Why Seek Out Hidden Gems in Prague?

Prague is a city of mystery and deep history. Most tourists stay in the busy Old Town area. You should explore further to find the real magic. These secret spots will make your trip very special.

Crowds can be overwhelming at the main sights. Stepping away allows you to breathe and enjoy the atmosphere. You will find better prices and more authentic food. Local people usually hang out in these quieter areas.

Exploring secret spots also gives you a unique perspective. You can see how the city has changed over centuries. From hidden gardens to modern art, there is so much to see. Your photos will also look different from everyone else's.

Top 12 Hidden Gems in Prague to Explore

Prague offers a mix of history and modern surprises. These locations are perfect for those who want something different. Use this list to plan your next daily adventure. Here are our top picks for 2026.

• Best overall: Vyšehrad Fortress
• Best for families: Průhonice Park
• Best rainy-day: Strahov Monastery Library
• Best free: Nový Svět

1. Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: Sight Why go: It is an ancient fort with incredible river views and fewer crowds than Prague Castle. Best for: History lovers and sunset seekers. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to enter grounds. Getting there: Metro line C to Vyšehrad station. Tip: Visit the beautiful cemetery where famous Czech artists are buried.
2. Name: Vrtba Garden Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is a hidden Baroque garden with tiered terraces and statues. Best for: Romantic walks and photographers. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Tram to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Climb to the top terrace for a perfect view of St. Nicholas Church.
3. Name: Strahov Monastery Library Type: Museum Why go: It houses one of the most beautiful historic libraries in the world. It is often listed among the unusual museums in Prague for its rare globes. Best for: Book lovers and architecture fans. Where: Hradčany. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Book a private tour in advance to enter the actual rooms.
4. Name: Náplavka Riverbank Type: Market Why go: This is the heart of local life on Saturday mornings with fresh food and music. Best for: Foodies and social travelers. Where: Prague 2, by the river. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Metro B to Karlovo náměstí. Tip: Buy a local cider and sit on the edge of the river wall.
5. Name: Olšany Cemetery Type: Experience Why go: It is a peaceful, overgrown graveyard with stunning 19th-century monuments. Best for: Quiet reflection and history buffs. Where: Žižkov. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A to Flora. Tip: Look for the grave of Jan Palach, a local hero.
6. Name: Nový Svět (New World Street) Type: Neighborhood Why go: This tiny street looks like a village from the 17th century. It is located in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Prague near the castle. Best for: Escaping the castle crowds. Where: Hradčany. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Prague Castle. Tip: Grab a coffee at the small cafe hidden in one of the courtyards.
7. Name: DOX Centre for Contemporary Art Type: Museum Why go: It features a massive wooden airship on the roof and bold modern art. You can find many David Černý sculptures nearby in this district. Best for: Art enthusiasts and creative minds. Where: Holešovice. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Tram to Ortenovo náměstí. Tip: Check their website for temporary exhibitions before you go.
8. Name: Divoká Šárka Type: Nature Why go: A wild rocky valley with high cliffs and a swimming pool right in the city. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: Prague 6. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 20 or 26 to the final stop. Tip: Bring comfortable shoes as some paths are quite steep.
9. Name: Kasárna Karlín Type: Experience Why go: An old army barracks turned into a cultural hub with a cinema and sandpit. It is a great example of brutalist architecture in Prague repurposed for modern use. Best for: Hipsters and evening drinks. Where: Karlín. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry to the courtyard. Getting there: Metro B or C to Florenc. Tip: Visit in the evening for outdoor movie screenings in summer.
10. Name: Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady) Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful park with its own vineyard and an artificial grotto. Best for: Wine lovers and families. Where: Vinohrady. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Jana Masaryka. Tip: Buy a glass of local wine at the wooden gazebo in the vineyard.
11. Name: The Paternoster Elevator Type: Experience Why go: One of the few remaining non-stop moving elevators in Europe. Best for: A quick, quirky thrill. Where: New Town City Hall. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro station. Tip: Do not be afraid to stay on for the full loop.
12. Name: Průhonice Castle and Park Type: Day trip Why go: A massive botanical park and fairytale castle just outside the city limits. Best for: A relaxing day away from the urban noise. Where: Průhonice village. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for the park. Getting there: Bus from Opatov metro station. Tip: Visit in May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Planning Your Secret Prague Itinerary

Getting around to see these gems is very easy. Prague has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. You can use the official tourism portal to check schedules. Trams and metros run frequently until midnight.

The best time to visit hidden spots is early morning. You will often have these places all to yourself. Weekdays are also much quieter than weekends. Some gardens close during the winter months.

Try to group your visits by neighborhood. For example, see Nový Svět and Strahov on the same day. This saves time and energy for more exploring. Always carry a small amount of cash for local cafes.