Photo Credit: Správa Pražského hradu

Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits beautifully above River Vlata in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world!

Here are seven tips for exploring Prague Castle that can help you avoid the crowds: 

You don’t need to purchase a ticket to explore Prague Castle’s grounds. However, you need a ticket to get into a specific building/exhibit such as Old Royal Palace or Prague Castle Picture Gallery.

To purchase tickets by the front entrance, go to the Prague Castle Information Center located in the second or third courtyard (two separate ticketing locations) or go to the gift shop/ticket center located in the second courtyard. There are also several locations to purchase tickets once you head further into the castle grounds.

Once inside the gates of Prague Castle, don’t get overwhelmed by the long lines at the first Information Center. Walk over to the other locations to purchase your tickets as these lines won’t be nearly as overwhelming!

You have to buy a special license/permit if you want to take pictures of the interiors of certain buildings. (This is not uncommon in Prague.) The cost is 50 CZK, which is approximately $3.00 USD. Flash photography is not permitted and permits are randomly inspected by security - so don’t take photos inside buildings unless you have a permit! 

Purchase your photography permit at the same time as your entrance tickets to avoid having to re-stand in long lines or worse – after being busted by security!

Tickets are good for two days in a row, as is your audio tour if you choose to purchase one. We recommend that you take advantage of this two day pass and spend two mornings exploring the castle as opposed to one long day because by noon, the castle becomes insanely mobbed with over sized tour groups, hindering your views and mood. 

Spending the mornings exploring the interiors of Prague Castle without the crowds will make you feel like a King or Queen for a few hours!

Prague Castle is well known for its majestic and scenic views of Prague.

During peak hours head over to St. Wenceslas vineyard to enjoy Prague’s scenic views without battling the crowds to take a picture!

Another way to enjoy Prague Castle is to go there after dark! Look up to enjoy the stars and then look down to admire Prague lit up! It’s less crowded, more serene, and ultra romantic!

Prague Castle grounds are open until midnight April through October and until 11pm from November to March.

Every day at the entrance of Prague Castle is the changing of the guards, which occurs every hour on the hour. At noon a special flag ceremony goes underway, which includes live music!

We recommend going as early in the morning as possible to avoid large crowds or to get to the noon ceremony extra early to get a good view!

There are a few restaurants and cafes within the grounds of Prague Castle. We had breakfast at one restaurant to the left of St. Vitus’s Cathedral’s entrance twice. They offer pastries, juices, coffees, sweets and a few lunch items.

This is a great way to get some quiet time and drink some coffee while you plan your castle tour!

Photo Credit: Správa Pražského hradu

For more information on Prague Castle, click here!

Download an official map by clicking here!