The best 36 hidden gems off the beaten path in Prague

Every Prague guide will take you to the very best places to go. But, if you want to delve deeper into the gems it has to offer, we’ve got over 30 things you need to see. Prague has so many unusual things to do from the quaint Thunovska Street to the beautiful Municipal Library. Wherever you turn to on your Prague travels, this iconic city has hidden spots around every corner. Travel off the beaten path and further out from the city centre. You’ll find even more unique places to go less than an hour away. Here are the best hidden gems of Prague!

Find even more hidden gems in Prague on our map!

But first, here are some of our top picks in the capital of Czech Republic:

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1. Eat your heart out at Manifesto Market

Hidden away in the Anděl district of Prague is the delicious feast of Manifesto Market Andel. Pop up stalls, food trucks and bars greet you on your culinary deep dive through the city. Share a table with the locals and fellow travellers and dig in. The food market has a pretty big mix of food variety, so there should be an option for whatever you’re into. Although Manifesto Market has multiple locations around the city like the one in Florenc, Andel remains a somewhat secret spot. It may be off the beaten path, but it’s also super close to a tram station, so wherever you are in Prague this is an easy hidden spot to add to your itinerary.

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2. Relax in the Wallenstein Garden

There are so many beautiful places to go in Prague that sometimes Wallenstein Garden (sadly) gets overlooked in a travel guide. But this quiet, charming garden is definitely worth a look. Close to major attractions, the gardens aren’t totally unknown but see way less crowds than other parts of the city. Wallenstein is only open to the public from April to October, but is best in the summer when the garden is at its prettiest and it becomes a venue for outdoor art performances.

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3. Visit the Palace Gardens of Prague Castle

For only 100 CZK, you can visit one of the most beautiful spots of Prague and see an awesome view over the city. Hidden away from most travel guides and top lists, the Palace Gardens are a secret of the Malá Strana neighbourhood. Top tip! Visit the gardens below Prague Castle in the autumn - the garden here dials its beauty up to 11. If you're curious about a tour - including an admission ticket, you can reserve your spot here.

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4. Check out the pretty sights of Lyčkovo Náměstí

Calling all city explorers and photographers! Lyčkovo náměstí is a hidden place in Prague. Even though it’s unknown to most, this square is home to one of the prettiest landmarks in the city. Lyčkovo náměstí holds a beautiful school and garden - in the Art Nouveau style - that most tourists to the city never see. Make sure you add this place to your list!

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5. Go hiking in Divoka Sarka

Travel to the outskirts to find one of Prague’s natural gems. Perfect for hiking, Divoka Sarka is a nature reserve full of trails, a romantic valley, and great views. Many come to Prague to see The City of Spires, but you shouldn’t forget the cool places on its borders either. Most of the paths here aren’t paved, so you’ll have to put on your good walking shoes. In summer, this place comes alive with locals playing sports and watching outdoor movies. It’s just as good of a visit in the winter, with a quiet and snowy view of the city.

6. Enjoy the view from Vojanovy Sady

A fairy tale piece of Prague! Go to Vojanovy Sady and you’ll wander into one of Prague’s most ancient gardens. Once a monastery garden, these days Vojanovy Sady is a place of calm and quiet hidden away from Prague’s hustle and bustle. Originally created in the 13th century, the gardens are home to peacocks and wandering locals.

The gardens are right next door to the beautiful Wallenstein Garden (also a secret spot!). Fun fact: the gardens are actually said to be the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague. Check out more tips to enjoy this secret garden at its best below! 👇

7. Wander the Thunovska street

Thunovská Street is by far one of the most impressive medieval streets in Old Prague! Don’t believe us? The street may be only 350m long and a non-touristy spot, but Thunovská is definitely worth a visit. Here’s why: The street is nestled between the Wallenstein Garden and Prague Castle. This is one hidden gem that’s easy to see, but so many miss. While we love this street for its beautiful medieval buildings, you shouldn’t miss the bars here. Yes, U krále Brabantského (the Medieval Tavern) is one of the most unique bars in Prague and it’s located on one of the city’s most unique streets. Who’d have thought?

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8. See the beautiful Colloredo Mansfeld Palace

From the outside, you wouldn’t guess the beauty this place holds. That is what makes it such a hidden gem! Enter inside the palace and you’ll soon feel like you’ve been transported into a fairy tale. This place was rebuilt and rebuilt from 1600 to 1735 as many owners left their artist mark on the palace. A guided tour is available to give you all the deets on the history of the building and all the art inside. Worth it if you’re into that sort of thing. Regardless, everyone should wander up to the third floor to see the art exhibits.

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9. Fall down the rabbit hole at the Prague Municipal Library

Prague’s library is home to one of the most unique bookish sights around. This giant tower of books seems to be ever going as you peek down below. Lose yourself in the words and calm atmosphere of the library. This secret spot has been gaining a bit of attention lately, so come and grab a look before this landmark becomes a best-seller!

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10. Walk the Vrtba Garden

One of the smaller gardens of Prague, Vrtba has managed to escape attention from most who visit Prague. Complete in Baroque style, the garden is grand and impressive considering the space it has to grow. Basically, the gardens are located on a slope and are connected by a staircase over three terraces.

Vrta is an unusual garden to see while you’re in the city. With a low entrance fee and open times throughout most of the year, Vrta Garden is an easy gem to get to. There’s no excuse not to wander to this secret garden.

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11. Take the cable car ride at The Hotel NH

Only 10 passengers at a time can ride this red cable car to the viewing point and restaurant of Hotel NH. Known to the locals and the occasional hotel visitor, the cable car ride is a unique thing to do. It does end pretty quickly at only 156m, but worth doing, especially as it’s free and open to all members of the public. Give your feet a break after a long day exploring the city and go enjoy the view and drinks at Hotel NH Praha.

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12. Discover Queen Anne’s Summer Palace

Known as Letohrádek královny Anny to the locals, this palace is one of the most interesting landmarks in Prague. It’s said to be one of the best examples of Italian Renaissance architecture outside of Italy. The palace is located in the Royal Gardens of Prague Castle. If you want to see a pretty palace after wandering around Prague Castle, this secret place is for you. The Summer Palace was first built in 1538 for (you guessed it!) Queen Anna of Jagiellon, but she passed away before she could ever see the beautiful building finished. These days, the Summer Palace is a place of calm and culture - you’ll often find temporary art exhibits happening here.

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13. Don’t miss Airship Gulliver!

All you have to do is look up. Airship Gulliver is a giant work of art. Inspired by the airships of the 20th century, Airship Gulliver is over 40 m long and made from wood and steel. Located in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, the airship is a recent addition to the city and is still secret though we’re sure it won’t fly under the radar for long! The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art is also worth a look to see the other unique exhibits and to relax on the nice outdoor terrace. This hidden gem is a must for art-lovers.

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14. Bathe in the Beer Spa

It wouldn’t be a Prague trip without beer. And, at the beer spa, you’re literally bathing in Prague’s essence. Apparently, Czechs have been bathing in beer for medical benefits for like 2,000 years. We’re not sure of all the science-y stuff behind it, but your skin definitely feels all smooth when you get out of the tub. Prague has a couple of beer spas, but our top recommendation is the Original Beer Spa in the Nové Město neighbourhood. After travelling around Prague all day, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the tub and sipping a beer. You can reserve your spot here which includes unlimited beer!

15. Delve into a crypt in New Town

Hidden away in the Nové Město (New Town) neighbourhood is one of the most unique museums in the Czech Republic capital. The National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror is only a 3 minute walk away from the well-known Dancing House, but it’s often overlooked by tourists visiting the area. Located inside a crypt, the atmosphere of this museum is something else! The free museum takes you through the story of the Czech Republic, WWII, and national heroes who tried to stop the Nazis.

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16. Visit the unique Speculum Alchemiae Museum

The Museum of Alchemy is one of the best museums in Old Town (“Staré Město”)! Known as Speculum Alchemiae to the locals, this museum doesn’t see the crowds the major museums of Prague get. Yet it has some of the most unusual sights to see. Inspired by alchemy labs of the 16th century, Speculum Alchemiae is located in one of the oldest houses in Prague. This hidden gem will make you feel like you’re in the Harry Potter potions labs!

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17. Film nerds! Geek out at the NaFilM: National film museum

Nestled into the well-known Franciscan Gardens, most of us walk by NaFilM without even knowing what’s behind its doors. Located in the heart of Prague and surrounded by coffee shops, the National Film Museum is an easy secret spot to add to any city trip. It’s a must for any film lover! The museum is pretty interactive and is all about filmmaking, the future of virtual reality , and even the opportunity to make your own animation.

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18. Take in the beauty of the Jerusalem Synagogue

Prague has five synagogues, but the Jerusalem Synagogue definitely stands out from the rest for its beautiful architecture. Close to the major attractions of Old Town, the synagogue only has a small entrance fee. For about 100 CZK, you can take a peek into one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the city. You really can’t miss this place - literally, it’s the highlight of Jerusalem Street with its bright colours and pillars. But the best architecture can be found inside!

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19. Party out at the Cross Club

Check out one of the best nightclubs in the city. Located in the Holešovice suburb, Cross Club is one of the best places to go to enjoy Prague’s nightlife. Unknown to most who travel to the city, the nightclub has two dance stages and a futuristic vibe inside. On top of that, it’s fully decked out in steampunk decor, making you feel as if you’ve been transported into the future! With affordable drinks all night long, Cross Club is the place to go to get your party started.

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20. See holy art in the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul

One of the best kept secrets of the Vyšehrad district! This beautiful church contains beautiful arches and religious art behind its walls. Worth checking out for its architecture, the church is often forgotten and left behind in favor of the other major churches in Prague. If you want to see a pretty church, find a hidden gem, and avoid crowds, this place has it all for you.

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21. Find Prague’s history in the Cold War Museum

Known as Muzeum studené války to the locals, the Cold War Museum is literally hidden away in what was once a fallout shelter beneath Hotel Jalta. You can find this secret museum in the New Town of Prague (Nové Město). Here you’ll take a peek into the paranoia of the Cold War - no, really - this place is complete with an escape tunnel, surveillance room, and much more. You can always pair it with a Communism and nuclear bunk tour for the full experience!

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22. Travel to the Lucerna Arcade Prague

Most tourists who go to the Lucerna Passage come to see one of Prague’s most unique statues - the upside down horse. But there’s plenty of other things to do inside the arcade that you shouldn’t miss. The Lucerna Arcade has its own film theatre with vintage vibes where they show foreign movies. It’s definitely worth wandering deeper into the building after checking out the statue as the architecture here is stunning!

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23. Take the family to the Karel Zeman Museum

Just a quick walk away from the famous John Lennon Wall and Charles Bridge in the Malá Strana neighbourhood lies a super family friendly museum. The museum is interactive and is all about Karel Zeman, who was a major film maker of the Czech Republic. Made up of film sets and former studios, the museum is a nice little entry into the world of filmmaking. Take a break from sightseeing around the city to delve into the history of Czech filmmaking. The museum only opened in 2021, so most tourists have yet to discover this gem.

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24. Visit Prague’s coolest district: Holešovice

Named as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian, Holešovice is full of trendy shops, boutiques, markets and more. But this district is especially known for its many amazing art galleries. Located inside a former factory, the Dox Centre for Contemporary Art is one of the gems of this district. It’s also by far one of the most cyclist-friendly parts of Prague! The farmer’s market here is fun too. Amazingly enough, Holešovice wasn’t always this cool. It was once a somewhat boring industrial complex. See how far this district has come and discover hidden gems around every corner when you pay a visit to Holešovice.

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25. Get a unique education at the Sex Machine Museum

Prague really has all kinds of museums. Only a quick walk from the Old Town Hall, the Sex Machine Museum is getting more and more popular. Still, it’s a secret compared to other places in the city. A lot of travel guides don’t include it for some reason (we can’t imagine why!). Leave the kids at home! This place has over 300 items on display, plus a vintage movie theatre. It’s definitely a unique sight to see on any city trip. Because it’s right in the heart of Prague, pretty everyone who comes to the city walks by it at least once. But plenty of people resist the temptation to take a peek inside.

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26. Lose yourself in the Olšany Cemetery

Take in the atmosphere in the historical district of Zizkov! Created in the 1680 to put plague victims to rest, the Olšany Cemetery has a spooky vibe. Some say there’s over 2 million people buried here. Now, walking through a cemetery might not be your kind of thing. But this place’s gothic beauty and long history make this secret cemetery worth checking out.

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27. Hand it to a local legend at Church of St James

Forgive the pun, but the Church of Saint James does have a hand hanging from its walls. Weird? Yes. Over 400 years old, the mummified hand is said to have once belonged to a thief and now acts as a warning to all who have sticky fingers. Right as you enter the basilica, look up and you’ll see the mummified hand.

The church itself has a couple of other things to see while you’re here - including its pretty architecture. Not as many people know, though, that the mummified hand isn’t the only creepy thing about the church. Someone once was buried alive here - check out the tomb of the Count Mitrovice to your left as you walk in.

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28. Look at the Dripstone Wall

Wallenstein Garden itself can be called a hidden gem, but there’s a secret here so many often skip without knowing it. While you’re checking out the Wallenstein Palace and Garden, check out the Dripstone Wall. Tucked away in a side of the garden known as The Grotto and partially hidden by trees is one of the creepiest sights of Prague. From afar, you’d think this thing had dropped out of a horror movie! It looks like it's made of dripping skulls. Keep on staring and you might start to see faces, animals and other mysterious things on this wall. If you dare step closer, you’ll find this wall is actually made up of stalactite-like rocks.

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29. Seek out the ghosts of Prague

Here’s one thing we bet you didn’t know! Haunted places are all over Prague. Ghost tours are pretty popular for tourists and locals wandering the streets at night to learn the spooky secrets of the city. Even Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by 12 ghosts! If you’ve got the time, book a ghost tour around the city for the best experience - one of the most well-known options is the McGee’s Ghost Tours of Prague.

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30. Hike around the Velka Amerika Quarry

Want to complete a hike near Prague? This is one of our top walking trail recommendations. Only a quick drive away from the capital is the beautiful Karlštejn Castle. From the castle, you hike on an 8km trek to Velká Amerika. The hike is worth doing just to check out the castle and woodlands, but the abandoned limestone quarry is the cherry on top! Check out full details of the hike below! 👇

31. See a puppet show

When you walk around the Old Town neighbourhood, you might just miss the National Marionette Theatre. Want to experience Prague’s local culture? Take a seat and enjoy the puppet show! Hidden away inside another hidden gem (the Prague Municipal Library), the theatre just seems to be a hole in the wall until you follow the steps down into the cozy theatre. Top tip: try and get early to the theatre as it’s first come first serve with no allocated seating!

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32. Sip a cup of tea at Orijin Tea

Prague might be known for its beer and coffee, but you can’t forget about its tea rooms! Orijin Tea is mostly known to Chinese tea lovers and lucky tourists who happen to stumble across its doors in the Nové Město district. Sip a cup of tea, enjoy the atmosphere, or bring your laptop and get to work. There are few gems in the centre of Prague that have this relaxed atmosphere.

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33. Drink beer at U Kunštátu

Enjoy a craft beer in Old Prague. Sit outside and take a breather or head indoors to cozy up out of the rain. The beer garden of U Kunštátů is one of the highest reviewed in the city and for good reason. You’ve got over 100 different beers to choose from. Prague is known for its beer, so checking out a beer garden or two is an absolute must. For science, of course.

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34. Check out U Obecního dvora

Prague has lots of wquaint, pretty streets, but U Obecního dvora is one every traveller to Prague should see. Once home to the painter Josef Mánes, this street has become more and more beautiful over time. These days, ornate buildings live right across the street from one of the best Irish bars in Prague (the James Joyce Bar).

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35. Walk through Novy svet

Unknown to the tourist masses wandering from the Strahov Monastery to Prague Castle lies a small but picturesque street. Known in English as “New World”, Novy svet is home to a beloved local cafe with great coffee. A bit of peace and local quiet away from the summer crowds, Novy svet is an easy hidden gem that’s only two streets away from the main route around Prague Castle.

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36. Travel the Deer Moat Tunnel

Literally hidden away in the soil of Deer Moat (“Jelení příkop”) is a secret spot of Prague. A bit cramped, this tunnel lies on the north side of the Castle and runs beneath the iconic Powder Bridge. You can enter from multiple avenues (Na opyši street, Klárov–Chotkova street, etc). The tunnel was designed by architect Josef Pleskot. Although the Deer Moat Tunnel is closed throughout the winter, it’s a great option in summer to avoid the crowds around the castle.

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Prague is one of our favourite cities to visit! Do you love Prague too? Discover even more secret spots and things to do with our city guide. Also if you're in Prague during harvest season, you definitely should not miss out on some of these epic wine festivals in and around Prague.

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