Písecká Gate – a landmark without tourists
A Renaissance gate below the former barracks, today a café and gallery. Freely accessible, a few steps from Hradčanské náměstí. Most castle circuits skip it – which is exactly why we recommend it.
IOA Stay · Praha
Discover Prague with IOA Stay — Prague 6 & Hradčany
The castle, gardens, Písecká Gate and quieter streets above the centre – Prague the way your IOA Stay hosts experience it.
Hradčany and the surroundings of Prague 6 are ideal for visitors who want landmarks without crowds and walks that make sense. These tips come from our apartment's neighbourhood at Na Valech, but suit anyone exploring the castle side of Prague on foot.
Your IOA Stay team
Royal Garden and Queen Anne Summer Palace
The Renaissance garden beneath the castle opens seasonally. Opening hours change during the year; check the current schedule on the Prague Castle website.
Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
The area's main goal. We recommend arriving in the morning and combining the visit with the descent into Malá Strana. Admission applies to selected buildings; current terms are published by hrad.cz.
Where to eat and shop
Dejvice and Hradčany have cafés, restaurants and everyday shops. We keep our full guest tips in the private Guest Guide; publicly we can recommend 500 Restaurant on Milady Horákové.
Sights & history
Pražský hrad a katedrála sv. Víta
Hradčany, Praha 1
Prague's symbol and the largest castle complex in the country. St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and views across the city. We recommend the morning, before the heaviest crowds.
Karlův most
Staré Město / Malá Strana, Praha 1
The most famous Prague bridge, lined with baroque statues. Best at sunrise or after dark.
Staroměstské náměstí a orloj
Staré Město, Praha 1
The heart of the Old Town with the astronomical clock and Týn Church. The Old Town Hall tower view is worth the ticket.
Královská zahrada a letohrádek královny Anny
Mariánské hradby, Praha 1 – Hradčany
A Renaissance garden beneath the castle with the Queen Anne Summer Palace. Open seasonally, pleasantly shaded in summer.
Písecká brána
K Brusce 208/5, Praha 6 – Hradčany
A Renaissance gate, once an entrance to the city, now a café and gallery. Most tourists walk past it.
Our walks
Ready-made routes that show you the city sensibly – without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Prague for the first time
a full dayFor first-time visitors.
The historic centre at walking pace: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Malá Strana and Prague Castle.
Start at Old Town Square in the morning; leave the castle for later morning.
Hradčany on foot
2–3 hoursFor guests around Prague Castle and Prague 6.
Písecká Gate → Royal Garden → Prague Castle. A beautiful start right from Hradčany.
The garden is open seasonally; in winter walk along Mariánské hradby instead.
Prague's best viewpoints
half a dayFor panorama and photography lovers.
Letná, Petřín, Kampa and Vyšehrad. Four places where Prague looks completely different.
Vyšehrad in the evening is calmer than the main sights.
Prague with kids
a full dayFor families with children.
Petřín with the funicular and mirror maze, Stromovka for the afternoon and the National Technical Museum.
You can skip the funicular and walk up from Malá Strana – the path itself is an experience.
FAQ
How do I get to Hradčany from the centre?
By tram to Pražský hrad or Pohořelec, by metro to Hradčanská, or on foot through Malá Strana up the New Castle Stairs.
Is Prague 6 worth visiting?
Yes – especially if you want the castle district without the queues. Gardens, Písecká Gate and quiet streets are worth half a day.
Planning a stay in Prague? Take a look at our apartments.
Our accommodation →