As a wedding photographer here in Prague this is one of the most atmospheric, historical and beautiful places one can ever dream of being married in. The Mirror Chapel plus the library always blows the minds of couples who chose this incredible place. Visit it to see for yourself. Though the walk up to the tower is quite challenging but always rewarding on a clear day. PS: If you are taking a tour you can NOT go inside the library as it is a historically protected place with priceless objects. You can only view it from behind the ropes in the doorway. Please understand this before visiting this cultural institution.

This is a review of the National Library only, not the Klementinum (the historial part). I don’t think this is a good regular study space—you need to pay 20 Kc to enter, while many other libraries are free. You first need to go to the cloakroom on the left of the turnstiles, pass the personnel your bag and coat, enter the main hall to buy a card for 20 Kc, then return to the hallway to tap the card on the turnstiles to enter. There were spaces available when I visited, and a bistro inside. There is really only one hallway that looks historical and pretty—the rest are modern library spaces, like that of the Municipal Library next door. If you want to study, you might as well use the free Municipal Library, which is near this building. Unless you need something specifically from this library, I don’t think it’s worth visiting this.

The library is beautiful but your not allowed to enter it. the ticket is around 8€ and a bit expensive for seeing a dark library from the door.

I went there to study once (it cost me 10czk for 1 full day) and its indeed a really beautiful library. However, I found it smaller than I was expecting. I really liked the quietness of the place and the fact that everyone was following the COVID rules. What I didn't like about studying there was that bringing our jackets and our bags were not allowed so I had to carry everything around on my arms. Also you cant have water inside the library so everytime you want to drink you have to go outside. I found these rules a little bit too much for me so I don't think I'll comeback. However I recomend you to try once just to experience studying in a really beautiful and historical library.

This review is for the tour. The tour is completely not worth it. Almost a rip off. They call it a tour of the national library, it isn't. It's a tour of a communist hallway and rickety spiral stair case. The guide opens the doors to the libary which have a barrier right behind them and the tourists take turns taking pictures from teh porch then make space for the next tourist. You don't actually go inside the library. So how is this a tour of the library? Luckily, the view from the tower is very nice, and that's basically how far your money goes. Further, we had a female guide with curly hair and she was just hating her job. She didn't even say hi to the group just started talking over everyone and used an awful tone in her presentation and interaction with the guests....

The old doorman was very rude. The rule in the library is no coats and bags - but some people are allowed to make exceptions. 🤨 😠 It was so cold today that I was asked to take off my jacket and just wear a sleeveless top, while some people were allowed to go right in with their down jackets. When we questioned the discrimination, he couldn't afford any reasonable explanation and started to yell at us in Czech out of nowhere. This is truly ill-mannered and unacceptable. The front desk staff can speak English and be helpful. The library itself is fine. But it's truly a shame we had to encounter this awful treatment.

The line to see the book art is slow moving. The book art at the Prague National Library is truly remarkable. The library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other literary treasures that span centuries of human knowledge. The architecture of the library itself is a work of art, with its stunning Baroque style and intricate detailing. Inside, you’ll find beautifully crafted book covers, ornate bindings, and delicate illustrations that adorn the pages. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in these books is truly awe-inspiring. Each book tells its own story, not just through the words on its pages, but also through the artistry that went into its creation. One of the highlights of the collection is the illuminated manuscripts, which are adorned with vibrant colors and intricate illustrations. These manuscripts are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artists who created them. They provide a glimpse into the past, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and creativity of a bygone era. The Prague National Library also showcases a variety of book art techniques, such as calligraphy, bookbinding, and typography. These techniques are not only visually stunning but also demonstrate the evolution of bookmaking throughout history. Visiting the Prague National Library is a truly immersive experience. As you walk through the halls, you can’t help but be captivated by the sheer beauty and artistry of the books on display. Whether you’re a book lover, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about history, the book art at the Prague National Library is a must-see.

Nice view, the library was impressive, but can only enter via tour guide 200 each

Very nice but you are not allowed to be in the library. They allow you to take a picture from a distance without entering. Guide English level was not good enough. So we didn't understand his accent.

One of my favorite places to study. The library is big and it offers many beautiful places, like the garden or the old corridors. Individual study room is very comfortable, it has nice chairs, huge desks and many outlets. The main study room has more spots but it is older and less comfortable, although it is very beautiful. To enter you have to leave the jacket and backpack, which you can leave in the wardrobe or in the lockers, but you can bring smaller bags.

Most expensive entry ticket in Prague, and the tour guide was so boring, uninspiring, and painful to listen to that we almost left after a minute. Worse, I specifically asked if we would enter the library - ticket seller said yes. Nope. You could see the library from a tiny entrance door and they didn’t even turn some lights on or crack a window so the library was totally dark. Everyone in our tour felt bamboozled and was upset. Godawful experience. Don’t waste your money on this.

DO NOT GO ! the guided tour is fraud ! they do not let you enter the library, they just open you the door and say "this is the library, see it from here, do not make any step in it!" . The people at the entrance were not helpful. The view from the tower nothing special, you can have better view from the castle ! The worst tour / exhibition I have been in Prague. There are many more better places to visit .

The place is amazing, however you have to pay for a guide and the guide ruins the experience. Absolutely pointless to listen, you can simply watch a 5 min video about the library and go to one of the other numerous tall towers for a view.

A really old beautiful library with a nice hall and great view to the old city from the library tower.

Tour guide was friendly and nice! Tour itself was nice, a bit to expensive. But the old library is so stunning that it is worth it

The most ridiculous library in the Czech Republic- ie. National library of jokes in Czechia. You cannot bring your bag inside, which means you need to carry everything including your laptop, books, pens on your hands. Who will use this dehumanized and problematic service? Are you in the Soviet time under safety control? Disgusting.

Very huge library.a lot to see around the library

The library is stunning!!! The view is great! Working hours are not correct in google. they work everyday 10am-19m, they do only tours, so better come the latest 6pm

Didn’t actually go inside. Would be better if you could do an unguided tour. Outside was pretty unassuming and some guy told me that the tour wasn’t worth it and that they don’t even let you touch the books! He was cute though so I added a star. I doubt they even let you bring hot coffee inside.

Definitely the best place in Prague to read and work in a quiet ambient. What I don't understand is why they don't fix the problem with great lack of sockets in the big študovna

The worst library I went to study, there is only one charging socket per table, so if you have more than one device good luck. To enter you need to leave everything outside, you can't take your bag with you, nor your jacket ( this day I only had t shirt no hoodie so it was a bit breeze) The cost per year it's funny because there is much better library in Prague, that is cheaper and has alot more to offer. Only as a historic place it is acceptable, for studies to day to day basis only those who like this kind of atmosphere.

One of the best place to study in Prague. Lovely coat woman's, coffee machine, cafetería, clean toilets and a beautiful studying room. Also a cool courtyard!

Great library and so many good books for reading. Must visit.👍👍

Lovely library

Definitely not worth the price. A lady speaks 25 minutes of the 30 minute tour, and you cannot even enter the library which not that impressive.

Wonderful and detailed tour with extremely kind staff. The Library is astonishing.

The elderly male guards should stop harassing people sitting in the garden 😬😬😬 I was working at a table alone just now and one of them started screaming from across the courtyard for me to come over, asked me if I understood Czech at all (I do moderately), then repeatedly pointed at the stickers at the garden door explaining how I must keep the door shut—it was another person who had left it open as I told him—then he said it made no difference and patted me on the shoulder 🤮 Sat 30 September 14:15 It’s a darn shame and not the first time this happens. Otherwise the library is fine, with a lovely historical reading hall and a decent collection (I only wish they returned the longer opening hours)