13 Hidden Gems In Prague You Need To Check Out!

For travelers looking for a local and relaxed atmosphere, Vinohrady is a trendy neighborhood brimming with chic cafes, parks, and wine bars. Situated just outside the city center, this area is favored by expats and young professionals. Although it has a more residential vibe, Vinohrady remains within walking distance of major attractions. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to experience Prague like a local, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds.

Žižkov

For a bohemian and artistic vibe, Žižkov is famous for its lively bar scene, street art, and alternative culture. Located just a short tram ride from the city center, Žižkov is home to the iconic Žižkov TV Tower as well as numerous trendy pubs and cafes. This neighborhood is an excellent option for travelers seeking a more unique and budget-friendly experience. If you appreciate edgy areas filled with character, this is the perfect spot for you.

When to visit Prague

The best time to visit Prague depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are regarded as the ideal seasons for exploring the city.

Spring (April to June)

Spring is an excellent time to visit Prague. The city bursts into life with blooming flowers, and the mild weather makes it perfect for leisurely walks around attractions like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The crowds are smaller than during the peak summer months, allowing you to enjoy outdoor cafes and parks without feeling rushed. Additionally, you can experience cultural festivals such as the Prague Spring International Music Festival, which adds a delightful touch to your visit.

Summer (July to August)

While summer brings warm weather and long daylight hours, it also marks the peak tourist season in Prague. Attractions like Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock can become quite crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher. However, if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, summer offers vibrant events like concerts at Prague Castle and abundant outdoor dining options.

Fall (September to October)

Fall is another wonderful time to consider visiting Prague. This season features fewer tourists and beautiful autumn hues that enhance the city’s parks and streets. The temperatures are cool yet comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore Prague’s historic neighborhoods and partake in cultural events like the Prague Signal Festival.

Winter (November to February)

For a truly magical experience, winter in Prague is enchanting, especially around Christmas when the city is illuminated with festive lights and Christmas markets fill the squares. Although it can be chilly, the snow-covered rooftops and the reduced number of tourists create a peaceful, romantic atmosphere. You can also warm up with a cup of mulled wine as you wander through the charming streets.

Historical Places in Prague

While discovering hidden gems in Prague is a rewarding adventure, it’s important not to overlook the city’s iconic landmarks. Popular attractions like Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle are beloved for a reason. These sites showcase the rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance that make Prague so special.

Even if you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, set aside time for these must-see sights if you haven’t been to Prague before, as they offer an essential glimpse into the city’s timeless beauty and charm. Check out my guide below for the best things to see in Prague full of iconic sights!

Read More:12 best things to do in Prague

13 Hidden Gems in Prague

1. Wallenstein Garden

The Wallenstein Garden, also called Waldstein Garden is one of the prettiest green spots in Prague! While this garden is not completely unknown, it definitely attracts a much smaller crowd than most spots. It is often overlooked for more well-known gardens around the city. This hidden gem in Prague is free to visit, but it is important to note that the garden is not open year-round.

The Wallenstein Garden is open seasonally between April – October. In addition, the opening hours on weekdays are between 7 AM – 7 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the garden opens later from 9 AM to 7 PM. 

2. Gardens Below Prague Castle

The gardens below Prague Castle are a complex of interconnected historical gardens. The terrace gardens have decorative staircases, scenic terraces, garden-houses, and lots of vegetation making this spot ideal for enjoying a peaceful stroll. In addition, the layered terraces mean you can find some stunning viewpoints over Prague. The gardens below Prague Castle are one of my favorite hidden gems in Prague. It was so quiet and peaceful when we visited in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, this garden is not free to visit, but I do think it’s worth the entrance fee to support the upkeep! 

It costs 160 CZK to enter the gardens, with a reduced fee costing 130 CZK. This garden is also only open seasonally between April – October. You can find the varying opening hours below:

• April: 10 AM – 6 PM daily
• May – September: 10 AM – 7 PM
• October: 10 AM – 6 PM

3. Thunovská Street

Thunovská Street is one of the most unique places to visit in Prague thanks to the beautiful arch you can find decorating the street. Considering how quiet the street is, it definitely deserves a spot on the hidden gems in Prague list. The street is located very close to Prague Castle making it the perfect photo spot on your way up to the castle. While Thunovská Street is stunning, there’s not much to do here other than take some pretty photos. So this spot is mostly for the Instagram Girlies, but if you like photography in general then I think it’s worth a quick stop! 

4. Nerudova Street

While you are in the area of Thunovská Street and Prague Castle, make sure to also wander through Nerudova Street. It’s a pretty busy street, so it may not be a big hidden gem in the sense that it is unknown. However, few tourists actually stop to admire this street’s incredible architecture and beauty. Whether you are looking for a nice photo opportunity or simply want to admire some pretty buildings, you must have Nerudova Street on your Prague itinerary. 

Pro Tip: chimney cakes are a popular dessert that everyone needs to try while visiting Prague. While Trdelník originates in Hungary, it is also a traditional food in Czech Republic. For all my fellow vegan travelers, you can find an amazing vegan chimney cake on Nerudova Street. The vegan alternative is called Waffle Point U and I can confirm that it was delicious! 

5. Nový Svět

The Nový Svět neighborhood, also called New World, is probably the MOST underrated attraction in Prague. This little historic neighborhood located near Prague Castle is a true hidden gem. The whole area is super quiet no matter what time of day you visit! Nový Svět dates back to the 14th century and used to house locals working at the castle and later housed the poor. To this day, old yet charming houses can be found here along with winding cobblestone streets. 

While there isn’t a whole lot to do in the neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to simply get lost wandering the streets. In addition, it’s located close to one of my favorite gardens in Prague – Černín Garden. 

6. Dancing House

This spot is perfect for all art and architecture lovers! The Dancing House is one of the most celebrated architectural designs of modern Prague. It is called the Dancing House as it was inspired by the dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 

The best thing to do at the Dancing House is of course to admire the architecture and perhaps snap a photo of the exterior. Today parts of the building have been converted into a hotel, so you can actually also stay there if you would like.

In addition, there is a restaurant at the top of the building with a panoramic view of Prague. They also have a glass bar with great views over Prague if you don’t want to pay for a whole meal! You can also visit simply for the viewpoint although you need to buy a ticket costing 150 CZK. If you are interested in visiting the Dancing House viewpoint, click here for more information. 

7. Náplavka Farmers Market

If you want to experience Prague like a local then this next spot is an absolute must! The Farmers Market in Prague is open every Saturday between 8 AM to 2 PM. Located along the Vltava River just after the Dancing House it’s the ideal place to spend a slow Saturday morning. The market is known to sell a variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. There are also lots of booths selling local warm dishes ready to eat, as well as grilling sausages and other meats. You can find the exact market location here.  

8. Loreta 

The Loreta is a baroque pilgrimage site in Prague. In addition, it is one of the most impressive architectural buildings in all of Prague. It was built to be a replica of the Holy House in Italy and is surrounded by a gallery with six chapels. The complex also comprises a tower with a carillon and a treasury.

There are several reasons to visit the Loreta the first one being its incredible exterior. Another reason is to witness the Loretan Marian song playing from the tower every hour between 10 AM to 5 PM. The third reason to visit is for the Loreto treasure consisting of rare objects and gifts dating back to the 16th to 18th century. If you want to check out the collection and in general the interior of the pilgrimage, then it costs 230 CZK for a ticket (160 CZK reduced). 

9. Černín Garden

The Černín Garden is located adjacent to the Černín Palace and it was by far my favorite garden to visit in Prague! Today the garden is used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as they are located in the long building by the garden. However, on the weekends they open access to the public so make sure to check it out if you have the chance! 

Admission is free and the garden is open between 10 AM to 5 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. It’s pretty quiet here the whole day as it’s not well known making it one of my favorite hidden gems in Prague. The garden is located just by Loreta and Nový Svět so you can easily combine a visit to all three. 

10. Petřín Hill

Petřín Hill is a big green oasis located in Malá Strana. While the most popular spot here is the lookout tower, there are lots of activities around the park. These activities include the Mirror Maze, Kvetnice Garden, Rosarium, and the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. With that said, Petřín Hill is best known for its views over Prague from the top. 

If you want to save some time (and elevation gain) then you can actually take a funicular railway up. The train runs from Újezd Station to the top of Petřín Hill. It takes just 4 minutes to reach the top and costs 60 CZK each way. The Petřín lookout tower is heavily inspired by the Eiffel Tower, however, it is a much smaller version of the one found in Paris. 

Fun fact: Since the tower is located on top of the hill, the peak of the lookout tower in Prague is actually the same height as the real Eiffel Tower.