
Prague Castle , located on Petrin Hill on the west bank of the Vltava River in the capital, Prague, consists of St. Vitus Cathedral and several palaces. Built in the 7th century, the castle was originally the residence of the Bohemian royal family. From a distance, you can see its creamy yellow buildings, iron-gray churches, pale green bell towers, and white spires.
Prague Castle has undergone numerous reconstructions and renovations over the years. Spanning 45 hectares, it now houses a palace, three churches, and a monastery, housed within three courtyards. It has long been the political center of Prague and remains the seat of the president and government offices. For over 60 years, the offices of every president have been located within the castle, earning it the nickname " Presidential Palace . "
In the 9th century AD, the prince of Prague first built a castle on the Vltava Hill . From then on, he began to rule his Czech people and land from here. It has always been the seat of the Prague royal family. Over the centuries, it has been expanded many times. It not only retains many magnificent buildings and historical relics, but is still the residence of the Czech President.
Prague Castle boasts a diverse range of architectural styles, from its ancient Romanesque foundations to its post-war, postmodern architecture. Each era has left its mark on the castle, with buildings representing various historical eras, including Romanesque , Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance.
Functional types include churches, palaces, galleries, halls, statues, fountains, etc. Among them, the late Gothic Coronation Hall, Queen Anna's Entertainment Hall, and the Spanish Hall, built in the Renaissance era, are the most famous.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
Package A ( includes the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle Story Exhibition, and Rosenborg Castle ): 350 CZK
Package B ( including the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane, and St. Vitus Cathedral): 250 CZK
Package C ( includes the St. Vitus Treasure Exhibition and Prague Castle Picture Gallery): 350 CZK
Château Park in Lany 15 Czech Republic (closed in winter)
Powder Tower 70 Czech Republic (temporarily closed until August 2019 due to reconstruction )
Half-price ticket : Minors aged 6-16, full-time students aged 26 and below, seniors aged 65 and above with valid ID
Free admission : Children under 6 years old
For more packages, fares and discount details, please refer to the official website
Summer ( April 1st - October 31st ) : Prague Castle complex 6:00-22:00 , historic buildings 9:00-17:00
Winter ( November 1st - March 31st ) Prague Castle complex 6:00-22:00 , historic buildings 9:00-16: 00
Prague Castle Gardens and Château Park in Lány are closed during winter. The opening hours of other smaller attractions vary; please refer to the official website for details.
Prague Castle, founded in the 9th century, is one of the largest ancient castles in the world. It has been the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperors, and the Presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. It represents the political and cultural heart of the Czech state.
Prague Castle is located on the Castle Hill in the city center. It can be accessed by Metro Line A (Malostranská Station), a 10-minute walk from the castle. Alternatively, buses 22 and 23 stop nearby, or you can take a taxi or walk through the picturesque Lesser Town.
The castle is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds.
The basic ticket for Prague Castle costs around 250 CZK. There are also various combined tickets for different sections of the castle, ranging from 250 CZK to 500 CZK. Tickets can be purchased online or at the castle's ticket offices.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for group visits or special events. For individual visits, tickets can generally be purchased on the day of your visit, though advance booking is available online.
To fully explore the Prague Castle complex, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane, plan for at least 3-4 hours. For a more leisurely visit, you might need a whole day.
Guided tours are available in various languages, including English, Czech, German, French, and Spanish. Audio guides are also offered in multiple languages and are available for rent at the castle entrance.
The best viewpoint for photographs is from the castle's gardens, where you can capture the panoramic views of Prague, including the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge, and the city skyline. The castle's towers also offer stunning photo opportunities.
Start your visit with St. Vitus Cathedral, then explore the Old Royal Palace and its rooms. Afterward, visit the Golden Lane and its quirky houses. Finally, walk through the Castle Gardens for beautiful views of the city.
Night tours are available during certain months, and special events or light shows may take place in the evenings, especially during festive seasons. It’s best to check the castle’s official website for specific dates and availability.
The castle can be crowded, especially in the summer months and on weekends. To avoid large crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, preferably Tuesday through Thursday.
There are several cafes and restaurants within the castle complex, offering food and drinks. Toilets are available in various parts of the complex, and there are souvenir shops selling Czech memorabilia and historical items.
Prague Castle is partially accessible for visitors with limited mobility. There are ramps and some accessible entrances, but certain areas, especially the older parts of the complex, may have limited accessibility. The castle offers services for elderly and disabled visitors, such as special tours and transport options.
Cash is not necessary at Prague Castle, as most places accept cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, some small vendors may still prefer cash, so it's good to have some local currency (CZK) on hand.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at several restaurants around the castle. Halal food can be found at some international restaurants nearby, especially in the city center.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops around the castle offering Czech glassware, crystal, traditional handicrafts, and historical books and prints.