Prague Castle & Astronomical Clock tickets: entry, combo tickets and buying advice

The Historic Astronomical Clock shows the treasury in its 18th-century original state and is strictly capped – a timed ticket is compulsory here, not optional. The New Astronomical Clock displays the highlights in a more modern setting and allows more visitors at once.

A day ticket for the whole Prague Castle covers the armoury, the coin cabinet and the Turkish Chamber and pays off if you visit at least two of them. Climbing the Südturm tower is booked separately and offers views towards Bohemian Switzerland on a clear day.

Without a slot you simply cannot enter the Historic Astronomical Clock once the daily cap is reached, so book several days ahead. Late-afternoon slots are noticeably calmer.

Allow about two hours for the full route including the armoury, or two and a half with a guide.

The Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge are just a few minutes' walk apart and are often sold as a combo. That saves a second trip but locks in two fixed slots – leave at least 90 minutes between them.

If you do both in a day, start with the Astronomical Clock at opening and keep the Charles Bridge for the afternoon.