🏰 Tickets to Prague Castle and central Prague: opening hours and route

Prague is called the city of a hundred spires, and that is not just a pretty metaphor. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two days is enough to see the main monuments, but many people come here for a week.

We put together a route through Prague's historic sights: what to see, how much tickets cost, and how to get to each spot.

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Why Prague?

💡 In short:

Prague's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the main monuments are compact and connected by walking routes.
The Prague Castle ticket for the main route includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane (as of 09/2026, Prague Castle price list).

Prague's panorama of hills and tiled roofs draws millions of tourists from Europe and America. In summer, Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are packed by ten in the morning. Come at opening time and you will see the city without the crowds.

Today, Prague's historic center has become one of the most visited in the region. Below, we break down which ancient monuments are worth adding to your route.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, serves as the national symbol of the Czech Republic. For over a thousand years it was the residence of Czech princes, kings, and later presidents of the republic. Under Charles IV, it housed the court of the Holy Roman Emperor, and the tower roofs were covered with gold plates. That is where the name "Golden Prague" comes from.

A ticket for the main route costs 450 crowns and includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane (as of 09/2026, current prices). In summer, the complex is open from 9:00 to 17:00; in winter, from 9:00 to 16:00. If you do not want to wait in line at the ticket office, get Prague Castle tickets in advance.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert Cathedral serves as the country's spiritual symbol. Czech kings and archbishops are buried here. The cathedral became one of Europe's major long-term construction projects: work began in 1344 and was completed only in 1929. In summer the cathedral welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 17:00, in winter from 9:00 to 16:00, and entry is covered by the single Prague Castle ticket (as of 09/2026, cathedral official website).

Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace became the second most popular site inside the castle. For centuries it served as the residence of princes and kings. The main hall, Vladislav Hall, is named after King Vladislaus II Jagiellon. Its vaults are shaped like lilies, and its size allowed riders to ascend the staircase on horseback.

Gothic vaults of Vladislav Hall in Prague Castle

Vladislav Hall is considered the largest ceremonial space in Europe. Banquets, receptions and even knightly tournaments were held here.

St. George's Basilica

The second oldest church in Prague is built in the rare Romanesque style. It houses the remains of the first Czech martyr, Princess Ludmila. On both sides stand white towers with names: the wide one is called Adam, and the narrow one, tilted to the side, Eve.

Basilica of St. George on George Square in Prague

Picture Gallery

The Prague Castle picture collection was once among the richest in Europe. It was founded by Emperor Rudolf II, and during his lifetime the gallery numbered several thousand paintings. Centuries and vandals destroyed much of it, but the collection is gradually being restored. Today you will see Titian, Rubens, Cranach and Brandl here.

The general castle ticket is not enough for the gallery; you need a separate one. Check the exact price at the ticket office or on the official website.

Golden Lane

Golden Lane is compared either to an ethnographic museum or to a doll town. It consists of tiny two-story houses that now sell souvenirs or show Czech life from different eras.

Good to know: in the evening, when the houses close, you can walk along the lane without a ticket. If you already have a ticket, Golden Lane is included in the general route.

What else to see in Prague Castle?

If the weather allows, stop by the royal gardens, where the Renaissance-era Singing Fountain operates.

Another unusual place is Daliborka. This is a medieval prison tower near Golden Lane, with a museum of torture instruments inside.

The list of palaces is not limited to the royal one. You will also be interested in the Rosenberg Palace, the New Royal Palace and the only privately owned Lobkowicz Palace.

Old Town Square

The image of Old Town Square has been taking shape since the 12th century, so the buildings framing it present an open-air museum of eras. The Town Hall tells of Gothic, the Church of St. Nicholas of Baroque, and the Kinský Palace of rare Rococo. Take a look at each in turn.

Town Hall

The Old Town Hall was first mentioned in 1338 (according to the Prague tourist portal). The magistrate kept adding to it, and the result was an entire town hall complex. The Gothic towers and the clock look cohesive, despite belonging to different eras.

Admission is paid, and the ticket includes access to the observation tower. The tower offers the best view of the square, so get your ticket in the morning. Look for separate tickets for the town hall tower in the Tiqets catalog.

Orloj

The main decoration of the town hall, the Prague astronomical clock, or Orloj. It is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. Come at the top of the hour and take a spot in front of the tower in advance.

Prague astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall tower

The dial shows Old Czech, Babylonian, Central European, and sidereal time, as well as sunrise and sunset. Figures move along the sides, including Death itself. Every hour the apostles appear in two small windows, and that is the main show on the square.

Church of St. Nicholas

The Baroque church appeared on the square in the 18th century. Czechs love to tell a legend about a fresco inside. The decorator noticed a monk peeking at his work and, as punishment, painted his figure hiding behind a column.

The ceiling painting has survived to this day and is clearly visible from the central nave. You can see the fresco for a small ticket fee; check the price at the entrance.

Church of Our Lady before Týn

The main basilica of the square took more than a century to build. Many urban legends are connected with the church. One of them explains why the golden chalice was removed from the main statue in the 17th century. Supposedly storks built a nest in the chalice. A frog from that nest fell on a nobleman's head, and the chalice was taken down. The reality is more mundane: the chalice with the inscription "Truth prevails" was removed by the Jesuits as a symbol of the Reformation.

Old Town of Prague above the Vltava at sunset

The astronomer Tycho Brahe is buried in the church. The gravestones are cracked for a reason: according to an old belief, stepping on a slab relieved toothache. Admission is nominally free, and it is customary to leave a donation. Open visiting is available only a few hours a day; check the schedule at the entrance.

What else to see on Old Town Square?

Next to the Church of Our Lady before Týn stands the statue of Jan Hus, a national hero and religious reformer. Behind the square, Týn, also known as Ungelt, has been preserved: the inner courtyard of the old merchant quarter.

The House at the Minute, also known as the House at the White Lion, attracts attention not only for its Baroque architecture. The writer Franz Kafka spent several years here.

The Kinský Palace deserves special attention; part of the National Gallery Prague's collection is now housed there.

Vyšehrad: the fortress and its legends

From the other bank of the Vltava, Vyšehrad looks across at Prague Castle, its rival for the title of cradle of Czech statehood. According to legend, it was here that Princess Libuše predicted world fame for the future Prague.

Vysehrad rock with the basilica above the Vltava

The fortress probably appeared as early as the 10th century and became the site of the city's oldest landmarks. Many have survived only as ruins, but some still please the eye today.

Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul

According to legend, the basilica was founded in the 11th century, modeled on the Roman church of Saints Peter and Paul. Over its long history, the Czech church was rebuilt several times, so it is hard to judge the original design.

Interior of a Gothic basilica with an altar and pews

Entry to the church is paid. Opening hours change from day to day; you can check them on the Prague tourist office website.

Gorlice and the casemates

Vyšehrad was not built to please the eye but as a fortified settlement, and its fortifications were constantly improved. From the 17th century, casemates were built here, stretching for hundreds of meters. The most famous section, Gorlice, is a spacious hall where statues from Charles Bridge are kept.

Vaulted Gorlice hall with statues in the casemates

The casemates are open during the day; check the ticket price on site.

What else to see in Vyšehrad?

Vyšehrad is also home to the ancient Rotunda of St. Martin and landscaped gardens. The Vyšehrad Cemetery and Slavín, the resting places of the most famous and revered Czechs, deserve special attention. Stop by to see who the country considers its heroes.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a free exception in the center of Prague. It is the city's oldest surviving bridge and its calling card. Emperor Charles IV laid the foundation stone on July 9, 1357, at 5:31 a.m., and the bridge itself is decorated with 30 statues (according to the Prague tourist portal).

The pedantic precision of the date is linked to a numerical pyramid, with nine at its peak. Each statue holds its own story, and you can read about it on the same tourist portal. Come early in the morning: by midday it is already packed.

Dancing House

Prague is not only about old buildings. Among this company of veterans there is also a modern youngster that tourists flock to. That is the Dancing House on the Vltava embankment.

Panorama of Prague with the river and a bridge

The Dancing House was built at the end of the 20th century as a monument to deconstructivism. Its two cylindrical parts symbolize male and female figures, the latter with a slim waist and a flowing skirt. The result is a dancing couple, perhaps the most recognizable one in Czechia.

You can only get inside to the offices and the restaurant's observation deck, so the house is more often photographed from outside. Come in the evening, when the lighting is switched on.

Planning: tickets and timing

Two days are enough for the historic center. Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge are within a half-hour walk of each other. In high season, buy tickets online, otherwise you will lose an hour in line.

A Prague Castle ticket is cheaper to buy on the official website, while excursions and guided tours are easier to browse through GetYourGuide collections. That way you won't waste time looking for a guide on the spot.

Tours and tickets in Prague

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Prague's historic center?

Two days are enough to cover Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Vyšehrad. If you want to visit museums and observation decks without rushing, plan for three days. The main sights are within a half-hour walk, so you will hardly need the metro.

How much does a Prague Castle ticket cost?

The main route costs 450 CZK (as of 09/2026, official website). The ticket covers St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. The picture gallery and the cathedral tower require a separate fee. Ask about discounts for children and students at the ticket office.

When is the best time to watch the astronomical clock show on Old Town Square?

The astronomical clock strikes every hour, so timing it is easy. The best spot is right in front of the tower, but people take it in advance, ten to fifteen minutes before the hour. The biggest crowd gathers in the evening, while in the morning you can watch the clock with almost no jostling.

What can you see in Prague for free?

Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the courtyards of Prague Castle are open without a ticket. You can walk around Vyšehrad and its gardens for free. In the evening, when the little houses close, you can freely walk along Golden Lane. For comparison, entry to St. Vitus Cathedral is already included in the paid castle ticket.

How do you get from Václav Havel Airport to the center?

From the airport, the most convenient option is to take a bus to a metro station, then continue on the line to the center. A taxi or a pre-booked transfer costs more, but it will take you right to your hotel. The trip takes about an hour depending on traffic.

In short: what to book

If you are in Prague for the first time, start with Prague Castle and Old Town Square, and leave Vyšehrad and the Dancing House for the second day. That way you will cover all the main sights without rushing.

If you are short on time: Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge.
If you love views: climb the Old Town Hall tower and visit the Vyšehrad viewpoints.
If you are traveling with children: Golden Lane and Daliborka, because they are short routes with hands-on exhibits.

It is better to book a night in the center in advance, so you do not overpay in high season. Hotels in Prague on Trip.com will show you options near the historic center.

Prague: how much it costs to enter historical monuments and how to see them in two days