Overview
The gardens in Prague not only boast meticulously designed and well-maintained landscapes but also offer breathtaking views of the city. These are a few of those rare places where the scenery is even more impressive in person than in pictures. I highly recommend a visit, and in this post, I will introduce the five most beautiful gardens in my opinion.
Gardens Below Prague Castle
The garden is, without a doubt, my favorite spot in Prague. The photos here hardly do justice to its true beauty. During my visit I couldn’t help but exclaim “wow” at every turn. Furthermore, the views of the city from the property are unparalleled.
Nested on a sloped hillside just below the Castle, this garden is a masterpiece of terraced design, featuring meticulously maintained plants, vibrant flowers, enchanting fountains and centuries-old architecture.
It stands as a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, where you can relish the cityscape, connect with nature and delve into history.
The best part? It’s blissfully serene, with very few tourists in sight. I highly recommend a visit. Just be prepared to pay an entrance fee (~6 euro) and remember they only accept card payments, no cash.
The Vrtba Garden
The Vrbta Garden, situated on the slope of Petřín Hill, is one of the most precious and beautiful of Prague’s baroque garden.
Compared to the extensive Garden Below Prague Castle, Vrtba Garden is small in size, only requiring about half an hour to explore. However, it boasts meticulously manicured landscapes, a picturesque terrace with magnificent city views, and a well preserved collection of sculptures and interior decorations dating back to the Middle Ages.
It charges about 5 euro entrance fee and is cash only. Honestly, I think 5 euro is a bit expensive for what it offers compared to other gardens, but it is still worth exploring especially if you are seeking a brief, yet enchanting escape in the heart of Prague.
Waldstein Garden
Waldstein Garden is nestled in the heart of one of Prague’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, Malá Strana (Little Quarter). This garden is an integral part of the large Waldstein Palace, a Baroque architectural marvel featuring a vast complex of 20 houses and 6 gardens. Notably, it’s the current residence of the parliament’s upper chamber, the Senate of Czechia.
The garden’s allure lies in its meticulously maintained lawns, well pruned trees, and a serene pond inhabited by koi, pike and other ornamental fish that add to the romantic atmosphere. The garden’s gurgling fountains and vibrant flora create an idyllic environment for visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in nature’s embrace.
The garden is free to enter, but it’s only open to public from April to October. If you visit Prague during this period, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this must-see destination. And if you can visit it in the early morning while there are fewer visitors, you are guaranteed to capture some fantastic photographs.
Fürstenberg Garden
Fürstenberg Garden, situated on the southern slope of Prague Castle, is a simple and elegant terraced garden that also offers breathtaking view of the city.
Unlike the other grand gardens mentioned above, Fürstenberg Garden is small, simple and elegant. Its flora and plant design exude restraint rather than extravagance.
The main reason I recommend is that it provides a convenient way to traverse down from the castle hill. By going through this garden, you can save time and escape from the bustling crowds. The entrance is easy to miss as you must go through a small cafe just outside the castle.
Please note that there is a 2.5 euro entrance fee and they accept cash only. Despite the modest fee, it is undoubtedly well worth the visit.
Letenské sady
It’s not exactly a garden but more of a public park featuring a spacious green area, mature trees, vibrant bushes, and a picturesque tree-lined avenue. The highlight, however, is the enchanting view it offers of the Vltava River and the heart of Prague. While it may not be a must-visit attraction, it serves as an excellent spot to unwind, enjoy a drink, and soak in the scenic vistas. This park is especially suitable if you’re traveling with your furry friend or children. Please be aware that the drink stand at the park only accepts cash, specifically Czech crown (CZK).
Recommended Route With Map
I recommend starting your day early with a visit to Waldstein Garden. Afterword, make your way to the castle. Once you have explored the castle, head down the southern slope of the hill. You will come across a small arched door on your right side leading to Fürstenberg Garden. Descend from this garden and proceed to Gardens Below Prague Castle. Next, head to The Vrtba Garden. By this time, it should be around lunchtime, so you can choose to dine in the area or at a restaurant of your preference. Afterword, if you have spare time, I suggest taking a tram to Letenské Sady. There are multiple stops around the park(marked by green tram icon in the map). If you are looking for a workout, you can get off at the base of the park and climb the stairs. Alternatively, you can enter the park from above, or from the east and enjoy a pleasant hike up to the hill, passing through green areas and a playground along the way.
