Petřín Tower & Hill
Lesser Town, Prague 1

Looking up from the river, Petřín is the hill to the left of Prague Castle.

At the summit of Petřín Hill are several visitor attractions set in landscaped gardens, the most popular of which is Petřín Tower (Petřínská rozhledna).

Built in 1891 as part of the Jubilee Exhibition, the steel-framework Petřín observation tower was conceived as a mini version of the Eiffel Tower. It is 58.70m high, which doesn't seem particularly tall until you consider that it sits atop Petřín Hill, which is itself 324m above sea level.

Climb the 299 steps inside Petřín Tower and the views over Prague are magnificent; on a clear day, you can see the highest peak in Czechia, Snezka, 150km away.

The extensive gardens surrounding Petřín Tower, which include a beautiful rose garden, are a calm and engaging oasis to stroll around, whether in the summer sunshine or snows of winter (the only time to avoid is when it is raining). And the views over Prague are terrific, even without climbing the tower.

Other attractions at the summit of Petřín Hill:

-Štefánik Observatory (Štefánikova hvězdárna). A small astronomical museum explains the basics of astronomy. Visitors can also see inside the telescope domes, and observe the sun, moon, planets and stars through a large telescope.

-Mirror Maze.

-Carousel (open in the summer).

-The Cavern (small mystical building).

-Children's playground.

-Church of St. Lawrence.

-Cafés & refreshment stands.

While it is free to walk around Petřín's gardens and the hillside, minor entrance fees apply for certain attractions. There is no need to pre-book.

The mighty Hunger Wall (Hladová zed) runs down one side of Petřín Hill. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1360-1362, it forms part of the city's medieval fortifications. The name derives from the reason the wall was built: to provide employment for Prague residents during hard times.

The stone used to construct many historical buildings in Prague was quarried out of Petřín. Today, evidence of this mining activity is hidden beneath the park and woodland covering the hill.

After visiting the summit, instead of taking public transport, an alternative way to return to the historical centre is to walk down the hill. A series of pathways leads the way through the trees.

For refreshments on your descent, a local restaurant, Nebozizek, and a Czech pub, Petrinske Terasy, are set on the side of Petřín Hill, halfway down. Both have large summer terraces, and are ideal spots to enjoy a drink or meal with a view.

They are accessible on foot or via the Petřín Funicular, which has a stop here in both directions.

At the bottom of Petřín Hill is a well-equipped children's playground, near the funicular terminal.

From here, it is a 10-minute walk to Charles Bridge. Or you can take a tram to other parts of Prague.

For locals, Petřín is somewhere to go for a walk in nature and to take in beautiful views over Prague.

For visitors in staying in Prague for a few days, once you have explored the main tourist sights (Prague Castle, Old Town Square, etc.), Petřín Hill could be your next move.

HOW TO REACH PETRIN HILL/PETRIN TOWER

Travel options from the historical centre of Prague:

1. A ride on the Petřín Funicular is the easiest, most pleasurable way to reach the summit of Petřín. It departs from Ujezd in the Lesser Town, which is 5 minutes walk from Ujezd tram stop. Unfortunately, the funicular is closed for renovation until 2026.

2. Tram 22, 23 or 25 to Pohořelec tram stop, then walk 10 minutes via Strahovska street;

3. Minibus 194 to Nemocnice pod Petřínem bus stop, then walk 10 minutes via Vlasska street;

4. Walk up Petřín Hill. The climb takes 30 minutes and is steep, but the walk is pleasant, passing through park and woodland;

5. Take a taxi.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

A Prague Tourist Information Centre is sited at the base of Petřín Tower. It provides details of Prague museums, the sights and attractions, and upcoming events. Plus, it stocks maps and offers information on the Prague public transport network.