Top 12 Prague parks and gardens to visit

Prague offers a diverse range of green spaces for every type of traveler. You can find everything from steep hillsides to flat riverside meadows. Most of these locations are easily accessible by the efficient tram and metro system. Many gardens are free to enter, though some historic sites require a small fee. Here is a quick look at the best options for your trip.

• Best for views: Letná Park
• Best for romance: Vrtba Garden
• Best for families: Stromovka
• Best hidden gem: Franciscan Garden

1. Name: Letná Park (Letenské sady) Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous view of the Vltava river bridges. Best for: Photographers and beer lovers. Where: Holešovice, Prague 7. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 15 or 17 to Čechův most. Tip: Visit the large beer garden near the Neo-Renaissance mansion.
2. Name: Petřín Hill (Petřínské sady) Type: nature Why go: It features a lookout tower that looks like a mini Eiffel Tower. Best for: Panoramic views and spring blossoms. Where: Malá Strana, Prague 1. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free (tower has a fee). Getting there: Funicular from Újezd. Tip: Walk down through the orchards for the best city views.
3. Name: Stromovka (Královská obora) Type: nature Why go: This former royal hunting ground is the city's largest park. Best for: Jogging, picnics, and long walks. Where: Bubeneč, Prague 7. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 6 or 17 to Výstaviště. Tip: Check out the planetarium located at the park entrance.

Historic royal and baroque garden escapes

The Malá Strana district is home to some of the most beautiful Prague parks and gardens. These spaces often feature intricate statues, fountains, and perfectly trimmed hedges. Many are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in the city. These gardens provide a quiet atmosphere even in the peak tourist season. They are ideal for those who appreciate art and history alongside nature.

4. Name: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: It is famous for its resident peacocks and a mysterious drip wall. Best for: History buffs and families with kids. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A to Malostranská. Tip: Check the Wallenstein Garden opening times as it closes in winter.
5. Name: Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: It is considered one of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Europe. Best for: Couples and wedding photography. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 150 CZK). Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Learn about the Vrtba Garden entrance fee before you visit.
6. Name: Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada) Type: experience Why go: It is a peaceful oasis hidden behind the busy Wenceslas Square. Best for: A quick break while shopping. Where: New Town, Prague 1. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A/B to Můstek. Tip: Buy an ice cream at the nearby Světozor passage first.

Local favorites for views and picnics

If you want to experience Prague like a local, head to the residential parks. These areas are where people gather after work for drinks and relaxation. You will find a more authentic vibe here compared to the city center. Many of these spots offer unique features like vineyards or historic fortresses. They are essential parts of the local culture and lifestyle.

7. Name: Riegrovy Sady Type: experience Why go: It is the premier spot for watching the sunset over Prague Castle. Best for: Socializing and sunset picnics. Where: Vinohrady, Prague 2. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Read more about Riegrovy Sady sunset views for the best locations.
8. Name: Vyšehrad Park Type: sight Why go: This historic fortress offers incredible views and a famous cemetery. Best for: History lovers and quiet walks. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free (some interiors have fees). Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Visit the Vyšehrad fortress to see the tombs of famous Czechs.
9. Name: Havlíčkovy Sady (Grébovka) Type: experience Why go: It features a working vineyard and a stunning wooden gazebo. Best for: Wine tasting and exploring artificial grottoes. Where: Vršovice, Prague 10. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 13 or 22 to Jana Masaryka. Tip: Try the local wine produced directly from the park's vineyard.

Vast green spaces and nature reserves

For those who enjoy hiking or exotic flora, Prague has several large-scale options. These sites are often slightly further from the center but worth the trip. You can find dramatic landscapes that look nothing like a typical city park. Some are managed by the city to preserve local biodiversity. They offer a true escape into the wild without leaving the capital.

10. Name: Royal Garden (Královská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: It houses the beautiful Singing Fountain and the Queen Anne Summer Palace. Best for: Seeing the official Prague Castle grounds. Where: Hradčany, Prague 1. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 22 to Královský letohrádek. Tip: Consult a Prague Castle complex guide to plan your route.
11. Name: Prague Botanical Garden Type: experience Why go: It features the impressive Fata Morgana greenhouse with tropical plants. Best for: Plant enthusiasts and rainy days. Where: Troja, Prague 7. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Paid entry (approx. 180-200 CZK). Getting there: Bus 112 from Nádraží Holešovice. Tip: Visit in 2026 to see the newly expanded butterfly exhibitions.
12. Name: Divoká Šárka Type: nature Why go: A wild valley with high cliffs, hiking trails, and a swimming pool. Best for: Hiking and outdoor adventures. Where: Prague 6. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 20 or 26 to Divoká Šárka. Tip: Bring sturdy shoes as the trails can be quite rocky.

Planning your visit to Prague green spaces

Visiting Prague parks and gardens is easy with a little preparation. Most gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk. However, historic gardens like Vrtba or Wallenstein often close during the winter months. Spring is the best time for blossoms, especially on Petřín Hill. Autumn brings stunning golden colors to the vineyards of Grébovka. Always check the weather as many paths can be slippery when wet.

Public transport is the best way to reach these locations. You can use the same ticket for trams, buses, and the metro. Most parks are very dog-friendly, but keep them on a lead in formal gardens. Picnics are allowed in most public parks like Letná or Stromovka. Please remember to take your rubbish with you to keep the spaces clean. Many parks also offer some of the best viewpoints in Prague for free.