Prague Castle has two sets of opening hours: the grounds and courtyards (free, open from 06:00 to 22:00 daily year-round) and the historical interiors that require a ticket (09:00 to 17:00 in summer, 09:00 to 16:00 in winter). Sunday morning is reserved for religious services in St. Vitus Cathedral. The complex is closed only on 24 December (Christmas Eve). See our best time to visit page for quieter slots and the visitors guide for what to do once you arrive.

Prague Castle Opening Hours

Castle Grounds & Gardens (free, no ticket)

Daily, year-round	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Royal Garden & South Gardens	Apr–Oct: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Nov–Mar)

Historical Buildings (Basic Tour / Circuit A & B)

Summer (1 Apr – 31 Oct)	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Winter (1 Nov – 31 Mar)	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last admission	20 minutes before closing

St. Vitus Cathedral

Mon–Sat (Apr–Oct)	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mon–Sat (Nov–Mar)	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday (every week)	12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Apr–Oct) / 12:00–4:00 PM (Nov–Mar) — closed mornings for Mass

Changing of the Guard

Hourly changes	7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (summer) / 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (winter)
Ceremonial change (with fanfare)	12:00 noon daily, First Courtyard

Annual Closures

24 December (Christmas Eve)	Closed all day
25 & 26 December, 1 January	Open with standard hours

Important: Tram line 22 (Pražský hrad and Královský letohrádek stops) is suspended for track reconstruction from 21 March to 17 July 2026. During that period, use Pohořelec, Brusnice or Prašný most stops instead, all within a short walk of the castle gates.

Opening Hours FAQ

Hours, holidays, and last admission

Is Prague Castle open every day?

Almost — the only closure is 24 December (Christmas Eve). 25 and 26 December and 1 January are normal days with standard hours.

What time is the last admission?

Last entry to the historical interiors is 20 minutes before closing — so 16:40 in summer and 15:40 in winter. The grounds themselves stay open until 22:00 year-round.

Why is St. Vitus closed on Sunday mornings?

St. Vitus is an active cathedral. Sunday morning Mass takes place from 8:30 to roughly 11:30, during which tourist visits are not permitted. From 12:00 onwards it reopens to ticket holders.

When are summer and winter hours in effect?

Summer hours (09:00–17:00) run from 1 April to 31 October. Winter hours (09:00–16:00) run from 1 November to 31 March. The grounds and gardens (when open) follow their own seasonal schedule.

Is the Royal Garden always open?

No — the Royal Garden and South Gardens are open only from April to October, 10:00–18:00. From November to March they are closed for winter preservation. The Stag Moat and the courtyards remain open year-round.

What about Christmas and New Year's Eve?

Closed only on 24 December. Open with reduced hours on 31 December (often closing early, around 14:00 for the interiors). Standard hours apply on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.

How long can I stay inside once I've entered?

As long as you like, up to closing time. The Basic Tour ticket is valid for two consecutive days — you can leave and re-enter, but each individual interior can only be entered once.