Powder Tower in Prague: 186 steps and 50% ticket discount

The Powder Tower stands on the border of the Old and New Town of Prague. Coronation processions of Czech kings entered the city through these gates. An adult ticket here costs 200 CZK (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism).

186 steps of a narrow spiral staircase lead to the top (according to the tower overview on PragueGO, 09/2026). The climb takes about ten minutes, and from the 44-meter gallery you will see Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Prague Castle (according to the official Prague website).

We have broken down the history of the tower, what to see inside, prices and seasonal hours, and how to get there from the metro.

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History of the Powder Tower

💡 In short:

• The tower was founded in 1475 as the ceremonial gate of the Royal Route.
• An adult ticket costs 200 CZK, child and senior tickets cost 130 CZK (as of 09/2026, official ticket seller).
• The observation deck is at a height of 44 m.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the tower page on Prague.eu.

© Fred Romero from Paris, France · CC BYPhoto: Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Powder Tower stands on the site of the Mountain Tower. The road from Prague to Kutná Hora passed through it, so the gate was a throughway and important for the city. Over time, the Old Town expanded, the fortification walls lost their purpose, and the tower fell into disrepair. Locals nicknamed it the Ragged Tower because of its peeling facade.

The new tower was founded in 1475, when the royal residence still stood near Old Town Square (according to the PragueGO guide, 09/2026). Master Václav began the work, and then the project passed to architect Matěj Rejsek. The tower was built as a ceremonial entrance to the Royal Route.

The roof was never completed. Funding ran out, the political situation shifted, and for almost two and a half centuries the tower stood open. In the 17th century it began to be used for storing gunpowder, and instead of its old name "New Tower," the name "Powder Tower" stuck (according to PragueGO material, 09/2026).

The tower got its current appearance in the late 19th century, when architect Josef Mocker restored its facade in the neo-Gothic style after the destruction of the Seven Years' War and returned it to the look intended at its founding.

Facade decorations and interior

The facade of the Powder Tower is covered with coats of arms, statues of Czech kings, angels, and saints. Josef Mocker tried to make it resemble the Old Town Bridge Tower of Charles Bridge by Peter Parler, so in daylight the stone relief is worth examining at a leisurely pace.

Inside, you'll find stained glass windows with religious scenes and coats of arms on the second-floor ceilings, each with its own story. A small exhibition displays armor and old weapons.

After that, the climb begins. Go in the morning: the staircase is narrow, and at midday it gets crowded with tour groups.

Opening hours and ticket prices

The tower is open every day, but the schedule changes by season (as of 09/2026, PragueGO). In winter and early spring it closes earlier, and in summer it stays open until late evening.

Tickets are sold only by the official seller, Prague City Tourism, at ticket offices and online (as of 09/2026, official city data). Tickets bought on other platforms may turn out to be invalid.

In the first hour after opening, there is a 50% discount on all tickets (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism guide). Come right at opening: you'll save money and make it up before the tour groups arrive.

Guided tours of Prague are convenient to book in advance; in high season this saves time. You'll find suitable options in the selection of tours on GetYourGuide.

How to get there and where the entrance is

The tower stands on Republic Square, next to Obecní dům (according to PragueGO, 09/2026). You can also walk there from Wenceslas Square along Na Příkopě street; the walk takes about ten minutes.

The nearest stop is called Náměstí Republiky. Metro line B (yellow) and trams 6, 8, 15, 26 stop here (according to the Powder Tower page, 09/2026). From the stop to the entrance it is less than a minute on foot.

The tower is marked on the map below. Zoom in to build a route from your hotel.

Practical tips

Come in the first hour after opening, and you will get to the stairs without a queue. In high season, a group already gathers at the ticket office by midday.

Wear comfortable shoes and leave heavy bags behind: the staircase is spiral and narrow, and a backpack makes it awkward.

Combine your visit with the neighboring Obecní dům: the two sights stand right next to each other, and you can see them in one outing. In the evening the tower is lit up, but you can no longer go up to the gallery.

• The catch: there is no elevator in the tower, and the spiral staircase is narrow (according to the PragueGO source, 09/2026).

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to the Powder Tower cost?

An adult ticket costs 200 CZK, a child (6-15 years) and senior ticket costs 130 CZK, and a family ticket costs 400 CZK (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). Young people aged 16-26 pay 160 CZK, and children under 5 enter free (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). In the first hour after opening, you can buy a ticket at a 50% discount.

How do I get to the Powder Tower?

The nearest metro station is called Náměstí Republiky, on line B. Trams 6, 8, 15, and 26 also stop there (according to the Praguego guide, 09/2026).

Is there an elevator and how many steps lead to the top?

There is no elevator in the tower. The observation deck is reached by 186 steps of a narrow spiral staircase (according to the PragueGO review, 09/2026). The climb takes about ten minutes and requires comfortable shoes. From the gallery at a height of 44 m, you get a panorama of the Old Town.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend 30-45 minutes in the tower (according to the PragueGO article, 09/2026). That is enough for the exhibition, the climb, and photos from the gallery. In high season, allow extra time for the line at the stairs.

Can you take photos inside?

Personal photography is allowed throughout the tower, including the viewing platform (according to the PragueGO page, 09/2026). It is best not to bring tripods or bulky equipment, the staircase is narrow. Morning light gives the cleanest shots of the city.

In short: what is worth booking

The Powder Tower offers a short but packed visit in the heart of Prague. You climb to the Gothic gallery, see the exhibition, and view the city from above.

If you are short on time, come in the first hour while the line is short. If you are with kids, get the family ticket for 400 CZK (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). If you want a guided tour, check the options on GetYourGuide.

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