Moving abroad not only gives an expat a gateway to explore a city; usually friends and family have a good reason to finally visit the beautiful city of Prague once they have someone living in the heart of Czech Republic, too. As much as we all love to see relatives, friends, acquaintances and so on, the more often they come by, the less ideas one might have on where to take them. Especially parents’ visits become a “planning nightmare” for those who want to make a beloved ones visit an awesome experience – every single time.

With spring in full blossom, many people are motivated to come and spend a quick holiday in their sons or daughters new city of residence – and who could blame them!

Are you currently expecting (returning) guests and are out of ideas on what to do? Have no fear, we have a few gems you yourself might not have seen before.

1. Zahrada Kinských – Kinsky Gardens

OUTDOORS Are your visitors fans of Mozart? Then you should definitely take them to the less frequented part of Petřín Hill: The Kinsky Gardens & Villa Bertramka. Legend has it that Mozart was assigned to compose an opera for the Czech theater. Mozart took the job and the opportunity that came with it to visit and stay with his friends, the Duscheks. He must have enjoyed himself a little too much, as he did not deliver his work in time, which led the theater to having to delay the premier of the opera for 2 weeks! Then, the very resolute Josephine Duschek intervened: In the night before the planned premier, she locked Mozart up in the office of Villa Bertramka. Her efforts were successful: Mozart finished the overture overnight and “Don Giovanni” premiered as planned.

But the Kinsky gardens are not only for Mozart fans; this green paradise in the middle of the city also provides one with a beautiful walking track up to the top of the hill, passing by a mini waterfall and blossoming trees. Once up, you will pass a fort (overlooking Prague) and later on the Hunger Wall. A perfect walk for those, whose schedule does not allow a day trip to the countryside but still want to have a quiet walk to process all the impressions from their exciting day with you.

Where to find the quiet garden with a view.

The beautiful track up to the top: Kinsky gardens are bound to impress your visitors!

2. Hostivař

OUTDOORS Why not take your beloved ones on a walk far away from the hustle and bustle of the city? A metro ride of approximately 30 minutes from Old Town brings you into the beautiful part of Hostivař. With its pond, it is the optimal place for an afternoon walk or a great place to bathe and get some splashes of water when the summer heat is making it hard to breathe. Sun, good company, a nice walk through the green and a beer or ice cream from the nearby Občerstvení – a day out in Hostivař is definitely a must do for (revisiting) guests!

3. Olšany Cemetery – Olšanské hřbitovy

OUTDOORS A cemetery? Yes, a cemetery! Though it might not look like it should be on the top ten list of alternative things to do, Olšanské hřbitovy is definitely worth strolling through. Olšanské is home to beautiful flora and the biggest cemetery in Prague.

Besides, Olšanské hřbitovy is historically significant: It had been created in 1680 because Prague was smote by the Plague and people died en masse. Not only the amount of dead bodies was demanding a new cemetery, also the threat of the disease spreading needed to be averted and thus the bodies had to be buried quickly. Under Emperor Joseph II’s reign, the Plague struck the capital again and thus he banned the burial of bodies within Prague’s city limits for reasons of hygiene.

The necropolis is divided into twelve different cemeteries and among the thousands of military personnel buried, also members of the Soviet and Commonwealth forces who died for freedom of Czechslovakia in 1944-1945 have found their final resting place in Olšanské.

A different side of the city, for sure – nonetheless a beautiful walk. Please keep in mind that a cemetery is a quiet and non-touristic place. So, when taking someone there, show some respect to people who are there to visit lost ones and do not scream or take selfies.

A historically significant site: Olšany

4. Prokopské údolí

OUTDOORS Why not take your guests out to nature in the city? This stunning reservation will definitely make an impression on whoever is visiting you. From the ancient railway bridge over to the beautiful pond at the very beginning and the impressing rocks towering over your heads at the end of the trail, Prokopské will definitely put a spell on you! With all the stunning views in this area, it makes a great place for an afternoon long adventure and a picnic! And there is more good news: every time you go, you will find a new path leading you to even prettier places than the ones before. Fun and activity guaranteed!

Whereabouts of your walk.

5. Veltlin Karlin

WINE & DINE Are you ready to try some exquisite and unique wines? Veltlin in Karlin is your place to go to! They arrange amazing wine tasting tours and introduce you to unknown jewels in liquid form. One does not simply walk out of Veltlin without getting at least 3 bottles of top notch wine – that’s for sure! Really nice staff that knows their products in a nice setting; definitely the place to bring your wine loving friends or family members to! By the way, the neighborhood of Karlin is great for strolling through; a lot of shops, bakeries and a nice park to rest your legs in!

  • Location: Křižíkova 488/115, Praha 8
  • Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 17.00 – 23.00

6. Hostinec U Vodoucha

WINE & DINE Looking for some authentic eats after a long day of exploring? U Vodoucha serves exquisite Czech food minus the tourist trap prices. Not only is their garlic soup and Schnitzel on point, the atmosphere makes one feel like sitting in a cozy, old Czech cottage. Service is extraordinarily nice and cares for their guests – a great experience for all those who are after some real Czech cuisine!

  • Location: 21 2426, Jagellonská, 130 00 Praha 3 – Vinohrady
  • Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11.00 – 24.00 / Sun: 11.00 – 23.00

7. Paprika

WINE & DINE Too hot out for Czech food? No problem! Just a stone’s throw from Náměstí Míru, you will find a small but very modern Bistro which specializes in Mediterranean food. On a hot summer day, one definitely prefers Hummus and Tzatziki over Schnitzel and garlic soup. Very nice service and super reasonable prices. My recommendation: The plates for two (also available for vegetarians). A very generous amount of food, perfectly cooked and nicely arranged. This place is definitely one of the hidden jewels – right on the main street!

  • Location: Rumunská 8/16, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11.00 – 22.00 / Sat-Sun: Closed

8. Eska

COFFEE & BRUNCH Homemade bread and butter, chefs “on stage”, delicious food and amazing coffee; what else do you need to start a day of exploration the right way?

Eating at Eska is an experience in itself. You get to see how the chefs prepare your food; a lot of passion and perfection involved. The Baristas in house will make you a coffee so good, you will want one more with your breakfast and if you have some more space to fill: They do amazing desserts too! Nothing they can not do well (they also do dinner service) and bound to prepare you and your visitors for a day of walking and exploring!

  • Location: Pernerova 49, Karlín, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín-Praha 8
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 23.30 / Sat-Sun: 09.00 – 23.30
Not only nice to look at: Eska serves amazing food all day

9. Le Caveau

COFFEE & BRUNCH When it comes to the art of making the perfect baguette, there is only one nation that could master it: The French. This amazing place is both a bakery and a café; if you are on the run or want to enjoy brunch at home, be sure to get your baguette or croissant from Le Caveau! If you have time, have a seat in the café next door and let the guys take you on a trip through la belle France! Phenomenal cheese, sweet treats and great brunch awaits you beneath these doors. If you fancy sitting outside, their terrace is open in Spring and Summer. It overlooks Jiřího z Poděbrad and its farmers market. Enjoy watching the hustle and bustle on the square while drinking your coffee and feasting on great food! Bon appétit!

  • Location: Jiřího z Poděbrad 9, 130 00 Praha 3
  • Opening hours (Café): Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 22.30 / Sat: 09.00 – 22.30 / Sun: 14.00 – 20.30
The door to “la belle France”

10. Phills Corner

COFFEE & BRUNCH Staying on the other side of the river or fancy exploring another part of the city? Phills Corner is your address for great brunch and amazing coffee! With their terrace in summer, Phills Corner is bound to give you the morning treatment you deserve! Delicious smoothies, eggs, fresh bread and cake build the perfect combo for a late breakfast while watching the city coming alive.

  • Location: Komunardů 894/32, 170 00 Praha 7
  • Opening hours: Mon & Tue: 07.30 – 22.00 / Wed – Fri: 07.30 – 22.00 / Sat: Closed / Sun: 09.00 – 18.00

11. Kavarna Maluj

INDOORS Even though Prague is usually lucky and gets a lot of sun in spring and summer, it does happen that here and there a storm or a rainfall crosses your plans for the day. Most of us tend to visit a museum on such days; but what if your visitors have seen all the museums in Prague already?

Why not take them to Kavarna Maluj for some coffee and crafting their very own souvenir? In Maluj, you and your beloved ones can spend a rainy day creating their very own mug, bowl or vase! Special colors for coloring the clay object of your choice, a nice atmosphere and very nice staff will turn your rainy day around. When you are done with your artwork, simply deposit it at the cash desk and pick the baked ceramic up within the next week. A very personal souvenir from their trip to Prague!

  • Location: Korunní 2456/98, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady – Praha 10
  • Opening hours: Mo-Fr: 09.00 – 21.00 / Sat-Sun: 10.00 – 21.00

12. Bohemia Boards & Brews

INDOORS Less of an artsy person but more into board games? Prague can even cater for that! Bohemia Boards & Brews offers a wide range of fun board games while – as the name implies  – serving great beer, snacks and warm dishes, lemonades and popcorn. What could be more fun than gathering your visitors and going for a round of “Ticket to ride” or “Cards against humanity”?

The place has a very charming atmosphere and invites you to stay for hours on end. As to be considerate towards other board game fans, the maximum time of stay is 3 hours – so make the most out of them! Reservations can be made online or with just one simple call.

  • Location: Charkovská 441/18, 101 00 Praha 10 – Vršovice
  • Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 16.00 – 23.00

Honest Tips For Your Prague Stay

AIRPORT TRANSFER Get a private transfer from/to Prague Airport for a price of regular taxi (€31).

PRAGUE CITY CARD Save time and money with Prague Card, and see 60+ sights for free.

Vanessa has been living in Prague for the better part of a decade. Always on the lookout for another hike, district, nook, or cranny – she’s made it her mission to explore the hidden corners of the Republic. Among Vanessa’s favorite Bohemian based activities are nature walks, venturing off the beaten path, and writing about it all from one of the city's many thriving Cafés. And the best spot to stop and take it all in? Alf & Bet, a coffee house and bakery, tucked just around the corner from Castle Libeň. You might just see the author there sipping a coffee herself.

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