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Prague Castle seen from Charles Bridge

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Prague Castle

The castle sits on the hill above Charles Bridge. Here is what the main ticket includes, what it costs, when things open and how to get up from the river.

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Prague Castle at a glance

Prague Castle is a large complex of palaces, churches and gardens above the Malá Strana bank. Many visitors walk up from Charles Bridge after crossing it. The grounds and the historic buildings keep different hours, so check both before you go.

The main circuit covers four sights: the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica, Golden Lane and St Vitus Cathedral. This page shows the prices, the hours and the best way up. Confirm the current price list at the ticket office or when you book, since fares can change.

CZK 450Main circuit, adult (2026)
2 daysHow long the ticket is valid; each building once
06:00 to 22:00When the grounds are open all year
St Vitus Cathedral

Main circuit prices

For the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica, Golden Lane and St Vitus Cathedral, in 2026.

TicketPriceWho
AdultCZK 450Full price
ReducedCZK 300Ages 6 to 16, full-time students up to 26, adults from 65
FamilyCZK 950Up to 2 adults and 1 to 5 children under 16
Children under 6FreeNo ticket needed
South Tower (separate)CZK 200Adult; not part of the main circuit

Reduced tickets need proof, such as a student card or an ID. The ticket is valid for 2 days, and you can enter each building once. Tickets are sold at the information centres on the castle grounds, and online through partner platforms. The online price may not match the box-office price, so compare before you buy.

Prague Castle tickets and guided tours

Castle tours with and without entry tickets, combined city walks and day tours, with live prices and availability. Check what each option includes.

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Opening hours

The grounds are open from 06:00 to 22:00 all year. The historic buildings keep shorter hours: from 1 April to 31 October they are open from 09:00 to 17:00, and from 1 November to 31 March from 09:00 to 16:00. St Vitus Cathedral opens at 09:00, except on Sundays, when it opens at 12:00. The last entry is at 16:40 in summer and 15:40 in winter.

The Royal Garden, the Deer Moat and the Southern Gardens follow a seasonal plan. They are closed from November to February, and they open from 10:00 to 17:00 in March and in October. Special openings are announced separately.

Some interiors close for state occasions or technical reasons. Check the current closures before you go, and do not count on seeing every building on the main circuit on a given day.

Stained glass in St Vitus Cathedral

Walking up from Charles Bridge

Two simple ways up.

By Metro and the Old Castle Steps

Take Metro line A to Malostranská, then climb the Old Castle Steps to the Na Opyši gate. It is a climb with steps, so allow time.

By tram 22

Tram 22 stops at Pražský hrad and leaves you a short walk from the entrance. It also stops at Malostranské náměstí, so you can board it near the west end of the bridge.

On foot from the bridge

From the Malá Strana end of the bridge, the way goes through the Lesser Town and then uphill. The time depends on your pace and on the crowds. Start early if you want the grounds quiet, as described on the sunrise page.

Planning your castle day

Three points that save time.

Start early or late in the day

The buildings close at 16:00 or 17:00, and the cathedral's last entry is at 16:40 in summer and 15:40 in winter. Arrive well before then, and keep the grounds, which are open until 22:00, for the end of the day.

Use both days of the ticket

The main ticket is valid for 2 days, with each building entered once. If you cannot see everything in one visit, split the circuit across two days.

Mind the gardens

The Royal Garden, the Deer Moat and the Southern Gardens are closed from November to February. If they matter to you, plan the visit for spring or autumn.

The Changing of the Guard

The main ceremony takes place daily at 12:00 in the First Courtyard and costs nothing to watch. It is a regular feature, but it is not a guaranteed part of every day, so do not build your whole plan around it.

Pair the ceremony with a stroll through the courtyards, then head to the interiors. The grounds stay open until 22:00, so the hill also works for an evening walk; the night page has more on the bridge after dark.

Prague Castle at dusk

Prague Castle: frequently asked questions

How much does a Prague Castle ticket cost?

The main circuit costs CZK 450 for adults, CZK 300 reduced and CZK 950 for a family in 2026. Children under 6 enter free. The South Tower costs CZK 200 extra for adults.

What does the main ticket include?

The Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica, Golden Lane and St Vitus Cathedral. It is valid for 2 days, and each building can be entered once.

When are the grounds open?

The grounds are open from 06:00 to 22:00 all year. The historic buildings open at 09:00 and close at 16:00 or 17:00, depending on the season.

Where do I buy tickets?

At the information centres on the castle grounds, or online through partner platforms. Compare prices, because the online price may differ from the box-office price.

When is the Changing of the Guard?

The main ceremony takes place daily at 12:00 in the First Courtyard. Treat it as a regular feature, not as a guaranteed programme.

How do I get to the castle from Charles Bridge?

Take Metro A to Malostranská and climb the Old Castle Steps to the Na Opyši gate, or ride tram 22 to the Pražský hrad stop.

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