PARKS
Vrtba Garden
The UNESCO listed Vrtbovska zahrada or Vrtba Garden, is located in the charming quarter of Mala Strana. Vrtba Garden, designed by Frantisek Maximilian Kanka in 1720, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Central Europe. The garden is also blessed with a superb location, it sits on a slant, providing the garden with many terraces and different levels; the top level boasts the most magnificent view of St. Nicolas and Mala Strana. A popular venue for weddings, you may happen to see a magical ceremony take place, as the garden must stay open for visitors.
Wallenstein Garden
Located in Mala Strana, or the Lesser Quarter, Wallenstein Garden is a beautiful manicured garden with lush greenery, shaped hedges, a large pond with an islet featuring a marble fountain of Hercules, statues representing heroes from Greek mythology, an aviary, peacocks to feed and even an Italian grotto with artificial stalactites (look for the animals and fantastic creatures hidden in the stalactite wall). The garden is conveniently located behind the Malostranska Metro entrance and is open to the public from April to October.
Castle Gardens
Leading down from Prague Castle on the southern slopes are the Castle Gardens, formerly the Royal Vineyards, and 5 palace gardens (Ledeburg Garden, Palffy Garden, Greater Palffy Garden, Kolovrat Garden and Furstenberg Garden), all of which are connected and form terraced gardens. The effect is a gorgeous chain of lavish manicured gardens that are simply a colorful splendid sight. The gardens are accessible either from Prague Castle above or from Valdstejnska Street below.
MUSEUMS
Antonín Dvořák Museum
Pay a visit to the National Museum’s Antonín Dvořák Museum and spend an afternoon with the Maestro. Situated in a charming renovated Baroque townhouse (“Villa America”), this popular museum that was founded in 1932, showcases a nice collection of Dvořák’s personal items, period photographs, correspondence, music notes / autographs, and more; at the museum you can even see his writing desk, reading glasses, piano, honorary Cambridge robe, viola, and more.
The National Museum
The biggest museum complex in the Czech Republic is the National Museum. With over 10 buildings, some of which are situated outside of the capital city of Prague, the museum boasts millions of interesting artifacts and unique objects from the past. The objective of the museum is to further develop national identity within the Czech lands, the continent of Europe, and the world itself. The impressive collection covers areas of botany, entomology, zoology, anthropology, archeology, mycology, paleontology, and mineralogy. The collections range from natural science to specific fields of sociology.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery displays its wonderful collection of art dating from medieval times to the 21st century in eight unique locations, locations ranging from old renovated palaces and convents to functionalist buildings. Each house showcases an extensive priceless permanent collection, displayed to enhance the Czech and Central European culture through beautiful visual aids.
City Gallery
Founded in 1963, the City Gallery Prague is the second most important institution for art after the National Gallery in Prague. The City Gallery Prague is responsible for collecting, preserving and displaying Czech art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Today after almost 50 years of its existence the City Gallery Prague owns approximately 14,530 pieces of artwork.
MARKETS
Havel’s Market
A place to shop since the 13th century Word to the wise: Stall holders often quote higher prices for visitors than for locals, so be prepared to barter. The oldest market in the capital, Havel’s has been continuously open since 1232. Originally selling fresh fruit and produce, it has since branched out to include flowers, arts and crafts, leather goods, wooden toys, ceramics and much more.
Kolbenova Flea Market
This place is a jungle of the usual flea market items, mixed in with various artifacts dating back to the communist era; anything from pictures to kitchen appliances, but for western visitors to the city these are always a fascinating look into what life in Prague was like not too long ago. In short, this is the place to go to find a unique collector’s item to take home with you.
Prague market (Prazska trznice)
This market seems to sell everything under the sun, from fruit and veg to portable electronics. It is the largest outdoor market in the city, and is situated a little further afield than a few of the others on this list. If, however, a slice of life as a local is what you’re after, then this may be your cup of tea. On the weekends the market expands to include regional, home-made products such as sausages and cheese.
