Prague: Castle, Charles Bridge & Lennon Wall Walking Tour

Summary

Walk the old royal route from tram to castle towers and across charles bridge

You’ll follow Prague’s royal route with a local guide—riding the tram up to Prague Castle, exploring St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass, peeking into Golden Lane’s tiny houses, and ending at Charles Bridge as evening falls. Expect small surprises, stories you wouldn’t find alone, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I was still catching my breath from the tram ride up when our guide, Hana, grinned and said, “Now the real climb begins.” She wasn’t kidding. The cobblestones felt uneven under my sneakers and I could smell roasted chestnuts from a street cart somewhere behind us. Prague Castle looked impossibly huge from up close — not just a postcard backdrop anymore. Hana pointed out little details on the gates that I’d have missed (one lion had a chipped tooth; she said it’s been that way for decades). There were school kids darting around, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. I tried to imagine what it was like when kings actually lived here — honestly, it’s hard to picture anyone relaxing in those drafty halls.

Inside St. Vitus Cathedral, the light came through stained glass in these weird, shifting colors that made everything feel kind of underwater. Hana told us about Alfons Mucha painting one of the windows — which I’d never have guessed — and an older Czech couple nodded along like they’d heard it a hundred times. My favorite part was Golden Lane, even though we almost skipped it because of crowds (apparently you can come back with your ticket if you want). The houses are tiny — like dollhouses but painted in faded blues and yellows. It smelled faintly of old wood and waxy candles inside one of them. Someone’s phone rang and broke the quiet; nobody seemed to mind.

We wandered past St. George’s Basilica (red brick against grey sky) and then down toward Kampa Island where people were attaching padlocks to a little bridge while someone played Beatles songs on guitar near the John Lennon Wall. The graffiti there changes all the time — Hana laughed when I tried reading some Czech words out loud (definitely butchered them). By then my feet were tired but crossing Charles Bridge at sunset made me forget for a minute — there was this gold light on the river and buskers playing violin. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear street music back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon walking tour of Prague Castle

• Join guide for afternoon walk
• Take tram to Prague Castle
• Enter Prague Castle complex
• Visit St. Vitus Cathedral
• See Old Royal Palace interiors
• Explore St. George’s Basilica
• Walk through Golden Lane
• Pass by St. Nicholas Church
• Stop at John Lennon Wall
• End tour at Charles Bridge

Top questions

How long does this Prague walking tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on how busy Prague Castle is that day.

Is entry to Prague Castle included?

Yes, entry to Prague Castle is included and your ticket is valid for two days if you want to return.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the starting point for the afternoon walk.

Are strollers allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, strollers are allowed but be prepared for some steps where you may need to carry them briefly.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

No meals are included on this walking tour.

What happens if Golden Lane is too crowded?

If Golden Lane is very crowded during peak season, your guide might skip it but your ticket lets you visit later on your own.

Where does the tour end?

The walking tour ends at Charles Bridge in central Prague.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes entry tickets for Prague Castle (valid for two days), guided visits inside St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica, time on Golden Lane if possible, plus stories from your professional licensed guide as you explore by foot and tram together—no hotel pickup or meals included.