Prague Castle, Prague (must see)

Whenever you hear “Prague Castle,” you might picture one grand palace with spires, throne rooms, and perhaps a crown lying about unattended. In reality, however, it's grander than that—a vast hilltop complex of courtyards, churches, palaces, museums, gardens, and narrow lanes, covering more than 17 acres and tracing its roots back to the 9th century.

Begin at the main entrance on Hradčanské Square. Before entering, look for the Castle Guards standing in blue uniforms. This is where the main Changing of the Guard takes place at noon, with smaller hourly routines during the day. Above the entrance, the Czech national flag signals when the president is present.

Pass through the First Courtyard and continue into the Second Courtyard, where you will find ticket offices and information points. If the outside ticket line is long, try buying tickets here instead. From there, keep walking into the Third Courtyard. This is where Saint Vitus Cathedral suddenly dominates the scene. You can identify it instantly by its tall Gothic towers, pointed arches, and richly carved façade. Inside, look up at the soaring nave and stained glass; this is the ceremonial heart of the Castle, a place where Czech kings used to be crowned.

Leaving the cathedral, keep it to your right and look nearby for the Old Royal Palace. Its exterior is fairly restrained, but inside is Vladislav Hall, easily recognized by its huge open space and elegant ribbed ceiling. It once hosted coronations, banquets, markets, and even indoor jousting—because medieval rulers clearly disliked wasting a good hall...

Continue east toward Saint George’s Basilica, identifiable by its warm red-and-cream Baroque façade. Inside, the mood changes completely: the Romanesque interior is simpler, older, and more solemn, offering a quieter glimpse of early medieval Prague.

From here, follow signs toward Golden Lane, tucked along the northern edge of the complex. You will know you have found it when the street narrows into a row of tiny, colorful cottages. Once home to guards, craftsmen, and later writers, it is best known for No. 22, where Franz Kafka used to work, albeit briefly.

If time allows, add the Picture Gallery for a quieter art stop, or Mihulka Powder Tower for the Castle’s defensive history. Finally, head toward the southern gardens or viewpoints, where Prague opens below in rooftops, towers, and river views—a fitting reward after all that royal stonework...