Charles Bridge & Prague Castle Small Group Walking Tour

Summary

Explore Prague’s Historic Heart: Charles Bridge to Castle Tour

You’ll cross Charles Bridge with a local guide, wander through Mala Strana’s quiet streets, and ride a tram up to explore every corner of Prague Castle—including courtyards and seasonal highlights. It’s a relaxed way to see Prague’s best sights in one go.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—street musicians tuning up near the statue of Charles IV, right where we met our guide. The air had that early morning chill, but you could already smell fresh pastries from a vendor tucked beside the bridge. Crossing Charles Bridge felt like stepping into a storybook. Our guide, Petra, pointed out little details—like the spot where locals rub the statue for luck—and shared stories about floods and secret passages I’d never read online.

We wandered through Mala Strana, which really does feel different from the Old Town—quieter, with cobblestone lanes and tiny shops selling hand-painted marionettes. There’s this old café on the corner (I think it was called Café Savoy) where locals were already sipping coffee by 10am. Petra kept us moving but let us pause for photos or just to watch trams rattle by.

The tram ride up to Prague Castle was quick—maybe ten minutes? Inside the castle grounds, you get why it’s called the world’s largest medieval castle; every courtyard opens onto another, each with its own vibe. We caught the changing of the guard—lots of ceremony and clicking boots—and even though St. Vitus Cathedral is under renovation right now, we still got to peek inside at some stained glass windows through an open door. Petra made sure we didn’t miss any hidden corners or good photo spots. If there was something special anyone wanted to see, she always tried to fit it in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charles Bridge and Prague Castle Tour

• Meet at Charles IV statue and cross Charles Bridge
• Explore Mala Strana neighborhood
• Tour inside St. Vitus Cathedral
• Explore Prague Castle courtyards and attractions

Top questions

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The pace is easygoing and there are plenty of breaks. The tram helps avoid steep climbs up to the castle.

Can I bring my service animal?

Absolutely—service animals are welcome on this tour.

Will we go inside St. Vitus Cathedral?

The cathedral is currently being renovated, so interior visits aren’t possible right now—but you’ll still see its exterior and some details from outside.

Are tram tickets included in the price?

Yes, your tram ticket is covered as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your local guide leads you across Charles Bridge and through Mala Strana, plus your tram ticket up to Prague Castle is included. Service animals are welcome and public transport options are nearby. This small group tour can be flexible if you have special requests along the way.