Prague Castle complex spanning 570 metres above the city, Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral rising from Romanesque fortifications

The World's Largest Ancient Castle

You walk through 70,000 square metres of fortress, palace, and cathedral—built in 870 and still the seat of the Czech president today.

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  • UNESCO Historic Centre of Prague
  • 870 AD Founded — still seat of the president
  • 70,000 m² World's largest ancient castle
  • 2.7M / year International visitors in 2025

Choose your ticket

Adult Main Circuit

Ages 18–64 · anytime entry within 2 days

€35

  • St Vitus Cathedral
  • Old Royal Palace
  • Basilica of St George
  • Golden Lane
  • Skip-the-line priority queue
  • Audio history sent before your visit
Notify me when bookings open

Family Main Circuit

2 adults + up to 5 children/youth (under 18)

€85

  • Main Circuit entry for full family
  • Skip-the-line priority queue
  • Audio history sent before your visit
  • Flexible rebooking if we can’t secure your slot
Notify me when bookings open
  • Refund if we can't deliver
  • Cards & Apple Pay
  • Instant confirmation
  • Concierge in your language, 24/7

5-minute audio guide

Your Prague Castle 5-minute guide

Five minutes of background — what to look for in St Vitus Cathedral, how the castle grew from 9th-century chapel to presidential residence, why the changing of the guard at noon is worth timing.

  • How the castle grew from 9th-century chapel to presidential residence
  • Why St Vitus Cathedral took 600 years to finish
  • What to look for in the Vladislav Hall and Golden Lane
  • Best time of day for cathedral photographs

Included free with every ticket. No app, no download — plays in any browser.

About Prague Castle

Prague Castle sprawls across nearly 70,000 square metres above the Vltava River, making it the largest ancient castle in the world according to Guinness World Records. Built starting in 870, it has served as the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and today houses the president of the Czech Republic. The complex draws 2.59 million visitors each year, all walking the same cobbled courtyards where a millennium of European power changed hands.

The castle's first structure was the Church of the Virgin Mary, erected in 870. Over the following centuries, rulers expanded it in waves: Ottokar II strengthened fortifications in the 13th century, Charles IV added Gothic elements in the 14th, and the massive Vladislav Hall rose in the late 15th century under King Vladislaus II. A devastating fire in 1541 destroyed large sections, prompting Renaissance additions under the Habsburgs, including Ferdinand I's Belvedere summer palace.

You enter through courtyards that shift from Baroque façades to Gothic spires, then step into St. Vitus Cathedral where light filters through stained glass onto stone floors worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. The castle grounds stretch long and narrow—570 metres end to end—so you move through distinct zones: palace halls, the medieval Golden Lane's tiny houses, terraced gardens dropping toward the city below. The scale is vast but the paths are intimate, winding between towers and chapels that each hold a different century.

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Practical information

Opening hours
Castle grounds open daily 6:00–22:00. Buildings (St Vitus, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St George, Golden Lane) open 09:00–17:00 (summer) / 09:00–16:00 (winter).
Address
Hrad I. nádvoří č.p. 1, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic
Getting there
Tram 22 stops at Pražský hrad. Metro line A to Malostranská, then 10-min uphill walk via the Old Castle Steps.
Accessibility
Castle grounds are partly cobbled and sloped. Most buildings have step-free entry; some staircases inside the Old Royal Palace are unavoidable.
Bag policy
Small bags allowed. Large rucksacks and tripods must be checked at security.
Photography
Permitted in courtyards and most interiors; flash is prohibited inside St Vitus Cathedral.

About our service

Prague Castle Tickets acts as a facilitator to assist international visitors in purchasing skip-the-line tickets directly from Správa Pražského hradu, the official operator. We do not resell tickets — we provide a personalised booking and English-language support service. Our concierge service fee is included in the displayed price.

Frequently asked

What is your refund policy?

All sales are final. The one exception: in the rare event we are unable to secure your tickets from the operator, a full refund is issued within 24 hours. Once confirmed, your visit is locked in and non-refundable.

Can I change my visit date after booking?

Yes. We rebook your visit to any open slot in the operator's calendar. Contact us at least 48 hours before your original time. No fees apply for the first change; subsequent changes incur a small administrative charge.

How quickly will my booking be confirmed?

Confirmed within 2 hours during business hours. You receive a digital confirmation by email with your entry details and any special instructions. Outside business hours, expect confirmation the next morning.

How are tickets delivered?

Digital, instant, by email. Your confirmation includes a QR code or reference number you present at the castle entrance. No physical tickets are mailed. Keep the email accessible on your phone or print a copy.

Where do I enter Prague Castle?

The main visitor entrance is through the western gate on Hradčanské náměstí square. Present your confirmation at the ticket office just inside. The castle complex spans almost 70,000 square metres, so allow time to orient yourself with the site map provided.

What is included in my ticket?

Access to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace with Vladislav Hall, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. The concierge tier includes all major buildings and exhibitions. Some special exhibits or tower climbs may require separate tickets purchased on-site.

How long should I plan for my visit?

Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring the main sights. St. Vitus Cathedral alone warrants 45 minutes. If you tour every palace room, garden, and museum, plan a full day. The castle attracted 2.59 million visitors in 2024, so mornings are quieter.

Is Prague Castle accessible for wheelchair users?

Partially. The courtyards and some ground-floor areas are accessible, but many historic buildings feature stairs and uneven cobblestones. St. Vitus Cathedral has ramped access to the nave. Contact us before booking and we'll confirm which areas you can reach and arrange any available assistance.

Can children visit? Is there an age limit?

All ages are welcome. Children under six enter free but still require a ticket for headcount purposes. The castle is vast and involves walking on cobblestones, so bring a stroller with sturdy wheels or a carrier for toddlers. Golden Lane's tiny houses delight younger children.

What should I bring with me?

Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones throughout), weather-appropriate clothing, and your confirmation email. Large bags require check-in at the security office. Bring water; the castle has limited food vendors. In summer, sunscreen and a hat; the courtyards offer little shade.

Are photos allowed inside Prague Castle?

Yes, in most areas. Photography without flash is permitted in courtyards, gardens, and many interiors. St. Vitus Cathedral allows photos, but not during services. Some special exhibitions prohibit photography entirely; signs are posted. Tripods and commercial filming require advance permission.

What happens if it rains on my visit day?

The castle remains open in all weather. Most major sights—St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica—are indoors. Courtyards and gardens become slippery when wet, so wear shoes with grip. The castle does not close for rain or snow.

Can I book for a group of ten or more people?

Yes. The booking flow accommodates any party size. Groups of fifteen or more receive a dedicated entry time to avoid congestion. For groups larger than twenty-five, contact us directly; we coordinate with the castle to arrange guided group access and staggered entry.

Is there a dress code for visiting the castle?

No formal dress code, but St. Vitus Cathedral requests modest attire: shoulders covered, no shorts above the knee. This applies inside the cathedral only; the rest of the castle has no restrictions. In summer, bring a light scarf to cover bare shoulders if needed.

Which parts of the castle are must-see highlights?

St. Vitus Cathedral (Gothic masterpiece, completed 1929), Vladislav Hall in the Old Royal Palace (built by Benedikt Rejt in the 15th century), St. George's Basilica (the oldest surviving church within the castle, founded in the 10th century), and Golden Lane's colorful historic houses. The South Gardens offer panoramic views over Prague.