Many people arriving in Prague are a bit unpleasantly surprised how crowded the city center can be. And I agree. I see it every single day. Some areas can be the touristy circus at its best. But fortunately, there are still places where you can enjoy peace, fantastic views, and a charming atmosphere without crowds around. Here are my tips on where to soak in a different version of Prague: 3 perfectly hidden gems of Prague downtown.
Who is writing this blog for you?
Hello! My name is Dana, and I am very proud to call Prague my hometown. I was born and raised here, and ten years ago I also founded here my tiny business called Prague Behind The Scenes. I am a guide! I show my clients Prague in a less touristy way, with respect to locals and the unique genius loci that is still present here. If my style of respectful tourism resonates with you, please feel free to reach out, and we can explore Prague together. Leisurely, personally, and in a more authentic way. Without an umbrella and microphone.
My email: dana@praguebehindthescenes.com
1. Řásnovka and gardens around the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia
This is one of my most favorite parts of the Old Town. Many of my tours lead through here. A tiny neighborhood called Haštalská čtvrť and Na Františku. Charming parts of Prague downtown where you barely meet crowds or noisy tour groups.
Řásnovka is a picturesque back street only a 10-minute walk from the busy Old Town Square or Jewish Quarter. It leads to Haštalské Square and also toward the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia.
The convent was founded already in the 13th century, and it’s one of the oldest early Gothic structures in Prague. Right now it serves as a gallery and houses collections of medieval Czech and European art. And the best part? The convent gardens. There are two; make sure to explore both of them. They are open for free. So quiet and photogenic. Green osasis in the city center, your first discovered hidden gem!
All over the place, you can also spot almost 20 modern art installations from the Czech renowned artists: Jaroslav Róna, František Bílek, František Skála, Michal Gabriel, and others. There’s a great contrast between the old architecture and contemporary artworks. In summer, you can also check for forest strawberries growing by the southern walls of the convent. And definitely don’t miss the tiny wooden playhouse—it’s also art! Designed by František Skála.
There is also a lovely café with outdoor seating called Anežka café. It´s part of the convent and the gardens. Great stop for a lovely coffee, but excellent also for brunch. You can even order a picnic basket there.
Address: U Milosrdných 17, Prague 1
Entrance fee: open for free
My favourites: koláč and flat white, the hidden parts of the garden under the street level (accessible from the Klášterská street. There is a lovely secluded nook and sometimes forest raspberries and open door inside the church. And a giant, kneeling skull!)
2. Galerie Rudolfinum, a trully hidden gem overlooked by tourists
And here’s another tip for steering clear of crowded spots in the Prague downtown! We will not have to walk too far. Only a short stroll along the river from the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, you will find another great place: Galerie Rudolfinum. Maybe you now say, “I don’t have time for galleries and I don’t want to spend money on this.” Guys, this amazing place is open for free!
The exhibitions are always courageous and original. Just look at the pictures from the recent one: Iván Argote – Radical Tenderness. Mushrooms and plants thriving within this Neo-Renaissance building! This is not a permanent exposition, almost every three months there is a new one. But always great!
Galerie Rudolfinum remains largely underrated and often overlooked by tourists, meaning you can enjoy the space almost alone!! And don’t forget to unwind in their library, where you can relax in fun hammocks!
And what would be a gallery without a lovely gallery bistro? Café Rudolfinum is right at the end of the spacious, beautiful, and light hall. So walk or dance (yes, in such a beautiful space you want to start dancing waltz) towards the historical café and enjoy your coffee or craft beers. And of course, views over the Museum of Decorative Arts. Oh man, and that would be another great place to stop, but we have to move forward to the highlight of all the hidden gems in Prague.
Address: Alšovo nábřeží 12, Prague 1
Entrance fee: open for free (CLOSED ON MONDAYS!)
My favourites: the whole monumental space and beautiful light inside the building and the gallery logo:-)
Gardens below Prague Castle (hidden entrance from Valdštejnská street)
Totally hidden and underrated location in the city center. While all the tourists are squeezing onto Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, you will be enjoying this paradise. Even during the busy high season, there will be practically no one around! Every time I come for a visit, there are maybe 20 other people around, and that’s nothing! Because the area is huge and you will not be disturbing each other.
Many people, including locals, mistakenly think that these gardens are part of the Prague Castle complex. Nope, they are not, and you can only enter them from Valdštejnská Street in Lesser Town. I recommend visiting this paradise anytime you think you’ve had enough tourists, crowds, and cheesy souvenirs. Here you will feel like nobility in your own manor!
The entrance is rather hidden, and often not even locals know about it. And yes, there is a paid entrance (currently 160 CZK, July 2025). But it’s so much worth it! These are the most beautiful gardens in Prague. Yes, better than Wallenstein garden or Vrtba garden.
There are growing herbs, flowers, grapes, figs, peaches, apples… there are plenty of benches, nooks, and epic views! Thank God such places still exist even downtown Prague!
Note: The gardens are closed for low season/winter. And they are definitely only suitable for fit adults as they are designed on a very steep slopes with many steps. But the views!? Gosh, you will be amazed. It’s worth the effort and the €6.50 entrance fee.
Address: Valdštejnská 14, Prague 1 (CLOSED DURING WINTER / EARLY SPRING OR DURING BAD WEATHER)
Entrance fee: currently 160 CZK (6.50 euros / adults)
My favorites: the bottom of the Ledebour garden with Sala Terrena and uphill views. Checking on growing medlars and the fantastic natural shade and cool nooks in scorching heat. The amazing feeling that this place still remains undiscovered by crowds!
And this is the end of today’s post about hidden gems of Prague downtown. Did you enjoy my tips? Did you enjoy your visit? Thank you once again for reading and learning about a more sustainable way of exploring the city. Take care and maybe see you in person on one of my tours!
Dana // guide for Prague Behind The Scenes
If you found my tips valuable, you can also support my writings by buying me a virtual coffee. Thank you!
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