Castles · Tour
Founded About 920, Enlarged in 973: the Grounds, Not the Interiors
A small-group walk through the grounds of Prague Castle in the afternoon, without tickets, queues or interiors. That is the trade, stated plainly. Entry tickets and interior visits are not included. What you get instead is the courtyards, the viewpoints, the exterior of St Vitus Cathedral and, in spring and summer, the Royal Gardens, in a fraction of the time the full castle takes. For anyone who does not want to give three or four hours to the inside, this is the shorter way to see the largest ancient castle complex in the world. The thousand years are the spine of it: the tribal beginnings, the medieval fortress, the imperial city, the two wars, the communist decades, the Velvet Revolution and the state that came out of it. The dates are specific where the buildings are. St George's Basilica was founded around 920 by Prince Vratislav I and enlarged in 973 when the Benedictine convent was established. All Saints' Chapel, beside the Old Royal Palace, was consecrated in 1185, and the Romanesque palace that Prince Soběslav built in the 12th century still survives underground. The group meets by Charles Bridge and takes a short tram up to the side gate. Be there 10 minutes early: the guide can only wait five minutes past the start. The tour is in English.
What's included
- Tram ticket - short ride to get up the hill
- Local licenced expert English speaking guide
- Rain poncho - on request at the meeting point
Itinerary
The map could not be loaded. Please try again in a moment.
Mostecká 53/4, Malá Strana
The office is in Malá Strana, at Mostecká 53/4: the tourist information desk inside the Charles Bridge Economic Hostel, 20 metres from the bridge tower. Arrive 10 minutes before the start, because the guide can only wait five minutes past it.
Mala Strana (Little Quarter)
Meeting point: Mostecká 53/4, west side, right by Charles Bridge. From there the group goes up the hill together, with a short tram ride.
Prague Castle
The castle told across a thousand years: the tribal beginnings, the medieval fortress, the imperial city, the world wars, the communist decades, the Velvet Revolution and the democracy that followed. The complex is large enough to swallow an afternoon, so this route sticks to the grounds and exteriors and to what is worth the time. Going in the afternoon keeps the group out of the worst of the crowds. It starts in the Lesser Town, next to Charles Bridge, with a short tram ride up to the side gate.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important church in Prague. Besides the services, the Czech kings and queens were crowned here, and patron saints, sovereigns, nobles and archbishops are buried in it.
Old Royal Palace
The first residence at the castle, largely wooden, went up around the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries, and no one knows exactly where. In the 12th century Prince Soběslav had a stone Romanesque palace built against the new fortification wall, and parts of it survive underground. All Saints' Chapel, on its eastern side, was consecrated in 1185.
St. George's Basilica
St George's Basilica, the second church built at the castle. Only parts of the building founded around 920 by Prince Vratislav I have survived; it was enlarged and rebuilt in 973, when the convent of Benedictine nuns was established.
Zahrady Prazskeho
In season, and at the guide's discretion, the walk may take in the castle gardens.
Hradčany, Prague 1
The tour ends inside the castle complex.
Not included
- Circuit B castle interiors ticket - please note, this is the castle grounds and exteriors tour
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Show 10 moreShow less
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour starts at the Prague Tourist Information Center (Mostecká 53/4), near Charles Bridge—not at Prague Castle.
- This tour focuses on Prague Castle's grounds, courtyards, viewpoints, gardens, and exterior landmarks.
- Entry tickets and interior visits to Prague Castle buildings are not included.
- The tour is designed as a shorter and more relaxed alternative to the full Prague Castle interior circuits.
- During the spring and summer season, the route includes the Royal Gardens (subject to opening hours and special events).
- ❗️To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start. Late arrivals create confusion and it may not be possible to locate the group afterward. *Please note that late arrivals will not be refunded.
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
Loading reviews…
