Southern Tower Prague Castle
Ascend nearly 300 steps for unparalleled 360° views of Prague's historic cityscape from St. Vitus Cathedral's Southern Tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Southern Tower Prague Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend nearly 300 steps for unparalleled 360° views of Prague's historic cityscape from St. Vitus Cathedral's Southern Tower.
"The views from the top are pretty mesmerising and worth the climb."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 287 steps are no joke! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
The climb can be strenuous, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 698 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Prague Views
Top of the Southern Tower
Ascend nearly 100 meters for breathtaking 360-degree views of Prague's red rooftops and iconic landmarks.
Historic Clock Mechanics
Inside the tower during the climb
Marvel at the intricate clockwork mechanisms of the tower's historic clock as you ascend the stairs.
The Zikmund Bell
Inside the tower during the climb
See the Zikmund bell, the heaviest bell in Prague, a significant piece of the tower's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for the Views
Separate Ticket Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 287 steps are no joke! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
The climb can be strenuous, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Tickets are purchased separately and on the spot. It's usually not busy, making it a quick process. :admission_tickets:
📸 Check the Weather
Clear skies offer the best views. If possible, be flexible with your visit based on weather. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Those 287 steps are no joke! Comfortable footwear is essential for the climb. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
The climb can be strenuous, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site
Tickets are purchased separately and on the spot. It's usually not busy, making it a quick process. :admission_tickets:
📸 Check the Weather
Clear skies offer the best views. If possible, be flexible with your visit based on weather. :sunwithface:
🚶 Take Your Time
Don't rush the climb. Stop to admire the clockwork and enjoy the journey to the top. 🚶
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the Southern Tower, calling them mesmerizing and well worth the climb. The separate ticket often means fewer crowds, enhancing the experience. While the 287 steps are a significant physical challenge, the historical clockwork and the Zikmund bell offer interesting stops along the way.
"The entry fee to this tower is separate from Prague Castle complex and costs 200 CZK. One has to climb roughly 300 stairs to reach the top of tower. You can notice the interesting clock work inside the tower and Zikmund bell which is the heaviest bell of Prague while climbing the steps. The views from the top are pretty mesmerising and worth the climb."
VIPUL TALWARIA
"This is not included in the Prague Castle ticket but it is worth the extra expense. The climb is not the easiest for those with mobility challenges, but you get an incredible 360 view on top of the tour! You can purchase tickets on the spot. It was not busy when we went, as most people did not want to pay extra for the tower visit, which also makes the top of the tower experience a bit more enjoyable. Check the weather and plan accordingly, if your schedule allows for some flexibility. It was foggy when we went up but the view was still quite nice."
Angela Tam
"I would pay the small fee to go up here, it offered a great view of the city and was not busy in comparison to the rest of the castle area.
No limit on how long you could stay up there and you can walk right around the top for a 360 view.
There are about 300 steps to the top but that’s not so bad as you can stop and look through the odd window that looks through onto the clock workings"
Scott Walmsley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Southern Tower is located within the Prague Castle complex. You can reach it by walking through the castle grounds. Public transport options to Prague Castle include trams (e.g., lines 22 and 23 to Pražský hrad stop) or a funicular from Újezd. +1
No, the Southern Tower requires a separate ticket and is not part of the standard Prague Castle circuits (A, B, or C).
Many visitors recommend taking tram 22 to the Pohořelec stop and walking down through the castle grounds, which offers beautiful views. Alternatively, you can start from the bottom and walk up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is approximately 200 CZK. It's a small additional cost that many find well worth it for the views.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the tower entrance. This often means less waiting time as it's less crowded than other castle attractions.
Opening hours generally align with Prague Castle's seasonal hours, but it's best to check the official Prague Castle website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, there is no limit on how long you can stay at the top once you've made the climb. You can enjoy the 360-degree views at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography
The tower offers incredible panoramic shots of Prague's Old Town, Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River. Capture the sprawling cityscape and iconic red rooftops. +1
Since the tower is less crowded than other parts of the castle, you'll likely have ample space to take photos without too many people in the frame.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful warm light for photography. Weekday mornings can also offer good light with fewer crowds.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 287 to 300 steps to reach the top of the tower. +1
The climb is steep and involves many steps, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. However, you can stop to rest and look at the clockwork along the way.
As you ascend, you can observe the intricate clockwork mechanisms and the historic Zikmund bell, the heaviest bell in Prague.
Absolutely! Travelers consistently describe the views as mesmerizing and worth the effort, offering a unique perspective of Prague. +1
Yes, you can walk all the way around the top of the tower for a complete 360-degree view of the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit