Step into the heart of Czech history and explore the magnificent interiors of Prague Castle with a knowledgeable local guide.
For more than a thousand years, Prague Castle has stood at the centre of Czech history. Kings, emperors, presidents and religious leaders have all left their mark here, and today the castle remains one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. On this guided tour, you’ll discover its most important historic buildings, hear the fascinating stories behind them and see some of the most remarkable interiors in the castle complex.
Your tour begins with a convenient entry to the castle. Skip the ticket-purchase line and use the short security line before heading inside with your guide.
Start your visit in St. Vitus Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Prague Castle and one of the city’s most impressive Gothic landmarks. Admire its soaring architecture, colourful stained-glass windows and richly decorated chapels, and hear stories about the kings, saints and important figures connected with the cathedral. You’ll also have the chance to see the tombs and chapels that make this one of the most fascinating places in the entire castle complex.
Continue to the Old Royal Palace, once the seat of Bohemian kings and the scene of important royal events. Step into the magnificent Vladislav Hall, a spectacular late-Gothic space that hosted coronation celebrations, banquets, knights’ tournaments and other major events. Your guide will also bring the palace’s dramatic history to life, including the famous Defenestration of Prague, when two royal governors and a scribe were thrown from a window in 1618, helping to spark the Thirty Years’ War.
Next, visit the peaceful St. George’s Basilica, one of the oldest surviving churches at Prague Castle. Its Romanesque architecture creates a striking contrast with the grandeur of the cathedral, while its historic interior and centuries-old atmosphere offer a glimpse into Prague’s medieval past.
Finally, wander through the charming Golden Lane, a narrow street lined with tiny historic houses. Originally home to castle guards and later associated with goldsmiths, the colourful cottages give a fascinating insight into everyday life at Prague Castle. The lane has also been connected with famous figures including Franz Kafka, who lived in House No. 22 during the First World War.
Throughout the tour, your local guide will connect the buildings, artworks and historic events into one story, making it easier to understand how Prague Castle evolved over more than a thousand years.
Whether you are visiting Prague for the first time or want to discover more than the castle’s exterior, this tour is an easy and engaging way to experience the highlights of Prague Castle from the inside – without having to navigate the vast complex on your own.Visiting Prague Castle is like walking into a fairy tale. See the highlights of the castle complex including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
The Castle contains an overwhelming amount of history and art, but thanks to your local expert guide, you'll navigate the castle grounds with ease.
Meet your guide in front of the Malostranská metro station near the Mánes Bridge. From there, take the tram up to Prague Castle. Once inside, your guide will give you headphones so that you can easily hear their commentary throughout the tour. Marvel at St. Vitus’ Gothic architecture. Spot the gargoyles that adorn the exterior of the church. Be dazzled by the Art-Nouveau stained glass window made by Czech artist Alfons Mucha. Admire the 14th-century mosaic of the last judgment.
See the tombs of St. Wenceslas and Charles IV, the baroque tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. Next, enter the Old Royal Palace. Stand under the massive vaulted ceiling of the Vladislav Hall.
Enter the chamber where the Defenestration of Prague occurred. Here the Czech Protestant aristocrats threw the Catholic governors of the Habsburg emperor and their secretary out the window, starting the Thirty Years War. Visit the Basilica of St. George. The stone walls and design of the basilica offer a counterpoint to the grandiosity of the castle. See the fragments of 12th-century frescoes and then walk up the double staircase where the remains of St. Ludmila lie. Walk along the Golden Lane. The cottages in this alley were originally built for the castle’s sharpshooters, but later housed goldsmiths. In later centuries artists like Franz Kafka lived there.
Examine the reconstructed workshops and homes of the Golden alley. See how the working people of Prague lived in the shadow of the castle.