What is Lobkowicz Palace?
Inside the Prague Castle complex, Lobkowicz Palace belongs to the Lobkowicz family, one of Bohemia's oldest noble families. Confiscated by the Nazis and then the communists, it was returned after 1989 and opened as a museum of the family's collections. The audio guide is narrated by members of the family, which makes it unusually personal.
Highlights include two famous Canaletto views of the Thames, Pieter Bruegel the Elder's *Haymaking*, family portraits, armour, and music manuscripts, including scores by Beethoven, whose patron was Prince Lobkowicz.
Tickets
Buy at the palace or on its official site. Prices change, so check before you go.
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How busy is it?
Lobkowicz is much quieter than St Vitus Cathedral or Golden Lane. It's busiest just before and after the 1 pm concert. The terrace café fills at lunchtime.
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How to fit it into a castle visit
- St Vitus Cathedral at 9 am, when the castle opens and before the groups.
- Lobkowicz Palace at 10:30 am, while the cathedral fills up.
- Lunch on the Lobkowicz café terrace, with a view over Malá Strana.
- Golden Lane and the Old Royal Palace after 3 pm, when they're quieter.
See our Prague Castle guide for the castle circuit tickets.
Insider tips
- Don't skip the audio guide: the family stories are the best part.
- The Beethoven room shows scores with his own corrections.
- The café terrace has one of the best views in the castle, with no ticket needed.
- Concert tickets sell out in summer. Book a day or two ahead.
What you'll see inside
The route runs through about 20 rooms on the palace's upper floors, with the family audio guide telling the story of the Lobkowicz family over 700 years: how they rose to power, lost everything twice in the 20th century, and got it back after 1989.
- Canaletto's views of London: two large views of the River Thames, including St Paul's Cathedral on Lord Mayor's Day, painted in the 1740s.
- Pieter Bruegel the Elder, *Haymaking*: one of his famous series of the seasons, with peasants at work in a summer landscape.
- Music room: original manuscripts and printed scores, including works by Beethoven and Mozart. Prince Joseph Franz Lobkowicz was one of Beethoven's main patrons, and several of Beethoven's works were dedicated to him.
- Portraits, armour, hunting weapons and ceramics, from family life through the centuries.
- The balcony and terrace views over Malá Strana and the Charles Bridge.
Best (and worst) times to visit
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Lobkowicz Palace, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Tuesday, 9-10 am
The 1 pm concert
Most days, a one-hour classical concert takes place in the palace's Baroque concert hall, usually around 1 pm, with music by Czech and European composers. It's a separate ticket from the museum, though combined tickets are sold. Book a day or two ahead in summer. Arriving 15 minutes early gets you a better seat.
Plans by visitor type
Art lovers
Allow 1.5-2 hours. The Canalettos and the Bruegel are the stars.
Music lovers
Visit the museum at 11 am, have lunch on the terrace, then catch the 1 pm concert.
Families
Children enjoy the armour and the hunting rooms. The audio guide has family content.
Limited mobility
The palace is historic, with stairs between floors. Contact the palace beforehand to check access.
Getting there
The palace is at the eastern end of the castle complex, near Golden Lane and the Old Castle Steps. You go through the castle's security checks to reach it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming your Prague Castle ticket covers it.
- Skipping the audio guide, the heart of the visit.
- Turning up at 12:55 pm for the concert in summer without a ticket.
- Missing the terrace café view.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you like art, music or history told personally. It's one of Prague Castle's best-kept secrets, and a calm break from the crowds.
FAQs
How much is Lobkowicz Palace?
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About 380 CZK for adults and about 310 CZK reduced, with the audio guide included.
Is Lobkowicz Palace included in the Prague Castle ticket?
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No. It's privately owned and needs a separate ticket.
What are the opening hours?
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Daily 10 am-6 pm, last entry 5:30 pm.
Is there a concert at Lobkowicz Palace?
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Yes, a classical concert around 1 pm most days, with a separate ticket.
What's the best time to visit?
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10-11:30 am or after 3 pm. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
