10 Must-See Highlights When Visiting Prague Castle Complex

The castle grounds are vast and filled with architectural wonders. You can walk through courtyards for free. However, you need a ticket to enter the historic buildings. Most visitors choose the main circuit ticket. This covers the most famous spots in the area. Here are the top items to include on your itinerary.

• Best overall: St. Vitus Cathedral
• Best for families: Golden Lane
• Best rainy-day: Old Royal Palace
• Best free: The Royal Garden

1. Name: St. Vitus Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: It is the spiritual symbol of the Czech state. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Tip: Look for the stained glass designed by Alfons Mucha. For more details, see this St. Vitus entrance guide.
2. Name: Old Royal Palace Type: Sight Why go: See the massive Vladislav Hall. It was used for coronations and indoor jousting tournaments. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Tip: Visit the Bohemian Chancellery to see where the Defenestration of Prague happened.
3. Name: Golden Lane Type: Neighborhood Why go: This tiny street features colorful houses from the 16th century. Franz Kafka once lived here at house number 22. Best for: Families and fans of literature. Where: Near the eastern gate. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Tip: Visit late in the afternoon when the crowds start to thin out.
4. Name: St. George's Basilica Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest surviving church building within the complex. Its red facade is a beautiful example of Romanesque design. Best for: Medieval history enthusiasts. Where: St. George's Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Tip: Check the schedule for evening classical music concerts held inside.
5. Name: Great South Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest views over the city. You can see the entire historic center from the top. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Attached to St. Vitus Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Separate additional fee. Tip: Be prepared to climb nearly 300 narrow stone steps. It is one of the best historic viewpoints in Prague.
6. Name: The Royal Garden Type: Nature Why go: It is a peaceful escape from the busy courtyards. You can see the Renaissance Singing Fountain here. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: North of the castle moat. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This garden is usually closed during the winter months.
7. Name: Changing of the Guard Type: Experience Why go: It is a formal ceremony with fanfare and banner exchange. It happens every hour at the castle gates. Best for: Everyone. Where: First Courtyard (Main Gate). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The most elaborate ceremony with music takes place daily at noon.
8. Name: Lobkowicz Palace Type: Museum Why go: This is the only privately owned building in the complex. It houses original scores by Beethoven and Mozart. Best for: Art and music fans. Where: Near the Golden Lane exit. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: Separate entry fee. Tip: The audio guide is narrated by the Lobkowicz family members.
9. Name: Rosenberg Palace Type: Sight Why go: Once a residence for noblewomen, it shows how the elite lived. The interior decor is elegant and refined. Best for: History fans. Where: Near the Old Royal Palace. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in main ticket. Tip: Look for the beautifully restored ceiling frescoes.
10. Name: The Deer Moat Type: Nature Why go: This deep ravine was once used for hunting. Today it is a lush green space with walking paths. Best for: Hikers and quiet seekers. Where: North side of the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Use the tunnel designed by architect Josef Pleskot to cross through.

Essential Tips for Visiting Prague Castle Complex in 2026

Planning ahead makes your visit much smoother. The Prague Castle official site provides the latest updates. Security checks are mandatory at all entrances. Expect queues during the peak summer season. Try to arrive by 9:00 AM to beat the large tour groups. This allows you to see the cathedral before it gets crowded.

Tickets are valid for two consecutive days. You can only enter each building once. Most visitors buy the "Prague Castle - Main Circuit" ticket. This includes the Cathedral, Palace, Basilica, and Golden Lane. You can buy tickets at the information centers on-site. Credit cards are widely accepted at all ticket desks.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day. The courtyards are covered in uneven cobblestones. Bring a water bottle, but remember you cannot take large bags inside. There are small cafes inside the grounds for snacks. However, prices are often higher than in the city center. Photography is allowed but usually requires a small extra fee for interiors.

Best Ways to Reach the Castle District

Getting to the castle is easy using public transport. The most popular way is taking Tram 22. This tram stops at "Prazsky hrad," which is very close. It is a scenic ride through the city. You will only have a short walk to the second courtyard. This route avoids the steep uphill climb.

If you prefer walking, start from Malostranske namesti. You can walk up the historic Nerudova street. This path is steep but very beautiful. You will see many historic houses and embassies. Another option is the Old Castle Stairs near the Malostranska metro station. These stairs lead directly to the eastern gate.

Using the metro is also a good choice. Take the Green Line (Line A) to Malostranska. From there, you can walk or transfer to the tram. Always validate your ticket before boarding the tram or metro. The Visit Czechia portal offers great transport maps. Many visitors enjoy the walk down from the castle after their visit.

Top Things to See Near the Castle Walls

The area surrounding the castle is called Hradcany. It is full of quiet streets and hidden gems. Just a short walk away is the Strahov Monastery and Library. This site features two of the most beautiful library halls in Europe. It also has a famous brewery with excellent local beer.

Nearby, you can find the Loreto, a significant pilgrimage site. It features a stunning baroque facade and a bell tower. For a great view, head toward Petrin Lookout Tower. This park offers plenty of green space and panoramic vistas. It is a perfect spot for a picnic after sightseeing.

Do not miss the neighborhood of Novy Svet. It is located just outside the castle moat. This area has tiny houses and quiet alleys. It feels like a village frozen in time. Many artists and writers have lived here over the years. It is one of the most romantic spots in the entire city.