Prague Castle Change of Guards

The main changing of the guard at Prague Castle happens every day at noon at the first courtyard gate on Hradčanské náměstí. The Prague Castle noon ceremony includes a musical fanfare and flag exchange, lasting about 15 minutes. Smaller guard changes occur every hour on the hour from 5:00 to 23:00 — these take under two minutes.

The ceremony is free to watch and requires no tickets. It runs every single day of the year, regardless of weather. It is one of the most-photographed moments at Prague Castle, and with a bit of planning you can get a clear view without fighting for position.

What Happens at the Noon Ceremony

The main ceremony begins at 12:00 sharp. A military band positioned in the first courtyard plays a fanfare as two units of the Castle Guard march through the Matthias Gate. The outgoing guards are formally relieved, the national flag is ceremonially lowered and raised, and the new guards take their positions at the sentry boxes flanking the main gate.

The soldiers wear distinctive blue-grey uniforms designed by Theodor Pištěk — the same costume designer who won an Academy Award for his work on the film Amadeus. The uniforms were introduced in 1989 after the Velvet Revolution, replacing the Soviet-era design. In winter, the guards wear long wool overcoats; in summer, the lighter version with white accessories.

The musical fanfare is composed specifically for the ceremony and is performed by the Castle Guard band with brass instruments. The sound echoes off the palace walls and carries across Hradčany Square, which is one reason the noon ceremony draws a larger crowd than the hourly changes.

Where to Stand for the Best View

The ceremony takes place at the entrance to the first courtyard — the gate flanked by the famous Fighting Giants statues (copies of Ignác Platzer's 18th-century originals). The best viewing positions are:

Front and centre on Hradčanské náměstí: Stand directly facing the gate, about 5-10 metres back from the entrance. This gives you a head-on view of the guard exchange and the band behind them. The downside is that this fills up first.

Slightly to the left (west) side: Stand near the Schwarzenberg Palace corner. You get a clear angle on the marching guards approaching through the gate, and you can see both the departing and arriving units. This position is less crowded and still gives excellent photographs.

Inside the first courtyard: If you arrive early enough, you can stand inside the courtyard itself, behind the guards. This gives a different perspective — you see the ceremony from behind, with Hradčany Square and the city visible through the gate. The band is positioned here, so you hear the music at full volume.

How Early to Arrive

For the noon ceremony, arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to secure a front-row spot. By 11:50, the area directly in front of the gate is usually two or three rows deep. In peak summer season (June through August), arriving 20 minutes early is safer.

For the hourly guard changes, no advance arrival is needed. These are brief, quiet rotations — two soldiers marching in, two marching out, no music — and they rarely draw a crowd.

Photo Tips

Light: At noon in summer, the sun is high and the gate is partially shaded. The best-lit position for photography is from the square, shooting toward the gate, which catches enough ambient light. In winter, the low sun can create strong side lighting that works well for dramatic shots.

Lens: A moderate zoom (70-200mm equivalent) lets you capture individual soldiers and details. A wider angle (24-35mm) is better for the full scene with the Fighting Giants statues framing the gate.

Video: The fanfare and marching sequence last long enough for good video — roughly 15 minutes total. Steady your phone or camera, as the crowd tends to jostle slightly when the band begins.

Avoid flash. The guards are working soldiers, and flash photography at close range is both disrespectful and unhelpful in the daylight.

The Hourly Guard Changes

Every hour on the hour between 5:00 and 23:00, a quieter guard rotation takes place. Two soldiers march to the gate, the sentries exchange positions, and the outgoing pair march away. The whole process takes less than two minutes. No music, no flag ceremony, no fanfare.

These are worth watching if you happen to be passing, but they lack the choreography of the noon event. The sentries themselves stand motionless at their posts between changes — and yes, tourists do test their composure. The guards are trained not to react, and they handle it professionally.

What Else to Know

Duration: The noon ceremony lasts approximately 15 minutes from the first fanfare note to the final march-off. The hourly changes are under two minutes.

Weather: The ceremony happens rain or shine, every day of the year including Christmas, New Year's, and public holidays. In heavy rain, the crowd thins, which actually makes for better viewing.

Prague Castle opening hours: The castle grounds are open from 5:00 to 23:00 daily. Buildings and exhibitions have separate hours, typically 9:00 to 17:00 (varying by season). For full ticket and timing details, see our complete Prague Castle guide.

Cost: The guard ceremony is free. No part of it requires a ticket. The castle courtyards are free to enter as well — tickets are only needed for the buildings (St. Vitus Cathedral interior beyond the entrance zone, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, etc.).

Experience It With a Private Guide

On our All Prague in One Day private tour, we time our arrival at the castle to catch the noon ceremony. Your guide knows exactly where to position you for the best view and explains the details — who designed the uniforms, why the ceremony was revived after 1989, and what the flag exchange signifies.

Just your group, no strangers — and because we plan the route, you watch the ceremony and then walk straight into the castle complex without backtracking or waiting.

After a full day exploring Prague, end with a medieval dinner at a historic tavern — period food, candlelight, and live entertainment in a vaulted cellar. It is one of our guests' favourite ways to close a castle day.

Browse all our private tours in Prague.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Prague Castle changing of the guard?

The main ceremony with music and flag exchange is at noon, every day. Smaller guard changes happen every hour on the hour from 5:00 to 23:00. The noon ceremony lasts about 15 minutes; the hourly changes take under two minutes.

Do I need a ticket to watch the changing of the guard?

No. The ceremony takes place at the castle gate and first courtyard, which are free to enter. No tickets, no reservations, no queues.

How long does the ceremony last?

The noon ceremony runs approximately 15 minutes, including the musical fanfare, guard exchange, and flag ceremony. The hourly guard rotations are under two minutes.

Where exactly does the ceremony happen?

At the main gate of Prague Castle, between the first courtyard and Hradčanské náměstí (Hradčany Square). The gate is flanked by the Fighting Giants statues — you cannot miss it.

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

Yes. Photography and video are welcome. Avoid using flash, and be considerate of the soldiers and other spectators around you.

Prague Castle Change of Guards — What Time and Where to Watch?