | 12:00 to 17:00 | 12:00 to 16:00 |
The last entry is 20 minutes before closing. Buildings, including the cathedral, can close at short notice for state visits, ceremonies or works, so it is worth checking hrad.cz on the day.
Security at the entrances
Random security checks can take place at the entrances to the castle area. Travel light and leave large bags at your hotel.
The changing of the guard
The Castle Guard changes every hour at the main gates during the day. The ceremonial change, with a fanfare and a flag ceremony, takes place every day at 12:00 in the First Courtyard. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early if you want a good view, or come at another hour if you prefer to avoid the crowd.
How to avoid the crowds
- Come early. The courtyards are quiet before 9:00. Walk through them first and be at the cathedral when it opens.
- Or come late. After about 15:00 the tour groups thin out, and the evening light on the courtyards is beautiful.
- Avoid noon in the First Courtyard unless you have come for the ceremonial guard change.
- Choose weekdays outside the summer holidays and the Christmas period.
- Arrive from the north and walk down. Tram 22 to the Pražský hrad stop or a car to the northern side saves the steep climb, and the walk down through Malá Strana to Charles Bridge is the best way to continue.
A route through the castle
- Castle Square (Hradčanské náměstí), with its view over the city.
- The First and Second Courtyards, through the Matthias Gate.
- St Vitus Cathedral, the highlight of every visit.
- The Old Royal Palace and Vladislav Hall.
- St George's Basilica and the square in front of it.
- Golden Lane and the Daliborka Tower.
- Down the Old Castle Stairs past the Black Tower to Malostranská, or through the gardens in season.
With children, seniors or a group
Children enjoy the guards, Golden Lane and the armour displays. Older travellers should plan for cobblestones and some stairs, and a car to the northern entrance helps. Groups should book their tickets and entry times in advance and, for large numbers, split into subgroups with a guide each.
Visit with a guide
A thousand years of kings, emperors and presidents are easier to follow with someone who knows the stories. Our Prague Castle and Old Town walking tour starts at the castle and walks down to the Old Town, and our tour at a relaxed pace by car keeps walking to a minimum. We book the castle tickets in advance as part of your itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit St Vitus Cathedral for free?
No longer. The small free area inside the cathedral entrance has been closed since October 2023, so you need the Main Circuit ticket to go inside. The castle courtyards and grounds remain free.
When is St Vitus Cathedral closed to visitors?
On Sunday mornings, because of church services: on Sundays it opens to visitors at 12:00. It can also close at short notice for religious or state ceremonies, so check the official website on the day.
When is the changing of the guard at Prague Castle?
The ceremonial changing of the guard with a fanfare takes place every day at 12:00 in the First Courtyard. Shorter changes of the sentries at the gates happen every hour during the day.
How long do I need for Prague Castle?
Plan two to three hours for the Main Circuit, and half a day if you add the gardens, an exhibition or a walk down through Malá Strana.
Is Prague Castle suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
Partly. The courtyards are largely level, but some historic interiors have steps and the streets up from Malá Strana are steep and cobbled. Arriving by car or by tram at the northern side of the castle avoids the climb.
Want us to arrange it?
We can book these for you as part of one itemised quote.