OPENING HOURS OF PRAGUE CASTLE
Planning a visit to Prague Castle requires taking into account that the outdoor areas and historic buildings follow different opening hours. The courtyards and open-air areas of the complex are generally accessible every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the interiors that require a ticket have more limited opening hours.
During the summer season, approximately from 1 April to 31 October, the main historic buildings are normally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the winter period, from 1 November to 31 March, closing time is generally brought forward to 4:00 p.m.
There is no fixed weekly closing day, but some areas may be temporarily inaccessible due to official ceremonies, religious celebrations, maintenance work or particular weather conditions. During the Christmas period, special opening hours or exceptional closures may also apply.
For a quieter visit, the least crowded months are generally January, February and November, while July and August are the busiest period. Even during the high season, arriving in the early hours of the day helps avoid most of the queues.
Opening and Closing Time
09:00 - 14:00 (Prague Castle Complex)
14:00 (Prague Castle Complex)
09:00 - 17:00 (Historical Buildings)
17:00 (Historical Buildings)
Opening Hours Table Prague Castle Complex
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
Monday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Wednesday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Thursday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Friday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Saturday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Sunday | 09:00 – 14:00 |
Opening Hours Table Historical Buildings
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Closing Day
Closed on December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Last Entry Time
30 Minutes Before Closing
When to Visit Prague Castle
The best time to visit Prague Castle is early in the morning, when the courtyards are still quiet and there are fewer organised tour groups. The outdoor areas open as early as 6:00 a.m., so you can walk around the complex and take photographs before the historic buildings open.
If you also want to visit the interiors, try to choose one of the earliest available time slots. Entering early allows you to explore places such as the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane more peacefully, avoiding the busiest hours of the day.
For St Vitus Cathedral, it is particularly important to check the opening hours for the day you choose, especially on Sundays, when tourist visits may begin later because of religious services.
The season also has a significant impact on the experience. Late spring and early autumn offer a good balance between pleasant weather and visitor numbers. In July and August, on the other hand, the complex is generally more crowded, so it is best to start your visit as early as possible.
Late afternoon can be pleasant for walking through the outdoor areas, but it is less suitable for starting a visit to the buildings. Last admission takes place before closing time, so it is preferable to dedicate the first part of the day to the interiors and leave the courtyards, gardens and panoramic viewpoints for later.
Visitor Traffic Year Round
Months | Visitor Traffic Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
January | Lower | Cold days, easier castle walk |
February | Lower | Often calm, plan for cooler Quiet weeks, lighter queues |
March | Medium | Spring demand starts building |
April | High | Holiday crowds lift demand |
May | High | Mild weather, very popular |
June | High | Long days bring more visitors |
July | High | Peak season, busy all day |
August | High | Heavy demand, book ahead |
September | High | Strong return after summer |
October | Medium | Pleasant weather, steady demand |
November | Medium | Fewer tourists, calmer visit |
December | Medium | Holidays raise visitor numbers |
FAQ
Are Prague Castle grounds open even if I do not buy a ticket?
Yes. Access to the Prague Castle complex and its courtyards is free, and the grounds are generally open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A ticket is required to enter the main historic buildings and other paid visitor areas.
Do the historical buildings close earlier in winter?
Yes. During the summer season, from 1 April to 31 October, the main historic buildings are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From 1 November to 31 March, they usually close at 4:00 p.m
What is the latest time I can enter St Vitus Cathedral as a visitor?
During the summer season, the last entrance to St Vitus Cathedral is generally at 4:40 p.m., while in winter it is at 3:40 p.m. Opening hours may vary on certain days because of religious services or special events.
Are there special closures or reduced hours on specific dates during the year?
Yes. Some areas of Prague Castle, including St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the gardens, may occasionally close or operate with reduced hours because of official events, religious ceremonies, exhibitions or operational requirements. It is advisable to check for updated restrictions before your visit.
Is Prague Castle closed on any major holidays?
Prague Castle does not follow a fixed closure schedule for every major holiday, but special opening hours or complete closures may apply on certain dates, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period. It is therefore best to check the official opening hours before visiting on a public holiday.