Petřín Hill and the funicular: a walking and sightseeing guide

If Prague has an everyday escape hatch, it is Petřín Hill. A short tram ride from the Old Town puts you at the bottom of a green slope above Malá Strana, with orchards, winding paths, a rose garden and a steel tower that looks like the Eiffel Tower's little cousin. Locals come to run, picnic and walk the dog. Visitors come for the view.

This guide covers how to get up, what to see at the top and how to come down without regretting your shoes.

Getting up

The classic route is the funicular. It starts at Újezd, at the foot of the hill, and climbs through the park with a middle stop at Nebozízek and a top station near the tower. It is run by the city's transport company, so check the DPP site for current times and whether your ticket covers it (tickets explained). Service can be interrupted for maintenance.

The funicular opened in 1891, the same year as the lookout tower, for the Jubilee Exhibition. A landslide closed it in 1965, and it reopened in 1985. If the queue is long, walk instead.

Walking up is free and takes you through orchards and meadows. Paths are signposted but steep in places, so wear shoes with grip and carry water. To reach Újezd, the beginner's guide to the metro, trams and buses helps.

At the top

The Petřín Lookout Tower. Built in 1891 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it has a ticketed platform with views in all directions. Check the official sources for opening times, lift availability and tickets, because they vary by season.

The Mirror Maze. A small castle-like building near the tower holds a mirror maze and a diorama of a battle fought by Prague's citizens. It is a playful stop and a hit with children.

The Štefánik Observatory. A public observatory on the hill offers night-sky observations in clear weather, subject to its schedule.

The Rose Garden. A garden on the Strahov side of the hill with paths and benches, especially pleasant in early summer.

The wooden church. The wooden church of St Michael the Archangel stands in the Kinský Garden, on the lower slope. It was moved to Prague in 1929 from Carpathian Ruthenia, a region now in Ukraine, and it is one of the quietest corners of the park.

Along the Hunger Wall

The Hunger Wall (Hladová zeď) is a long stretch of fortification built in the 1360s under Charles IV. Legend says it gave work to the poor during a famine. It runs across the hill and you can follow it through the park, which makes a good excuse to catch your breath.

Blossom

Petřín is the best place in the city for spring blossom, when the orchards flower, usually in April depending on the weather. The hill is busy then, so go on a weekday. The seasonal detail is in Prague weather in spring, and in autumn the same slopes go gold (autumn guide).

A suggested walk

From the top you can continue to the Strahov Monastery, famous for its historic library halls, or walk on to Prague Castle, which is downhill and fairly short (Castle tickets and circuits). For the district below, see the Malá Strana guide. Petřín is also one of the best free viewpoints in the city (viewpoints guide), and it makes a good evening on day two of a short stay (two-day plan).

With children, and with tired legs

Petřín suits families. The maze is a favourite, the funicular is a ride in itself and the meadows give children room to run. Paths are steep, so buggies are hard work. If your legs are tired, ride up and walk down, or ride one way and spend the rest of the day in the cafés and gardens of Malá Strana. There is no prize for climbing both ways.

Eating and drinking

Food on the hill is limited and seasonal. A kiosk or café may be open near the tower in good weather, and Nebozízek has a restaurant, but check opening hours before you rely on either. A bottle of water and a snack from the bottom is simpler, and a bench with a view costs nothing.

Practical tips

Choose a dry day, because the paths are steep and slippery when wet. Weekday mornings are quieter. Check the weather and the funicular's status before you set out (Prague weather by season).

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Petřín Hill?

Take a tram to Újezd and ride the funicular, or walk up through the park. Check the DPP website for current service.

Is the Petřín Lookout Tower really like the Eiffel Tower?

It was inspired by it and built in 1891, but it is much smaller. It has a ticketed viewing platform.

Is Petřín free?

The park is free to walk in. The tower, mirror maze and funicular have their own rules and tickets.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring for blossom and late afternoon for the light. Choose a dry day.

Take the funicular up, pick a bench with a view and stay a while. It is the quickest way to feel like you live in Prague.