In the first part of this walking guide, we covered the main parks of Vinohrady – Náměstí Míru, Riegrovy sady, Jiřího z Poděbrad square, and the connecting green spaces. Those are the places every expat eventually discovers. But Vinohrady and its surroundings hide spots that even some locals have never visited.
Locals call this park Grébovka, though the official name is Havlíčkovy sady. If you ever wanted to feel like a 19th century industrialist with a vineyard in your backyard, this is your place.
The park was built by Moritz Gröbe, a railway magnate who basically decided that what this hill really needed was a villa inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces. So he built one, complete with gardens, a vineyard, a grotto, and views of the city that would make your Instagram explode.
The neo-renaissance villa still stands at the top of the park. Behind it sits a 1.7 hectare vineyard that still produces wine. Yes, you can literally drink wine grown in the middle of Prague. If you want the full experience, head to Viničný altán, a charming gazebo that serves local wine with one of the best panoramic views of Prague. Perfect for a date or for overthinking your life decisions in style.
If you’re into romantic spots, don’t miss the grotto – an artificial cave with a waterfall, statues, and the Neptune fountain nearby. It’s like someone tried to import a piece of Florence and dropped it in Vinohrady. Somehow it works.
Grébovka is also super family-friendly. There’s a modern playground, space for jogging or yoga, and plenty of shade. You can spend an hour here or an entire afternoon and not get bored.
The next stop is a place even some locals have never heard of. Ztracená means “the lost one” in Czech, and it lives up to that name. Do you know where it is in Prague? Most people don’t.
This hidden garden sits perched on steep slopes between Karlovo and Horská Street. It was originally part of vineyard land, later neglected during socialism, and only recently restored between 2006 and 2010 into a terraced garden with brick walls and quiet corners that feel like something out of a European art film.
The garden is totally enclosed, which makes it safe and peaceful. Great for reading, reflecting, or taking a break from the chaos of the city. My tip: come here during morning or golden hour for the best light.
There’s also a monument to the victims of the two totalitarian regimes. It’s not big or flashy, but it hits hard. Simple, powerful, and worth the visit.
Ztracená is one of those places where you don’t need a plan. Just show up, sit down, and let Prague do the rest.
This next place sounds like something from a Gothic novel. Bastion svatého Hypulchra – the Bastion of the Holy Sepulchre. Don’t worry, there’s no actual sepulchre. But there is a bastion.
Bastions are fortification elements, military buildings. This one was built during the baroque era to protect Prague from attacks coming from the south. If you ever wanted to have a picnic on a historical war monument, this is your chance.
There’s a modern spiral staircase, a small restaurant, and occasional art exhibitions. It’s like a fortress met a rooftop bar and decided to get into culture. If you want to impress someone with a place they’ve never heard of, bring them here.
What’s great about this location are the views. You get the classic gem of Prague – the Nusle Bridge. Below sits Folimanka park with lots of sports facilities. You can see Vyšehrad, Petřín Hill, and interesting modern art installations.
Fun fact: inside the Nusle Bridge itself, literally inside the structure, there’s something special. If you know what it is, you know Prague better than most.
Vyšehrad isn’t just a park. It’s a legend. This historic fortress dates back to the 10th century and features Gothic walls, stunning gardens, and some of the most iconic views in Prague.
But let’s talk about the weirdest thing first – the Devil’s Column. According to legend, the devil tried to win a bet with a priest by flying to Rome and bringing back a column before the end of a single mass. Classic devil move. He failed, got mad, and threw the column at Vyšehrad, where it shattered into three pieces. You can still see them today. Is that true? Who knows. But the story is good.
What’s definitely true is that Vyšehrad is peaceful, powerful, and packed with history. You’ll find sculptures by Josef Václav Myslbek, epic views over the Vltava River, and the entrance to Prague’s underground casemates – tunnels once used to move troops and store ammunition.
Inside Gorlice Hall in the casemates, you can find original statues from Charles Bridge. Yes, the ones you see on the bridge today are not the originals. The real ones are preserved underground here.
The most visible monument at Vyšehrad is the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul. Don’t be confused – although the foundations are almost a thousand years old, the current appearance results from neo-gothic reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.
Around the basilica lies Vyšehrad cemetery, the final resting place of some of the greatest Czech legends. Václav Havel, composer Smetana, writer Karel Čapek – they’re all here.
Then there’s the hidden Gothic church of St. John the Baptist, tucked inside the walls and usually closed. When it opens for tours, it feels like you’ve stepped into another century. The church sits literally inside the fortress walls, accessible only through Vyšehrad guided tours.
An interesting fact: some of the historical buildings at Vyšehrad are owned by the municipality and contain rental flats. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these, you can legitimately call yourself the king or queen of Vyšehrad.
The Rotunda of St. Martin, built around 1100, stands as one of the oldest buildings still standing at Vyšehrad. Vyšehrad is where you come when you want to clear your head, think big thoughts, or just take in Prague at its most majestic.
o there you have it. In part one, we started at Náměstí Míru and wandered through Riegrovy sady, JZP, and the smaller connecting parks. In part two, we explored Grébovka, Ztracená, the Bastion, and Vyšehrad. Each spot offers something different, but all are perfect for slowing down and enjoying Prague in a way that real estate listings never show you.
If you already live in Prague, I hope this made you curious to explore. If you’re thinking of moving here, now you know where to go for your first walks. These aren’t just pretty parks. They’re part of what makes Prague livable, what transforms an expensive apartment into a valuable home.
Looking for more insights about Prague neighborhoods or need help with property purchases? I’ve been helping foreigners navigate the Czech real estate market since 2014.
Reach out at robin@expatsfinance.cz or call +420 777 877 849.
Robin Petrásek Founder, Expats Finance
