Mystical Castle, English And French

Overview

This three-hour walk starts at Malostranská metro station and opens with a tram ride of four stops up towards Prague Castle. The route then works back downhill through the castle complex, the Lesser Town and Charles Bridge, where the tour finishes. It runs in English and French, and the guide asks walkers to arrive ten minutes before the 14:00 start.

The castle part stays outside the ticketed buildings. The guide walks the complex and points out St Vitus Cathedral and St George's Basilica from the grounds, since entering the interiors requires a ticket that the walk does not cover. From the castle the route descends into the Lesser Town, where the GuruWalk listing promises ghost stories, and finishes on Charles Bridge with what the guide calls one or two surprises about its history.

The walk is listed on GuruWalk, where booking is free and each guest decides at the end what the guide's work was worth. It runs in English and French, lasts three hours, and starts from Malostranská metro station in Malá Strana. The route includes stairs, though the guide notes they are mostly downhill.

Itinerary

1. Meet At MalostranskáMeet at the entrance to Malostranská metro station on Line A, in front of the tram stop of the same name. The guide's group can be recognised by a white, blue and red umbrella or a decorated willow plait. Arrive ten minutes early, as the tour starts at 14:00 sharp.
2. Tram To The CastleThe group takes the tram for four stops towards Prague Castle. Travellers need a valid tram ticket, which is not part of the walk; the guide can advise on buying one but cannot take responsibility for ticket validity.
3. Prague Castle ComplexThe walk covers the Prague Castle complex without entering the buildings. Entry to the interiors requires the purchase of a ticket that is not included in this free tour.
4. St George's BasilicaThe guide presents St George's Basilica from outside, described on the GuruWalk listing as the oldest building in the castle complex and the burial site of its founders. Interior entry would need a ticket.
5. St Vitus CathedralThe walk passes St Vitus Cathedral within the castle grounds, described on the GuruWalk page as the most important church in the Czech Republic and the resting place of Bohemian kings, archbishops and saints.
6. Downhill To Lesser TownThe route descends from the castle into the Lesser Town, where the guide tells the ghost stories the area is associated with. The descent includes some stairs, though the GuruWalk listing notes they are mostly downhill.
7. Charles Bridge FinishThe walk ends at Charles Bridge, where the guide covers its history, including one or two surprises the GuruWalk listing promises. The tour finishes after around three hours in total.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points for this walk are worth knowing before you reserve a free spot.

• Arrive Early. The guide asks walkers to be there ten minutes before the 14:00 start, since the tour leaves at 14:00 sharp. The meeting point is the Malostranská metro entrance, in front of the tram stop.
• Buy A Tram Ticket. The first leg is a tram ride of four stops, so a valid public transport ticket is needed. The guide will advise if a walker does not have one, but the GuruWalk listing states the guide cannot be held responsible for any issue with a ticket's validity.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes. The guide's instructions say to dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. The route covers three hours on foot and includes stairs, mostly downhill.
• Use The Bathroom First. The guide's GuruWalk page warns that public toilets are scarce along the route and asks walkers to go in advance. That is worth planning for before the tram ride up.
• Pace And Attention. Several reviewers singled out the pace, with more than one saying everything was done at a great pace. Others noted the guide took care of the walkers and paid close attention to detail.
• Small Groups Happen. One pair of travellers reported being the only two people on their walk, and said the guide tailored it to suit them and later sent links with suggestions of places to eat.

Common issues. The main limit is that the castle interiors are not entered: St Vitus Cathedral, St George's Basilica and the other ticketed buildings require a ticket the walk does not include. Walkers also need a valid tram ticket for the four-stop ride, and the GuruWalk listing states the guide cannot be held responsible for ticket validity. The route has stairs, and the guide warns that public toilets are scarce. One reviewer was glad the walk went ahead when only two people turned up.

Common Questions Before You Book