Sitting atop a hill, Prague Castle offers everything a traveler could wish for: captivating history, magnificent architecture, stunning city views, lush gardens, beautiful art, and more.
Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds the title of being the largest castle complex in the world. This area of Prague is home to several splendid sites, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Rosenberg Palace, and Golden Lane. When visiting Prague Castle, travelers can also explore museum exhibits, stroll through gardens, and take in the stunning views of Prague.
Visiting Prague Castle
My visit to Prague Castle was part of the Rick Steves’ Best of Prague and Budapest tour, and the stop at this site could best be described as a whirlwind adventure. In just three short hours, I was able to tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace, as well as stroll through the homes and shops of Golden Lane.
St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague and St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest were among the top 5 highlights of my 10-day European adventure in those two cities.
Prague Castle should be on every traveler’s must-see list, as this site truly has something for everyone. Visitors with a passion for history and architecture will enjoy stops at St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace. Art aficionados will enjoy the galleries at the Lobkowicz Palace and the stained glass windows at St. Vitus Cathedral. All will love the scenic views of Prague from the South Gardens.
Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when visiting Prague Castle.
Given its popularity, Prague Castle can become crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, such as the summer months. I visited during the last week of May, and this site was crowded, notably St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Admittedly, I did not enjoy my time at Golden Lane because it was packed with tourists, making it a challenge to visit the many homes and stores that line that narrow lane.
Our tour group arrived at Prague Castle just as it opened, and it appeared that all other tour groups had the same idea. It was quite the crowd! Based on my experience and research conducted after the trip, it seems that visiting Prague Castle in the late morning or early afternoon is the better choice. I do know that Rick Steves’ Europe changed the 2025 itinerary of the Best of Prague and Budapest tour, and this site will be visited in the afternoon, rather than early morning.
Regarding time needed at Prague Castle, I suggest at least three hours to cover the sites included in the “Main Circuit” (St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, the Royal Palace, and Golden Lane) and to walk around the South Gardens. Of course, you will need considerably more time if you plan to also visit Lobkowicz Palace, the South Tower, and the exhibits found throughout the site.
When visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, I highly recommend that visitors either hire a guide or rent an audio tour. I believe this is one of those sites where having a guide greatly enhances your visit, as the guide can explain the vast history associated with the cathedral, as well as the story behind the stained glass windows and some of the building’s features.
Audio tours are available in several languages and can be obtained at one of the information booths. Guided tours are also available for those who are interested.
Prague Castle sells four types of tickets, the most popular of which is the “Main Circuit” pass. This pass provides admission to St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, the Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. The other passes are for the South Tower and for permanent exhibitions found throughout the site. The back of the ticket includes a map of Prague Castle.
All passes provide discounts for families, certain age groups, and students. Free admission is available for children under 6.
Prague Castle tickets are valid for two consecutive days and the “Main Circuit” ticket can be purchased online.
Prague Castle, located north of Hradčany Square and west of the Vltava River, has several entrances and is accessible by foot or Tram 22. I recommend taking the tram, especially if you are lodging on the other side of the river, because the walk will be mostly uphill and include hundreds of steps.
Most sites at Prague Castle are accessible to those with mobility impairments with a notable exception being the South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral as it requires climbing over 280 steps to reach the top. The terrain throughout the site is cobblestone and there are spots where the ground is not even.
Resources
The Prague Castle website provides the history of each building plus information on tickets, guided tours, and upcoming events.
Travel Tips
Inside the gates of Prague Castle, travelers can find the Lobkowicz Palace, home to an impressive museum, a venue that hosts classical concerts, and a restaurant with beautiful views of Prague. The palace was built in the mid-16th century and it is the only privately owned building in Prague Castle. The museum is home to over a thousand paintings, including one of the best collections of Spanish Renaissance portraits outside Madrid and Vienna, decorative and sacred art objects, and a music archive comprised of works from over 500 composers, including music from Mozart, Handel, and Beethoven.
If you are interested in visiting Prague Castle’s four “Main Circuit” sites and the museum at Lobkowicz Palace, a combo ticket that includes all five sites is available. This combo ticket will save you money compared to purchasing the “Main Circuit” and museum tickets separately.
Another great experience associated with Prague Castle is the daily Changing of the Guards. This daily event begins at 12 PM as the guards march down the street toward the Gate of the Giants, marking the entrance to Courtyard 1. Upon reaching the courtyard, there is a brief ceremony. To catch a glimpse of the ceremony, you must arrive early to get a good spot in front of the gate. As for the march, anywhere along the street provides a good view.
I had the opportunity to experience the Changing of the Guards twice during my trip and I will say it was a highlight.
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