Prague Medieval Underground Tour: Know Before You Go
Medieval cellar at U Pánů z Kunštátu
Prague’s medieval underground is one of the city’s most fascinating—yet misunderstood—attractions. While many visitors imagine a vast network of secret tunnels beneath the streets, the reality is slightly different. Here’s what you need to know before booking a tour.
Prague’s Medieval Underground: Myth vs. Reality😯
No Connected Labyrinth: Unlike cities like Paris or Edinburgh, Prague does not have an extensive, interconnected underground system. Most medieval cellars and tunnels are isolated spaces beneath individual buildings.
Largest Network: The most significant cluster of medieval tunnels lies beneath Old Town Hall (part of the official tour—book in advance!).
Above-Ground Walking Required: Many "underground tours" involve moving between separate cellars at street level. Some visitors are disappointed to learn they won’t spend the entire time below ground
Old Town Square Prague
Why Are There No Underground Tunnels Below Prague? – Middle Ages Explained🤔
Prague’s Old Town was officially established in the 13th century, though smaller settlements existed earlier. As the city grew, it faced a persistent challenge: devastating floods from the Vltava River.
To combat this, medieval Praguers raised the city’s ground level by 3–5 meters. The original ground floors of buildings became cellars, repurposed as storage spaces, workshops, and emergency shelters. However, unlike cities such as Paris or Edinburgh, Prague never developed interconnected tunnels or man-made labyrinths beneath its streets.
⛔Key Reasons Why Prague Lacks Underground Tunnels:
No Strategic Need – Unlike cities under constant siege, Prague’s natural defenses (like its hilltop castle) made escape tunnels unnecessary.
Flood Prevention Focus – Efforts went into elevating streets rather than digging extensive subterranean networks.
Isolated Cellars – Most underground spaces were private basements beneath individual buildings.
The Exception: Old Town Hall
The closest thing to a "medieval tunnel network" in Prague is beneath the Old Town Hall, where cellars of adjacent buildings were linked during renovations. Today, this is the only sizable underground system open to tourists.
Medieval Underground of the Old Town Hall
What are the Best Medieval Underground Tours in Prague?
Old Town Hall Underground 🏰
The Old Town Hall offers a combined ticket that includes three experiences: visiting the Astronomical Clock Tower (350 CZK if purchased separately), joining the guided tour of the historic representative halls, and exploring the medieval underground spaces. Important note: The underground sections can only be accessed as part of the guided tour—they’re not open for independent exploration.
Unlike many Prague attractions, advance bookings aren’t available for these tours. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Old Town Hall ticket office. Arrive early during peak season (May–September) to secure your spot, as same-day tickets often sell out by afternoon.
100 Spires City Tours, Ghosts and Legends Free Tour
Independent Medieval Underground Tours in Prague: What to Expect
Several private tour companies offer "medieval underground" experiences in Prague, typically priced around 600 CZK per person for an 80-minute tour. These tours focus on legends, Old Prague stories, and local folklore—but there’s a catch.
🗝️Key Realities of These Tours:
Limited Underground Access ❌
Despite the name, you’ll spend most time above ground.
Tours visit only a few disconnected cellars beneath apartment buildings.
Theatrical Atmosphere 👻
Many cellars are decorated with plastic skeletons and faux-medieval props.
Guides often wear Halloween-style costumes to enhance the "spooky" vibe.
Target Audience 👦
Fun for families with kids or those seeking light entertainment.
Not ideal for history buffs—explanations lack depth and historical rigor.
100 Spires City Tours - Mysteries and Legends Free Walking Tour
Mysteries and Legends Tour – Explore the Dark Side of Prague with 100 Spires City Tours✨
Looking for an unforgettable evening experience in Prague’s enchanting old streets? Join the Mysteries and Legends Tour by 100 Spires City Tours and uncover the hidden secrets of the Lesser Town and Prague Castle district.
Led by a witty and knowledgeable local guide, this atmospheric walking tour brings Prague’s most chilling ghost stories, murder mysteries, and centuries-old legends to life. Wander through dimly lit alleys and historic passageways as you hear spine-tingling tales that have shaped the city’s dark past.
Book your Prague Mysteries and Legends Tour today and step into the shadows of one of Europe’s most magical cities!
👉 Join the Prague Mysteries and Legends Tour now!
Budget alternatives - Private Cellars & Hidden Spaces
🍷U Pánů z Kunštátu (restaurant/bar): Features a free-to-visit 13th-century Gothic cellar—just ask staff.
⚗️Speculum Alchemiae Museum: A hidden lab in the Jewish Quarter, with reconstructed glass flasks and ancient manuscripts. Entrance fee - 200 CZK.
My Thoughts on Medieval Underground Tours in Prague🤨
I have taken part in the Old Town Hall Tour, which included access to the medieval underground chambers, several times. While it was an interesting addition to the historical interiors of the Old Town Hall, I had to consciously remind myself that I was exploring a piece of Prague’s ancient past—not simply walking through the dusty cellars of an old countryside cottage.
Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love Prague and its rich, layered history. However, the underground tour experience felt a bit underwhelming for my taste.
Our guide, who was both knowledgeable and friendly, shared that in the early 2000s, the tunnels beneath the Town Hall once featured a fascinating exhibition dedicated to life in medieval Prague. Unfortunately, it was removed years ago by the city. I can imagine that back then, the experience was far more immersive and totally worth visiting. Hopefully, they’ll consider bringing that exhibition back in the future.
As for the independent Medieval Underground tours offered elsewhere in the city, I haven’t tried those yet. The idea of visiting just two Gothic-style basements doesn’t particularly appeal to me at the moment—but who knows, maybe I’ll give it a try one day!
We have also dedicated a whole video to our visit to Prague’s Medieval underground ⬇️
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova, a Prague guide certified by the Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 8 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal opinions of the author and is not intended to discourage visitors to Prague from purchasing tickets to the attractions and tours mentioned above.