Prague Parks and Gardens

Prague is not just about the historic centre, monuments and cafés. If you are coming for a spring or summer stay, it is worth leaving some time for parks, gardens and places with a view.

Some Prague parks are ideal for families with children, others for a picnic, running, a romantic walk or an afternoon away from the busiest tourist routes. In this overview, you will find practical tips on where to go, how to get there and when the best time to visit is.

Overview: Which Park in Prague Should You Choose?

For families with children: Stromovka, Vyšehrad, Petřín, Divoká Šárka
For a romantic walk: Petřín, Vrtba Garden, Vyšehrad, Grébovka
For views: Letná Gardens, Riegrovy Sady, Petřín, Vyšehrad
For a picnic: Stromovka, Letná, Riegrovy Sady, Grébovka
For sport and longer walks: Stromovka, Divoká Šárka, Letná
For a quieter visit: Vrtba Garden, Grébovka in the morning, Divoká Šárka outside the weekend
For summer events: Letná, Stromovka, Výstaviště, Riegrovy Sady

Stromovka: A Large Park for Families, Sport and Picnics

Stromovka, also known as the Royal Game Reserve, is one of the largest and most pleasant parks in Prague. It is suitable for families with children, runners, cyclists, picnics and peaceful walks around the water. You will find wide paths, grassy areas, playgrounds, ponds and plenty of space, so even on warm days it does not feel as crowded as smaller parks in the city centre.

The easiest access is from Výstaviště in Holešovice or from Bubeneč. By public transport, take a tram to Výstaviště, or metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice and then continue by tram or on foot.

In spring, Stromovka is pleasant for a longer walk, while in summer it is ideal for a picnic or an afternoon in the shade of the trees. If you want to avoid crowds, do not go on Saturday afternoon to the main entrances near Výstaviště. Choose the morning instead, or head towards the Bubeneč side of the park.

Petřín: Views, Gardens and a Walk Above Malá Strana

Petřín is a good choice if you want to combine greenery, views and Prague landmarks. At the top, you will find the Petřín Lookout Tower and the Mirror Maze. Lower down are gardens, hillside paths and places where you can pause for a while away from the bustle of Malá Strana.

In 2026, it is important to note that the Petřín funicular is out of service due to reconstruction. You should therefore walk up from Újezd, Malostranské náměstí, Strahov, or from the Koleje Strahov and Stadion Strahov stops. The route from Újezd is beautiful, but it climbs uphill, so with a pram or smaller children, it is better to choose a gentler route from above.

Petřín is at its best in the morning, late afternoon or evening. In summer, it is worth avoiding the strongest midday heat.

Letná Gardens: Views of the Bridges and a Livelier Atmosphere

Letná Gardens, usually simply called Letná, are one of the best places in Prague for views across the Vltava River. From here, you can see a line of Prague bridges, the Old Town and part of the historic centre. The park is suitable for a walk, a picnic, sitting with a view or an afternoon with children.

The easiest access is by tram to Letenské náměstí, Kamenická or Chotkovy sady. If you are walking from the centre, you can climb up from Čech Bridge towards the Metronome. This route is shorter, but steeper.

In summer, Letná tends to be livelier, especially around the Metronome and Letná Chateau. If you want a quieter part of the park, continue further away from the main viewpoints towards Chotkovy Sady. The best light for photos is usually in the evening, when the city takes on softer colours and the views look better than in harsh midday sun.

Riegrovy Sady: Sunset Over Prague

Riegrovy Sady in Vinohrady are popular mainly thanks to the view of Prague Castle and the sunset. The park has an urban atmosphere, large grassy areas and good access from the city centre. It is suitable for a picnic, a short break after work, an evening view or an easy walk.

You can get here on foot from Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad or from the Main Railway Station. There are plenty of cafés and bistros nearby, so the visit can easily be combined with food or coffee.

The busiest time is usually around sunset on warm days. If you want a quieter visit, come in the morning or earlier in the afternoon on a weekday. Families should bear in mind that part of the park is on a slope, so with a pram it is better to choose the most comfortable access according to the map.

Havlíčkovy Sady, Grébovka: Vineyard, Pavilion and Quieter Vinohrady

Havlíčkovy Sady, known as Grébovka, are a pleasant choice for visitors who want a park with a slightly different character. You will find a vineyard, the Grotto, a pavilion, hillside paths and charming corners for a slower walk.

The park lies between Vinohrady and Vršovice. The best way to get there is by tram to Jana Masaryka, Ruská or Krymská, or on foot from Náměstí Míru. One advantage is that Grébovka is not as touristy as Petřín or Letná.

In spring and summer, it is suitable for an afternoon walk, a picnic or a stop while exploring Vinohrady. If you want fewer people, come in the morning or outside the weekend. On hot days, stay more in the upper and shaded parts of the park, as some slopes can become quite warm in the sun.

Divoká Šárka: Nature, Rocks and a Longer Trip Within Prague

Divoká Šárka is ideal if you want a more natural piece of countryside within Prague. Instead of a city park, you will find a valley, rocks, meadows, a stream, forest paths and longer routes. It is suitable for a trip with children, a sporty walk, running or a summer day away from the centre.

The most common access is from the Divoká Šárka tram stop, or via metro line A to Nádraží Veleslavín and then by tram or bus. You can plan your trip as a short loop or a longer route through the valley towards Džbán.

In summer, bear in mind that some parts are very popular, especially at weekends and in good weather. Take sturdier shoes, water and, if you are with children, expect uneven terrain. Divoká Šárka is most beautiful in the morning, early evening or on a weekday, when the paths are noticeably quieter.

Vyšehrad: Views, History and a Relaxed Walk

Vyšehrad is a great park area for those who want to combine greenery, views and history. You will find ramparts, views of the Vltava River, the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Slavín, grassy areas and quieter places to rest.

You can get here by metro line C to Vyšehrad station, or by tram to Výtoň and then walk uphill. The route from Výtoň is more scenic, but it climbs. If you are with smaller children or a pram, access from the metro is usually more comfortable.

Vyšehrad is suitable for spring and summer afternoons, but also for early evening. The views towards the river are especially pleasant later in the day. At weekends it can be busier, but the area is spacious enough to find a calmer spot. A short walk along the ramparts followed by sitting on the grass is also a good option.

Vrtba Garden: A Smaller Paid Garden with a View

Vrtba Garden offers a different kind of experience from the large city parks. It is a smaller Baroque garden in Malá Strana, more suitable for a peaceful visit, a romantic walk and photography. It is not a place for a picnic or a long afternoon with a ball, but a beautiful stop for 30 to 60 minutes.

The entrance is from Karmelitská Street, easily accessible by tram via Malostranské náměstí or on foot from Újezd. The garden is seasonal and entry is paid, so it is worth checking the current opening hours in advance.

The best time to visit is in the morning or later afternoon, when the light is more pleasant and there are fewer people. Vrtba Garden combines well with Petřín, Malá Strana, Kampa or a walk towards Charles Bridge.

Bonus: Prague Botanical Garden in Troja

If you want to turn a park day into a bigger trip, consider the Prague Botanical Garden. It is located in Troja and offers outdoor exhibitions, a Japanese garden, the St Clare Vineyard and the Fata Morgana greenhouse.

It is not a classic freely accessible park, but a paid area suitable for families, couples and visitors looking for a calmer programme for several hours. It works best as a separate half-day trip, or in combination with Prague Zoo or Troja Chateau.

Where to Go for a Picnic in Prague

The best places for a picnic are Stromovka, Letná, Riegrovy Sady, Grébovka or Vyšehrad. Always keep in mind the rules of the specific park, especially if you want to barbecue or come with a dog.

It is a good idea to bring a blanket, water, something simple to eat and choose a place with good public transport access. If you want specific tips for locations and a simple afternoon plan, take a look at our article on where to go for a picnic in Prague.

Practical Tips for Visiting Prague Parks

In the warm months, take water with you to Prague parks. Some parks have drinking fountains or refreshments, but do not rely on them for every route. For longer trips, such as Divoká Šárka or the Botanical Garden, it is worth having a drink with you.

Public transport is usually better than travelling by car. Parking near parks in and around the wider centre, especially near Letná, Petřín, Riegrovy Sady or Vyšehrad, may be limited or paid. For tourists, a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket is often worthwhile, or you can buy individual tickets in the PID Lítačka app.

Dogs are allowed in many parks, but the rules are not the same everywhere. In paid gardens and some areas, entry with animals may be restricted or prohibited. With children, pay attention to the terrain. Stromovka is comfortable, Petřín and Riegrovy Sady are on slopes, and Divoká Šárka has more natural paths.

In summer, it is best to plan park visits for the morning, late morning or later afternoon. The midday heat can be unpleasant, especially on open grassy areas and viewpoints without shade.

Where to Stay After a Day in Nature

After a day in Prague’s parks, you will appreciate accommodation from which you can easily get to the centre, while also being able to rest away from the busiest areas. Hotel Golf Prague is located in a quieter part of Prague 5, approximately 15 minutes from the city centre, with good public transport connections and its own parking.

For visitors arriving by car, parking is a major advantage. You can travel to the centre, Petřín, Smíchov or other routes by public transport and leave your car at the hotel. If you are planning a longer stay, you can easily divide your programme between sights, parks, evening Prague and relaxation.

After a full day of walking, the hotel wellness and Thai massages are also a welcome benefit. This means that a day in Prague does not have to be only about activities, but also about returning to a calm and comfortable base.

Take a look at the rooms at Hotel Golf Prague and plan a stay where there is time for the centre, parks and relaxation.