Head to Petřín for romance, sightseeing, and entertainment

The green slopes of Petřín Hill (327 m high) are an integral part of Prague and fundamentally shape the visual appearance of the city. In contrast with the hustle and bustle of the crowds of tourists at Prague Castle and the Lesser Town Square, Petřín offers an oasis of calm, providing a sanctuary to all who wish to catch their breath after a hectic day at work or want to recharge their batteries between sightseeing stops. A dense network of paved and unpaved paths crisscrossing Petřín is particularly beautiful in spring – a flood of white flowers on the fruit trees transforms this area of the city into a romantic fairyland.

The Petřín Gardens is the collective name for an extensive complex of seven interconnected parks and gardens that rise steeply over the Lesser Town and Smíchov. The wide variety of flora, the views of the city, and several tourist attractions make Petřín a fascinating destination, one where you can easily spend an entire day. Flower lovers will certainly delight in the Rose Garden atop the hill as well as the even more beautiful Květnice perennial garden. It’s hard to believe that you are in the heart of a metropolis of millions and not in one of its botanical gardens.

Petřín’s charm lies in the fact that a variety of building styles co-exist, reflecting in the forms of the local architecture. The most significant of these is Strahov Monastery, located in the heart of a Romanesque monument dating back to the mid-12th century and its striking Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. The current Baroque complex offers two spectacular sightseeing tours of the incredible Library and the exceptional Picture Gallery, which houses one of the most important collections of central European art. One of the Prague's most iconic buildings and an undeniable dominant of the Prague skyline is the Petřín Lookout Tower, which offers what is probably one of the most beautiful views of the city from the platform situated 55 metres above the ground. An octagonal tube housing an elevator forms the tower’s core; two staircases – each with 299 steps – wind around the tube’s exterior – one for ascending the tower and one for descending. The smaller, younger sister of the Paris Eiffel Tower has looked out over Prague since 1891. Immediately adjacent is the Mirror Maze – one of the most popular family destinations in the city. The building, shaped like a small castle, houses the "Hall of Laughter", a labyrinth of variously curved and twisted mirrors that will instantly turn you into a dwarf, a beach ball, or a beanpole. Nearby both modern buildings, you'll find the unmissable Baroque Church of St Lawrence (sv. Vavřinec), designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, as well as the charming Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher from the same period. To get the full Petřín romantic experience, visit the nearby Štefánik Observatory, where you can go on an imaginary astronomical excursion and enjoy the beauties of the day and night skies. 

While wandering through the Petřín orchards, it would be a sin not to visit the adjacent Kinský Garden, bordered to the north by the Hunger Wall – original Prague fortifications from the 14th century. Even here you'll find countless picturesque spots to relax, perhaps on a blanket with a good book, a picnic basket, and some friends. In the lower part of the park, be sure to visit the classicist Kinský Summer Palace, home to an ethnographic exhibition depicting everyday rural life during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Petřín’s poetic character is greatly enhanced by numerous freestanding sculptures and statues, often depicting the greats of Czech history. The park is traditionally at its busiest in early May – near the legendary statue of Karel Hynek Mácha (the most famous Czech romantic poet), amorous couples gather to pay tribute. Petřín is also renowned for its large number of water features, wells, and natural springs. One of the most famous springs was renewed in 2009 on the occasion of Sir Nicholas Winton’s 100th birthday (Winton saved hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi destruction), and it now bears his name.

Probably the most popular and – for tourists – the most rewarding way to get from the top of Petřín from the Lesser Town is the funicular. The track is 510 meters long, and cabins carry passengers to a height of 130 meters. This valuable technical monument has a rich history – it began operations in 1891 and was water-powered; in 1932 it was electrified. Since that time, it has undergone numerous repairs and innovations, and today is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. You can use standard public transportation tickets on the funicular.

For more information about entrance and opening times for individual buildings, visit    prague.eu.

Don’t miss:

Memorial to the Victims of Communism
  Újezd, Malá Strana    prague.eu
One of the most impressive sculptures in Prague, created by sculptor Olbram Zoubek. The installation comprises a narrowing staircase, on which are placed seven gradually disintegrating bronze male figures. The artist was referring to the escalating suffering of political prisoners during the 1950s in communist Czechoslovakia.

Church of Our Lady Victorious – Infant Jesus of Prague
  Karmelitská 9    pragjesu.cz
This 17^th-century early Baroque building is known for its rare statue of the Infant Jesus, coming from Spain, which noblewoman Polyxena of Lobkowicz donated to the Carmelite Order in 1628. For believers around the world, the Infant Jesus of Prague is a pilgrimage icon and a reminder of God's incarnation.

Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada)
  Karmelitská 25    vrtbovska.cz
This aesthetically perfect Baroque garden was created around 1720 at the northeastern foot of Petřín Hill. In size, it’s one of the smaller monuments of its type, but its highly original architectural design and its artistic and historic value rank it among European standards. There is a fee to enter the garden.

National Museum – Czech Museum of Music
  Karmelitská 4    nm.cz
A cultural institution housed in the former Church of St Mary Magdalene in the Lesser Town. The unusual melding of religious architecture and museum spaces enchants visitors with an impressive combination of monumentality and detail. Over 400 musical instruments of extraordinary value are on display. Temporary exhibitions and concerts take place regularly here.

For Coffee, Lunch, or Dinner:

Strahov Monastery Brewery
  Strahovské nádvoří 301    klasterni-pivovar.cz
A microbrewery with a unique atmosphere on the grounds of Strahov Monastery offers its own beer – St Norbert – which you can enjoy in the stylish interiors alongside top-quality Czech cuisine. It also offers brewery tours, beer tastings, and space for private events.

Bellavista
  Strahovské nádvoří 1    bella-vista.cz
High-end gastronomy and an authentic gourmet experience in the monastery gardens, crowned by unique views of Prague across the roofs of Lesser Town palaces.

Nebozízek
  Petřínské sady 411    nebozizek.cz
A wide selection of specialities from traditional Czech and international cuisine. Enjoy your meal on the covered glassed-in terrace with a capacity of 85 people with spectacular views of Prague’s historical centre.

Petřínské Terasy
  Petřínské sady 393    petrinsketerasy.cz
This panoramic restaurant with a fantastic view of Prague Castle and the Lesser Town is known for its wood-panelled interior, reminiscent of an old-style, and its open fireplace, creating a cosy home environment. Several dishes on the menu are prepared on an open fire, right in front of diners' eyes. 

How to Get There

Tram:
12, 15, 22, 23, 97 – Újezd stop 
9, 12, 15, 20, 98, 99 – Švandovo divadlo stop
22, 23 – Pohořelec stop

Funicular – boarding station located near the Újezd tram stop

For a detailed overview of all of Prague's natural sites, see the brochure Prague:Green Spaces, available free of charge at our tourist and information centres.