Booking Your Strahov Monastery Library Tickets

Securing your Strahov Monastery library tickets is quite simple. You can buy them at the ticket office on-site. The office is located right at the entrance of the library building. Cash and cards are usually both accepted. In 2026, prices are expected to remain affordable for most visitors.

You can also check the Prague.eu portal for official updates. There are different tickets for the library and the gallery. If you want to take photos, you must buy a special permit. This permit is a small sticker you wear on your clothes. It is worth the small extra cost.

The library does not allow guided tours inside the halls. You view the rooms from the doorways to protect the books. This keeps the ancient atmosphere perfect for everyone. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go. The monastery often closes for a lunch break midday.

What to Expect Inside the Strahov Library Halls

The library consists of two main halls. The Theological Hall is the oldest part. It features beautiful stucco work and historic globes. The Philosophical Hall is much taller. It has amazing walnut shelves and a huge ceiling fresco. You will be amazed by the scale.

You cannot walk into the middle of the rooms. This rule protects the books from dust and humidity. You will stand at the doorway to look inside. This still allows you to see every detail clearly. The lighting is kept low to preserve the art.

The smell of old paper and wood is very special. It feels like stepping back into the 18th century. Many books are hundreds of years old. The monastery has kept them in excellent condition. It is a quiet place for reflection and wonder.

10 Best Attractions Near the Strahov Monastery Library

There are many things to see after you get your Strahov Monastery library tickets. The surrounding area is full of history. You can easily spend a whole day here. Here are our top picks for your itinerary:

1. Name: Strahov Library (Theological and Philosophical Halls) Type: sight Why go: This is the main attraction of the monastery. It holds thousands of ancient books and beautiful art. Best for: History lovers and grand architecture. Where: Inside the Strahov Monastery complex. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Around 150 CZK. Getting there: Use Tram 22 to Pohorelec. Tip: Remember to buy your Strahov Monastery library tickets at the small booth inside.
2. Name: Strahov Picture Gallery Type: museum Why go: It houses one of the most important monastic collections in Central Europe. The Gothic and Baroque art is stunning. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Next to the library entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Often requires a separate or combined ticket. Getting there: Steps away from the library halls. Tip: Look for the 14th-century paintings which are very rare.
3. Name: Strahov Monastery Brewery Type: experience Why go: They have brewed beer here since the 13th century. The St. Norbert beer is famous across Prague. Best for: Foodies and beer lovers. Where: Opposite the library building. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Moderate for food and drinks. Getting there: Walk across the monastery courtyard. Tip: Try the seasonal beers which change throughout the year.
4. Name: Loreto Prague Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning pilgrimage site. It features a replica of the Holy House and a famous bell tower. Best for: Religious history and Baroque art fans. Where: Loretanske Square, a 5-minute walk from the monastery. Time: 1–1.5 hours. Cost: About 180 CZK. Getting there: Walk down the hill from the monastery entrance. Tip: Try to visit on the hour to hear the 27 carillon bells play.
5. Name: Petrin Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best views of the city. It looks like a small Eiffel Tower. Best for: Families and view seekers. Where: At the top of Petrin Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 220 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk through the park from Strahov. Tip: Take the stairs for a workout or the elevator for ease.
6. Name: Prague Castle Type: sight Why go: This is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. It is a UNESCO site. Best for: Everyone visiting Prague. Where: Hradcany district. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Varies by circuit; check the Prague Castle guide for details. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the monastery. Tip: Watch the changing of the guard at the main gate every hour.
7. Name: Novy Svet Type: neighborhood Why go: This is a quiet, picturesque street with colorful houses. It feels like a village inside the city. Best for: Couples and photographers. Where: Near the castle walls. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: A short walk from Loreto. Tip: This is one of the best hidden gems in Prague for a peaceful stroll.
8. Name: Church of Saint Nicholas Type: sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture. The interior is filled with gold and massive statues. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Mala Strana Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Around 100 CZK. Getting there: Follow the Mala Strana sightseeing route down the hill. Tip: Climb the belfry for a unique view of the Lesser Town.
9. Name: Clementinum Baroque Library Type: sight Why go: It is often called the most beautiful library in the world. It is a great comparison to Strahov. Best for: Book lovers and architecture fans. Where: Old Town, near Charles Bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 300 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Take the tram or walk across the bridge. Tip: Read our Clementinum library attraction guide for booking tips.
10. Name: Sternberg Palace Type: museum Why go: It houses European art from the National Gallery. The building itself is a masterpiece. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Hradcany Square. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Check the National Gallery Prague site for prices. Getting there: A short walk from the castle entrance. Tip: The palace garden is a very quiet place to relax.

How to Get to Strahov Monastery

Getting to the monastery is very easy. Most people use the city's excellent tram system. Take Tram 22 from the city center. This tram is famous for its scenic route. It passes many major landmarks along the way.

Get off at the Pohorelec stop. From there, it is a short walk uphill. You will see signs for the monastery everywhere. It is hard to miss the twin white towers. The walk is paved but can be steep for some.

You can also walk from Prague Castle. The walk takes about 15 minutes. It offers great views of the red rooftops below. Taxis and ride-shares are also available in Prague. They can drop you right at the main gate.

Travel Tips for Your Strahov Visit

Visit the monastery early in the morning. This is when it is most peaceful. The library can get crowded in the afternoon. Many tour groups arrive after 10:00 AM. Arriving early ensures you get the best photos.

Wear comfortable shoes because the area is hilly. There are many cobblestone streets nearby. These can be slippery when wet. A good pair of walking shoes is essential for Prague. You will do a lot of walking here.

Combine your visit with a trip to the brewery. The beer is brewed using traditional monastic recipes. It is a great place to rest after your tour. Always keep your ticket safe until you leave. You might need to show it at different entrances.