Private Prague Garden Tour

Discover another side of Prague through the historic gardens of Malá Strana and Prague Castle. This private 3-hour Prague Garden Tour focuses on Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque garden design, combining architecture, sculpture, city views and the stories of the noble families and rulers who shaped these spaces.

The suggested route can include the Wallenstein Garden, Vrtba Garden and the Royal Garden at Prague Castle, depending on seasonal opening, events and access on the day. Your private guide can adapt the programme to your interests and explain details that are easy to miss when visiting the gardens independently.

Why explore Prague through its gardens?

Prague’s historic gardens are closely connected with the palaces, monasteries and royal residences around Malá Strana and Hradčany. Their terraces, fountains, sculpture, ornamental planting and carefully framed views were designed as extensions of the buildings they served, not simply as green spaces.

A guided garden tour gives context to the design. You can see how Renaissance ideas arrived at Prague Castle, how aristocratic Baroque gardens used steep terrain to dramatic effect, and how gardens changed as political and aesthetic tastes evolved. The route also offers a calmer contrast to the busiest streets around Charles Bridge and Old Town, although popular gardens can still attract visitors during peak periods.

Gardens that may feature on the tour

Wallenstein Garden

The Wallenstein Garden, or Valdštejnská zahrada, belongs to the Wallenstein Palace complex in Malá Strana, now the seat of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. It was created as an Italian Mannerist garden for Albrecht von Wallenstein and covers more than 14,000 square metres. Its best-known features include the monumental Sala Terrena, geometric planting, fountains, bronze sculpture, a large pond and the unusual artificial stalactite wall.

The original description called it possibly Prague’s first garden, which is not accurate. Its importance comes instead from its scale, surviving Mannerist composition and close relationship with one of the most ambitious early Baroque palace complexes in Prague. Current visitor information is available from the Senate of the Czech Republic.

Vrtba Garden

Hidden behind buildings on Karmelitská Street, Vrtba Garden is one of Prague’s most distinctive terraced Baroque gardens. It was created for Jan Josef, Count of Vrtba, in the early 18th century to a design by architect František Maxmilián Kaňka. Its artistic programme also involved sculptural work from the workshop of Matyáš Bernard Braun and frescoes by Václav Vavřinec Reiner.

The terraces climb the slope of Petřín and create changing views over Malá Strana and Prague’s historic skyline. Vrtba Garden operates seasonally, so inclusion depends on your tour date. Check the official Vrtba Garden website for current access.

Royal Garden at Prague Castle

The Royal Garden was founded in 1534 at the request of Ferdinand I on the site of former vineyards. Originally laid out as a Renaissance garden, it later incorporated Baroque and landscape elements. The garden is associated with structures such as the Royal Summer Palace and Ball Game Hall and reflects several centuries of changing court life and garden design.

Prague Castle gardens have seasonal opening arrangements and may close temporarily for operational or state reasons. If the Royal Garden is a priority, check the official Prague Castle opening information before your visit.

Suggested Prague Garden Tour programme

This is a sample route. The exact gardens and order can be customised according to your interests, accommodation location, season, weather and current access.

What is included

• Private guide for the full 3-hour excursion
• Guided historical and architectural context
• A route customised around your interests and seasonal garden access

Practical information

Best season: This tour is particularly suited to spring, summer and early autumn, when the widest selection of historic gardens is normally open. Some gardens close during winter.

Walking: Expect walking on cobblestones, slopes, garden paths and stairs. Vrtba Garden in particular is arranged across steep terraces, so visitors with limited mobility should discuss the route in advance.

Weather: The experience is largely outdoors. Heavy rain, maintenance, official events or other operational reasons can affect individual gardens, so your guide may adapt the itinerary.

Looking for a broader city tour? If gardens are only one part of what you want to see, compare the other private Prague tours or the dedicated Prague Castle tour.

Frequently asked questions