Prague Castle in 2026: opening hours, tickets and a half-day route

Prague Castle spreads across a hill above the left bank of the Vltava. It is not one palace, but an entire town inside fortress walls: a cathedral, palaces, a basilica, gardens and defensive towers. People come here not for a single building, but for a whole district of history.

The grounds are open every day from 6:00 to 22:00, and admission to them is free (as of 09/2026, opening hours on the official website). The historic buildings operate on a seasonal schedule: until 17:00 in summer, until 16:00 in winter. This schedule is what determines how to plan your route.

Below you will find opening hours by season, prices, temporarily closed halls and a walking route covering ten main points. We checked the hours and tickets against the Castle's official website and noted what matters in autumn 2026.

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History

💡 In short:

• Prague Castle was founded in the 9th century, and its buildings were constructed over eight consecutive centuries.
• Under Charles IV, the princely palace was completely rebuilt in the Gothic style.
• After the Velvet Revolution, the palace complex was opened to the general public.

The history of the Castle begins in the 9th century. The first Czech prince of the Přemyslid dynasty, Bořivoj I, built a wooden fortress here. The palace was surrounded by a deep moat and earthen ramparts.

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The prince and his wife Ludmila were baptized by Bishop Methodius, one of the creators of the Slavic script. Bořivoj I ordered the construction of the Church of the Virgin Mary next to the fortress. It was the first stone building of the Castle. The second shrine was the Basilica of St. George, founded back in the 10th century.

The reign of Prince Vratislaus I turned out to be short. The transformation of the Castle into a Christian center was continued by Prince Wenceslaus. He began building the Rotunda of St. Vitus. Soon nobles killed Wenceslaus in a conspiracy, and after his canonization his image appeared on the altars of all the basilicas of Prague.

At the end of the 10th century, the importance of the Castle grew. The Czech bishop settled here, and a long period of construction began. Wooden houses were replaced with stone ones, and the area was enclosed with high walls. In the following centuries, the fortress burned and was destroyed more than once.

Under Charles IV, the appearance of the Castle changed dramatically. The princely palace was completely rebuilt in the Gothic style. New cathedrals were founded on the site of the destroyed basilicas, and the defensive wall was reinforced with towers equipped with artillery.

In the 16th century, Ferdinand of Habsburg took the Czech throne. Architects were tasked with creating a large Royal Castle in a new style. Attention was given to the park and to expanding the buildings and basilicas. The monarch's residence permanently moved to Vienna, but construction at the Castle did not stop.

At the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, Rudolf II restored the Castle after a major fire. The buildings were rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and their appearance and purpose changed. In the 18th century, the Prussian army caused damage during the Seven Years' War. Restoring the cathedrals and palaces took about a quarter of a century.

Maria Theresa ordered the mix of styles to be removed and the Castle brought to a unified appearance. After the First World War, when Czechoslovakia was created, the Castle welcomed its first president, Tomáš Masaryk. After the Velvet Revolution, the palace complex was opened to the general public.

Sights

Prague Castle consists of dozens of buildings constructed over eight consecutive centuries. It includes palaces, a cathedral, a basilica, defensive towers, and gardens. Below are ten spots worth seeing first.

Changing of the guard

© Ben Bender · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ben Bender, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The main entrance begins with wrought-iron gates with a decorative grille. On the pedestals beside them stand figures of battling titans. Guards from the presidential garrison stand watch at the striped sentry boxes. The guard changes every hour, and at noon a ceremonial event takes place with a band and the changing of the banner. You can watch it for free, just arrive at the gates early.

Old royal palace

© Ștefan Jurcă from Munich, Germany · CC BYPhoto: Ștefan Jurcă from Munich, Germany, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Old Royal Palace served as the residence of Czech rulers as far back as the 9th century. The building was rebuilt and expanded many times, so its appearance is not uniform. From the 16th century it housed the treasury, courts, and chancellery. In the 19th century the palace fell into disrepair, and in the 20th century it was opened to visitors.

The palace's main room, Vladislav Hall, is on the first floor. Its fan vault is made up of stone petals and stars. The hall was used for receptions and coronation celebrations, and today the presidential oath is taken here. On the second floor you will see the throne, portraits of nobles, and coats of arms of cities. The catch: until October 1, 2026 the palace is completely closed to visitors (as of 09/2026, official price list).

Basilica of St. George

© Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Basilica of St. George is one of the oldest shrines in the Castle. The first rulers of the Přemyslid dynasty were baptized and buried here. The church was founded in the 10th century, and in the 17th century it received its Baroque appearance. The facade is decorated with massive pilasters, arched windows, and two snow-white towers. The triangular pediment depicts St. George slaying the dragon.

The church consists of three naves and a main apse. Princes Vratislaus and Boleslaus rest in stone sarcophagi. Around one and a half hundred members of the dynasty are buried beneath the shrine. The interior is decorated with arched passageways and paintings on the vaults.

Golden Lane

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

From the Basilica of St. George begins a street with colorful two-story houses. The quarter emerged in the second half of the 16th century during the reconstruction of the Castle. Jewelers, coiners, and bell makers lived here, hence the street's name. Later the houses were occupied by guards. Today souvenir shops and stores operate in the small rooms.

Mihulka Powder Tower

© petr1868 · CC BY-SAPhoto: petr1868, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the northern part of the Castle stands a four-story artillery tower. It got its name Mihulka from its resemblance to a lamprey fish. The tower was built in the 15th century, but it was never used for its intended purpose. For a time it housed a prison, then a laboratory for testing gunpowder. In the 20th century cathedral guards lived in the tower, and today it houses a military history museum.

St. Vitus Cathedral

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St. Vitus Cathedral rises in the center of the Castle and is considered the main church of Czechia. It is an example of Gothic architecture that was built with interruptions for nearly six centuries. In the 10th century Prince Wenceslaus erected a rotunda on the site of a pagan shrine. Later it was rebuilt into a three-nave basilica, which became too small for pilgrims.

The cathedral began to be built under Charles IV in the 14th century. Wars and strife delayed construction for a long time. Architects from different eras added domes, galleries, and stained glass windows, and the cathedral was finally completed only in the first half of the 20th century. The facade is decorated with mosaics, stone lacework, and figures of chimeras. The entrance is formed by three bronze portals.

Inside the cathedral there are twenty-one chapels. They hold royal regalia, icons in gilded frames, statues, and bishops' tombstones. The church is over one hundred meters long, and its width is more than half of that. The walls are painted with frescoes depicting scenes of the Passion of Christ and legends of St. Wenceslaus.

South tower of the cathedral

© Edgar El · CC BYPhoto: Edgar El, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral serves as the architectural focal point of the entire complex. It stands almost one hundred meters tall. Construction was completed in the 18th century. The tower is adorned with vertical Gothic ribs, narrow windows, and a Baroque dome. It features a gilded clock with two dials and a bell. Nearly three hundred steps lead up to the observation deck. In summer the tower is open from 10:00 to 18:00, in winter until 17:00 (as of 09/2026, tower schedule at hrad.cz).

Rosenberg Palace

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Rosenberg Palace stands out noticeably against the other buildings of the Castle. The mansion of the noble Rosenberg family was built in the 16th century. Over the centuries the building was heavily remodeled and connected to the Royal Palace. The three-story house consists of four wings, two of which have arcaded galleries. In the 18th century it housed the Institute of Noble Ladies, where about three dozen students lived. The halls are decorated with frescoes depicting daily life at the institute.

Royal Garden

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Prague Castle is surrounded by green spaces laid out back in the 16th century. Masters from Italy were invited to design them. Grapes, tulips, and exotic plants were grown here, and the gardens served the monarchs as a place of rest. Among the lawns stand small buildings with arches and a terrace with figures of lions and angels. The garden hosted sporting competitions and theatrical performances. In summer the gardens are open until 19:00 or 20:00, and from November to February they are closed (as of 09/2026, garden schedule on the official website). The catch: the gardens are inaccessible during the cold season.

Deer Moat

© Dezidor · CC BYPhoto: Dezidor, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Between the Royal Garden and the fortress walls lies a deep natural depression. It was named the Deer Moat because deer used to graze here. The moat protected the Castle from surprise attacks. When it lost its military significance, it was turned into a nature reserve and a riding area. Today it is a wooded park with clearings, paths, and tall trees. In summer it is cool and quiet here, a place to escape the city bustle.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Opening hours depend on the season, so check them before your trip (as of 09/2026, seasonal schedule of the Castle).

Last entry to the cathedral is at 16:40 in summer and 15:40 in winter (as of 09/2026, opening hours on the official website). The South Tower admits visitors until 17:30 in summer and 16:30 in winter. Entry to the Castle grounds remains free year-round.

Tickets to the historic buildings are paid. There is no single ticket for the entire complex; the price depends on the route you choose (as of 09/2026, prices on the official website). The main route covers the principal halls, while the full route adds the remaining rooms. The current price list has been in effect since March 1, 2024. Tickets are sold at information centers on the grounds, and online sales are available for the main route.

In 2026, part of the Castle is closed for restoration. Until October 1, 2026, the Old Royal Palace is fully closed to visitors (as of 09/2026, list of closures on the Castle website). From September 15 to 18, Vladislav Hall is open only for pre-booked groups. Before your trip, check the list of closed sites, it changes often.

Tickets and tours are best booked in advance: see Prague Castle tours on GetYourGuide.

Where it is and how to get there

Prague Castle stands in the historic Hradčany district on the left bank of the Vltava. You can walk up here from Charles Bridge, the route takes about half an hour (on the map). By tram, the easiest option is to get off at the Pražský hrad stop, about three hundred meters remain to the palace gates (on the map). By metro, take line A to Malostranská station, from the exit to the Castle it is about four hundred meters (on the map).

Several entrances lead to the palaces, but the main one is at the gate with the changing of the guard. If you are heading to the viewpoint, allow time for the climb in advance. The road uphill is long and paved with stone, so wear comfortable shoes.

Prague Castle on the map

The complex covers a large area, so a map helps you plan your route. Mark St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Deer Moat so you don't end up walking in circles.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to Prague Castle cost?

There is no single ticket for the entire complex; the price depends on the route you choose. The current price list has been in effect since March 1, 2024 (as of 09/2026, current ticket prices). Entry to the Castle grounds themselves is free.

What time does Prague Castle open?

The grounds are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM year-round (as of 09/2026, opening hours on the Castle website). The historic buildings open at 9:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM in summer and 4:00 PM in winter. Last entry to the cathedral in summer is at 4:40 PM, and the South Tower admits visitors until 5:30 PM.

What is closed at Prague Castle in 2026?

Until October 1, 2026, the Old Royal Palace is fully closed to visitors (as of 09/2026, official schedule of attractions). From September 15 to 18, Vladislav Hall is open only to pre-booked groups. Other sites are open on their regular schedule, but the list of closures changes frequently.

Is St. Vitus Cathedral open on Sunday?

Yes, but on Sundays the cathedral opens later: from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in summer and until 4:00 PM in winter (as of 09/2026, cathedral schedule on the Castle website). On other days, entry starts at 9:00 AM. Worshipers attending services enter the cathedral without a ticket.

How much time do you need to see the Castle?

Plan for at least half a day. In three hours you can cover St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. If you add the Royal Garden, the South Tower, and the Deer Moat, plan for a full day and arrive at opening time.

In short: what to book

If you have one day: start with St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George's Basilica, finish with Golden Lane. If you're traveling with kids: leave time for the Royal Garden and the Deer Moat, they're spacious. If you want to skip the lines: buy a ticket for the main route in advance and arrive at opening time.

A hotel near the Castle is also worth booking in advance: see hotels in Prague on Trip.com.