Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage complex of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings in Prague, with a history that reaches back to around 880. This guide covers Prague Castle tickets, recurring opening hours and the Castle’s recommended approach by tram, so you can plan a city visit from Aladin Praha.
- What it is: a historic complex most likely founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty.
- Complex hours: daily, 6:00–22:00.
- Visitor buildings: generally open 9:00–17:00 from April through October and 9:00–16:00 from November through March.
- Recommended approach: tram 22 to Pražský hrad, followed by about a 5-minute walk to the Second Courtyard.
What the Prague Castle complex includes
Prague Castle brings together palaces and ecclesiastical buildings in a historic complex overlooking the city. The Castle says it was most likely founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty.
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the complex’s central landmarks. The Old Royal Palace also holds The Story of Prague Castle, a permanent exhibition on the Gothic floor that presents more than a thousand years of Castle history.
Give your visit a little structure: check the opening hours for the buildings you want to enter, then use the Castle’s route guidance to choose an approach. If you’re planning a broader day in the city, see this Prague in a day route for ideas on combining the Castle with the historic centre.
Tickets and visitor circuits
Ticket details depend on what you want to visit, so check the current official information before choosing a circuit. The available facts do not specify ticket prices or the full current list of circuit inclusions.
The permanent exhibition The Story of Prague Castle is located in the Old Royal Palace. If it’s on your list, check its admission details alongside the other buildings you plan to enter. For a broader look at the city’s sights, you can also read this guide to Petřín Tower and the hilltop visit.
The complex’s grounds and its visitor buildings have different opening schedules. A ticket for a building visit is not a reason to assume every part of the complex follows the same hours, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours and seasonal differences
Prague Castle’s complex is open daily from 6:00 to 22:00, while its historical visitor buildings and St. Vitus Cathedral have seasonal hours.
From April 1 through October 31, the listed historical visitor buildings are open from 9:00 to 17:00. St. Vitus Cathedral follows those hours Monday through Saturday; on Sunday it opens at 12:00 and closes at 17:00. Last entry is at 16:40.
From November 1 through March 31, the visitor buildings are open from 9:00 to 16:00. St. Vitus Cathedral opens at 9:00 Monday through Saturday and at 12:00 on Sunday, then closes at 16:00. Last entry is at 15:40.
The Royal Garden, Stag Moat and South Gardens have their own seasonal schedule: 10:00–19:00 from April through June, 10:00–20:00 in July and August, 10:00–19:00 in September, and 10:00–17:00 in October.
The Garden on the Bastion is listed as open from 6:00 to 22:00. The Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral is listed as open from 10:00 to 18:00 during the summer tourist season, with last entry at 17:30.
These schedules can help you decide what to see first, but hours and access can change. Check the official site before you go.
How do you get to Prague Castle?
Tram 22 to Pražský hrad is the Castle’s recommended approach, with about a 5-minute walk from the stop to the Second Courtyard.
The Castle also identifies Královský letohrádek, Pražský hrad and Pohořelec as tram stops near the complex, and Malostranská and Hradčanská as nearby metro stations. From Pohořelec, tram 22 lets you take a suggested downhill walk to Hradčany Square in about 10 minutes, entering through the Fourth Courtyard.
In the summer season, another route starts at Královský letohrádek. The walk through the Royal Garden to the Prague Castle Riding School takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
For the journey from the hotel, use the Castle’s access points to plan your connection; the available details don’t specify a route or travel time from Aladin Praha. If you need a refresher on fares and how the city network works, read this Prague public transport guide.
Access, security and visit planning
Plan for a possible security search at Prague Castle, and avoid bringing large baggage into the Castle area.
Buildings open to the public have barrier-free access, with exceptions including the White Tower, Daliborka Tower, Powder Tower, Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and the Defence Corridors near Daliborka Tower on Golden Lane. Check access details for the specific places you intend to visit.
To keep your day straightforward, decide which buildings and gardens matter most, then check their separate opening times and access notes before setting out. You can also use the Castle’s recommended tram stop or choose the downhill approach from Pohořelec if that route suits your plans.
FAQs
Is Prague Castle open every day?
The complex is listed as open daily, while visitor buildings have separate seasonal hours.
What are the opening hours for St. Vitus Cathedral?
Its schedule changes by season and day of the week, with Sunday opening later than the rest of the week.
Which tram stop is best for Prague Castle?
The Castle recommends the Pražský hrad stop for its approach to the Second Courtyard.
Can visitors bring large bags into the Castle area?
The Castle asks visitors not to bring large baggage into the area, and says a security search may be required.