Did you know that in 2018, it ranked first among European capitals for having the highest proportion of green spaces in relation to the total area of the city? Prague’s greenery occupies an impressive 57 percent of the city’s area.
So, if you ever want to escape the urban hustle and bustle, you have countless options. In the following lines, we will introduce you to the most beautiful parks in Prague that you must definitely see.
Stromovka
Stromovka is a former Royal Game Reserve, accessible to the public since 1804. It is one of the largest parks and is located in Prague 7, near the Exhibition Grounds. Despite being surrounded by the bustling city, Stromovka has a peaceful pace of life.
Tips on what to do
You definitely won’t get bored here – whether you plan to go for a walk, run, bike ride, or rollerblading, all is allowed. You can also admire the restored ornamental ponds that serve as a refuge for many aquatic animals.
Stromovka is a favorite and sought-after location by (not only) Prague residents, whose atmosphere is constantly changing for the better. Paths, docks, and bridges over the ponds are gradually being repaired, new children’s playgrounds, picnic meadows, or outdoor fitness areas are being created, and you can even grab something tasty at the local restaurant.
We ourselves strive to contribute to the ever better and more pleasant atmosphere. We have dealt with, for example, the reconstruction of the neoclassical residence Studánka, located right at the entrance to the park and boasting beautiful views. Thanks to its tranquil location near the park, it represents ideal living for families with children.
Havlíčkovy sady (Grébovka)
On the border of three Prague districts – Vinohrady, Vršovice, and Nusle – lies a park inspired by the Italian Renaissance, Havlíčkovy Sady.
However, this park is more commonly known by the affectionate name Grébovka, which it gained from its spiritual father, Prague industrialist Moritz Gröbe.
He had the park built around his then Neo-Renaissance villa in the second half of the 19th century. Besides Gröbe’s villa, the park also contains a pond, a fountain with a water cascade, sculptures, pavilions, and the artificial Grotta cave, creating an imposing concert stage.
Originally, vineyards established by Charles IV were located on the park’s grounds.
To this day, grapevines grow on two hectares of the park’s total area. For this reason, culinary festivals or wine celebrations such as the Prosecco sparkling wine festival are repeatedly held here.
Riegrovy sady
We will stay in Prague’s Vinohrady for a while longer. Located here is the often sought-after urban park Riegrovy (formerly also Smetanovy) Sady, offering both a unique view of Prague Castle or Petřín, and the chance to sit in pleasant local pubs.
Besides extensive grassy areas making it an ideal place for a picnic, there are also children’s playgrounds and sports fields. In the northern part towards Žižkov, the sports and relaxation park Rajská Zahrada, whose current form dates from 2006-2008, adjoins the park.
You might think that Royal Vinohrady couldn’t possibly get any nicer, but our enhancement projects prove otherwise.
Petřín gardens
The Petřín Hill, a little over 300 meters high, is among the most visited tourist spots in Prague. It is located in the city districts of Prague 1 and 5, between Malá Strana, Smíchov, and Strahov.
It’s renowned, among other things, for its complex of seven gardens, of which perhaps the most famous is the Kinský Garden on the southern and southeastern slope. The Petřín Gardens are separated from these gardens by the famous Hunger Wall.
Given that the Petřín Gardens represent a combination of a monastery garden and an English park, as you walk through them, you’ll continually discover new religious sculptures and monuments.
Ladronka
Ladronka Park, located in the Prague 6 district, is a veritable paradise for athletes, especially those who enjoy inline skating.
The park features the longest illuminated in-line track in Prague.
However, even if inline skating isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry. The track is also suitable for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or balance bikes. The track is just over 4 km long and is mostly flat terrain-wise.
But there’s much more to enjoy in terms of sporting activities! Worth mentioning are beach volleyball, bowling, pétanque, frisbee, disc golf, or even an outdoor gym. The little ones haven’t been forgotten either. They can look forward to two playgrounds and a trampoline center. And if you get hungry, you can simply move to the local barbecue area.
A short distance from Ladronka is another gem – the Hvězda Game Reserve, whose dominant feature is the Hvězda hunting lodge, built in the shape of a six-pointed star. You can find more nice parks here.
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