Planning Your Letna Park to Prague Castle Walk

Before you start, you should plan your transport to the starting point. Take tram 15 or 17 to the Cechuv Most stop. From there, you will climb the stairs up to Letna Park. This is the most direct way to reach the Metronome. Alternatively, take tram 1, 8, or 25 to Letenske namesti. This route is flatter and enters the park from the side. This is one of the best walks in Prague for photographers. The total distance is about 2.5 kilometers. Most people take two to three hours to finish. This includes time for photos and a coffee break.

Check the weather before you head out for the day. Clear skies offer the best views of the city's red rooftops. Bring a bottle of water and some light snacks. There are several benches along the way for resting. The paths are well-paved and easy for most fitness levels. If you visit in 2026, consider using a digital map. Many local parks now offer free Wi-Fi zones. You can also find official maps at the Visit Czechia website for more details.

Logistics Tip: The walk is best done in the morning. The sun will be behind you as you look at the Old Town. This creates the perfect lighting for your bridge photos. Afternoon crowds can be thick near the castle entrance. Starting early helps you avoid the largest tour groups. Most castle interiors open at 9:00 AM daily. Plan to arrive at the castle gates by midday.

At a Glance: Walking Itinerary Highlights

This itinerary covers the most scenic spots between the park and the castle. You will see a mix of nature and architecture. Here is a quick look at what to expect on your journey.

• Stop 1: The Prague Metronome for panoramic river views.
• Stop 2: Hanavsky Pavilion for a classic bridge photo.
• Stop 3: Chotkovy Sady, the first public park in the city.
• Stop 4: The Royal Summer Palace and its beautiful gardens.
• Stop 5: St. Vitus Cathedral inside the castle walls.

Optional Swaps: If it rains, skip the park paths. Take the tram directly to the Kralovsky Letohradek stop. This puts you right next to the Royal Gardens. You can spend more time inside the castle museums instead. For families, the Letna playground is a great detour. It is located near the beer garden area.

Morning: Panoramic Views from Letna Gardens

Start your morning at the large Metronome at the top of the hill. This spot once held a massive monument to Joseph Stalin. Today, it is a popular hangout for local skaters. Stand at the edge of the platform for a breathtaking view. You can see the Vltava riverbank promenade Prague stretches below you. From here, walk west toward the Hanavsky Pavilion. This cast-iron building is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau style. It is often featured on postcards of the city.

Continue walking along the ridge of the hill. The path stays high above the river for quite a while. You will pass through groves of old trees. In autumn, the colors here are truly spectacular. There are several small viewpoints hidden along the fence. Each one offers a slightly different angle of the bridges. You can see Charles Bridge and the Old Town towers clearly. This is the quietest part of the Letna Park to Prague Castle walk. Enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the birds.

Day 1 Schedule:
09:00 - Arrive at the Metronome and take photos.
09:45 - Walk to Hanavsky Pavilion for a quick coffee.
10:30 - Follow the main path toward the Queen Anne Summer Palace.

Midday: Royal Gardens and Chotkovy Sady

As you leave Letna Park, you will cross a modern pedestrian bridge. This leads you directly into Chotkovy Sady. This park was established in 1833 for the public. It is a peaceful spot with many rare trees. Follow the path toward the back of the park. You will see the entrance to the Royal Gardens. These gardens are only open during the summer season. Check the Prague.eu site for exact seasonal dates. The architecture here changes from natural parkland to formal royal design.

The centerpiece of this area is the Royal Summer Palace. It is also known as the Belvedere. It was built by Ferdinand I for his wife Anne. The building is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Look for the Singing Fountain in front of the palace. The water drops hitting the bronze bowl create a musical sound. This area is much quieter than the main castle courtyards. It is the perfect place for a midday stroll. You are now very close to the castle's northern entrance.

Logistics Tip: There is a security checkpoint at the castle entrance. Be prepared to open your bags for inspection. Avoid carrying large backpacks or sharp objects. This will make your entry much faster. The line here is usually shorter than the main front gate. This is a great secret for savvy travelers in 2026.

Afternoon: Exploring the Prague Castle Complex

You have now reached the destination of your Letna Park to Prague Castle walk. The castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Start your visit at the St. Vitus Cathedral. Its Gothic spires dominate the city skyline. Inside, you can see beautiful stained glass windows. One famous window was designed by Alfons Mucha. You can find more details on the Prague Castle grounds walking map online. The cathedral is free to enter the front section, but the full tour requires a ticket.

After the cathedral, visit the Old Royal Palace. This was the seat of Bohemian kings for centuries. Do not miss the Vladislav Hall with its amazing vaulted ceiling. Next, walk toward the Golden Lane. This tiny street features colorful houses from the 16th century. Franz Kafka once lived at house number 22. To learn more about the area, check the Prague Castle official website. Finish your afternoon by watching the changing of the guard. This happens every hour at the main gates. The noon ceremony includes a parade and music.

Day 1 Schedule:
12:30 - Enter the Castle grounds and visit the Cathedral.
14:00 - Explore the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane.
16:00 - Walk down the Old Castle Stairs toward the city center.

Where to Stay for the Best Prague Walks

If you love walking, choose your accommodation carefully. The Mala Strana neighborhood is an excellent choice. It sits right at the foot of the castle hill. You can easily start a Mala Strana walking route from your hotel door. This area is full of historic buildings and narrow alleys. It feels very magical at night when the crowds leave. Many boutique hotels here offer views of the castle walls.

Another great option is the Letna district itself. This area is more local and less touristy. It has many great cafes and craft beer bars. Staying here makes it easy to visit the park every morning. You can join the locals for a jog or a sunset drink. From Letna, you can try various Prague self-guided walking tours that head into the city. It is well-connected by trams to the Old Town. Both areas are safe and very walkable for travelers.