Prague parks show you a very different side to the Czech capital from the busy tourist areas around the Old Town and Charles Bridge.
The locals head to the many parks in Prague to relax and unwind, and they’re great places to experience a leisurely slice of Prague life for yourself.
Our Prague parks guide shows you 20 of the best in the city, from former royal hunting grounds to great beer gardens, with playgrounds for the kids and some of the best views in Prague to savour.
Tip: We’ve written a separate feature on Prague gardens – formal and historic and palace gardens in Prague – which usually open between April/May and October. All the Prague parks in our article are open throughout the year, dawn to dusk and sometimes beyond.
The Best Parks in Prague
1. Stromovka Park
Stromovka Park Prague is known as the city’s Central Park, but it’s a quieter retreat than its NYC counterpart. In medieval times it was a royal hunting ground – the Governor’s Summer House still overlooks the centre of the park – and it was landscaped into a large English-style park in the 19th century.
It’s a great place to spend time in Prague with kids, with several playgrounds and even a kids-only island which they reach by rope raft.
Stromovka is also one of the best places to visit in Prague in autumn, especially the eastern side of the park.
It’s also close to several other Prague attractions. The Planetarium is located within the grounds of the Park, close to the showgrounds of Vystavište Holešovice. Here you’ll find seasonal funfairs and Morsky Svet (Sea World), the small Prague aquarium that’s among the Prague highlights for kids.
Getting there: tram 6, 12 or 17 to Vystavište
2. Letna Park
A wander up to Letna Park is one of the best things to do in Prague, especially if you’re there in the warmer months of the year. This is when you’ll find the Letna beer garden open, with its superb views over Prague Old Town and the Žižkov TV Tower.
The walk along the ridge overlooking the river is a pleasure indeed, taking in awesome Prague views, passing the skateboarders’ mecca below the Prague Metronome and continuing to the Art Nouveau Prague beauty of the Hanavsky Pavilion. This is the place with the best view of the Vltava River in Prague, and the main bridges in Prague city centre.
On the Holešovice side of the Park, there is a great playground and a broad expanse of empty flat land where political rallies are held from time to time.
Getting there: tram 17 to Čechuv most then 5 minutes’ uphill walk, or trams 1, 12, 15, 20 or 25 to Sparta or Korunovacni at the top of the hill.
3. Royal Garden
Prague Castle’s Royal Garden was originally founded by Ferdinand I in 1534, a Renaissance garden on the site of centuries-old vineyards. Some of its historic buildings survive, including Queen Anne’s Summer Palace and the Prague Castle Ballroom.
A short visit to the Royal Garden is one of the best free things to do in Prague, especially the lower area of the Garden around the serene Summer Palace.
There are also fine views across the Deer Moat to the north side of Prague Castle.
The Garden’s hours are the same as Prague Castle’s on any given day.
Getting there: tram 22 to Kralovske letohradek
4. Chotkovy Sady
While visiting Prague Royal Garden, don’t miss Chotkovy Sady ‘next door’, the other side of Queen Anne’s Summer Palace. Tram 22 calls at Kralovska letohradek (Royal Summer Palace) before continuing to Pražsky hrad (Prague.Castle) – most visitors don’t alight here, but both these parks are a real delight.
Chotkovy Sady is especially beautiful in autumn, and there are lovely walks with views of the city or shady spots to sit and relax for a while. One of the best places in Prague to just sit and stop for a while.
Getting there: tram 22 to Kralovske letohradek or trams 2, 12, 18 or 20 to Chotkovy sady
5. Kampa Park
Kampa Park, which takes up much of Kampa Island Prague, is an absolute delight. It has a lovely riverside setting, with some of the best views in Prague across the river and to the Charles Bridge.
Kampa Park is a narrow strip of land between the river and the Čertovka canal, along which several mills were built over the centuries, and some of these have been turned into atmospheric cafes.
Kampa Park Prague is also the home of Museum Kampa, one of the foremost Prague art galleries. Two contemporary works connected to the Museum have pride of place outside in the Park – the Yellow Penguins above the river, and three of David Černy’s Babies, among the most famous Prague statues, which are similar to those crawling up Zizkov TV Tower. But beware – these bnarcoded babes are nowhere as cute up close as they are fronm afar.
Getting there: trams 12, 15, 20 or 22 to Malostranské náměstí
6. Charles Bridge Playground
You can happily carry on with your Prague sightseeing while giving the kids a run-out at this awesome little playground in the shadow of the Charles Bridge.
There are swings, slides, see-saws, a sand-pit and a very climbable tree, and in the summer months, the hedge makes a great place for hide-and-seek. The view – along the north side of the Bridge – across the river to the Old Town Bridge Tower and the green dome of St Francis of Assisi Church – is incomparable.
Getting there: trams 12, 15, 20 or 22 to Malostranské náměstí
7. Petřin Hill Prague
Petrin Hill Prague is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. It consists of several gardens, both on the lower slopes and the summit area.
The lower part of the hill, just above the district of Mala Strana Prague, is one of the best viewpoints in Prague, offering stupendous views of the spires and domes of the Prague skyline. St Nicholas’ and Our Lady Victorious, two of the finest Baroque churches in Prague, are the closest to the lower level of the Hill.
If you’re in Prague in springtime, the trees here are covered in blossom and for a few weeks it’s one of the most beautiful places in Prague.
It’s a 15-20 minute walk up to the summit area, which is centred around the Petrin tower, one of the best lookout towers in Prague, which offers a great view of St Vitus Cathedral, Prague. Castle and the river.
There is also a Mirror Maze, the lovely Old Catholic Cathedral, a gorgeous flower garden (Kvetnice) and a walk along the Hunger Wall towards the fine Strahov Monastery.
Getting there: trams 9, 12, 15, 20 or 22 to Ujezd, then the Petřin funicular to the top. Otherwise, walk up from the Hellichova (12, 15, 20, 22) tram stop or take the 22 to Pohořelec and walk from there.
8. Kinsky Gardens
Kinsky Gardens – Kinského zahrada – occupies the southern part of Petrin Hill, overlooking the riverside suburb of Smichov. We’ve always found it one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Prague. It’s similar to its neighbour Petrin Park Prague in that its terrain is hilly and varied, and there are some hugely rewarding Prague walks, especially near the top of the hill around the Hunger Wall.
The lower part of the Park has a playground and a wide grassy area ideal for picnics in summer.
The Palace is now home to the Ethnographic Museum, which has exhibitions on folk history and art from around Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia.
Higher up the hill, the wooden Ruthenian church of St Michael was until recently an exhibit of the Museum. However, it tragically burned down in November 2020 so it’s going to be several years at least before we’ll be able to see it again.
Getting there: trams 9, 12, 15, 20 to Švandovo divadlo
9. Vojanovy Sady Prague
Vojanovy Sady is the best-concealed of Prague parks, hidden from view by a combination of a perimeter wall, a church and a Czech government ministry. It’s one of the most atmospheric parks in Prague, having been a monastery garden with two chapels – one a remarkable affair built to resemble the interior of a cave – as well as an English-style park with a pond.
Getting there: It’s very close to the Charles Bridge (a 3-minute walk), the river (barely a minute away), and other Mala Strana sights including the Wallenstein Gardens ( a minute away across Letenska via a short-cut).
There’s also a small but good children’s playground and a cafe (signposted) in the arcade next door. It’s a 2-3 minute walk from Malostranska Metro and tram stops.
See Also: 27 Wonderful Hidden Gems In Prague
10. Sacré Coeur Park
This is an unusual little park in that its main entrance is through a vast shopping centre, the massive Novy Smichov mall. Head to the first floor and follow the sign, cross the pedestrian bridge and you’re there. It’s a million miles from the usual Prague tourist places, and mostly frequented by locals.
The playground has a long metal slide built into the steep hill (Which was once a vineyard).
There’s also a mini zoo (website in Czech only) in the park, operated by the Charles University. You can see the kangaroos and llamas for free, and pay a token 40 CZK (US S1.70) per adult and 20 CZK for kids to visit the Terarium (limited opening hours) where you can encounter snakes, reptiles and a couple of crocodiles.
Getting there: via the 1st floor of Novy Smichov shopping mall – via Anděl (Metro Line B) and trams 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20 and 21
11. Shooters’ Island – Střelecky ostrov
One of four Prague islands in the centre of the city, Shooters’ Island has become a bit of a family favourite for us. It’s across the channel from Kampa Island, giving you a full-length view downstream to Charles Bridge.
There are great rope bridges for the kids to climb, and they also tend to like to come down to the river bank to feed fruit to the local coypu population. Also known as nutria, these creatures originate in South America and appear to be a cross between a beaver and a giant rat.
In summer there’s also an outdoor bar and a quirky little caravan café with a wonderful seating area including a toy-filled tepee. ‘
The Restaurant Strelecky Ostrov is on the south side of the island, and on weekends they sometimes put on some entertainment for people sitting in the park.It can be reached either down steps or a small elevator from Legii Most (Legion Bridge).
12. Children’s Island – Dětsky Ostrov
Children’s Island is a great playground on the left bank of the Vltava river, close to the suburb of Smíchov. It’s one of the best parks in Prague for kids, with plenty of small rides for the little ones and slides, rope climbs and zip wire especially popular with older kids.
There’s also an all-weather hockey pitch where kids make use of the goalposts and nets to play football.
Getting there: trams 9, 12, 15, 20 to Arbesovo náměstí
13. Slovansky Ostrov – Slavonic Island
Also known as Slav Island or Slavic Island, this island is on the right bank next to Prague New Town and Masarykovo nabrezi, one of the most beautiful Prague streets, lined with magnificent Art Nouveau mansions.
Slovansky ostrov has a great sandy playground at one end, and a quiet romantic park at the other, with views to Legion Bridge and Prague Castle.
You can also hire pedal or rowing boats from there between May and October. Between the parks, the graceful yellow Zofin Palace is a fine concert venue.
Getting there: trams 2, 9,17, 18 or 22 to Narodni divadlo, or trams 5 or 17 to Jiraskovo náměstí
14. Havliček Park Prague– Grebovka Park
At the southern end of Vinohrady and overlooking Vršovice, Havličkovy sady is one of the most pleasant places you can explore in Prague for free. It’s a hilly park with something for most – a great kids’ playground, a fantastic stone grotto fountain that looks like it’s come straight out of Cappadocia, complete with a honeycomb of tunnels to explore.
There is also lovely sloping parkland and a vineyard and gazebo overlooking the southern end of the park.
Getting there: tram 22 to Krymska or Jana Masaryka, then a 300 metre walk
15. Riegrovy Sady – Rieger Gardens
Riegrovy Sady sits high on a hill in the Vinohrady-Žižkov hinterland, a couple of minutes’ walk from the retro-futuristic TV Tower. The park commands a great view over the city, and crowds congregate there, especially during summer, beer in hand, sitting on the big grass bank watching the sun dip behind Prague Castle and the horizon.
It’s one of the top things to do in Prague during the warmer months.
Getting there: Metro to Jiřiho z Poděbrad (line A) then a 5-minute walk
16. Vyšehrad
Vysehrad Prague has almost as much of a place in the Czech soul and psyche, as it’s the home of the Přemyslid dynasty that ruled Bohemia in the early part of the Middle Ages. For us it may just edge it as the best park in Prague. Its Cemetery is also the resting place of many noteworthy Czechs, including composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana, and artist Alfons Mucha.
You’ll also find a lovely park , a Czech myth-themed playground, a 12th century Romanesque rotunda church, a Baroque-era fortress, cafes and a fine Gothic Revival Basilica, one of the most prominent landmarks of Prague, decorated sumptuously inside with Art Nouveau murals and painted roof vaults.
For now it’s a bit off the beaten path, at least as far as visitors from outside the country are concerned. But as tourism authorities try to encourage visitors to venture beyond the obvious Prague tourist spots, Vysehrad is one of the first things to see in Prague that you should seek out.
Getting there: trams 2, 3, 7 and 17 stop at Výtoň, from which it’s a 5-minute walk to the Brick Gate
17. Divoká Šárka
Divoká Šárka Prague is a wild nature reserve in north-west Prague with some of the best hiking in Prague to be found among its surprisingly rocky valleys.
It’s named after legendary Bohemian warrior Šárka, who is said to have thrown herself to her death there after betraying her lover. One of the hills is the site of a 9th century Slavic fort. The rugged landscape is astonishing, something you’d expect to find in a remote National Park rather than within Prague city limits.
As well as some steep and rocky short hikes, there is a natural lake – Džbán – and a swimming pool where you can cool off in the warmer months, or in winter, you can skate on the frozen lake. There are also cafes and a beer garden where you can refresh yourself before heading on your way.
Getting there: trams 20 and 26 terminate at the corner of the reserve.
18. Hvězda Park Prague
Obora Hvezda Prague is a large forest park in the west of the city, a former royal hunting ground that still has its summer palace. We love this park for its woodland and several playgrounds, and also the curious star-shaped letohradek, or Summer Palace. This tends to be open during the summer months (April to October) while the park is open all year round.
There is a great little café in the courtyard of the Summer Palace, but it’s closed over the winter months.
Getting there: trams 1 or 2 stop at Sídlište Petriny, 300 metres from the park entrance.
19. Pruhonice Park
Pruhonice Park is just outside the Prague boundary, but this stunning 19th century landscaped park is part of the Prague UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s the lifetime’s work of Count Arnošt Emanuel Silva-Tarouca, who spent over 40 years on the project. This included a splendid Renaissance Revival Castle – one of the least-known castles near Prague, several lakes, forest walks and meadows along the valley of the Botic stream.
One of numerous Prague hidden gems to seek out, especially if it’s not your first time in Prague.
Getting there: Metro line C to Opatov, then buses 363 or 385 to Pruhonice
20. Central Park
Central Park Prague – Centralni Park – is not particularly central to anything. It’s out in the west of the city, a long way from most Prague tourist attractions near the Lužiny metro stop (yellow line B). It’s a suburban Prague Park surrounded by apartment blocks, with pleasant walks along a stream and around lakes. We made the short trip there because my son couldn’t wait to try out the large wooden owl climbing frame (pictured) which he loved. One for Prague expats rather than your Prague vacation.
Getting there: Lužiny Metro line B
Map of all the best parks in Prague
To make your trip to the parks in Prague easier, I created a map in Google Maps for you. When you click on the map, you’ll find the precise location and directions to each park. Plus, you can save the map to your phone for offline use. I hope this helps you plan your visit
David Angel is a Welsh, photographer, writer and historian who has been travelling and photographing Europe for over 30 years. His work is regularly featured in worldwide media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveller, the Guardian, the Times and the Sunday Times.
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