Prague Castle Grounds & Exteriors ️small-group with PragueWay

Prague , Czech Republic

Prague Castle Grounds & Exteriors ️small-group with PragueWay

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(72 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This is Prague Castle in the most time efficient way!

Meet your local friendly guide and hear the story that spans over thousand years. From the tribal foundations and medieval fortification, through the age of imperial city, world wars and communism dark age, all the way to the so-called Velvet revolution and today’s governmental democracy. This walk aims to provide you with a historical context and a tailor-made source of information.

The route includes such high-profile sights as the Saint Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace and more, features famous figures like Charles IV., Vaclav Havel, Rudolf II., Franz Kafka and others.

Navigate the expansive castle complex efficiently with our „best of“ tour, focusing on the castle GROUNDS & EXTERIORS. This ensures you make the most of your time without dedicating 3-4 hours to explore the entire castle.

*Our afternoon start time allows us to sidestep the largest crowds and avoid frustrating lines at the entrance.

Available options

The Castle Highlights

Prague Castle exteriors only: Circuit B tickets are not included in this price option

What's included

Local licenced expert guide

Tram ticket - short ride to get up the hill

Rain poncho - on request at the meeting point

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

ON THIS TOUR: Meet your local expert guide and hear the story that spans over one thousand years. From the tribal foundations and medieval fortification, through the age of imperial city, world wars and communism dark age, all the way to the so-called Velvet revolution and today’s governmental democracy. This walk aims to provide you with a historical context and a tailor-made source of information.

The castle complex is so large it is easy to lose a precious time here - therefore, this tour was designed to show you “the best of”, we walk through the castle GROUNDS & EXTERIORS. Thanks to the afternoon time of our visit, we avoid the bigger crowds.

Our tour is perfect in case you do not want to / do not have time to dedicate 3-4 hours to explore the castle, but still want to visit, learn and spend a quality time here.

We start in the Lesser Town district, right next to the iconic Charles Bridge. We take a short tram ride to get to the side gate of the castle.

Stop 2

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services, coronations of Czech kings and queens also took place here. The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. Here we even visit the entrance hall interior of the cathedral. (apart from special closed days)

Stop 3

The original residence building, mostly wooden, was built at Prague Castle already at the turn of the 9th and 10th century. Its exact location is not documented. It was prince Soběslav in the 12th century who had a stone Romanesque palace built right next to a new fortification wall. Remains of it have been preserved in the underground till the present times. The palace was adjoined on its eastern side by All Saints' Chapel, which was consecrated in 1185.

Stop 4

The Golden Lane originated after the construction of a new northern wall of the Castle. The area of the northern bailey was used for the building of modest dwellings, which are now the last remainder of the small-scale architecture of Prague Castle. Based on the seasonal hours, we’ll get just outside the street and tell you about its importance, or even walk through.

Stop 5

St. George's Basilica originated as the second church at Prague Castle. Only parts of the building, founded about 920 by Prince Vratislav I have been preserved. When the convent of Benedictine nuns was founded in 973, the church was enlarged and reconstructed.

As a seasonal bonus and as per the guide’s decision, we might add a walk through the Castle gardens.

What's not included

Circuit B castle interiors ticket - please note, this is the castle grounds and exteriors tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

72 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

To enter the castle grounds, there is no entrance fee. We will pass through the security gate.

This is a guided tour inside the castle grounds and only covers exteriors. You are able to see the exterior of buildings and the palace grounds. For the entrance to the buildings, you can purchase OPTIONAL circuit B tickets and spend another 1-3 hours in the Castle after we finish this tour. Our tour is designed to provide you with the orientation and historical overview.

When not closed due to special occasions, you WILL enter the cathedral and be able to see its interior from the entrance hall area.

Circuit B tickets needed to visit selected interiors are possible to purchase inside the castle.

For parents with babies and little kids: please use a carrier rather than a stroller.

❗️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.

Meeting point

We are located in Mala Strana historical district of Prague. The address is Mostecka 53/4. You will find us in the Charles Bridge Economic Hostel’s Tourist info office just 20 meters from bridge tower. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start, as the guide can only wait five extra minutes. (!)

About Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city of stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known for its well-preserved Old Town, Prague Castle, and the iconic Charles Bridge, it offers a blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers stunning views of the city and houses several historical buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Moderate (15 EUR for adults, discounts available)

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague. Built in the 14th century, it is lined with statues of saints and offers beautiful views of the Vltava River and Prague's skyline.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Old Town Square

Old Town Square is the heart of Prague's historic center and home to the famous Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. It's a vibrant hub of activity with markets, events, and street performances.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Petřín Hill and Lookout Tower

Petřín Hill is a beautiful park offering panoramic views of Prague. The Petřín Lookout Tower, often referred to as 'Prague's Eiffel Tower,' is a miniature version of the famous Parisian landmark and provides stunning views from its observation deck.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate (10 EUR for tower entry, discounts available)

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

The Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, is a historic area with a rich cultural heritage. It includes several synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, which provide insight into the history of Prague's Jewish community.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate (15 EUR for combined museum entry, discounts available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Svíčková

A traditional Czech dish consisting of marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings and whipped cream.

Main Course Contains beef, dairy, and gluten.

Guláš

A rich and flavorful Czech goulash made with beef, onions, and paprika, typically served with bread dumplings or potatoes.

Main Course Contains beef, onions, and gluten (if served with dumplings).

Trdelník

A sweet pastry made from rolled dough wrapped around a stick, grilled, and coated with sugar and cinnamon. Often filled with ice cream or whipped cream.

Dessert Contains wheat, sugar, and may contain dairy.

Pilsner Urquell

A world-famous Czech pilsner beer, known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It's brewed using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

Drink Contains barley and hops.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park Rafting on the Vltava River Cycling tours Spa treatments in Karlovy Vary Boat tours on the Vltava River Picnics in Letná Park Visiting museums and galleries Attending classical music performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The weather is pleasant, and all tourist attractions are open. It's the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Czech
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Prague is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Václav Havel Airport Prague • 10 km from city center

By train

Prague Main Station, Holešovice Station

By bus

Florenc Central Bus Station, Černý Most Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are the most iconic and efficient way to get around Prague. The network covers most of the city and is well-connected to metro and bus lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Staré Město) Malá Strana Vinohrady Žižkov New Town (Nové Město)

Day trips

Kutná Hora

70 km from Prague • Half day to full day

Kutná Hora is a historic town known for its stunning architecture, including the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and St. Barbara's Cathedral. It offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Karlštejn Castle

25 km from Prague • Half day

Karlštejn Castle is a stunning Gothic castle built in the 14th century by King Charles IV. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and a fascinating insight into the region's medieval history.

Český Krumlov

180 km from Prague • Full day to overnight

Český Krumlov is a charming and well-preserved medieval town, known for its stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and the impressive Český Krumlov Castle. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular day trip from Prague.