Quick Picks: Best Hidden Gardens in Prague

If you are short on time, use these quick recommendations. Prague offers different vibes for every type of traveler. Some spots are perfect for a romantic walk. Others are great for kids to run around safely. Here are our top choices for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Franciscan Garden for its central location and roses.
• Best for families: Kampa Park for its open spaces and art.
• Best for views: Vrtba Garden for its tiered baroque architecture.
• Best free option: Wallenstein Garden for its peacocks and fountains.

10 Must-Visit Hidden Gardens in Prague Old Town and Nearby

Prague's historic core is divided by the Vltava River. Most hidden gardens in Prague Old Town are small and intimate. Just across the bridge, you will find larger baroque masterpieces. These locations are easy to reach on foot. They provide a perfect break between visiting museums and historic sites. You can find more quiet places in Prague to enhance your trip experience.

1. Name: Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: It is a peaceful oasis right next to Wenceslas Square. The rose bushes and benches are perfect for a rest. Best for: Families and weary shoppers. Where: Between Jungmann Square and Wenceslas Square. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro station. Tip: Buy an ice cream at the nearby Svetozor passage before entering.
2. Name: St. Agnes Convent Gardens (Klášter sv. Anežky České) Type: experience Why go: This garden features modern sculptures set against Gothic stone walls. It is one of the most authentic hidden gardens in Prague Old Town. Best for: Art lovers and history buffs. Where: Northern edge of Old Town near the river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (garden only). Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square toward the river. Tip: Visit the National Gallery Prague inside the convent for medieval art.
3. Name: Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning Baroque tiered garden. It offers one of the best views of the city spires. Best for: Photography and couples. Where: Mala Strana, near Charles Bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 120-150 CZK). Getting there: Tram to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Read our full guide on the Vrtba Garden entrance for more details.
4. Name: Vojan Gardens (Vojanovy sady) Type: experience Why go: It is considered the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague. You can see peacocks roaming freely among fruit trees. Best for: A truly quiet escape from the Charles Bridge crowds. Where: U Lužického semináře street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Malostranská metro. Tip: This is a designated quiet zone, so keep your voice low.
5. Name: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Type: sight Why go: This massive garden features a dripstone wall and an aviary. It is located at the Senate of the Czech Republic. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Right next to Malostranská metro station. Tip: Look for the giant owls in the aviary near the entrance.
6. Name: Deer Moat (Jelení příkop) Type: nature Why go: A lush, deep ravine located below the castle walls. It feels like a forest in the middle of the city. Best for: Nature walks and hikers. Where: Prague Castle grounds. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the Deer Moat walking path from the castle. Tip: Check the Prague Castle website for seasonal opening dates.
7. Name: Palace Gardens under Prague Castle Type: sight Why go: A complex of five interconnected terrace gardens. They offer a royal atmosphere and steep climbing paths. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Valdštejnská street. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Entry fee required. Getting there: Walk from Malostranská metro. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs.
8. Name: Kampa Island Park Type: experience Why go: It is a riverside park with famous giant baby sculptures. It is a great spot for a picnic by the Vltava. Best for: Picnics and river views. Where: Kampa Island. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge and take the stairs down. Tip: Visit the Kampa Museum nearby for modern art.
9. Name: Clementinum Courtyards Type: experience Why go: While mostly known for the library, the courtyards offer historic astronomical sundials. It is a quiet pocket in the busiest part of Old Town. Best for: Science and history enthusiasts. Where: Near Charles Bridge (Old Town side). Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk through courtyards. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Visit during the early morning to avoid tour groups.
10. Name: Vysehrad Fortress Gardens Type: day trip Why go: Located on a hill, this fortress has vast green spaces and a famous cemetery. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Best for: Sunset views and local history. Where: Prague 2 (South of Old Town). Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Explore the Vysehrad fortress to see where the city began.

Planning Your Visit to Prague's Secret Green Spaces

Most gardens in Prague follow seasonal schedules. Many open in April and close at the end of October. During winter, some smaller courtyards remain accessible. Always check the official city tourism portal for current hours. Morning visits are best for photography. Late afternoons are perfect for relaxing after a long walk.

Respect the local rules in these spaces. Many hidden gardens are near residential areas or government buildings. Avoid loud music or littering. Some gardens do not allow dogs or bicycles. Keeping these areas clean helps preserve them for everyone. You might also enjoy visiting Prague teahouses after your garden walk.

Beyond the Old Town: Day Trips for Nature Lovers

If you have more time, head further out. Prague has incredible nature reserves within the city limits. These spots offer more hiking than the manicured Old Town gardens. They are perfect for a half-day trip. You will see a different side of the Czech capital.

• Divoka Sarka: A wild valley with rocky cliffs and a swimming pool. It is great for a long hike.
• Pruhonice Park: A UNESCO site with a beautiful castle and botanical gardens. It is located just outside the city.
• Stromovka Park: The largest park in Prague, formerly a Royal hunting ground. It is very popular with local runners and skaters.