Explore the Most Beautiful Hidden Gardens in Prague
Prague is famous for its narrow streets and historic towers. However, the city also hides many quiet green spaces. These hidden gardens in Prague offer a peaceful break from the busy tourist crowds. Many of these spots are tucked behind high walls or old palace gates. They feature stunning Baroque architecture, blooming roses, and quiet fountains. Exploring these spots is one of the best secret places in Prague to discover. Much of the city center is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This includes many of the beautifully preserved gardens listed below. You can find tranquility just steps away from the main squares.
Why Visit the Hidden Gardens in Prague?
Prague can feel very busy during the peak summer months. Visiting hidden gardens allows you to enjoy the city at a slower pace. These spaces often have fewer tourists than the Old Town Square. You can hear the birds sing and enjoy the scent of flowers. Many gardens also provide unique viewpoints that most people miss.
The architecture in these gardens is truly world-class. You will find intricate statues and grand staircases. Some gardens feature Renaissance designs with geometric paths. Others offer Baroque drama with terraced levels. These spaces show the history of the city in a natural setting. They are perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking peace.
Many of these gardens are also very affordable. Some are completely free to enter. Others charge a small fee that helps with upkeep. These fees are usually much lower than major museum tickets. You get high value for a small price while supporting local heritage. It is a great way to see the authentic side of the city.
12 Best Hidden Gardens in Prague to Explore
Here are the top hidden gardens in Prague that you should add to your itinerary. Each one offers a unique atmosphere and history. Use this list to plan your peaceful walking route through the city.
- Best overall: Vrtba Garden
- Best for families: Wallenstein Garden
- Best free garden: Franciscans Garden
- Best for views: Palace Gardens under Prague Castle
- Name: Vrtba Garden Type: Baroque sight Why go: It is one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Central Europe. The terraces offer tiered views of the city. Best for: Photographers and romantic couples. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 120 CZK. Getting there: Take a tram to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Visit at sunset for the most incredible golden light.
- Name: Wallenstein Garden Type: Renaissance sight Why go: This garden features a mysterious stalactite wall and giant peacocks. It is located on the official city site as a top heritage spot. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Exit at Malostranská metro station. Tip: Look for the large owls in the aviary near the entrance.
- Name: Franciscans Garden Type: Hidden experience Why go: It is a quiet oasis right next to the busy Wenceslas Square. The garden is filled with roses and benches. Best for: A quick rest during shopping. Where: New Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through a passage from Jungmannovo náměstí. Tip: Grab an ice cream at the nearby Svetozor passage before entering.
- Name: Vojan Gardens Type: Nature escape Why go: This is considered the oldest garden in Prague. It feels like a private orchard with fruit trees and white peacocks. Best for: Peace and quiet. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: This is a great spot to read a book away from the noise.
- Name: Palace Gardens under Prague Castle Type: Terraced sight Why go: These five linked gardens offer grand architecture and steep climbs. They are part of the Prague Castle complex. Best for: History buffs. Where: Castle Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk up from Valdštejnská street. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs.
- Name: Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady) Type: Vineyard experience Why go: It features a 19th-century villa, a vineyard, and an artificial grotto. You can enjoy local wine with a view. Best for: Wine lovers. Where: Vinohrady. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Jana Masaryka. Tip: Visit the wooden wine gazebo for a glass of local Pinot Noir.
- Name: Seminary Garden Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It has over 2,000 fruit trees that look amazing in spring. It offers some of the best non-touristy viewpoints in Prague. Best for: Spring blossom walks. Where: Petrin Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from Ujezd tram stop. Tip: The almond trees bloom very early in the year.
- Name: Garden of the Convent of St. Agnes Type: Art experience Why go: This garden combines medieval history with modern sculptures. It is a very calm and spiritual place. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Old Town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Namesti Republiky. Tip: Check out the interior of the convent for stunning Gothic art.
- Name: Vyšehrad Gardens Type: Fortress sight Why go: Located within the ancient fortress, these gardens offer river views. Explore the Vyšehrad fortress hidden gems like the cemetery. Best for: Sunset views. Where: Vyšehrad. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line C to Vyšehrad station. Tip: Walk along the ramparts for a full view of the Vltava river.
- Name: Černín Palace Garden Type: Baroque sight Why go: This is a massive, formal garden attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is only open in summer. Best for: Seeing grand scale. Where: Hradcany. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Pohořelec. Tip: Combine this with a Novy Svet Prague guide walk nearby.
- Name: Kampa Island Parks Type: Riverside experience Why go: These parks sit right on the river bank. They are famous for the giant baby statues by David Cerny. Best for: Relaxing by the water. Where: Kampa Island. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge and go down the stairs. Tip: Visit the Kampa Museum nearby for modern art.
- Name: Průhonice Park Type: Day trip Why go: A massive UNESCO-listed botanical park just outside the city. It features a stunning castle and large lakes. Best for: A full afternoon in nature. Where: Průhonice (near Prague). Time: 4 hours. Cost: Approx. 100 CZK. Getting there: Bus from Opatov metro station. Tip: It is most beautiful in May when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
Practical Tips for Your Garden Tour
Most hidden gardens in Prague are seasonal. They typically open in April and close in October. During winter, many of the smaller palace gardens remain shut. Always check the current opening months before you visit. The public parks like Kampa and Vyšehrad stay open all year.
Entry fees are usually paid in cash or by card at the gate. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the experience. Most gardens offer discounts for students and seniors. Keep your ticket as you might need it to exit. Some gardens have small cafes inside for drinks and snacks.
Accessibility can be a challenge in some areas. The terraced gardens involve many steep steps. These may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. However, the Franciscans Garden and Wallenstein Garden are flat. They are much easier to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hidden gardens in Prague free to visit?
Many hidden gardens in Prague are free, such as the Wallenstein and Franciscans Gardens. Others, like the Vrtba Garden or the Palace Gardens under Prague Castle, require a small entry fee. These fees usually range from 80 to 120 CZK and help with the garden's maintenance.
What is the best time of year to see Prague's gardens?
The best time to visit is from late April to June when the flowers are in full bloom. May is particularly beautiful for seeing fruit trees and roses. Autumn, specifically October, is also great for colorful leaves. Most of the smaller gardens close for the winter months.
Can you bring dogs into the Prague palace gardens?
Most historic palace gardens, like Vrtba or Wallenstein, do not allow dogs to protect the plants and wildlife. However, larger public parks like Letna or Vyšehrad are very dog-friendly. Always look for signs at the entrance regarding local pet policies and leash requirements.
Prague is a city of layers, and its gardens are some of the best layers to peel back. From Baroque terraces to secret monastery roses, these spaces offer a unique perspective. They provide a much-needed break from the busy streets of the Old Town. Make sure to include at least a few of these on your next trip. You might also enjoy exploring secret passages and courtyards in Prague for more hidden gems. Whether you want a romantic view or a quiet place to sit, these gardens deliver. Enjoy the peace and beauty of Prague's green side in 2026!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
- National Museum — Major national museum; unverified.
