Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is the city’s most iconic attraction. It’s one of the world’s largest castles and a World Heritage Site. The castle has over 1,100 years of history and architecture within its walls and was home to Bohemian kings, Roman emperors and Czechoslovakian presidents. Today the castle is still active as the seat of the Czech President.
Start your visit by learning some of the castle’s history at the Story of the Prague Castle exhibition before you move on through the grounds. The castle has been under constant transformation since it was founded in the ninth century. As a result, you can see signs of almost every architectural period of the past 1,100 years, including many Gothic, Renaissance and modernist features.
Prague Castle is huge: It’s 1,870 feet (570 meters) long and 426 feet (130 meters) wide, and stands on a site of over 17 acres (seven hectares). The castle complex consists of many buildings and gardens, including four churches, four palaces and sprawling gardens.
See the final resting place of some of the city's most notable religious figures at the neo-Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. Visit the home of the Czech crown jewels at St. Wenceslas Chapel.
At midday, watch the daily ceremony for the changing of the guard in the first courtyard. The guards also change at the castle gates on each hour during daylight hours. An exhibition on the castle guards can be seen at the Powder Tower, within the castle complex.
Take a guided tour, which leaves from the Information Centre and has a fee. See weapons and shields of medieval knights and admire the ornate ceilings of the churches while listening to gripping stories. Audio guides are also available for rent.
Prague Castle sits on top of Castle Hill in the Castle District on the west bank of the Vltava River. The complex is easily reached by tram or metro from the city center. While entry is free of charge and you can access from about dawn until midnight, many of its attractions keep different hours and charge a fee. Check the official Prague Castle website for details.
Prague Castle Tours
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Visit Prague Castle
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Prague: Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet
History & culture
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UNESCO Cesky Krumlov from Prague with Guided Tour and Transfer
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Prague: City Highlights Guided Electric Trike Tour
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Prague City Pass
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Full day Cesky Krumlov Private Tour
Reviews of Prague Castle
5/5 - Excellent
Take the lowest price ticket (250 Czech Crowns?) it gets you into the four main attractions, including the St Vitus Cathedral and the Toal Palace
4/5 - Good
There is much to see without a paid ticket, but you will need to buy a ticket to see it all.
5/5 - Excellent
This is just stunning. View is amazing and you can walk around the grounds late at night.
5/5 - Excellent
Remember to bring change in small coins, even with a ticket purchase you still need to pay to use the bathrooms.
4/5 - Good
Beautiful view from the top of castle. We didn't go inside of castle, but the castle itself is amazing.
5/5 - Excellent
Long walk up. Get the beer!
Popular places to visit
St. Vitus Cathedral
Within the grounds of the Prague Castle lies this highly revered church, home of the Czech crown jewels and seat of the archbishop of Prague.
Old Royal Palace
Learn about the local history of Prague when you take a trip to Old Royal Palace. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.
Sternberg Palace
You can study the exhibits at Sternberg Palace, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Prague. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.
Schwarzenberg Palace
You can study the exhibits at Schwarzenberg Palace, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Prague. Discover the acclaimed art scene and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.
Hradcany Square
You can find out about the history of Prague when you stop by Hradcany Square. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this romantic area.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Learn about the local history of Prague when you spend time at Chapel of the Holy Cross. Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.
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