Strahov Library

The Strahov Library is truly a stunning place with an incredible atmosphere. The historic interiors are filled with history, and the ceiling frescoes are unbelievably detailed. I was especially impressed by the Philosophical Hall, which is majestic and filled with rare books. The only downside is that visitors don’t have free access to walk between the shelves and can only view the library from a designated area. Despite this, it is one of the most beautiful places in Prague, and I highly recommend visiting, especially if you love history and beautiful architecture.

Absolutely breathtaking libraries. If you love books, definitely worth the visit to the monastery to check these out! For both, you cannot enter the libraries with a regular ticket, but you can take a photo from the doorway, as pictured below. To me, this was definitely worth it just to see it and smell the old books. However, it is possible to enter at least the room with the wood paneling via a private tour that must be booked advance. Will be doing that for my next visit to Prague! Also, recommend booking the tickets online (even just the basic ones) to avoid having to go to the ticket window. Digital tickets are excepted via the QR code on the ticket you buy.

The two halls that contained the philosophy and theology books are stunning. I went two hours before closing, and there were not many people around, so i was able to take my time looking at the halls. During the day, though, I suspect it is much busier, and you may only get a few minutes to look. There are three choices of tickets. One allows you to enter the theology hall as part of a tour. This ticket is expensive and sells out quickly. Another allows entrance to the exhibitions, monastery, and library, but you can only look into the library halls from the doorway. The third does not include the exhibits. The ticket area is the white church across the road from the souvenir shop. I went two hours before closing, and there was no queue. However, I was told there had been large queues earlier in the day, so I would suggest pre-purchasing a ticket. You can buy a ticket just for the library or one for the exhibition area and library. You can pay by card or cash. You can pay in CZK, EUR, or USD. It is generally cheaper to choose CZK. The lobby outside the halls contains artifacts and is worth a look. At the end there is an art exhibition. Lots of people were being turned away as not having a valid ticket. Having been given two tickets, we had assumed it was one per person. However, it turned out one was for entry to the library area, and the other was for entry to the exhibition. Each one states the number of people covered by the ticket. I showed my ticket, which turned out to be the library entry, and was turned away as not having a valid ticket. It took a moment to work out the mistake, and I did wonder how many other people had made the same error and missed out. There are no toilets in the building, but there are in the outside courtyard. There is a charge of 20 CZK for using these, cash only. The toilet attendant was rude, but the toilets were clean. The toilets are wheelchair accessible. There is a souvenir shop across the road from the ticket office at the main gate. There is also a restaurant. The library area is not accessible for people who use a wheelchair. Other areas of the monastery are accessible. There are plans to install a lift. There is also the possibility of being able to park directly at the monastery of you have a disability. You need to contact the promotions staff to arrange thus option.

Beautiful library! They are very strict about having the ticket and QR code - we were hoping to buy onsite upon arrival but they forced us buy online using our phones which didn’t have good cell service. The library is stunning!!! They were setting up for a private event so we weren’t able to walk in. It’s a very small museum of the library but so pretty

A rip off. The ticket only entitles you to the doorway from which you can take photos like the ones I shared. You can some old artifacts like old maps and old insects and seashells not sure why its a part of the assets. I came to enjoy a library but only find out that its just a photo op from the doorway. Dont bother booking tickets online because it sucks. They treat you like you are scammer. Better buy the ticket at the ticket office and get the physical ticket. That is iif you still want to take photos of the library from the doorway. And then you can go.

The place itself it's a five stars. I understand that some people may get disappointed by not having access to the inside part of the library (you can only watch from the door), but there is a whole lot of other places and things to see. Also you can get a good view of the two amazing libraries! Don't miss it and don't create expectations of going inside the libraries. You will certainly enjoy it. Btw, the purpose of not letting people inside is for conservation of the books, if you really want to book a tour inside you should get in touch with them weeks prior to the visit.

The Strahov Library (Strahovská knihovna) unfortunately did not meet expectations in terms of value for money. While the main library room is undeniably stunning, visitors are not permitted inside, which diminishes the overall experience. Additionally, the staff were notably unwelcoming. Despite paying approximately 8 euros, access is limited to just two rooms. When inquiring about gallery access, the response was "little money little access." I would recommend considering other attractions for a more fulfilling experience.

Very disappointing experience. The staff at the entrance were impolite and unhelpful. I was charged €6 just to stand in line and look through an open door, which felt like a waste. They don’t inform visitors that tickets can be booked online and instead send you to another office to figure it out. Luckily, I already knew how to book quickly, but this lack of communication is unacceptable. When I last visited in 2014, the experience was much better—staff were kinder, though the visit was still like that. This time, it felt like profit was the priority rather than sharing the history and importance of the library. The halls are inaccessible, and there’s no effort to provide a deeper understanding of the library’s historical significance. I wouldn’t recommend visiting unless significant improvements are made.