View of Prague castle and Charles Bridge; Shutterstock ID 83097769; Your name (First / Last): Gemma Graham; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: POI imagery for LP.com

Shutterstock / Boris Stroujko

Prague Castle

Top choice in Prague


Prague’s most popular attraction. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers and palaces dominate the city centre like a fairy-tale fortress. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries that are home to some of Czechia's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. Note that visitors must pass through a security check before entering the grounds, so bring your passport or EU identification card.

According to Guinness World Records, it’s the world's largest ancient castle complex: 570m long, an average of 128m wide and covering a total area bigger than seven football fields.

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs, as well as the official residence of the head of state. Its history began in the 9th century, when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions – there have been four major reconstructions, from that of Prince Soběslav in the 12th century to a classical facelift under Empress Maria Theresa (r 1740–80) – creating an eclectic mixture of architectural styles.

There are three main kinds of tickets (A, B, C; each valid for two days), which allow entry to different combinations of sights. Most visitors will be satisfied with the reduced-price option B, which includes the major highlights. You can buy tickets and hire English-language audio guides (350Kč) at either of two information centres in the Second and Third Courtyards, or from ticket offices at the entrances to all the main sights.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Prague attractions

1. Story of Prague Castle

0.02 MILES

Housed in the Gothic vaults beneath the Old Royal Palace, this huge and impressive collection of artefacts ranks alongside the Lobkowicz Palace as one of…

2. Basilica of St George

0.03 MILES

The striking, brick-red, early baroque facade that dominates St George Square conceals the Czech Republic’s best-preserved Romanesque church, established…

3. Old Royal Palace

0.05 MILES

The Old Royal Palace is one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, dating from 1135. It was originally used only by Czech princesses, but from the 13th to…

4. St Vitus Cathedral

0.05 MILES

Built over a time span of almost 600 years, St Vitus is one of the most richly endowed cathedrals in central Europe. It is pivotal to the religious and…

5. Powder Tower

0.06 MILES

A passage to the north of St Vitus Cathedral leads to the Powder Tower, also called Mihulka, which was built in the 15th century as part of the castle’s…

7. South Gardens

0.07 MILES

This terrace garden offers superb views across the rooftops of Malá Strana and permits a peek into the back garden of the British embassy. There are…

8. St George Slaying the Dragon

0.08 MILES

Standing in Prague Castle's third courtyard is a copy of a 14th-century bronze figure of St George slaying the dragon; the original is on display in the…