Gabriel Travel
Gabriel Travel
© Draceane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Petřín Hill is one of Prague’s most rewarding destinations — a vast green hillside rising above Malá Strana with panoramic views of the entire city, the iconic Lookout Tower, hidden gardens, a mirror maze and some of the best photography locations in Prague.
At one point or another during your stay in Prague, you will probably pass near Petřín Hill. It rises to the left of the Castle. We strongly recommend climbing it. Once at the top, the panorama is unique. This hill holds many surprises across its 78 hectares, including a very pleasant funicular that will take you to the summit effortlessly. With this article, you won’t miss anything this hill has to offer.
Formerly a pilgrimage site, laid out as gardens and vineyards as early as the 12th century, Petřín Hill—named from the Latin *petra*, meaning rock—was opened to the public at the beginning of the 19th century. You can’t miss it, with the metallic summit of its tower rising above the treetops. Today, it is a pleasant green park, perfect for walking, with its network of winding paths. Růžová zahrada, Zahrada Nebozízek, Seminářská zahrada, Lobkovická zahrada or Strahovská zahrada:
Lovers kiss here on May 1st, and throughout the rest of the year, Czechs stroll, picnic, go sledding… You can enjoy absolute peace and a fantastic view of the Castle and Prague’s tiled rooftops. We recommend walking along the northern part of the park — Vrtbovská zahrada, where you’ll spot the U.S. Embassy and, a bit further on, the beautiful gardens of the German Embassy. But above all, we advise you — when you are at the Nebozízek restaurant — located in the heart of the park, where the funicular stops — to head toward the Hunger Wall, which will be on your right as you face the river. Along these few meters, you’ll have the chance to take magnificent photos of the Castle or the city. These will probably be your most beautiful shots of Prague—believe us!
If you’re already tired from sightseeing, opt for the funicular, which children will also enjoy Eiffel Tower + mirror maze here. The current funicular dates from 1985 and is the third one in service since 1891. On July 25, 1891, the Petřín funicular was put into service, powered by water. Operations ended in 1916 during World War I and resumed only in 1932, when the funicular was rebuilt with electric propulsion. It then served the public reliably for more than 30 years. In 1965, major landslides occurred on Petřín Hill, destroying the funicular track. After a twenty-year interruption, the Petřín funicular resumed service in 1985, when it was integrated into the public transport system.
The funicular carries more than 2 million passengers every year (56.5 million people since 1985) and has been part of Prague’s public transport for nearly 130 years. The departure station is at Újezd, in the Malá Strana district. The funicular goes all the way to the top of the hill, with a stop at the Nebozízek restaurant and its lovely panorama. Another dining option is a bit further north: Petřínské terasy. The ride lasts only four short minutes! Once at the top, you’ll find an astronomical observatory, a lovely rose garden, and above all, the viewpoint on your right.
Every day, 9:00 am–11:20 pm (every 10–15 minutes)
Price: 60 CZK (about €2.40) or long-term passes (24 hours and more)
More information over here:
Although the hill rises to 327 meters, you must also add the 58.7 meters of the miniature Eiffel Tower that crowns it. Commissioned by the Czech Tourist Club for the Jubilee Exhibition of 1891, the tower was built two years after the Eiffel Tower, at a scale of 1:5. Climb its 299 steps or take the elevator—an impressive panoramic view of Prague awaits you! On a clear day, your gaze stretches across all of Bohemia. As photographers and tour guides — we consider the view from Petřín Tower one of the three best in Prague alongside Prague Castle and Vyšehrad. The height and central position give you a perspective no other viewpoint matches.
You can buy a combined ticket with the mirror maze mentioned just below here:
Every day: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
(7:00 pm in April, May, and December;
8:00 pm from June to September)
Right next to the viewpoint stands the Baroque Church of St. Lawrence, built on Romanesque remains between 1735 and 1770. Also nearby is the pavilion of the Czech Tourist Club, originally constructed for the 1891 Exhibition and later relocated here. This pavilion is a miniature replica of the medieval Špička Gate, once part of the Vyšehrad fortifications. Inside, visitors can admire a panoramic painting depicting Prague’s defense against the Swedes. The pavilion also features a maze and distorting mirrors, which delight both children and adults—perfect for fun photos.
Eiffel Tower + maze ticket here.
Another unusual spot in the middle of the park that has always amazed us is the magical cave of the artist Reon Argondian. You’ll find it by walking downhill from Nebozízek (the intermediate funicular station) toward Újezd (the tram stop at the bottom).
A 200-year-old carousel from Florence also spins near the observation tower. You can enjoy it every day from June to September (9:00 am–9:00 pm, 100 CZK or about €4 per ride), riding in one of the hand-carved wooden carriages or horses! Adults who have kept a childlike spirit are welcome too.
All Czechs know the poem *Máj* (May), written by Karel Hynek Mácha (1810–1836). Every May 1st, Prague residents come to lay lilac flowers and kiss in front of the statue of the great Romantic poet. You’ll find this statue by following the wall of the old fortifications (ask locals—they’ll know the way). If you prefer to be more discreet, tradition also holds that couples kiss under one of the many blossoming cherry trees. Beware: superstition says that any girl who is not kissed on May 1st will wither within twelve months…
Built under Charles IV between 1360 and 1362, this wall provided work and food for many residents suffering from drought and famine. It is also called the Hunger Wall because of its crenellations, which resemble the jaws of the poor. These are former city fortifications of Prague, and you’ll see them in many places during your walk on Petřín—the funicular even passes through them. Walking alongside it gives a genuine sense of medieval Prague that the Old Town’s busier streets do not always provide.
The Hunger Wall separates Petřín Hill from the Kinský and Strahov gardens to the north and from the Smíchov district to the south. The Kinský Gardens are also worth discovering: the Empire-style Kinský Villa, the Carpathian Church of St. Michael, and lovely ponds.
One of Prague’s three observatories, the Štefánik Observatory on Petřín Hill hides star telescopes beneath its large domes. During the day observe solar activity — at night the moon and stars above Prague. The meteorite collection in the permanent exhibition is worth seeing regardless of astronomical interest.
The Rose Garden at the hilltop contains beautifully maintained rose beds — at their best in summer when they bloom and fill the air with fragrance. The adjacent Seminary Garden is quieter still — boasting more than 2,000 fruit trees and an atmosphere that feels entirely removed from the tourist Prague below.
At the extension of Vítězná Street, which you may have walked down if your tram came from the opposite riverbank—strange figures descend a staircase. This is the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. Installed in 2002, these seven bronze statues by Olbram Zoubek, more or less damaged, symbolize all victims of totalitarianism, whether arrested, exiled, imprisoned, killed, or executed.
Petřín Hill offers photography opportunities that most visitors completely miss by heading straight to the tower and back.
Best photography spots on Petřín:
Sunrise from the tower — arrive before 6am in summer for an empty tower and extraordinary golden light over the city. The mist that settles over Prague in early morning is
particularly magical from this height.
The view through the Hunger Wall opening — find the gap in the Hunger Wall facing Prague Castle. Prague Castle beautifully framed by trees is one of Prague’s most distinctive
and least photographed compositions.
Kinsky Garden paths — the winding stone paths, old trees and occasional city glimpses through the foliage make exceptional photographs in autumn when the colours change.
Charles Bridge from Petřín viewpoints — on clear days you can photograph Charles Bridge with the entire Old Town skyline from certain points on the hill’s eastern face.
Our Prague photography tours can include Petřín Hill specifically — contact us if you want to capture the hill at magic hour with a local guide who knows exactly where the best light falls.
Petřín is one of Prague’s best family destinations — perfect for families, nature lovers and anyone looking to enjoy beautiful views of Prague.
Children love the Mirror Maze, the tower climb and the open grassy areas for running and picnicking. The Observatory appeals to older children and teenagers. The Kinsky Garden
playground near the lower entrance is excellent for young children who need a break from sightseeing.
Practical tips for families:
Allow at least 3 hours for a comfortable visit including the tower and mirror maze.
Bring water — there is a cafe at the top but it can be busy in summer.
Wear comfortable shoes — the paths are well maintained but the hill is genuinely steep in places.
The tower has an elevator for those who cannot manage the 299 steps — note there is an additional fee for the elevator.
Address: Petřín, Prague 1 — Malá Strana side of the Vltava river, directly below Prague Castle.
Nearest tram stops: Újezd (trams 6, 9, 12, 22, and 23) for the lower entrance. Pohořelec (tram 22) for the upper entrance near Strahov Monastery.
Opening hours: The hill and gardens are open 24 hours, free of charge. The Lookout Tower, Mirror Maze and Observatory have separate entry fees and specific opening hours — check the official Prague tourism website for current times.
Funicular status: Currently closed for renovation — expected to reopen summer/autumn 2026. Walking routes described below.
The Petřín funicular — normally the most popular way to reach the hilltop — is currently out of service for complete renovation works. Operations are expected to resume in summer or autumn of 2026.
This means visitors need to reach Petřín on foot or by tram. The good news — walking up Petřín is genuinely enjoyable and gives you a completely different experience of the hill than a 4 minute funicular ride.
Option 1 — From Újezd tram stop (most direct): Take tram 22 or 9 to Újezd. Follow the path uphill from the former funicular station. Allow 20-30 minutes to reach the tower — the path is well maintained but noticeably steep.
Option 2 — From Prague Castle side (most scenic): Take tram 22 to Pohořelec, walk toward Strahov Monastery and enter Petřín from the upper side. A more level approach with extraordinary views of the city as you descend toward the tower.
Option 3 — Through Kinsky Garden (most beautiful): Enter from Kinského náměstí in Smíchov and walk up through the Kinsky Garden — winding paths past sandstone cliffs, garden ponds, and waterfalls while offering several breathtaking views.
In January or February the paths through the gardens can get icy — the tram 22 route is better maintained in winter conditions.
When leaving, if you head west, after a few hundred meters you’ll reach Strahov Stadium, the largest stadium in the world. It once hosted the Spartakiads—mass sports events of the communist regime—and in 1995, the Rolling Stones played there in front of 127,000 spectators and President Havel. If instead you head northwest, you’ll arrive at the Strahov Monastery.
Petřín Hill is one of the highlights on our private Prague walking tours — combining the hill’s panoramic views with the hidden history of Malá Strana, Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
Want a local expert to show you the Petřín viewpoints most visitors never find?
