All the Hidden Gems in Prague According to an Expat

Want to know where those places are located? Find the map at the end!

I have been living in Prague for the past 5 years. Even after all this time, I keep discovering new hidden gems all over this magnificent place. Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe and for a good reason; it puts a spell on you. Prague’s beauty and dazzling atmosphere always leave every single visitor in awe.

Luckily, the city wasn’t destroyed during WWII is still full of outstanding monuments from all periods of its history. Let me take you on a walk through the gorgeous Czech cobblestone streets and let’s find together the best hidden instagrammable gems in the city!

1. Thunovská Street

Thunovská Street is one of the prettiest streets in Prague since its medieval aspect was preserved. It has three arches in three different places and one is really well decorated like you can see below. Fun fact, the name of the street is derived from Thunovský Palace which is currently used by the British Embassy. Basically, the embassy is located in a palace! Lucky Brits 🙂

Thunovská Street

2. Vojan Garden

Considered the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague, Vojan Garden or Vojanovy Sady in Czech, is a gorgeous park right in the middle of one of the busiest part of old town. Even if it’s location is super central, it isn’t that much of a famous garden yet! During spring, you can see gorgeous magnolias bloom, giving this park a fairytale vibe.

Opening hours
Every day
December – January: 8AM4PM
February – March: 8AM – 5PM
April – September: 8AM – 7PM
October – November: 8AM – 5PM

Vojan Garden

3. Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace

The Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace or Colloredo-Mansfeldský palác in Czech is a four-winged palace with Baroque and Rococo architecture. Located right in front of the Charles Bridge, this place is still not as known as other touristy places in Prague. The most beautiful and most preserved room of ​​the palace is the dance hall, which ceiling frescoes are absolutely gorgeous! On the 3rd floor, you can check out temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Opening hours
Every day: 10AM – 6PM

Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace

4. Palace Gardens under Prague Castle

This complex of layered gardens isn’t really well known yet. Therefore, it is a true hidden gem right below the Prague castle! The Palace Gardens under Prague Castle (Palácové zahrady pod Pražským hradem) provide great views over the city’s rooftops. You can spend at least an hour walking around the different layers, taking photos of the pavilions, balustrades and decorative staircases. To visit them, you have to pay 100 CZK (or 70 CZK if you are a student).

Opening hours
Every day
April: 10AM – 6PM
May – September: 10AM – 7PM
October: 10AM – 6PM
November – March: CLOSED

Palace Gardens under Prague Castle

5. Wallenstein Garden

Almost next door to the Vojan Garden is another lovely hidden park called Valdštejnská zahrada or Wallenstein Garden in English. The Wallenstein Palace, currently the seat of the Czech Senate, is a gorgeous baroque building. The garden is home to several peacocks, including an albino one and has an artificial cave with stalactites.

Opening hours
April – May: 7:30AM – 6PM (Mon-Fri) / 10AM – 6PM (Sat-Sun)
June – September:7:30AM – 7PM (Mon-Fri) / 10AM – 7PM (Sat-Su)
October: 7:30AM – 6PM (Mo-Fri) / 10AM – 6PM (Sat-Sun)
November – March: CLOSED

Wallenstein Garden

6. Jubilee Synagogue

Also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue because of its location on Jerusalem Street, the Jubilee Synagogue is the most beautiful one in Prague in my opinion. It is a little bit hidden if you don’t know it but it is worth checking out!

Jubilee Synagogue

7. Výstaviště

One of the hidden gems in Prague is Výstaviště which is an exhibition ground used for concerts, cultural events and of course, exhibits! The Lapidarium (photo below) is a part of the National Museum in Prague, located at Výstaviště. Formerly an early 20th-century summer palace, it now houses valuable stone sculptures dating from the 11th to the 20th century.

Lapidarium’s opening hours
May – November: 10AM – 4PM (Wed) / 12AM – 6PM (Thu-Sun)
December – April: CLOSED

Lapidarium

8. Havlíček Gardens

Called Grébovka or Havlíčkovy sady in Czech, this park is inspired by the Italian Renaissance. It has fountains, lakes, statues and even a grott. The park also hosts large vineyards where you can get a glass of wine and relax at the Pavilion. During Spring, the blooming trees are gorgeous there!

Opening hours
Every day
November – March: 6AM – 10PM
April – November: 6AM – 12AM

Havlíček Gardens

9. Franciscan Garden

The Franciscan Garden (Františkánská zahrada in Czech) is a unique hidden park located next to the busy area of Wenceslas square. During summer, arches are covered with roses. Fun fact; the Carmelites and the Franciscans used to grow herbs and spices in the park and you can still find fruit trees and herb gardens!

Opening hours
Every day
15.4 – 14.9: 7AM – 10PM
15.9 – 14.10: 7AM – 8PM
15.10 – 14.4: 8AM – 7PM

Franciscan Garden

10. Loreta

Loreta is a Marian pilgrimage site that consists of a replica of the Santa Casa, a replica of the ”Holy House”, the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, a cloister and a clock tower that plays the Loretan Marian song “A Thousand Times We Greet Thee” (every hour from 9AM to 6PM).

Lorera in the Fall

11. Lyčkovo Náměstí

Lyčkovo náměstí is a square/garden located in Karlín, Prague 8. The square is dominated by a stunning Art Nouveau primary school building. Always almost quiet, this garden is truly gorgeous! I used to live in the area and I loved it! I really recommend checking it out.

Lyčkovo Náměstí

12. Černín Garden

The Černín Garden, now used by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is adjacent to the Černín Palace. It never busy because tourists don’t know they can go there for free (yet!) The orange pavilion at the end of the garden is my favorite part; it is absolutely gorgeous!

Opening hours
Every day
May – October: 10AM – 5PM
November – April: CLOSED

Černín Garden and Palace

13. Tunnel of Books at the Municipal Library

In front of the entrance to the Municipal Library, you can find a cool tunnel made of books, also sometimes referred to as the ‘tower of books’. If you take a look inside, it looks infinite because mirrors are positioned on both sides of the tunnel!

Opening hours
All year
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 8PM
Thursday & Friday: 11AM – 7PM
Saturday: 1PM – 6PM
Sunday: CLOSED

The Tunnel of Books
(photo by frantic00 / Deposit Photos)

14. Vrtba Garden

Located in the middle of Lesser Town, Vrtbovská zahrada or Vrtba Garden in English is one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in the city (maybe I said this too many times already but hey, Prague is gorgeous!). Its unique architectural design and hidden location will make you love this place even more.

Opening hours
Every day
April – October: 10AM – 6PM
November – March: CLOSED

Stunning views from the Vrtba Garden

15. Střelecký Island

This beautiful and romantic island is located in the heart of Prague. Accessible from the Legion Bridge (in Czech; Most Legií), the island offers charming views over the Charles Bridge and the Vltava. Occasionally, concerts and open-air festivals are held there.

View from Střelecký Island

16. The cable car of the Hotel NH

There is a hidden cable car in Prague 5, Smichov, linking two buildings of the hotel NH Praha. It is free to ride it and it leads to the upper part of the hotel and a cute restaurant that offers cool views over the city. This is probably the most hidden gem in Prague because no one knows about it unless you are staying at this hotel!

Cable car of the Hotel NH
(photos by toprague.cz and NH Collection)

17. Queen Anne’s Summer Palace

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace (Letohrádek královny Anny) is a Renaissance building located in the Royal Gardens of the Prague Castle (which are also a hidden gem!) Ferdinand I had this palace built for his wife Anna Jagiellon. Now it is used as an exhibition space.

Opening hours
Every day
April & October: 10AM6PM
May & September: 10AM7PM
June & July: 10AM9PM
August: 10AM – 8PM
November – March: CLOSED

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace in front of the Royal Garden

18. Airship Gulliver

Located on the rooftop of the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, in Prague 7, the Airship Gulliver is a monumental installation that is in the shape of a zeppelin. You can go inside and visit this incredible structure from within!

Opening hours
All year
Saturday – Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Wednesday & Friday: 11AM7PM
Thursday: 11AM9PM

Airship Gulliver
(photo by Centrum současného umění DOX)

Bonus: Prague’s Hidden Gems Map

Now you know the top hidden gems in Prague, I am making your life easier by sending you a free Map with all of the exact locations of the places I mentioned above!

To receive the interactive map that you can use in Google Maps, just leave your e-mail down below and I will send it to you.


I hope that you discovered new places in Prague in this article! If you know any other hidden gem in this beautiful city, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Want to keep reading? You might like those articles as well:
Top Instagrammable Places in Prague
Best Spots for the Charles Bridge in Prague
The Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Next to Prague
Best Cherry Blossoms Spots in Prague
Guide to the Christmas Markets in Prague

This article uses affiliate links. As a GetYourGuide and Amazon Associate, if you buy something through one of those links, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps me keep this little blog afloat. Thank you for your support!

Prepare your trip to Prague! Check out the best guides here:

Little note: this post was originally published in September 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated in March 2019 with new places!

Follow:
Share:

Leave a Reply

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