How to Buy Tickets for Prague Attractions in 2025 (Without Overpaying or Missing Out)
Many travelers struggle with buying tickets for Prague’s top attractions—and in this guide, we’ll help you navigate the current system and avoid common mistakes.
Buying tickets online while traveling in Europe is usually straightforward. But in Prague, things can get a bit more complicated—especially when it comes to local discounts, ticket types, and booking rules. Let’s walk you through the major attractions and some important updates for 2025.
📚 Clementinum Library – Early Bird Mayhem
You may remember from our previous update that Prague City Tourism (PCT) introduced an “Early Bird” discount: 50% off tickets during the first hour of opening. Unfortunately, this great deal has become so popular that it’s now hard to get—especially at Clementinum, the famous Baroque library.
What you need to know:
The Clementinum Library can only be visited as part of a guided tour. You’re not allowed to walk inside the library hall—you see it from the entrance only (to protect the centuries-old books from damage).
The second half of the tour takes you up the Clementinum tower.
Standard adult tickets cost 380 CZK and can be purchased online or on-site.
Not all tickets are sold online. Even if the website says “sold out,” walk-ins may still get in—just visit the ticket office.
The Early Bird Discount applies to the first two tours of the day (starting at 9:00 AM). However, those tickets are usually only available online and sell out fast.
Queuing at the door in the morning won’t guarantee you a spot—there are usually only 20 discounted tickets available.
Pro tip: If you want the Early Bird deal, book online in advance. If you’re okay with paying full price, try your luck at the ticket office even if the site says “sold out.”
⚠️ One more thing: If you don’t speak Czech, please do not join the Czech-language tour. Some tourists do this when the English tour is sold out, then ask the guide to translate everything—which slows down the tour and creates confusion. The guides are only paid to deliver tours in one language, so please respect that.
🕰️ Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock – What’s Included (and What’s Not)
The Old Town Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Prague—famous for its medieval astronomical clock and sweeping tower views. But recent changes have confused many visitors.
Here’s what’s new in 2025:
Your standard online ticket that costs 450 CZK now only includes skip-the-line access to the tower, but not the guided tour or underground section.
The “skip-the-line” benefit applies only to the cash desk located downstairs, not to the elevator line or tower entry itself. So yes, you might still wait a bit at the top.
The elevator is no longer included in the basic ticket price; an additional fee of 100 CZK is applied.
The admission to the tower is 350 CZK if you buy it on the spot.
The interior tour (which includes historic halls and the underground) requires a separate ticket and is not available online. You need to purchase it on-site. It costs 150 CZK per person.
When special events are happening in the halls, tours may skip those rooms and focus on the underground instead.
⚠️ One more thing: The Old Town Hall also offers an Early Bird Discount, but unlike Clementinum, you can’t book this deal online. You must show up early in person.
🏰 Prague Castle – Why You Shouldn’t Buy Tickets Online
Prague Castle is the most visited attraction in the Czech capital. However, unlike other attractions that require prior reservation, this site is better enjoyed differently. Let me explain why.
We don’t recommend buying tickets online for Prague Castle.
First, the website is clunky, hard to use, and often requires you to print out your tickets (seriously).
Second, buying tickets for Prague Castle can go wrong, as there are third-party websites that mimic the official one (hrad.cz) and sell tickets at a markup.
Instead, simply buy your ticket at one of the official ticket offices on the day of your visit. You’ll find cash desks in the second courtyard of the castle—near the Prague Castle Gallery entrance and in front of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Need more tips on how to make the most of your Prague Castle visit? Check out this article!
🦁 Prague Zoo, National Museum and National Gallery
Fortunately, you don’t need to buy tickets online for these sites—they never sell out! However, there can sometimes be a line at the entrance to the National Museum or the Prague Zoo. To skip the queue and head straight to the turnstiles, you can purchase an e-ticket from their official websites (linked below).
⛪ Prague Church Entry Fees
The "City of 100 Spires," as the nickname suggests, boasts many beautiful churches. While most are free to visit, some of the major ones require an admission fee. Here are a few notable ones:
St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town – This stunning Baroque church has an entrance fee of 150 CZK per person. Keep in mind that the tower is not included in the ticket and requires an additional ticket for 180 CZK.
St. James Church – Another Baroque gem, rumored to be haunted. The entrance fee here is 120 CZK.
Emauzy Monastery – A medieval Benedictine abbey founded in 1347. It gained new spires after being bombed by American forces in 1945. The entrance fee is 90 CZK.
St. Agnes Monastery – This Gothic complex is now part of the National Gallery, so if you want to see medieval art, you’ll need a ticket (250 CZK). However, the monastery garden and café are free to visit.
🗼A Quick Guide to Prague Towers
Prague is famous for its stunning views that can be enjoyed from different vantage points, including several historical towers. The majority of towers are accessible nowadays, and you can visit them daily. Prague Towers also offer an Early Bird discount, providing 50% off the admission fee, as well as other age-based discounts. If you have mobility issues, we recommend checking out the Old Town Hall Tower or Petřín Tower, as only these have installed elevators.
✅ Quick Tips for Prague Tickets in 2025
Always check official attraction websites first—but don’t assume “sold out” means no availability.
Book Early Bird discounts online when possible—especially for Clementinum.
Do not join Czech-language tours unless you speak the language.
Don’t rely on third-party platforms for ticket clarity—many offer only partial access.
Avoid buying Prague Castle tickets online—do it on-site for a smoother experience.
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 7 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.