Planning Your Trip to the Castle

Visiting the castle takes a full day. The complex has many buildings and gardens. You need a ticket for the main interiors. Most people buy the Basic Circuit ticket. This covers the most famous spots. Here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: St. Vitus Cathedral
• Best for families: Golden Lane
• Best for views: Great South Tower
• Best free activity: Changing of the Guard

Security checks are at every entrance. Lines can be long in the summer. Try to arrive early in the morning. This helps you beat the big tour groups. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot.

Top 10 Sights When Visiting Prague Castle Complex

There is so much to see within the walls. This list covers the best highlights for your 2026 trip. Each spot offers a unique look at local culture.

1. Name: St. Vitus Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: It is a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass. Best for: History and architecture lovers. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Tip: Look for the window designed by Alfons Mucha.
2. Name: Old Royal Palace Type: Indoor Why go: See the massive Vladislav Hall where kings were crowned. Best for: History buffs. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Tip: Visit the Bohemian Chancellery to see where the Defenestration happened.
3. Name: Golden Lane Type: Experience Why go: These tiny colorful houses show how castle guards and smiths lived. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Northern wall. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Tip: Visit house number 22 where Franz Kafka once lived.
4. Name: St. George's Basilica Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest surviving church building within the castle. Best for: Fans of Romanesque architecture. Where: St. George's Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Tip: The red facade is a great spot for photos.
5. Name: Great South Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest and best views of the city. Best for: Active travelers. Where: St. Vitus Cathedral. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Extra fee (not in Circuit). Tip: Be ready to climb 287 narrow stone steps. Check out more best viewpoints in Prague here.
6. Name: The Royal Garden Type: Nature Why go: It is a peaceful space with Renaissance buildings and fountains. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: North of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This garden is usually closed during the winter months.
7. Name: Lobkowicz Palace Type: Museum Why go: It holds a private collection of art and music manuscripts. Best for: Art fans. Where: Near the East Gate. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Extra fee. Tip: This is one of the best museums in Prague for classical music fans.
8. Name: Changing of the Guard Type: Experience Why go: Watch the ceremonial exchange of the castle guards. Best for: Everyone. Where: First Courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The full ceremony with music happens daily at noon.
9. Name: Daliborka Tower Type: Sight Why go: Explore a medieval prison and see old torture devices. Best for: Fans of dark history. Where: End of Golden Lane. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Tip: It is named after its first prisoner, a knight named Dalibor.
10. Name: Deer Moat Type: Nature Why go: A quiet green ravine that offers a different view of the walls. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Below the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is one of the true hidden gems in Prague.

Practical Tips for Your Castle Tour

Planning is key for a good trip. Most visitors spend about 3 to 4 hours here. If you like museums, stay longer. You can check the Visit Czechia site for regional travel news. This helps you plan your travel across the country.

Buy your tickets online if possible. This saves you from waiting in two lines. You will still have to wait for security. Security is usually fastest at the Fourth Courtyard entrance. Avoid bringing large backpacks to the complex.

Photography is allowed in most areas. You might need a small fee for some interiors. Flash is usually not allowed inside the churches. Respect the silence in the cathedral during your walk. Always check for any special events or state visits.

What to See Near the Castle Grounds

The area around the castle is very beautiful. You can walk down the hill to the river. On your way, you will see many historic spots. Many people enjoy walking across the Charles Bridge after their visit. It is only a 15-minute walk away.

You should also visit the nearby Hradčany Square. It is surrounded by noble palaces. Just a short walk away is the Strahov Monastery. It has a world-famous library that is worth seeing. The views from the monastery hill are incredible.