The Jungle That Never Sleeps: A Tropical Escape in the Middle of Winter

You know that feeling in January when the grey sky just won’t go away? Prague is beautiful in the snow, sure, but after weeks of freezing temperatures, you start craving warmth. Real warmth.

We have found the perfect cure for the winter blues. It’s not a sauna, and it’s not a flight to Thailand. It’s right here in Troja.

Every winter, the Fata Morgana Greenhouse (part of Prague Botanical Garden) hosts a special event called "The Jungle That Never Sleeps" (Džungle, která nespí). They open the doors after sunset, and honestly, it is a completely different world inside. If you have visited during the day, you haven't really seen it. Or rather, you haven't heard it.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

The moment the heavy glass doors close behind you, your glasses steam up. You go from -5°C to a humid tropical climate in seconds. It is a shock to the system – but the best kind.

What really hits you, though, is the sound. During the day, the greenhouse is peaceful. At night? It’s loud. The tropical frogs wake up and start a concert that echoes through the whole building. It feels wilder, somehow.

Then there is the smell. A lot of the plants here – specifically the tricky ones that rely on night moths for pollination – only release their scent when it gets dark. As you walk through the winding paths with just the atmospheric lights guiding you, the air is heavy with the perfume of exotic flowers. It’s romantic, spooky, and fascinating all at once.

What You Need to Know

The tour guides take you through all three climatic zones, starting with the dry semi-desert and moving into the steaming lowland jungle. It takes roughly one hour.

We think it is the perfect length. It is long enough to forget about the winter coat you are carrying, but short enough that kids won’t get bored. The guides are great at pointing out the stuff you would definitely miss on your own, like which plants are blooming or where the fish are hiding.

Practical Details: 2026 Dates

This season, the night tours are running from January 16 to March 14, 2026.

• January & February: Tours start every 25 minutes between 18:00 and 20:05.
• March: Since the sun sets later, the first tour starts at 19:15.

Here is the catch – you can’t just walk up and buy a ticket. This event is massive with locals and it sells out. You must book online before you go.

• Adults: 250 CZK
• Students/Kids: 150 CZK

Don’t Make These Mistakes

We learned a few things the hard way, so you don’t have to:

1. Wrong Entrance: Do not go to the main Botanical Garden gate on the hill. It will be locked. You need the specific Fata Morgana entrance on Trojska Street 750/194.
2. Parking: The tiny lot right in front? Ignore it. It’s always full or reserved. Save yourself the stress and park at the main Zoo Prague parking lot (Pod Havrankou). It’s a short walk from there.
3. Clothing: Dress like an onion. You need layers. You will be walking through freezing cold streets, but inside the greenhouse, it is hot and humid. You will want to strip down to a t-shirt almost immediately.

Conclusion

If you are tired of museums or just need to thaw out your bones, this is hands down one of the best things to do in Prague during the winter. It’s distinct, it’s immersive, and for an hour, you can pretend you are on a holiday in the tropics. Just don’t forget to book that ticket early.