Top sights in Smetana Gardens Olomouc

The gardens are full of history and natural beauty. Most visitors start at the main entrance near the city center. You can walk through wide alleys lined with old trees. These paths lead to impressive exhibition pavilions and hidden statues. Use this list to plan your route through the greenery.

• Best overall: Palm Greenhouse
• Best for families: The Main Promenade
• Best rainy-day: Tropical and Cactus Greenhouses
• Best free activity: Smetana Monument

1. Name: Palm Greenhouse (Palmový skleník) Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning historic glasshouse from the early 20th century. It houses rare palm species and exotic birds. Best for: History buffs and plant lovers. Where: Central part of Smetana Gardens. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the greenhouse circuit. Getting there: Walk from the main park entrance. Tip: Look for the ancient palms that are over 100 years old.
2. Name: Flora Olomouc Pavilion A Type: experience Why go: This modern building hosts the famous Flora Olomouc flower exhibition several times a year. Best for: Event seekers. Where: Near the main promenade. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; ticket required during shows. Getting there: Visible from the main park entrance. Tip: Check the official Olomouc Tourism Portal for 2026 event dates.
3. Name: Bedřich Smetana Monument Type: sight Why go: A grand statue honoring the famous Czech composer. It is a key landmark in the park's history. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Located at the end of the main alley. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk straight down the central promenade. Tip: This is a great meeting point if you are traveling in a group.
4. Name: The Main Promenade Type: activity Why go: A wide, majestic alley perfect for a slow stroll or people-watching. It is lined with seasonal flower displays. Best for: Photography. Where: Connects the city center to the park interior. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from Vídeňská street. Tip: Visit in spring to see the tulips in full bloom.
5. Name: Tropical Greenhouse Type: sight Why go: Experience a humid jungle environment with giant water lilies and tropical vines. It is one of the best places to relax in Olomouc during winter. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Greenhouse complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the greenhouse ticket. Getting there: Follow signs for 'Skleníky'. Tip: The humidity is high, so wear light layers.
6. Name: Cactus Greenhouse Type: sight Why go: See a vast collection of succulents and spiky desert plants from around the world. Best for: Unique plant photography. Where: Adjacent to the Palm Greenhouse. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the greenhouse ticket. Getting there: Part of the main greenhouse circuit. Tip: Some rare species only bloom for a few hours.
7. Name: Subtropical Greenhouse Type: sight Why go: This area features citrus trees and Mediterranean flora. It smells wonderful when the trees are in bloom. Best for: Sensory experiences. Where: Part of the greenhouse complex. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the greenhouse ticket. Getting there: Located next to the Tropical Greenhouse. Tip: Great for educational visits with children.
8. Name: The Music Pavilion Type: experience Why go: A charming wooden gazebo where live concerts often take place in summer. Best for: Music lovers. Where: Near the center of the park. Time: 15-60 minutes depending on performance. Cost: Usually free. Getting there: Walk toward the sound of music near the café. Tip: Grab a coffee nearby and enjoy the atmosphere.
9. Name: Svatý Kopeček (Holy Hill) Type: day trip Why go: A beautiful basilica and viewpoint located just outside the city. It offers a different perspective of the region. Best for: Half-day trips. Where: 8km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free for the hill; bus fare required. Getting there: Take bus number 11 from the main station. Tip: Visit the zoo located right next to the basilica.
10. Name: Olomouc Museum of Art Type: sight Why go: Located near the park edge, this museum offers world-class exhibitions. It is one of the best things to do in Olomouc for art fans. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Denisova street, near the park. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the park entrance. Tip: Check the Olomouc Museum of Art website for current shows.

Planning your Olomouc parks and gardens walk

A visit to the gardens is easy to organize. Most paths are flat and paved. This makes the park accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. You should plan for at least two hours to see everything. If you visit the greenhouses, add another hour to your schedule.

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. However, the greenhouses have specific opening hours. They are often closed on Mondays. Check the Visit Czechia - Olomouc page for seasonal updates. 2026 will bring new floral displays to the main promenade.

There are several benches and small cafés in the park. You can enjoy a snack while watching the local life. Public restrooms are available near the main pavilions. The park is very safe for solo travelers at all times of day.

Essential tips for the Smetana Gardens Olomouc walking guide

To make the most of your walk, wear comfortable shoes. The park is large and you will cover a lot of ground. Bring water if you visit during the summer months. The greenhouses can get very warm even in spring.

Photography is allowed for personal use in most areas. If you want to use a tripod, you might need permission. Respect the plants and stay on the marked paths. This helps preserve the beauty of the gardens for everyone.

Combine your visit with other nearby sights. The historic center is only a short walk away. You can easily see the main square after your park stroll. This Smetana Gardens Olomouc walking guide is just the start of your adventure.