Prague Castle Complex: Courtyards, Cathedral and What's Included
Prague Castle isn't one building but an entire walled complex — here's what a standard ticket actually covers inside it.
Prague Castle is, by Guinness World Records' measure, the largest ancient castle complex in the world — a walled district of courtyards, palaces and churches rather than a single building. Knowing what a ticket covers matters more here than almost anywhere else on this list.
The courtyards are free
Walking through the castle's three courtyards, watching the Changing of the Guard, and reaching St. Vitus Cathedral's exterior all require no ticket at all — a large share of visitors never buy one and still see the complex's most photographed views.
What a ticket adds
The standard paid circuit covers the interior of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane, the narrow street of small historic houses along the castle's northern wall.
St. Vitus Cathedral's two zones
The cathedral's back section — including the nave and the main altar — is viewable free of charge; the ticketed circuit adds the crypt, the tower climb and closer access to the stained glass, including work by Alphonse Mucha.
Getting there without the crowds
Arriving via the Strahov Monastery side and walking down, rather than up from the Charles Bridge side, avoids the steepest and busiest approach and offers the best first view of the cathedral's spires.