Castles · Tour

A Map, a Briefing in English, and a Warning About September and October

A ticket booked ahead, which takes you past the queue at the castle gate, plus a short briefing before you go in. A representative meets you, explains the layout in English and hands over a map. After that the visit is yours to run: the castle interiors, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica, the Golden Lane, and the stained glass in St Vitus Cathedral, at whatever pace suits you. Prague Castle was at the centre of the Holy Roman Empire and is now the seat of the Czech president and the place where the crown jewels are kept. One thing to plan around, because it catches people out: in September and October, and particularly around Independent Czechoslovak State Day, individual buildings inside the complex can close for ceremonial reasons. The annual crown jewel exhibition and the award ceremony both fall in that window. If your dates are in the autumn, check what is open before you set out. The booking can be cancelled free of charge up to the start of the time slot.