| May 20th, 2023 | No comments

As long-time residents, we have spent many hours exploring Prague parks. We’re so inspired by the beauty found within them that we decided to write a guide to our favorite parks in Prague! 

It’s undeniable: Prague is a stunningly beautiful city. You can walk down any street and marvel at the detail in the building designs and the incredible historical architecture. Its cobblestone streets and sky-high spires will take your breath away, to be sure.

The Best Prague Parks 

But did you know that Prague was also recently named the world’s greenest urban space? That’s right, there is a plethora of beautiful parks in Prague to choose from if you’re looking to escape city life and step into nature for a bit.

So, let’s get out and explore some of Prague’s most beautiful parks!

Letná Park

prague view letna

Located in Prague 7, Letná Park is one of the biggest parks in Prague. Established in 1860 on the site of a former vineyard, this park in Prague has seen a lot throughout the years.

Today, its most noticeable feature is the ticking metronome, but from 1955 until 1962, this was the site of the world’s largest monument to Josef Stalin. The metronome sits on the base of the remains of the Stalin monument.

metronome letna prague

Letná has more to offer than just the metronome and a spectacular view. The area behind the metronome has become a favorite spot for skateboarders and bladers, and the area below comes alive in the summer with live music and food and beer stands.

While you’re up there, we’d also recommend checking out one (or both!) of the beer gardens located to the left of the metronome. You can also check out the Hanavský Pavilion, a Baroque cast-iron building from 1891 that now houses a restaurant.

No matter what you’re looking for – a beautiful view, great food and beer, relaxation, or sporting activities – Letná has it all, making it one of the best parks in Prague.

Stromovka Park 

stromovka park prague

Also located in Prague 7, Stromovka is known as Prague’s central park and also happens to be the biggest Prague park at almost 250 acres. Founded in 1268 by King Přemysl Otakar II as a royal hunting ground, this park was expanded throughout the years by subsequent rulers and sometimes even taken advantage of as a military camp.

Today, there is a wide variety of things to do in the park. It’s come a long way through history to become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Sit by the shore or even take a dip in one of the four ponds, take your kids to the playground, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or just relax in the grass.

stromovka park field prague

If you’re looking for a bit of history, check out the former rulers’ summer palace. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more unconventional, check out the planetarium located at the edge of the park right next to the exhibition grounds.

A popular place for runners, bikers, and bladers, this giant park is the perfect place to be active or to just relax. If you’re eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, wander deep into Stromovka and claim your spot by the water.

Riegrovy Sady

riegrovy sady prague

This beautiful park in Prague 2 is also situated on the site of some former vineyards and provides a spectacular view of Prague Castle. A few remnants of the original space still reside there – the Classical lookout tower from the 1920s, which is now a restaurant, and some sandstone remnants of a monument from the 1840s.

With a garden lining the back entrance and a spacious hillside, Riegrovy Sady Park gets packed with both locals and tourists enjoying a beer and watching the sunset, making it one of the best parks in Prague.

Prague Parks Guide - Riegrovy Sady

Since it’s such a steep hill, as well, it’s perfect for runners looking to get an intense workout in. Be sure to check it out – that Prague Castle sunset is one you will not want to miss!

Note – One of our favorite beer gardens in the world used to be located in this amazing Prague park. Sadly that garden was closed in October of 2018, and has yet to re-open. We are hopeful that the city gets its act together and leases out the large plot of land to someone interested in recreating the magic of the Riegrovy Sady beer garden. Until then here are 25 other places to drink beer in Prague

Updated May 2021 – We’re happy to say that there are now THREE beer gardens in Riegrovy Sady. The big garden is open again, under new management. They pour an amazing fresh Pilsner, so definitely check them out. The smaller and more hidden Mlikarna is back in full swing. The newest addition to the beer garden scene in Containall, which has ping pong tables AND a beach volleyball set up. All three are worth visiting and chilling in! 

Havlíček Park

havlickovy sady park prague

Havlíček Park in Prague, also known as Grebovka, is located just behind the trendy Krymská Street in the Vršovice neighborhood and provides a totally different view of Prague. Facing the opposite way from the center, you’ll be looking out over parts of Prague 4 at some of the more industrial and residential areas of the city.

This Prague park was inspired by the Italian Renaissance and boasts several fountains and pavilions, as well as a beautiful grotto. And most importantly for wine lovers: while the other parks rest on the sites of former vineyards, this vineyard is still intact and fully operational. Take a seat in one of the gazebos and try some of the vineyard’s own award-winning vino.

havlickovy sady grotto prague

Originally built as part of an estate for an entrepreneur from the 1870s, these gardens in Prague have been through a lot, especially during wartime, and in 1964 were officially declared a cultural monument. Today, the gardens boast 120 different kinds of plants, making it one of the most diverse gardens in Prague.

Whether you’re a fan of wine or you’re just looking for a place to admire, sit, and relax, stop by Havlíček Park if you get the chance!

Divoká Šárka

Divoka Sarka in Prague

This beautiful park in Prague is actually a huge nature reserve located on the outskirts of the city in Prague 6, so we’d recommend making a full day out of visiting this one!

The valley’s history starts in the 9th century when the first fortified township of Prague sprang up above it. Today, whether you’re looking for a bit of hiking, a friendly game of paintball, a day at the swimming pool, or a day of water sports, this park truly has everything. The lake portion of this park boasts several activities – wakeboarding, slip and slides, an ice cream stand and of course, a beer stand. The park also has an outdoor pool if you’re not into the lake idea.

One of the biggest parks in Prague, you will truly forget you are in the city as soon as you start exploring. There are old restaurants, natural swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, and the site of the old Slavic fort we mentioned earlier. And, if you’re visiting in the winter, you can go cross-country skiing or ice-skate across the frozen pools.

The wide variety of activities and the vast natural landscape of the valley make this one of the best parks in Prague.

Dalejské and Prokopské Valleys

This park in Prague 5 is actually another nature reserve with a variety of hiking trails for all you adventurers out there. Characterized by deep valleys and streams, one of the main attractions of this park is Hlubočepy’s Jezírko, a former limestone quarry that is now filled with water.

If you’re not looking to get quite as active, take a historical train ride either through the valley or over Hlubočepy. Either way, you’re in for some spectacular views. The park is also home to fossil deposits and protected plants and even has a couple of educational nature trails through it all if you’re looking to learn about what exactly you’ll be seeing.

While this nature reserve is a bit farther from the city center, it’s a nice place to escape the noise and get a taste of the nature that makes up the Bohemian region, making it one of the best parks in Prague.

Hvězda Game Reserve

One of the largest parks in Prague on the outskirts of Prague 6, this game reserve used to be the site of royal game hunting, festivities, and events – including diplomatic visits.

During the 1500s, the nobility built a summer house on the grounds of the reserve in the shape of a six-pointed star, hence the name “hvězda.” Today, three tree-lined roads lead to this summer house and you will also find the gates surrounding it along with historical statues of significant warriors past.

The Hvězda Palace itself is now a national cultural monument and inside you can visit the exhibition of the history and architecture of the building and the reserve. It also serves as an event venue, hosting concerts, lectures, and rotating exhibitions.

Instead of game hunting, visitors to the park today can enjoy walking, exercising, relaxing, or bringing their children to the playgrounds laid out across the premises. Not many tourists know about this place, so take advantage of it and check out some of the little-known history of Prague.

Petřín Hill

petrin park prague

This is one of the most beautiful parks in Prague, hands down. Yet another former vineyard site, Petřín Hill boasts the highest elevation of any of Prague’s green spaces at 320 meters above sea level. Getting up there can be a hike, so be sure to wear good walking shoes – or, feel free to take the funicular, which is included in a normal public transport ticket.

Petřín is home to five gardens in Prague so you will find no shortage of beauty here, but the Rose Garden is our favorite. You’ll also find an observatory and a mirror maze up here if you’re looking to get out of the sun for a bit.

And of course, Petřín Hill is also home to one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, the Petřín Lookout Tower. Built in 1891, the tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and the height of the hill plus the height of the tower itself make it the same height as the actual Eiffel Tower. If you’ve made it this far up the hill, we’d definitely recommend taking the stairs to the top of the tower – it is one of the best views of Prague you’ll be able to find. Just be sure to bring your camera and treat yourself to a beer at the bottom of the tower after all your hard work – you deserve it!

Kampa and Kampa Island

kampa island prague czech republic

This picturesque park in Prague is actually an island between the Vltava River and its side branch, known as the Devil’s Inlet. This smaller greenspace is a favorite of tourists to hang out and enjoy some sunshine by the riverside, and it has been named the second most beautiful city island in the world.

The park, located in Prague’s center right next to the Charles Bridge, boasts great views and pieces of history. Stop by to check out the wheel of the Grand Priory Mill from the 15th century or wander up past the stream to the John Lennon Wall.

Kampa also houses an art museum and a few freestanding baby statues designed by David Černý just like the ones that crawl up the tower.

david cerny kampa babies prague czech republic

This is one of the best parks in Prague purely because of the location and the beauty – so be sure to spend a few hours wandering around Kampa Island!

Vyšehrad

vysehrad park prague

This is one of the best parks in Prague because it features the ruins of an old fortress and its gates. Vyšehrad was established in the 10th century and during the 11th century was the seat of the very first Bohemian king: Vratislav I.

This park in Prague provides an amazing view of Prague Castle and the rest of the city from almost every angle, so this is another camera-worthy spot. Vyšehrad is also home to several landscaped gardens, so feel free to take a stroll or have a picnic in this peaceful park.

After your picnic in these gardens in Prague, get a little history in! Check out the Romanesque Rotunda of St. Martin, the national cemetery Slavín and the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. After a long day exploring, relax in one of the cafes or pubs located within the park and pat yourself on the back for hiking up that hill.

Wallenstein Gardens

Wallenstein Garden - Guide to Mala Strana Prague

These beautiful gardens in Prague are located right in Malá Strana, almost directly underneath Prague Castle. These gardens were designed in the Baroque style along with the adjacent Wallenstein Palace, the house of the Czech Senate today, in the early 1600s.

This park features well-manicured flowers and shaped hedges, an artificial grotto, and peacocks! That’s right, stop by and make some friends with the peacocks that roam freely through the gardens – you won’t be disappointed.

The park also boasts a small pond with statues of Greek mythological figures and a large pavilion that becomes an event space during the summer months, but we must admit: the highlight is still the peacocks. Be sure to drop in and say hello!

Parukařka

Parukarka Park in Prague

This park in Prague is situated on the Hill of the Holy Cross between Vítkov Hill and the Olšany Cemetery. The top of this hill provides a unique view of the city featuring the city center, the Žižkov Television Tower, and the Vítkov Memorial.

The trail that runs through the park is lined with information describing the history of the different places of the Hill. If you’re not looking to learn the history, choose a spot on the grass to play some sports or just relax with a drink.

If you’re hungry, visit the Parukařka pub, or bring your own food to grill at the barbecue areas of the park. There are a few public barbecues, but they fill up quickly, so you can bring your own grill and set up shop.

Lastly, you’ll want to check out Bunker Parukařka, an old bomb shelter, on either your way up or down from the park. The Cold War Museum is located here as well as an outdoor bar in front of the bomb shelter.

Vítkov

vitkov park prague

This park in Prague is another intense uphill hike you should be prepared for. Located above the Karlín tunnel between Prague 3 and Prague 8, this appropriately named park houses the National Monument.

The National Monument was constructed in 1929 to commemorate a battle that took place on top of the hill during which Jan Žižka led the Hussites to defeat the Crusaders in 1420. The monument was constructed to honor the formation of the Czechoslovak Republic and is currently one of the largest bronze equestrian statues in the world.

Besides the monument and a beautiful view of Prague, this part also boasts an extensive network of walking trails, picnic spots, and playgrounds. If you’re looking to take in some history along with an incredible view, Vítkov is one of the best parks in Prague for you.

There you have it – all the best parks in Prague. With so many parks to choose from to escape the busy city and enjoy nature for a bit, this list should narrow it down for you! No matter what you’re looking for – be it a beer garden, an outdoor meal, a quick jog, or some history – these parks are at your service. Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Like This Article? Pin It!

Looking for the best Prague Parks? This guide is for you! We're local's and live in Prague so we know the best green spaces the city has to offer! Here is our guide to the absolute best places to grab a patch of grass in Prague Czech Republic! #parks #prague #czechrepublic #europe #europeantravel #travel

Brittany Muldoon

Written by Brittany Muldoon

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Brittany had brief stints in North Carolina and North Dakota before moving to Prague, CZ, where she's been living for the past 7 years. Having traveled most of Europe over the past decade, she loves sharing her experiences through her writing and photography. She's recently started dipping her toes into solo travel and hopes to explore more of Portugal and the Nordic countries in the coming months.

Scroll down to see more articles by Brittany!

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.