Quick Picks for Prague’s Green Spaces

If you are short on time, use these quick recommendations. Prague has a garden for every type of traveler. Some are perfect for romance, while others are great for kids. Many of these locations are part of the UNESCO World Heritage area. Here are our top picks for a fast escape.

• Best Overall: Vrtba Garden for its tiered Baroque design.
• Best for Families: Vojanovy Sady to see the friendly peacocks.
• Best Free Spot: Franciscan Garden in the heart of New Town.
• Best for Views: Vyšehrad Orchards for a panorama of the river.

Hidden Baroque Gems in Malá Strana

Malá Strana is the most atmospheric district in Prague. It is home to several ornate gardens from the 17th and 18th centuries. These spaces were often designed for noble families. Today, they provide a quiet retreat from the busy Charles Bridge area.

1. Name: Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada) Type: Baroque garden Why go: It is widely considered one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Central Europe. The tiered layout offers a unique vibe compared to Castle views. Best for: Couples and photographers. Where: Malá Strana, near Malostranské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 130 CZK). Getting there: Take tram 12 or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Climb to the very top terrace for a perfect shot of St. Nicholas Church.
2. Name: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Type: Palace garden Why go: This garden features a massive dripstone wall and a large pond with koi fish. You can see white peacocks roaming freely here. Check the opening hours before you go as it closes in winter. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Malá Strana, next to Malostranská metro station. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line A to Malostranská. Tip: Look for the owls in the large aviary near the entrance.
3. Name: Vojanovy Sady Type: Historic park Why go: It is the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague. It feels like a secret orchard in the middle of the city. You can find many peacocks in Vojanovy Sady resting in the trees. Best for: Families and peace-seekers. Where: Malá Strana, near the Kafka Museum. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Malostranská metro station. Tip: Bring a book and enjoy the silence behind the high stone walls.

Quiet Parks Near Prague Castle and Hradčany

The area around Prague Castle is usually very crowded. However, just a few minutes away, you can find nearly empty parks. These spots are perfect for cooling off after a castle tour. They offer a mix of manicured lawns and wilder paths.

4. Name: Cernin Palace Garden Type: Palace garden Why go: This garden is only open on weekends during the summer season. It is a massive, symmetrical space with a beautiful pavilion. It is one of the quietest secret gardens and parks in Prague. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: Hradčany, opposite Loreto. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the Loreto pilgrimage site.
5. Name: Chotek Gardens (Chotkovy sady) Type: Public park Why go: This was the first public park in Prague, opened in 1833. It offers a romantic atmosphere with old trees and winding paths. The views of the Vltava River bridges are spectacular. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Near the Royal Summer Palace. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 2, 12, 18, or 20 to Chotkovy sady. Tip: Walk across the footbridge to Letná Park for more views.
6. Name: Deer Moat (Jelení příkop) Type: Natural ravine Why go: This natural moat sits right under the castle walls. It was once used for hunting deer. It features a cool pedestrian tunnel and wooden walkways. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Northern side of Prague Castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter from the Powder Bridge at the Castle. Tip: The moat is seasonal and may close during heavy rain or winter.

Secret Gardens and Parks in Prague New Town and Beyond

You do not have to stay in the historic center to find green space. Some of the best hidden gems in Prague Old Town and New Town are just steps from shopping malls. These parks are where locals go to relax with a glass of wine or a coffee.

7. Name: Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada) Type: Cloister garden Why go: It is hidden between Wenceslas Square and Jungmannovo Square. You enter through historic passages and arcades. It is full of rose bushes and benches. Best for: A break from shopping. Where: New Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A or B to Můstek. Tip: Buy an ice cream at the nearby Světozor shop before entering.
8. Name: Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady) Type: Neo-Renaissance park Why go: This park has its own vineyard and a wooden wine pavilion. There is also an artificial cave called a grotto. It feels like an Italian villa in the middle of Prague. Best for: Wine lovers. Where: Vinohrady district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 13 or 22 to Jana Masaryka. Tip: Visit the wine cellar on-site to try wine made from the park's grapes.
9. Name: Vyšehrad Orchards Type: Fortress park Why go: Located within the Vyšehrad fortress, these orchards are peaceful. You get a great view of the railway bridge and the river. It is much less crowded than the Castle. Best for: Sunset views. Where: Vyšehrad. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Visit the Vyšehrad Cemetery nearby to see the graves of famous Czechs.
10. Name: Kinský Garden Type: Hillside park Why go: It is located on the southern slope of Petřín Hill. It features a beautiful wooden church brought from Ukraine in 1929. The garden has many waterfalls and small ponds. Best for: Hikers. Where: Smíchov/Petřín. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 9, 12, 15, or 20 to Švandovo divadlo. Tip: Walk uphill to reach the Petřín Lookout Tower.

Secret Nature Escapes Near Prague City Center

If you want a longer trip, head to the edges of the city. These locations offer a true nature experience. They are perfect for a half-day trip away from the urban noise. You can find more information on the official city tourism portal.

11. Name: Průhonice Park Type: Botanical garden/Park Why go: This is a UNESCO site located just outside the city. it is one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe. The park surrounds a fairytale castle and features thousands of rhododendrons. Best for: Day trips. Where: Průhonice (South of Prague). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Entry fee required (approx. 100-150 CZK). Getting there: Bus 363 or 385 from Opatov metro station. Tip: Visit in May when the flowers are in full bloom.
12. Name: Divoká Šárka Type: Nature reserve Why go: This is a wild rocky valley right in the city. It has high cliffs, a stream, and an outdoor swimming pool. It does not feel like you are in a capital city at all. Best for: Adventure and swimming. Where: Prague 6. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 20 or 26 to the Divoká Šárka stop. Tip: Hike up to the cliffs for a view of the valley before heading to the pool.