Planning Your Visit to the Strahov Library

Before you go, you need to know the basics. The library is open daily from morning until late afternoon. It usually closes for a short lunch break. Check the official city tourism portal for current hours. Booking ahead is highly recommended during the summer months.

Tickets are sold at the entrance of the library building. You can also learn how to buy tickets for Strahov library online to save time. Prices are reasonable for such a historic site. There is a separate fee if you want to take photos. Keep your sticker visible so staff know you paid.

To get there, take tram 22 to the Pohorelec stop. It is a short walk uphill from the station. The walk offers great views of the city. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are made of cobblestones. This area is much quieter than the city center.

10 Must-See Highlights in Our Strahov Monastery Library Guide

This list covers the best sights inside and near the monastery. Use these picks to plan your afternoon. Each item offers a unique look at Prague's deep culture. Here are our top recommendations for your visit.

• Quick picks: Best overall: Philosophical Hall; Best for families: Miniature Museum; Best free: Monastery Courtyards; Best unique: Cabinet of Curiosities.

1. Name: Theological Hall Type: Sight Why go: This hall features stunning Baroque stucco work and 18,000 religious volumes. It was built in the late 17th century. The globes in the center are truly impressive. Best for: Art and history lovers. Where: Main Library Building. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Included in standard ticket. Getting there: Walk from the main courtyard. Tip: Look up to see the detailed frescoes about wisdom.
2. Name: Philosophical Hall Type: Sight Why go: This massive room has two-story high walnut shelves. It houses over 42,000 books on science and philosophy. To understand the Strahov library philosophical vs theological hall difference, look at the ceiling height. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Main Library Building. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Included in standard ticket. Getting there: Connected to the main visitor path. Tip: The fresco on the ceiling shows the history of mankind.
3. Name: Cabinet of Curiosities Type: Experience Why go: This corridor is filled with rare natural specimens. You will see dried sharks, exotic birds, and historical artifacts. It is a precursor to modern museums. Best for: Curious minds and kids. Where: Connecting corridor between halls. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in standard ticket. Getting there: Located between the two main halls. Tip: Look for the "dodo" bird model and ancient shells.
4. Name: Strahov Monastic Brewery Type: Experience Why go: Monks have brewed beer here since the 14th century. The St. Norbert beer is famous across the city. You can check the Strahov monastic brewery beer and food menu for seasonal specials. Best for: Foodies and beer fans. Where: Monastery Courtyard. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate (price of a meal). Getting there: Opposite the library entrance. Tip: Try the dark beer even if you usually prefer light.
5. Name: Strahov Gallery Type: Museum Why go: It holds one of the most important monastic art collections in Europe. You can see Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque paintings. The religious art is very well preserved. Best for: Fine art enthusiasts. Where: Upper floors of the cloister. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Separate ticket required. Getting there: Follow signs from the main gate. Tip: Visit on a weekday for a very quiet experience.
6. Name: St. Roch Church Type: Sight Why go: This former church is now an exhibition space. It has a unique architectural style. It was built as a thanks for the end of a plague. Best for: History buffs. Where: Monastery Courtyard. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Varies by exhibition. Getting there: Near the brewery. Tip: The exterior is great for photos in the late afternoon light.
7. Name: Prague Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This is the largest ancient castle in the world. It is just a 10-minute walk from Strahov. You can spend hours visiting Prague Castle complex and its gardens. Best for: Everyone. Where: Hradcany district. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Free to enter grounds; paid for interiors. Getting there: Walk downhill from Strahov. Tip: Watch the changing of the guard at the top of the hour.
8. Name: Petrin Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Often called the "Little Eiffel Tower," it offers the best views of Prague. You can see the library and the castle from above. It is located in a beautiful park. Best for: Photographers. Where: Petrin Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: 15-minute walk through the park from Strahov. Tip: Use the Petrin hill and funicular to save your legs.
9. Name: Loreto Prague Type: Sight Why go: This pilgrimage site has a famous carillon of bells. The Treasury contains the "Prague Sun" with 6,222 diamonds. It is a peaceful and holy place. Best for: Religious history fans. Where: Loretanske Namesti. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the monastery. Tip: Listen for the bells playing every hour.
10. Name: Miniature Museum Type: Museum Why go: This museum features art so small you need a microscope. You can see a train on a human hair. It is a very unique and quirky stop. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Just outside the monastery gate. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk toward the Pohorelec tram stop. Tip: Take your time at each station to see the detail.

Tips for an Unforgettable Strahov Experience

To get the most out of your visit, arrive early. The library can get crowded by noon. Most visitors only see the halls from the doorway. If you want to enter the rooms, you must book a private tour well in advance. These tours are more expensive but worth it for enthusiasts.

Respect the silence of the monastery. It is still a working religious site. Keep your voice low when walking through the cloisters. This helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere for everyone. It also allows you to enjoy the best viewpoints in Prague without distraction.

Check the weather before you go. The walk from the tram is outdoors. If it rains, the library and brewery are great indoor options. The brewery is a perfect place to wait for a storm to pass. You can enjoy a warm meal while you wait.