The Magic of Wallenstein Garden

The Wallenstein Garden is a hidden jewel in the Malá Strana district. It sits right behind the Malostranská metro station. This garden belongs to the Senate of the Czech Republic. It is open to the public from April to October. You will find impressive bronze statues and a massive dripstone wall here. The wall looks like a collection of skulls or melting wax.

While walking through the Wallenstein Garden for free, look for the resident peacocks. Some of them are pure white and very beautiful. There is also a large pond with massive koi fish. The garden is perfectly manicured in the early Baroque style. It provides a quiet space away from the busy tourist crowds. You can check the official city tourism portal for special concert schedules held in the sala terrena.

Visiting this garden is a great way to start your day. It is very close to the Prague Castle complex. You can easily walk from the garden up the hill to the castle. The garden is usually quietest in the early morning. It offers great photo opportunities with the castle in the background. Make sure to respect the quiet atmosphere of the grounds.

10 Best Free Things to Do in Prague

Prague offers many activities that do not require a ticket. Here are our top picks for a budget-friendly adventure. These items mix iconic sights with local favorites.

• Best overall: Wallenstein Garden
• Best for families: Petrin Hill
• Best rainy-day: Infant Jesus of Prague
• Best free view: Letna Park

1. Name: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) Type: Sight Why go: Stunning Baroque design, unique dripstone wall, and free concerts. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A to Malostranská. Tip: Look for the owls in the aviary near the entrance.
2. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous bridge in the city with 30 statues. Best for: Iconic views of the Vltava River. Where: Between Old Town and Malá Strana. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Visit at sunrise to avoid the massive crowds.
3. Name: Prague Castle Grounds Type: Sight Why go: You can walk through the courtyards and gardens without a ticket. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Hradčany district. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free (courtyards only). Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Catch the changing of the guard ceremony at noon.
4. Name: Vysehrad Fortress Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It offers incredible views and a historic cemetery. Best for: A quiet walk away from the center. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Explore the Vysehrad Fortress grounds for the best sunset spots.
5. Name: Church of Our Lady Victorious Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Home to the world-famous Infant Jesus of Prague statue. Best for: Religious history and culture. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Hellichova. Tip: Visit the Infant Jesus of Prague statue and its free small museum.
6. Name: Petrin Hill Type: Nature Why go: Massive park with rose gardens and city panoramas. Best for: Couples and families. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from Újezd. Tip: The walk up is steep but the views are worth it.
7. Name: Old Town Square Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: See the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church. Best for: Soaking in the city atmosphere. Where: Old Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro A to Staroměstská. Tip: Watch the clock strike the hour for a short show.
8. Name: Letna Park Type: Viewpoint Why go: Famous for the Metronome and views of the bridges. Best for: Relaxing with a view. Where: Prague 7. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 17 to Čechův most and walk up. Tip: This is a popular spot for local skaters and picnics.
9. Name: Vltava Riverfront (Naplavka) Type: Unique local experience Why go: Walk along the river and see the "Dancing House" from outside. Best for: Saturday morning markets. Where: New Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro B to Karlovo náměstí. Tip: Feed the swans near the Mánes Bridge for great photos.
10. Name: Divoka Sarka Type: Day trip Why go: A wild nature reserve within the city limits. Best for: Hiking and escaping the urban bustle. Where: Prague 6. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 20 or 26 to Divoká Šárka. Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes for the rocky paths.

Planning Your Free Prague Itinerary

Maximizing your time in Prague requires a bit of planning. Most free gardens like Wallenstein close during the winter months. Plan your visit between April and October for the best experience. Walking is the best way to see the city center. Most major sights are within 20 minutes of each other.

Prague is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the historic core is very well preserved. You can see beautiful building facades on almost every street. Always carry a refillable water bottle to save money. Tap water in Prague is safe and delicious.

Public transport is affordable if you need to travel further. However, many free attractions are easy to reach on foot. Use a map to group sights by neighborhood. For example, visit Wallenstein Garden and the Infant Jesus on the same day. This saves time and energy during your trip.