Planning Your Visit to the Castle Grounds

Visiting the castle requires passing through a security check first. Lines can be long during the middle of the day. Try to arrive early in the morning to save time. Most of the outdoor areas are open late into the evening. You do not need a ticket to enter the main gates. Many Prague Castle complex attractions offer free views from the outside. Always carry a valid ID for security purposes. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones are quite uneven.

Top 11 Free Things to See in Prague Castle Grounds

There are many free tourist attractions in Prague, but the castle is the crown jewel. You can spend hours wandering the grounds without spending money. Here are the top items to add to your itinerary.

• Name: Changing of the Guard Type: Experience Why go: Watch the formal ceremony at the main gates every hour. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: First Courtyard (Hradčanské Square). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: The noon ceremony includes a full fanfare and flag exchange.
• Name: St. Vitus Cathedral Nave Type: Sight Why go: You can enter the front section of the cathedral for free. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (front area only). Getting there: Walk from the Second Courtyard. Tip: Look up to see the stunning stained glass from the entrance.
• Name: The Royal Garden Type: Nature Why go: It offers peaceful paths and views of the Deer Moat. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: North side of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Entrance near the Královský letohrádek tram stop. Tip: Check seasonal dates as it usually closes in winter.
• Name: Golden Lane (After Hours) Type: Experience Why go: Enter this famous street for free after the exhibits close. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: East side of the complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (after 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM). Getting there: Walk past St. George's Basilica. Tip: The houses are closed, but the atmosphere is magical.
• Name: The South Gardens Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get the best panoramic views of Prague's red rooftops. Best for: Scenic photos. Where: Southern edge of the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access from the Third Courtyard or Bull Staircase. Tip: Visit at sunset for incredible lighting.
• Name: The First Courtyard Type: Sight Why go: Admire the Matthias Gate and the giant flagpoles. Best for: History buffs. Where: Main entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Hradčanské Square. Tip: This is where the President's office is located.
• Name: St. George’s Square Type: Sight Why go: See the bright red facade of the Basilica from outside. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Behind St. Vitus Cathedral. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path from the Third Courtyard. Tip: Great spot for a quick rest on the stone benches.
• Name: The Stag Moat (Jelení příkop) Type: Nature Why go: A lush green ravine that feels far from the city. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Below the castle walls. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the Royal Garden or U Brusnice street. Tip: Look for the unique pedestrian tunnel designed by Josef Pleskot.
• Name: The Third Courtyard Monolith Type: Sight Why go: See the massive granite pillar dedicated to WWI victims. Best for: Art and history. Where: Near St. Vitus Cathedral. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central area of the castle. Tip: The courtyard floor also features glass panels showing excavations.
• Name: The Garden on the Bastion Type: Nature Why go: A quiet, modern garden near the entrance. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Fourth Courtyard area. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the main security entrance. Tip: It is often less crowded than the Royal Garden.
• Name: View from Hradčanské Square Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the entire city and the castle gates together. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Just outside the main gate. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to Pohořelec and walk down. Tip: Use the public telescope for a closer look at Old Town.

Free Gems Near the Prague Castle Grounds

After exploring the castle, check out other places to visit in Prague nearby. The Wallenstein Garden is just a short walk down the hill. This baroque garden features huge statues and roaming peacocks. You can also wander through Novy Svet, a charming historic neighborhood. It feels like a small village hidden behind the castle walls. These spots are perfect for budget travelers. Visit the official Prague Castle site for the latest garden opening times.