Photos of Prague often depict a densely packed, medieval cityscape of towers and castles. However, the Czech capital is surprisingly green. The Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index recently ranked Prague as the 13th greenest city in the world and among the top 10 in Europe.
There are numerous places to spread a blanket and take a break from the cobbled streets. Many parks and gardens in Prague offer breathtaking views of the city while some even provide the added delight of on-site beer gardens. Here are several parks worth your attention:
Stromovka
Stromovka is the city’s largest centrally located park, covering 257 acres, and is arguably Prague’s loveliest. A multiyear development project has enhanced its features with new footpaths, ponds, bridges, and gardens. Historically, Stromovka served as a hunting ground for royals in the 13th century, and the park’s unique location in a large bowl north of the Old Town creates a sense of intimacy and exclusivity.
An open-air restaurant on the eastern end called Vozovna Stromovka serves delicious Czech food and beer while providing a large adjoining playground. Stromovka is also home to Prague’s Planetarium, and it’s just a short walk to the Výstaviště Exhibition Grounds and Prague Zoo.
Letná Gardens
Leafy Letná Gardens are perched dramatically along a high ridge overlooking the Vltava River, providing stunning views across the city. In addition to picturesque vistas, the park offers ample walking and cycling trails, as well as the popular Letná Beer Garden where visitors can enjoy self-serve beer while lounging on picnic tables.
An oversized metronome, visible from Staré Město’s Pařížská ulice, keeps time from a platform that once supported the world’s largest statue of the former Soviet dictator, Josef Stalin. Paths connect Letná to Prague Castle, making it simple to combine visits to both iconic sites.
Riegrovy Sady
Riegrovy Sady is a stunning 19th-century park modeled after a classic English garden, situated in a fashionable residential neighborhood. Visitors frequently come here to enjoy the renowned beer garden and to bask in the breathtaking sunset views from the park’s western slope over Staré Město and Prague Castle.
Kampa Park
The expansive lawn at Kampa in Malá Strana is a favorite spot for relaxing with a drink or tossing around a Frisbee. The park occupies a large island bordered by the Vltava River, offering stunning side views of Charles Bridge. Refreshments can be found nearby at Mlýnská Kavárna, while art enthusiasts can visit the adjacent Kampa Museum.
Vltava Islands
While Staré Město is often brimming with tourists, several nearby islands in the Vltava River provide shaded retreats with picturesque riverside views. Marksmen’s Island (Střelecký ostrov) offers peaceful benches opposite the National Theater, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
During summer, the island frequently hosts concerts and open-air festivals. Nearby Slav Island (Slovanský ostrov), south of the National Theater, features a well-maintained playground for children and jetties where rowboats can be rented. On the Malá Strana side, the traffic-free Children’s Island (Dětský ostrov) serves as a true paradise for kids, complete with swing sets, zip lines, climbing spots, and even a mini soccer field.
Petřín Hill
Dramatic Petřín Hill, located just west of Malá Strana, ascends rapidly from river level to approximately 1,050 feet. The tranquil, tree-fringed paths here provide an excellent escape from the narrow, crowded streets of the city center. The summit features several family-friendly attractions, including a lookout tower, a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower, and a mirror maze. However, the ultimate reward for visitors is the stunning panoramic views of the city from paths lining the hill’s upper perimeter.
A significant park, Kinský Garden (Kinského zahrada), sprawls to the south of Petřín, while heading north will lead you to Strahov Monastery and within close proximity to Prague Castle. To avoid the strenuous climb, consider taking the funicular railway that begins near the Újezd tram stop (trams 9, 12, 20, 22).
Prague Castle Gardens
Prague Castle is more than just St Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. The complex is enclosed by beautiful gardens that merit a visit for their natural beauty and historical significance.
The Royal Gardens on the northern edge of the castle boast an impressive collection of Renaissance architecture, featuring the 16th-century Ball Game House, known for its signature Renaissance sgraffito, as well as the elegantly proportioned Summer Palace.
For an adventurous hike, consider tracing the Stag Moat (Jelení příkop) along the Brusnice stream, which historically served as a natural defensive feature. On the southern side of the castle, visitors will find a beautiful collection of terraced baroque gardens known as the Gardens Below Prague Castle, formerly owned by the kingdom’s wealthiest noble families.
