Why Explore Secret Gardens and Parks Prague?

Prague is one of the greenest cities in the world. Many visitors stay on the main tourist path. They miss the quiet courtyards and lush hillsides just a few steps away. Visiting these spots helps you see a different side of the city. You can enjoy stunning views without the selfie sticks. Many gardens are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. They show off centuries of landscape design and art.

These parks are perfect for families and solo travelers. You can find playgrounds for children or quiet benches for reading. Most locals use these spaces for their daily walks. This makes them great for people-watching. You will feel like a true local while relaxing under a blooming magnolia tree. Many of these spots also offer secret viewpoints in Prague that most tourists never find.

11 Must-Visit Secret Gardens and Parks Prague

Here is our curated list of the best secret gardens and parks Prague has to offer. These spots range from tiny courtyards to massive forested parks.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Vrtba Garden
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Grébovka
• Quick Pick: Best Free Spot - Vojan Gardens
• Quick Pick: Best View - Vyšehrad

1. Name: Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada) Type: Baroque garden Why go: It is a stunning tiered garden with amazing views. The statues and symmetrical hedges are perfect for photos. Best for: Couples and photographers. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 130 CZK). Getting there: Tram to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best light over the city roofs.
2. Name: Vojan Gardens (Vojanovy sady) Type: Public park Why go: This is the oldest garden in Prague. It is famous for its resident peacocks and white blossom trees. Best for: A quiet break near the river. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranská metro station. Tip: Bring a book; it is one of the quietest spots in the center.
3. Name: Franciscans Garden (Františkánská zahrada) Type: Rose garden Why go: It is hidden between Wenceslas Square and Jungmann Square. It feels like a secret world behind the shops. Best for: Resting after shopping. Where: New Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through hidden passages near Můstek metro. Tip: Buy an ice cream at the nearby Svetozor shop first.
4. Name: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Type: Palace garden Why go: It features a massive dripstone wall (grotto) and an owl aviary. The Senate of the Czech Republic meets here. Best for: History and unique architecture. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to Malostranská metro. Tip: Look for the giant carp in the decorative pond.
5. Name: Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady) Type: English-style park Why go: It has its own vineyard, a wooden gazebo, and an artificial cave (grotto). Best for: Wine lovers and families. Where: Vinohrady. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Jana Masaryka. Tip: Try the local wine produced directly from the park's hillside.
6. Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: Historic park Why go: This site offers a peaceful alternative to the main castle. It has ancient walls and great river views. Best for: Sunset walks. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free (some buildings paid). Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Check out the Vyšehrad local secrets like the hidden cemetery.
7. Name: Kinsky Garden (Kinského zahrada) Type: Forested park Why go: It is located on the southern slope of Petřín Hill. It features a wooden church moved from Ukraine and a waterfall. Best for: Nature hikes. Where: Smíchov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Švandovo divadlo. Tip: Follow the path up to the Hunger Wall for fewer crowds.
8. Name: Chotek Gardens (Chotkovy sady) Type: Public park Why go: This was the first public park in Prague. It offers a romantic bridge and views of the Vltava bridges. Best for: Scenic views. Where: Near Prague Castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Chotkovy sady. Tip: Walk from here to Letná Park for a longer stroll.
9. Name: Nový Svět Type: Neighborhood/Garden experience Why go: While a street, it is surrounded by tiny hidden gardens and quiet greenery. It feels like a village. Best for: Escaping the Castle crowds. Where: Hradčany. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Brusnice. Tip: Visit the Nový Svět area for the most charming atmosphere.
10. Name: Střelecký Island (Střelecký ostrov) Type: River island Why go: It sits in the middle of the Vltava. It provides a unique view of the Charles Bridge from below. Best for: Evening picnics. Where: Under Legions Bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the elevator or stairs from Most Legií. Tip: Look for the nutria (river rats) that live along the banks.
11. Name: Průhonice Park Type: Botanical park/Day trip Why go: A UNESCO site just outside the city. It has a fairy-tale castle and miles of paths. Best for: A full day in nature. Where: Průhonice (Suburb). Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: Paid entry (approx. 100 CZK). Getting there: Bus 363 or 385 from Opatov metro. Tip: Visit in May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Planning Your Visit to Prague's Green Spaces

Most gardens in Prague are seasonal. Many Baroque gardens close during the winter months. They usually open in April and close in October. Public parks like Vyšehrad or Grébovka stay open all year. Always check the official city tourism portal for current hours. Most parks are very safe to visit during the day. Some may close their gates at dusk.

Prague's terrain can be quite hilly. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to visit Kinsky Garden or Petřín. Some paths are made of cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet. If you have mobility issues, stick to the flatter gardens like Franciscans or Wallenstein. Drinking water is often available at public fountains in the summer.

Picnics are popular with locals. You can buy snacks at local markets. However, remember to clean up your trash. Most parks have plenty of bins. Dogs are allowed in many public parks but must be on a leash. Some formal gardens, like Vrtba, do not allow pets. Always look for signs at the entrance to be sure.

Best Neighborhoods for Nature Lovers in Prague

If you love greenery, choose your accommodation wisely. Malá Strana is perfect for garden lovers. You will be within walking distance of five different gardens. The atmosphere here is very romantic and historic. Vinohrady is another great choice for a local feel. It has large parks and many tree-lined streets.

Hradčany is the quietest area near the center. It is located behind the Castle. You can wander through Nový Svět and find small green corners. For more tips on where to stay, check out our guide to local secrets in Prague. Staying away from the Old Town Square will give you more peace. You will enjoy the city's natural beauty much more.