The outdoor complex is ordinarily open daily throughout the year.
Visit · Prague Castle visitor guide
Visiting Prague Castle: hours, tickets and how to get there
Opening hours, the best ways to reach the Castle, essential places to see, accessibility guidance and practical information — brought together on one clear page.
Plan with confidence
What is included in a Prague Castle visit?
Prague Castle is a living seat of state, a place of worship and an extensive historic monument rather than a single attraction. The courtyards, Cathedral, palaces, exhibitions, gardens and towers follow different schedules and access arrangements.
Allow time for security, historic surfaces and movement between buildings. For a rewarding first visit, two to three hours covers the principal highlights; a half day gives the architecture, interiors and gardens space to breathe.
Important: ceremonies, services, security requirements and operational
decisions can change access at short notice. Check the official Prague Castle notices on
the day of your visit.
Open until 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter.
Alight at Pražský hrad for a short, comparatively level approach.
Choose two hours for essentials or a half day for a fuller visit.
01 · Opening Hours
Prague Castle opening hours
The grounds stay open well beyond the visitor interiors. The two main tourist seasons determine the closing time of the historical buildings and Cathedral.
Summer season · 1 April–31 October
Longer days at the Castle
Prague Castle complex 06:00–22:00
Historical buildings Old Royal Palace, Story of Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica, Castle Guard Exhibition, Golden Lane and Picture Gallery 09:00–17:00
St. Vitus Cathedral Last entry 16:40 Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00
Sun 12:00–17:00
Sun 12:00–17:00
Great South Tower Last entry 17:30 10:00–18:00
Exhibition halls 10:00–18:00
Winter season · 1 November–31 March
A quieter, shorter day
Prague Castle complex 06:00–22:00
Historical buildings 09:00–16:00
St. Vitus Cathedral Last entry 15:40 Mon–Sat 09:00–16:00
Sun 12:00–16:00
Sun 12:00–16:00
Great South Tower Last entry 16:30 10:00–17:00
Exhibition halls 10:00–18:00
Gardens: Royal Garden, Stag Moat and South Gardens are ordinarily open 10:00–19:00 from April to June, 10:00–20:00 in July and August, 10:00–19:00 in September and 10:00–17:00 in October. They are closed from November through February and reopen in March from 10:00–17:00. The Garden on the Bastion is ordinarily open 06:00–22:00 year-round. Weather and operational closures may apply.
02 · Getting Here
How to get to Prague Castle
The simplest route avoids the steep climb from Malá Strana. A particularly satisfying visit begins near the upper Castle entrance and finishes down the Old Castle Stairs towards Malostranská.
Tram 22 to Pražský hrad
From the stop, turn towards the Castle and walk approximately five minutes to the Second Courtyard. This is generally the most convenient approach for a first visit.
Short approach · fewer gradientsTram 22 to Pohořelec
Walk downhill for roughly ten minutes towards Hradčany Square and use the western entrance to the Castle. The route pairs well with Strahov and the historic Hradčany quarter.
Gentle downhill walkMetro A to Malostranská
Follow the route towards the Old Castle Stairs and climb to the Na Opyši gate. Beautiful, but distinctly steeper and less suitable for anyone avoiding steps.
Historic stairs · demanding ascentOther approaches include the New Castle Stairs from Malostranské náměstí and, when the Royal Garden is open, the walk from the Královský letohrádek tram stop. Check Prague public transport information on the day for diversions.
03 · Accessibility
Accessibility and terrain at Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a protected hilltop complex with cobbles, gradients, thresholds and historic interiors. Accessibility differs by building, and the choice of arrival route materially changes the effort required.
Choose the upper approach
Tram 22 to Pražský hrad usually offers the shortest and comparatively level route into the central courtyards. The approaches from Malostranská and Malostranské náměstí involve substantial stairs.
Expect historic surfaces
Courtyards and outdoor routes include cobbles, stone paving and changing gradients. Wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility should allow additional time and confirm the most suitable entrance.
Individual buildings vary
Some principal spaces can be reached by an alternative route, while towers, narrow passages and certain historic or temporary exhibition areas may not be step-free. The Great South Tower requires a climb of 287 steps.
Confirm essential assistance
Because lifts, alternative entrances and event routes may change, contact the official visitor information centres before travelling whenever step-free access or assistance is essential.
Official visitor assistance
Information Centre, Second Courtyard: +420 224 372 423 / 419 · Third Courtyard: +420 224 372 434 / 435 / +420 224 373 368 · [email protected]
04 · Practical Information
Security checks and what you can bring
Travel light, keep enough time for checks and remember that the Castle remains an active ceremonial and religious place.
Security checks
Visitors may be subject to security screening and should follow the instructions of Castle and security staff. Do not bring large baggage; minimal belongings make entry easier.
Services and ceremonies
Cathedral access may change for worship or special ceremonies. Participants in services enter for worship without an admission fee, subject to the Cathedral’s arrangements.
Photography and drones
Respect any photography restrictions in interiors and exhibitions. Prague Castle and its surroundings are a no-flight zone; do not use drones.
Information centres
The centres in the Second and Third Courtyards ordinarily open 09:00–17:00 in summer and 09:00–16:00 in winter. They provide official guidance, maps and tour information.
Official sources
Before you go: what to check
Independent information. PragueCastle.com is not the official website of Prague Castle Administration or the Office of the President of the Czech Republic. Always confirm temporary closures and operational changes through hrad.cz.
Questions before you go
Frequently asked questions
- What is included in a Prague Castle visit?
- A visit can combine the Castle grounds with ticketed interiors and exhibitions. The Main Circuit includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane; check the official visitor information for current access.
- What are Prague Castle opening hours?
- The grounds and individual buildings follow seasonal schedules. Check the current opening hours on the official Prague Castle website before travelling because ceremonies and operational changes can affect access.
- How do I get to Prague Castle by tram?
- Tram 22 stops at Pražský hrad, a convenient entrance for the Castle complex. Use the official route information for current public transport changes and walking routes.
- Is Prague Castle free?
- The grounds are ordinarily free to enter, while the historic interiors and exhibitions require a ticket. Some services and temporary closures can change access, so check official notices before visiting.