Prague Castle Tours
Explore the world's largest ancient castle complex with St. Vitus Cathedral, royal palaces, and panoramic Prague views!
Discover Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle complex and the crown jewel of Czech architecture! This UNESCO World Heritage site sprawls across hilltops overlooking the Vltava River, encompassing palaces, churches, gardens, and towers dating back to the 9th century. Marvel at St. Vitus Cathedral's Gothic spires, explore the medieval Golden Lane where alchemists once worked, visit royal chambers where Czech kings ruled, and enjoy breathtaking views over Prague's terracotta rooftops. The castle complex tells 1,100 years of Czech history through Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. From the dramatic changing of the guard ceremony to the stunning stained glass by Alphonse Mucha, every corner reveals treasures. Expert guides bring centuries of royal intrigue, architectural evolution, and Czech heritage alive. Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, photographers, and first-time Prague visitors!
Featured Prague Castle Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for prague castle tours in Prague
Why Choose Prague Castle Tours in Prague?
World's Largest Castle
Explore the Guinness World Record holder for largest ancient castle complex!
Spectacular Architecture
See Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles in one magnificent complex.
Skip Long Lines
Priority access saves hours of waiting at this extremely popular attraction.
Rich History
Discover 1,100 years of Czech royal heritage, architecture, and political significance.
Types of Prague Castle Tours in Prague
Complete Castle Tours
Comprehensive tours covering all major sites - cathedral, palaces, gardens, and Golden Lane.
Private Castle Tours
Personalized experiences with dedicated guides and flexible pacing.
Photography Tours
Capture the castle's beauty with professional photographers guiding compositions.
Historical Deep Dives
In-depth tours for history buffs covering Czech royalty and architectural evolution.
What to Expect on Your Prague Castle Tours
Duration
Tours last 2-4 hours depending on depth and areas covered within the complex.
Major Highlights
Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and castle courtyards.
Historical Insights
Learn about Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and the castle's 1,100-year role.
Panoramic Views
Stunning vistas over Prague's red rooftops and the Vltava River below.
Skip-the-Line Access
Bypass the notorious security and ticket lines that can reach 2+ hours!
Changing of Guard
See the ceremonial guard change at noon with fanfare and traditional uniforms.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
The changing of the guard at noon includes fanfare - arrive 10 minutes early for good viewing.
Visit early morning (9 AM opening) to avoid massive crowds that arrive by 11 AM.
St. Vitus Cathedral is free to enter the front section - only full entry requires tickets.
Golden Lane is tiny and gets packed - visit first thing in morning or late afternoon.
Climb the cathedral tower (287 steps) for the best Prague views - worth the effort!
Skip-the-line tours are essential in summer - regular security lines can be 2+ hours.
The castle complex is massive - wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
Combine with Strahov Monastery nearby for views and beautiful library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How big is Prague Castle?
A: Prague Castle is HUGE - according to Guinness World Records, it's the largest ancient castle complex in the world! It covers 70,000 square meters (750,000 sq ft) - roughly the size of seven football fields! The complex includes palaces, churches, monasteries, gardens, towers, and defensive walls. It's not a single building but an entire fortified area developed over 1,000+ years. You could spend an entire day exploring and still not see everything! The castle stretches 570 meters long and averages 130 meters wide. Most tours focus on main highlights (cathedral, palace, Golden Lane) which takes 2-4 hours. The scale is impressive - bring comfortable shoes!
Q:What is St. Vitus Cathedral?
A: St. Vitus Cathedral is the spectacular Gothic cathedral dominating Prague Castle - the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic! Construction began in 1344 but wasn't completed until 1929 - it took 585 years! The cathedral contains Czech crown jewels (shown only rarely), royal tombs including Charles IV, the stunning Chapel of St. Wenceslas covered in semi-precious stones, beautiful stained glass windows including Art Nouveau work by Alphonse Mucha, and the Great South Tower offering panoramic views. The Gothic architecture is breathtaking - soaring vaults, flying buttresses, and intricate details. It's the coronation and burial site of Czech kings. Absolutely magnificent!
Q:What is Golden Lane?
A: Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) is a picturesque street of tiny colorful houses built into the castle walls in the 16th century! Originally, castle guards lived here. Later, goldsmiths worked here (hence "Golden"). By the 19th-20th centuries, it became slum housing for poor artisans. Franz Kafka lived at #22 briefly! Today the houses are museums showing different historical periods - medieval armory, alchemist workshop, period rooms. They're incredibly small - like dollhouses! The lane is charming and photogenic but gets extremely crowded. It's included in castle ticket Circuit B/C. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour group crushes. Very touristy but undeniably cute!
Q:How much does Prague Castle cost?
A: Castle grounds are FREE to enter! However, visiting buildings requires tickets. Circuit B (most popular) costs 250 CZK (~$11) including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and St. George's Basilica. Circuit A adds more sites (350 CZK). Individual site tickets are available. The cathedral's entry section is free - only deeper access requires tickets. Guided tours cost €35-60 including skip-the-line and expert commentary - excellent value considering 2+ hour waits for regular tickets in summer! Tower climb is separate 150 CZK. Gardens are free. Children under 6 are free, students get discounts. The Prague Card includes castle entry plus other attractions.
Q:How do I get to Prague Castle?
A: Prague Castle sits on a hill west of the Vltava River. Main access options: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad stop (most convenient - right at castle gates), walk across Charles Bridge and climb up (scenic but steep - 20-30 minutes uphill!), or walk up Nerudova Street from Lesser Town (also steep!). Tram 22 runs frequently from city center. Metro A to Malostranská station then tram or steep walk. Some tours include transportation. The climb rewards with views but isn't easy - tram is smart! Once at the top, the complex is relatively flat. Going down after touring is much easier - lovely walk through Lesser Town. Allow 30-40 minutes for walking access.
Q:When is the best time to visit Prague Castle?
A: Early morning (9 AM opening, April-October) offers smallest crowds and best photo lighting on the cathedral. Late afternoon (after 4 PM) sees tour groups departing - quieter but limited time before 5-6 PM closing. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. Winter (November-March) has far fewer tourists but shorter days and colder weather. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather with moderate crowds. Avoid summer midday (11 AM-2 PM) when tour groups peak. The changing of guard at noon is worth seeing but creates crowds. Check current seasonal hours before planning!
Q:Is Prague Castle worth visiting?
A: Absolutely YES! Prague Castle is Prague's #1 must-see attraction - it defines the city's skyline and contains essential historical and architectural treasures. St. Vitus Cathedral alone is worth the visit - one of Europe's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. The views over Prague are spectacular! The complex tells Czech history from medieval times to present. Yes, it's very touristy and crowded, but there's a reason - it's genuinely extraordinary! Skip-the-line tours manage crowds better. The scale, beauty, and significance make it essential for any Prague visit. Even people who complain about crowds admit it's magnificent. Don't skip it - just plan smartly with early visits or guided tours!
Why Visit Prague?
Magnificent Prague Castle and royal heritage
Iconic Charles Bridge and medieval architecture
Charming Old Town with historic squares
Excellent Czech beer and traditional cuisine
Beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture
Perfect blend of history and Bohemian culture
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Prague enjoys a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are warm (70-80°F/21-27°C), winters are cold (25-40°F/-4-4°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.
Best Months
April to May and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.
Peak Season
June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
November to March offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and shorter days.
Other Popular Tours in Prague
Plan Your Prague Trip
Transportation Tips
Excellent public transportation with metro, trams, and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact historic center, and taxis are readily available.
Car Rental Deals in Prague
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Prague adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Prague
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.