Discovering Petřín Hill and Lookout Tower

Petřín Hill is a large park in the center of Prague. It sits on the left bank of the Vltava River. The hill is part of the historic UNESCO World Heritage area. It has served many purposes over the centuries. Once it was covered in vineyards and orchards. Today, it is a place for leisure and beautiful views.

Families love the hill for its open spaces and fun activities. Couples come here for romantic walks among the roses. Photographers find some of the best angles of the city here. You can spend a few hours or a whole day exploring. Here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Petřín Lookout Tower
• Best for families: Mirror Maze
• Best for nature: Rose Garden
• Best free activity: Walking the Hunger Wall

10 Best Things to Do at Petřín Hill and Lookout Tower

There is so much to see on this famous hill. Each spot offers something unique for visitors. From historic walls to modern telescopes, you will not be bored. Here are the top things to do at Petřín Hill and Lookout Tower in 2026.

1. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: sight Why go: It is the most famous landmark on the hill. It looks like a small Eiffel Tower. You can see the whole city from the top. Best for: Photographers and view seekers. Where: At the summit of the hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: About 220 CZK for adults. Getting there: Take the funicular to the top. Tip: Check the official city portal for sunset times to plan your climb.
2. Name: Petřín Funicular Type: experience Why go: This historic cable railway has run since 1891. It saves you a steep walk up the hill. The ride offers great views as you rise. Best for: Everyone, especially those with tired legs. Where: Starts at Ujezd in the Lesser Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Standard public transport ticket (60 CZK for 90 mins). Getting there: Tram to the Ujezd stop. Tip: Use a 24-hour transit pass to ride for free.
3. Name: Mirror Maze Type: activity Why go: This building looks like a tiny castle. Inside, you find a maze of mirrors. It ends with a room of funny, distorted mirrors. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Lookout Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Around 120 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the funicular station. Tip: It can get crowded, so visit early in the morning.
4. Name: Štefánik Observatory Type: experience Why go: You can look through large telescopes at the sky. They have exhibits about space and planets. It is a very educational and unique stop. Best for: Science fans and kids. Where: Near the Rose Garden. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approximately 100 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the top funicular station. Tip: Check their schedule for special evening stargazing events.
5. Name: Hunger Wall Type: sight Why go: This is a massive medieval stone wall. It was built in the 14th century. It helped give poor people work during a famine. Best for: History buffs. Where: Runs across the entire hill. Time: 20 minutes to walk along. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from most paths on the hill. Tip: Look for the small gates that let you pass through the wall.
6. Name: Rose Garden (Rosarium) Type: nature Why go: This garden has thousands of roses. It smells wonderful in the late spring and summer. It is a very peaceful place to sit. Best for: Couples and nature lovers. Where: Near the observatory. Time: 30 to 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the funicular top station. Tip: Visit in June for the best blooms.
7. Name: Church of Saint Lawrence Type: sight Why go: This is a beautiful Baroque church. It has a very old history dating back centuries. The twin towers are very striking. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Right next to the Mirror Maze. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short walk from the tower. Tip: The interior is often quiet and good for reflection.
8. Name: Strahov Monastery Type: day trip Why go: This monastery is famous for its library. The halls are filled with ancient books and beautiful art. It is one of the most famous Strahov Monastery library halls in the world. Best for: Culture and history lovers. Where: On the northern edge of the hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 150 CZK for the library. Getting there: Walk along the path from the Lookout Tower. Tip: Try the beer at the monastery brewery afterward.
9. Name: Kinský Garden Type: nature Why go: This is a large, landscaped park. It has waterfalls and a wooden church moved from Ukraine. It is much quieter than the main Petřín area. Best for: Hikers and those seeking quiet. Where: On the southern slope of the hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the observatory. Tip: Wear good walking shoes as some paths are steep.
10. Name: Seminary Garden Type: viewpoint Why go: This garden is full of fruit trees. It offers a stunning view of the city spires. It is very beautiful when the trees bloom in spring. Best for: Picnic lovers. Where: On the eastern slope facing the river. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the funicular middle station. Tip: This is the best spot for photos of the Lesser Town.

Practical Tips for Visiting Petřín Hill

Planning your visit to Petřín Hill and Lookout Tower is easy. Most people spend about half a day here. If you want to walk, start at the bottom in the Lesser Town. The paths are paved but can be quite steep. Many visitors prefer taking the funicular up and walking down.

The tower and maze usually open at 10:00 AM. They stay open later during the summer months. You can buy a combined ticket to save money. If you have a city pass, check if these sites are included. It is a good way to manage your budget.

Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. There are a few cafes on the hill, but they can be pricey. A picnic in the Seminary Garden is a great alternative. The hill is very safe, even in the evening. Just be careful on the paths if it has been raining.

Nearby Sights to Visit After Petřín Hill

Once you finish on the hill, you are in a great location. You can easily walk to other famous spots. The path toward Strahov leads you toward the castle area. It is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Prague. You will see the city from many different angles.

You can also walk down into Mala Strana. This neighborhood is full of narrow streets and old pubs. It is a great place to find dinner after a long walk. You can also find the famous John Lennon Wall nearby. It is a colorful stop for photos.

If you still have energy, cross the river. The walk across the bridge is very scenic. You can reach the Old Town in about 20 minutes. Petřín Hill is the perfect starting point for a day of exploring. It connects the natural beauty of Prague with its rich history.