Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting around 10 million tourists per year. As you can imagine, the city can get pretty crowded, especially in summer.

Fortunately, there are several ways to escape the crowds in Prague. Once you’ve walked over Charles Bridge and gawked at the Orloj, you can head to one of the city’s lesser-known attractions for some much needed peace (and air!).

In this post, I share my top tips for avoiding the crowds in Prague. So, let’s dive right in!

Climb Petrin Hill

If you want to escape into the wilderness without leaving the city, head to Petrin Hill. This green area is laced with walking trails leading to different landmarks and attractions.

You could visit the Strahov Monastery, walk through the quiet Kinsky Garden, or just sit among the trees and read a book.

Plus, Petrin Hill offers some of the best views of Prague – without the crowds!

You could also go up the Petrin Lookout Tower to get a better view of the city. On a clear day, you can see most of the Bohemian region from here.

If you don’t fancy walking all the way up the hill, you could ride the funicular instead! However, expect long queues if you’re visiting in summer.

Explore the quiet alleys in Mala Strana

Mala Strana, also known as the Lesser Town, is a picturesque neighbourhood below Prague Castle. It’s characterised by cobbled lanes, colourful buildings, and lively cafes and bars.

The main streets leading to the castle can get a little clogged in summer. But if you get off the tourist trail and venture into the side streets, you’ll be rewarded with a few beautiful gems.

These include the pretty houses on Janska and the surrounding cobbled lanes.

If you’re a bookworm, make sure to check out Shakespeare and Sons. You could easily spend an afternoon in this bookstore.

They even have armchairs!

You can then head to Kampa Park, find an empty bench, and read your newly purchased books! This green area is a popular spot among local joggers and dog walkers.

Visit the old fort of Vysehrad

Another way to escape the crowds in Prague is to take a trip to Vysehrad. This historic fort dates back to the 10th century and is home to several important buildings.

These include the neo-Gothic Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, with its beautiful doors and intricate mosaic, and the Romanesque Rotunda of St Martin, which was built in the 11th century.

You can also take a walk through Vysehrad Gardens and enjoy beautiful views of Prague from the ramparts. You get to see a lesser-known side of the city from here.

Once you’re done with Vysehrad, you can walk back to the city centre along the river promenade. You’ll see some stunning buildings along the way, including the iconic Dancing House.

Go for a beer on Letna Hill

Letna is a large green area in the centre of Prague. Located next to the castle, it offers panoramic views of the city – and lots of fresh air!

On a nice day, you can have a picnic in the park or just sit at the beer garden with a nice drink.

While the hill gets a bit busy in summer, it can still offer refuge from the chaotic crowds in the Old Town.

Meet the peacocks in the Vojan Gardens

If there’s one thing that Prague is not short of, it’s gardens! Some of them are shielded from view, offering some much needed respite from the crowds.

The Vojan Gardens are a hidden paradise in the heart of the city. Located in Mala Strana, they’re some of the oldest preserved gardens in Prague.

And they’re home to a large family of peacocks!

There’s also a strange little chapel in the gardens. Dedicated to St. Elijah, this grotto-like shrine is decorated with black stalactites and a 17th-century sundial.

On a hot day, you can sit by the small lake or under the pergolas, and just watch the world go by. Some of the peacocks are rather friendly, so expect company!

Venture beyond Prague Castle

If you’re wondering how to escape the crowds in Prague without straying too far from the castle, I’ve got some good news for you.

If you walk across the large square in front of the castle, you’ll find a maze of quiet alleys with beautiful buildings like the Martinic Palace.

If you continue venturing into this neighbourhood, you’ll come across the pilgrimage site of Loreto. It’s a very peaceful area, with a beautiful Baroque church, a replica of the Holy House, and several cloisters and chapels.

There’s also a clock tower, which plays the Loretan Marian song every hour from 10am to 5pm.

On the opposite side, you’ll find an impressive palace which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And if you keep walking, you’ll likely end up at the Strahov Monastery.

Spend an afternoon at Grebovka

If you’re looking for quiet places in Prague, you’ll love Grebovka (also known as Havlicek Gardens).

Situated in the neighbourhood of Vinohrady, this large park is home to fountains, lakes, and a cool little grotto.

Grebovka is also known for its vineyards. In fact, the entire place was covered in grapevines during the reign of Charles IV.

There’s also a pavilion where you can enjoy beautiful views over the vineyards and the rest of the garden.

Grebovka is a real hidden gem. It’s a bit tricky to get to, but well worth the effort!