Golden Lane Prague Opening Hours and Access Guide

The Prague Castle complex operates with different schedules depending on the season. During the summer season (April to October), the historical buildings are open from 9:00 to 17:00. In the winter season (November to March), these hours change to 9:00 to 16:00. The main castle grounds remain open much later, usually until 22:00 daily. Always check the official calendar before your visit to account for state events.

To enter the Golden Lane during the day, you must purchase a circuit ticket. The most common is the "Prague Castle Main Circuit," which includes several major sites. You can buy these at the information centers located in the second and third courtyards. Expect to pay around 450 CZK for a standard adult ticket in 2026. This ticket is valid for two days, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace.

One of the best secrets for travelers is the free evening access. After the museum exhibits inside the houses close, the gates to the lane often stay open. This usually happens after 17:00 in summer or 16:00 in winter. You cannot go inside the tiny houses then, but you can walk the street for free. This is a great way of walking through Prague Castle without a ticket for photography.

9 Essential Stops on Your Prague Castle Grounds Walking Map

The castle complex is massive and can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Here are the top nine spots you should include in your itinerary. Each offers a unique perspective on the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Use these details to plan your route efficiently.

1. Name: Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) Type: Sight Why go: See the tiny 16th-century houses and Franz Kafka's former home at number 22. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Northeastern corner of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket (Free after hours). Getting there: Follow signs from St. George's Basilica. Tip: Visit the armor exhibit located in the upper corridor of the lane.
2. Name: St. Vitus Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture and the stained glass designed by Alfons Mucha. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Getting there: Central point of the castle grounds. Tip: Look for the St. Vitus Cathedral entrance for walkers to find the shortest queue.
3. Name: Old Royal Palace Type: Experience Why go: Walk through the massive Vladislav Hall, famous for its unique rib vaulting. Best for: Royal history. Where: Third Courtyard. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Getting there: Located next to the Cathedral. Tip: Don't miss the Bohemian Chancellery, the site of the famous Defenestration of Prague.
4. Name: St. George's Basilica Type: Sight Why go: This is the oldest surviving church building within Prague Castle, featuring a beautiful Romanesque interior. Best for: Religious history. Where: St. George's Square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Getting there: Walk east from the Cathedral. Tip: Check the schedule for evening classical music concerts held inside.
5. Name: Daliborka Tower Type: Experience Why go: Explore a former prison tower named after its first famous inmate, Dalibor of Kozojedy. Best for: Dark history and legends. Where: End of Golden Lane. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in Golden Lane access. Getting there: Accessible through the Golden Lane exit. Tip: Look at the old torture devices on display in the lower dungeon.
6. Name: The South Gardens Type: Nature Why go: Enjoy panoramic views of the red rooftops of Malá Strana and the Vltava River. Best for: Relaxing and views. Where: Southern edge of the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the Bull Staircase in the Third Courtyard. Tip: These gardens are only open during the summer season.
7. Name: Rosenberg Palace Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the Institute of Noblewomen that once housed unmarried noble ladies. Best for: Social history. Where: Near the Golden Lane entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in Circuit ticket. Getting there: Located on Jiřská Street. Tip: The chapel inside is beautifully decorated and often overlooked.
8. Name: Deer Moat (Jelení příkop) Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful green ravine that offers a quiet escape from the castle crowds. Best for: Nature walks. Where: Northern side of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Access via the Powder Bridge or the Royal Garden. Tip: Walk through the brick tunnel designed by Josef Pleskot.
9. Name: The Royal Garden Type: Nature Why go: See the Renaissance Ball Game Hall and the Singing Fountain in front of the Summer Palace. Best for: Gardens and quiet. Where: North of the castle moat. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Powder Bridge from the second courtyard. Tip: This is one of the best walks in Prague for spring blossoms.

Expert Tips for Navigating the Castle Grounds

Security is a major factor when visiting the castle. All visitors must pass through security checkpoints at the entrances. The busiest entrance is usually the one near the Hradčanské Square. For shorter lines, try the entrance near the Královský letohrádek tram stop. Arrive early in the morning to beat the large tour groups.

Photography is allowed in most areas, but you may need a permit for professional gear. Flash photography is generally forbidden inside the historical buildings. If you want the best photos of Golden Lane, wait until the evening. The soft light and lack of crowds make for perfect shots. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be very uneven.

According to Visit Czechia, the castle is the most visited site in the country. To save time, buy your tickets online in advance if possible. This allows you to skip the ticket office queue. Remember that the grounds are hilly, so plan your route to walk downhill toward the city center at the end of your day.