Prague is a beautiful and multifaceted city. Besides all the tourist hotspots Prague still has some hidden green treasures. With almost 1000 years, it is considered the "mother of all cities" and is home to a wide variety of styles.
Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque. Art Nouveau or Cubism. Everything comes together in the Czech capital. Whether historic buildings, picturesque squares or romantic alleys. At every corner you will discover new highlights.
Prague Off the beaten track: Do you know these Prague insider tips??
Prague secret tips – 4 hidden oases you must see
Franciscan garden (Frantiskanska zahrada)
The Franciscan Garden is an unexpected oasis of tranquility, in the yet so lively Prague. This garden belongs to the monastery of the same name, which is still inhabited today. Located in New Town, close to Wenceslas Square and the Grand Hotel Europa, the garden is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Here you can sit among rose bushes of all kinds on cozy white benches and just relax. In the middle of the garden there is a fountain and you have an excellent view of the monastery church. It is worthwhile just to walk around and admire the breathtaking roses.
The garden is still maintained by the monks. There is even an area for various medicinal herbs, these are even labeled in English.
The garden has a long history, it was created in 1348 and passed into the hands of the Franciscan monks in 1604. Since then, medicinal plants of all kinds have been grown here. But in 1950 the monks were banished by the communists. Only in 1992 the garden was opened to the public.
Franciscan garden is open every day from 7:00 to 22:00 (in winter time until 19:00).
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More info about the Franciscan Garden here:
Prague Hotspots: Kampa Peninsula (Na Kampe)
On the left side of the Vltava River, where the Castle District is located, there is the Kampa Peninsula. A bit away from tourism, you can relax here. A green oasis, located directly on the Vltava river.
Although the Kampa Park is accessible from the Carso Bridge, only a few tourists come here. A rather inconspicuous spot, with a magnificent view of the Old Town and Charles Bridge. Located in the park, there are several restaurants and a modern art museum.
Some houses are built so close to the water that the Kampa Peninsula is also called "Venice of Prague". Before the 17. In the nineteenth century, the poorest citizens of Prague lived here. But in the 18. In the 19th century there were many windmills and gardens here on the peninsula.
A remaining mill wheel can be seen here. Due to the better infrastructure, the peninsula quickly became a hotspot for the aristocracy. The most impressive house, is the Lichtenstein Palace, which dates back to this period.
Behind the park, there are some alleys, here are many locals at lunchtime, because there is a kind of food mile here. Whether fried sausages, hearty stew, tree cakes, everything imaginable is sold here at low prices.
Prague insider tips: Petrin Hill (PetrInske Sady)
Petrin Hill is also located on the left side of the Vltava River and stretches 130 meters in height. The entire hill is covered with trees and parks and invites you to relax. Take the cable car from the main street Újezd to the "Hill of Prague Lovers". Alternatively, you can also climb the mountain with 299 steps.
Both options have their charm. The cog railroad has been going up Petrin Hill since 1891. The ascent on foot is hard and sweaty, but you have a great view over the Vltava River to the Old Town of Prague.
At the top you will find beautiful gardens, which invite you to linger. Furthermore there is an observatory here for amateur astronomers. On the Petrin Hill you will find a copy of the Paris Eiffel Tower built in 1891 and 60 meters high. By far not as imposing as the original. But from the top of the tower you have a magnificent view over the entire city of Prague.
The Petrin Hill, is a great place to just walk undisturbed and linger here and there, if the tourist hustle and bustle in the old town is too much for you. To get back down from the mountain, I can only recommend to follow the signs to the castle (Hrad).
Here you also have a breathtaking view of the Vltava River and the Old Town. The path leads through a forest and then past apple trees and some fields. Here countless benches invite you to linger. The walk to the castle takes about. 45 minutes.
What else you can discover on Petrinberg, you can find out here:
Prague Insider Tips: Vineyard of St. Wenceslas (Svatovaclavska vinice)
After visiting Prague Castle, there are 2 ways to get out of the castle complex. On the one hand via the signposted castle staircases. On the other hand, you can also just take a little detour through Prague's vineyards. Hardly any tourist gets lost here, because after an exhausting day in the Prague Castle, most of them just want to go back to the hotel.
You can walk on the vineyard, among the vines and breathe in the sweet scent. When I was there in August, the grapes were already very plump and juicy. Beyond the vineyards you can see the Vltava River meandering through the valley.
The history of grapevines dates back to 1000 years ago. According to history, they were planted by St. Wenceslas, the city's patron saint. This one wanted to make mass wine from the grape harvest.
After decades of decay, the vineyards were reopened in 2008 after 3 years of renovation. Since then, Pinot Noir and Riesling vines are planted here again.
In the middle of the vineyards you can find Villa Richter, a restaurant that combines traditional Czech cuisine with modern elements. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a glassed-in terrace and taste one of the 2,500 bottles of wine stored there.
If you want to have a traditional meal and drink a good wine, check out the following restaurant.
So if you're looking for some rest and relaxation on your city break, I can only recommend you these 4 Prague hotspots. Here you can really relax and enjoy this beautiful city.
If you are looking for something a bit different, I recommend you a . This was named one of the most beautiful zoos in the world by Tripadvisor in 2015.
Travel packing list and other preparations?
I have published my detailed and minimalistic packing list for backpackers and globetrotters here, so that you don't forget anything important. You can also download the checklist to print out!
Here you can find my helpful packing list:
Any questions about Prague hotspots?
Have you ever been to Prague? Or do you have an ultimate Prague secret tip that I have to try next time I'm there?
