Dating back to the 9th century, Prague Castle is a historic castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic that currently serves as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are held inside a locked chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral that unlocks only when all 7 key holders are present, including the President & Prime Minister!
Franz Kafka lived in the shadow of Prague Castle for over a year on Golden Lane. And, Prague Castle became the inspiration for his unfinished novel The Castle. Spread over 750,000 feet, Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Prague Castle is home to 4 churches, 4 palaces, 5 halls, 4 towers, and nearly a dozen gardens.
As mentioned, the best time to visit Prague Castle on a day-to-day basis is when the gates open at 9:00 a.m. But, if you’re not an early riser and still want to avoid the crowds, then the 2nd best time to visit is about one hour before closing. And, generally speaking, the best time to visit Prague Castle throughout the year is spring and early fall. The weather is typically better during these seasons, meaning you can expect mild afternoons and crisp evenings. Summer can bring the heat at times, although Prague generally experiences cooler summers than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, you can expect far more tourists if you plan your Prague Castle day trip for the summertime. Winters can be rather cold, making Prague feel a little sleepier. But, the city looks beautiful while blanketed in snow and you might have a hard time finding a fellow traveller.
There are just a few ways to reach Prague Castle. The easiest way is taking Tram No. 22 to the Pražský Hrad stop. Then, hop off, turn left and it’s just a 5 minute walk to the Courtyard II of Prague Castle. Alternatively, you can take Tram No. 22 to the Pohorelec stop, head down the hill for 10 minutes and enter through Courtyard IV after reaching Hradcany Square. For a more historical experience, you can take the Metro Line A (Green Line) to Malostranská Station, exit and follow the tracks to Tram No. 22 for about 300 feet, and climb the Old Castle Stairs to the Na Opyši Gate. One special way of reaching Prague Castle is available only during the summer. During the summer season, you can take Tram No. 22 to the Královský Letohrádek stop and enter the Royal Garden. After a 15-minute walk through the garden, you will arrive at Prague Castle Riding School. Finally, taxis are an option. However, they represent the most expensive way to reach Prague Castle and taking a taxi opens the door to overpaying for your cab fare.
Prague Castle complex is open for visitors typically from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, but opening hours may vary for specific buildings and exhibits within the complex. It is recommended to check ahead for any changes or updates.
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the castle complex and the cost of entry varies depending on the specific parts of the complex you plan to visit.
While there is no formal dress code for visiting Prague Castle, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully. Furthermore, some areas within the complex may have rules or restrictions on photography, including the use of flash photography. It's important to check for any posted signs and follow the guidance of staff members.