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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Prague Castle Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | www.hrad.cz |
Czech Republic – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Czech Koruna (CZK) £1 ≈ CZK 29.06 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted, with cards and mobile payment options common even in smaller towns.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the Czech Republic. Rounding up or leaving 10% in restaurants is standard. Tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are also common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is permitted in most areas, though it is restricted in certain zones like public transport stations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and restaurants, with designated outdoor smoking areas available. |
| Independence Day (October) |
Public events and closures occur, especially in Prague. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Markets and holiday closures are common. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Easter markets and traditions attract many tourists. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Liftago, Uber |
| Other: | The Czech Republic is famous for its historical cities, castles, and beer culture. Public transport is efficient and affordable. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Castle buildings have shorter opening hours November to March; grounds and gardens are closed in winter
Changing of the guard takes place daily at noon, with the largest ceremony at the main gate
Don't miss
- ⛪ Explore the Gothic beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral
- 🏘️ Walk the colorful Golden Lane of medieval cottages
- 🛡️ Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at noon
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Prague Castle is one of the largest ancient castles in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has served as the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents, embodying the cultural and political history of the Czech Republic. The complex includes several palaces, churches, gardens and defensive towers that showcase architectural evolution over nine centuries.
The St. Vitus Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the spiritual heart of the castle, housing royal tombs and stunning stained glass. The Golden Lane attracts visitors with its charming narrow streets and historic houses, evoking stories of medieval craftsmen and alchemists.
Exploring the Old Royal Palace and the Lobkowicz Palace museum reveals rich interiors and priceless art collections that highlight Bohemia’s royal heritage. The castle gardens offer beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxing while overlooking Prague’s rooftops.
While visiting, note the castle can get crowded, especially midday and during peak travel seasons, which can affect personal space and photo opportunities. The extensive grounds require comfortable footwear and a few hours to explore fully. Booking tickets online in advance helps avoid long lines.
Why travel to Prague Castle?
🏯Places worth seeing
🎈Events
-
Summer Concerts
-
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Knowledge before you go
- Buy circuit ticket online. Skip lines at entry gates.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist crowds filling courtyards and cathedral queues.
- Watch Changing of the Guard ceremony daily at noon for pomp, tradition and best photo opportunities.
- Climb St. Vitus Cathedral's Great South Tower for 360-degree panoramic views over Prague rooftops and river.
How to travel to Prague Castle
Prague Castle is located in the Hradčany district and is easily reachable by tram and bus from Prague's city center. Visitors arriving by air typically fly into Václav Havel Airport Prague. From there, taxis and public transportation connect efficiently to the castle area. Walking up to the castle from Malostranská metro station offers scenic views along the way.
Access summary
- From Václav Havel Airport (PRG): Airport bus + metro/tram, about 35–50 minutes.
- From Prague Old Town: Tram 22 or 23 uphill to Pražský hrad, roughly 15–25 minutes.
- From Prague main station (Hlavní nádraží): Metro C then A or tram connection, around 20–30 minutes.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Prague Castle
Prague’s Hradčany district and surrounding Mala Strana area host many charming boutique hotels and guesthouses ideal for castle visitors, combined with easy access to Prague’s historic center.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Prague Castle
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Light jacket
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
🧶
Light jumper
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 35% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CZK) is 1% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Prague Castle is generally safe for visitors, with well‑patrolled streets and low crime rates typical of central Europe. Tourists should stay alert in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing, keep valuables secure and follow local advice on transportation routes.
Accessibility
Prague Castle offers mixed accessibility: many historic towers and courtyards are wheelchair‑friendly with ramps, but narrow stone steps and uneven cobblestones remain challenging. Elevators serve the main palace buildings, yet some older chapels lack lifts – plan ahead for mobility needs.
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