The best parks in Prague are Stromovka, Letná, Riegrovy sady, Petřín, and Divoká Šárka — all free, green, and packed with beer gardens, city views, and swimming spots. Beyond the city limits, add the UNESCO-listed Průhonice park and Czechia's national parks — České Švýcarsko, Šumava, and Krkonoše. Below is a top-12 rundown: what makes each place special, what to do there, how to get there, and admission costs where they apply.
Not sure where to start? For an easy stroll within the city and a picnic, head to Stromovka, Letná, or Riegrovy sady — all free and open around the clock. For wilder scenery, cliffs, and waterfalls, go for the national parks: doable as a day trip or with an overnight stay. Prices and opening hours are given for 2026; since some things do change (seasonal facilities, cable cars, restaurants), double-check with the venue's website or by phone before you go.
Prague's largest historic park (roughly 95 hectares), once a royal hunting reserve and now a favorite with runners, cyclists, and families. It has ponds, shaded avenues, several playgrounds, picnic spots, an equestrian club, and the Planetárium. It's great for rollerblading and cycling, with flat, wide paths running all the way to the Vltava and Císařský ostrov island. Admission is free, and the park is open 24/7. Getting there: take the tram to Výstaviště Holešovice, or metro line C to Nádraží Holešovice, then walk.
A plateau above the Vltava with one of Prague's finest panoramas: bridges, the rooftops of the Old Town, and Prague Castle all in one view. Where a giant statue of Stalin once stood, there's now a massive kinetic metronome (Metronom) about 25 meters tall — a magnet for skaters and photographers alike. The summer beer garden by Letenský zámeček operates in the warm season (typically April–October, weather permitting): half a liter of draft beer runs around 60–70 CZK, though it's worth checking current prices on-site. Entry to the park itself is free. Getting there: take a tram to Sparta, Letenské náměstí, or Chotkovy sady. For more on the views, see our guide to Prague's best viewpoints.
A park in Vinohrady (around 11 hectares) laid out as a sequence of unfolding vistas, culminating in a panorama of Prague Castle and Petřín. Its famous beer garden (now branded as Energy Pub) draws crowds all summer long for grilled food, draft beer, and open-air match screenings; there's also a summer cinema. You'll find playgrounds, an enclosed area called "U Draka," a workout zone, and running tracks. Admission is free. Getting there: metro line A to Jiřího z Poděbrad or Náměstí Míru, then a short walk.
A green hill right in the city center, home to Prague's largest rose garden (free entry), the Petřínská rozhledna lookout tower, a mirror maze (Zrcadlové bludiště), and the Štefánik Observatory. In 2026, basic admission to the tower is 220 CZK, with the elevator costing an extra 150 CZK or so; the mirror maze is 100 CZK (80 CZK reduced), and there's a combined ticket for the tower and maze at roughly a 20% discount. Opening hours are seasonal (typically longer in summer — worth checking ahead). The funicular (lanovka) was undergoing a major renovation through summer 2026 — check before your visit whether it's back in service. Getting there: tram to Újezd, then walk up or take the funicular.
A wild nature reserve on Prague's west side (Liboc district, over 250 hectares), with a rocky ravine, a stream, hiking trails, and spots straight out of Czech legend. In summer, a natural swimming area operates here, fed by a local spring (minimal chlorine), with a kids' paddling pool, a slide, and play areas. Admission to the swimming area runs around 200 CZK for adults (cheaper after 16:30, about 120 CZK) and 60 CZK for children aged 5–15 — check current prices and hours before heading out. Getting there: trams 20 and 26 from Dejvická metro station to the Divoká Šárka terminus, then a roughly 10-minute walk following the red trail markers. A great choice for a family outing — see where to go with kids in Prague.
A romantic park in Vinohrady built around the neo-Renaissance villa of industrialist Grébe, laid out between 1871 and 1888. The highlight is a historic vineyard terrace of about 1.7 hectares (with roots tracing back to the era of Charles IV) and the Viniční altán, where you can taste local wine year-round with a view over the vines. The park also has an artificial grotto, a cascade fountain, a pond, pavilions, and a playground. Admission is free, and in autumn there's a grape-harvest festival. Getting there: metro A/C to Náměstí Míru, or by tram toward Vršovice.
One of Europe's most beautiful landscape parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1885 by Count Silva-Tarouca. Spread across 250 hectares, it holds about 1,600 plant species, with rhododendrons especially stunning in spring and foliage colors in autumn. Three marked trails are available — a basic route (blue, ~2.5 km), a main route (yellow), and a scenic route (red). Open daily, roughly 7:00 AM–7:00 PM. Admission in high season (April 1–October 31): 160 CZK for adults, 110 CZK reduced, 430 CZK for families; cheaper off-season (around 120 CZK), and children under 6 go free — worth confirming current rates. Getting there: metro C to Opatov, then bus 363 or 385 to Průhonice; by car, take the D1 highway, Exit 6.
Now, beyond Prague. Czechia's national parks are compact and easy to reach: České Švýcarsko or Krkonoše are just a couple of hours away, and Šumava is farther but well worth the trip. If you're planning a trip by train or bus, check out our guide to trains and buses in Czechia, and for road trips, see the guide to the highway vignette (e-známka) 2026.
A national park of sandstone rock formations in the north of the country, with its main showpiece being Pravčická brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe. Through the Divoká and Tichá soutěska gorges, boat trips run in season from Hřensko. Admission to Pravčická brána in 2026: 125 CZK for adults, 50 CZK reduced, children under 6 free. The season kicks off in April; some trails may remain closed following forest fires in 2022 and 2026 — check current restrictions on the park's website. Getting there: train or bus to Děčín, then a connecting bus to Hřensko.
Czechia's largest national park, straddling the border with Germany and Austria: it features the primeval forest of Boubínský prales, glacial lakes (Černé, Čertovo, Prášilské, Plešné), raised peat bogs, and sweeping mountain panoramas. Popular activities include the walk to Boubínské jezírko along wooden boardwalks, the wolf enclosure near Srní, and using the villages of Kvilda and Modrava as hiking bases. Note that the Boubín lookout tower has been closed following a structural assessment — check whether it has reopened. Some trails also have seasonal closures. Getting there: train to Vimperk or by car; once there, the park's eco-buses are handy for getting around.
Home to Czechia's highest mountains, topped by Sněžka (about 1,603 m), the country's highest peak. A year-round cable car runs to the summit from Pec pod Sněžkou via Růžová hora; in strong winds (above roughly 60 km/h), it only goes as far as the intermediate station. From Labská bouda, it's an easy walk to the source of the Elbe (Labe), the Labský vodopád waterfall, and the country's tallest waterfall, Pančavský vodopád (about 148 m). Pec pod Sněžkou and Špindlerův Mlýn make good bases for exploring. Getting there: bus from Prague to Pec pod Sněžkou or Špindlerův Mlýn (about 2.5–3 hours).
Czechia's most compact national park (about 63 km², designated in 1991), located in southern Moravia near Znojmo. The Dyje river has carved deep meanders here, along with rocky amphitheaters and sun-drenched forest-steppe — making this one of the country's botanically richest areas. It pairs nicely with a trip to the Znojmo wine region and Vranov nad Dyjí castle. Great for cycling and leisurely hikes. Getting there: train or bus to Znojmo, then explore on foot or by bike along the Dyje.
Not technically a national park, but Czechia's oldest protected landscape area and a UNESCO Geopark — and every bit as beautiful. Highlights include the rock cities of Prachovské skály and Hrubá Skála, the ruined castle of Trosky perched atop two basalt columns, and the Gothic castle of Kost. It's ideal for a day trip from Prague, with plenty of trekking among sandstone towers. Getting there: train to Turnov, then local transport or marked hiking trails. For more ideas, see our guides to day trips from Prague and the top 25 Czech castles.
Stromovka, Letná, Riegrovy sady, Havlíčkovy sady, and Divoká Šárka are all free and open to everyone. For city panoramas, choose Letná or Riegrovy sady; for a relaxed stroll or rollerblading, go with Stromovka; and for cliffs and raw nature, pick Divoká Šárka. Paid admission applies to Petřín (the tower and mirror maze) and Průhonický park.
In a single day, you can realistically make it to Průhonický park (30–40 minutes by transport), České Švýcarsko to see Pravčická brána, or Český ráj for its rock cities. Krkonoše and Šumava are better suited to an overnight trip so you're not rushed. Plan your route ahead of time — see our guide to day trips from Prague.
The national parks themselves are free to enter — you only pay for specific attractions within them. For example, admission to Pravčická brána in České Švýcarsko in 2026 is 125 CZK for adults and 50 CZK reduced. Cable cars, boat rides, and lookout towers are charged separately, so check prices on the relevant websites.
Yes, almost all of them are family-friendly: Stromovka has several playgrounds plus the Planetárium, Divoká Šárka runs a natural swimming area in summer, and Petřín has its mirror maze for kids to enjoy. For more ideas, check our guides to where to go with kids in Prague and water parks in Czechia for families.
The main season in České Švýcarsko and Šumava runs from April/May through October; some trails and facilities close in winter and early spring. Krkonoše, on the other hand, welcomes visitors year-round — summer for trekking to waterfalls and Sněžka, winter for skiing. Always check for current trail closures and cable car schedules on the park's website before you go.
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