Prague is known for its beautiful architecture and pastel-coloured buildings and throughout the year the city is awash with colour. In the months of March and April, Prague explodes in a showy spectacle of delicate pink and white hues of cherry blossom and magnolia trees. The downy blooms blanket many of the city’s parks and gardens, a beautiful reminder of the transition between the harsh cold winters and the warmth of the coming summer.
With so many pretty cherry blossom trees in Prague, you could spend months trying to hunt them all down. So if you’re planning a trip to Prague in the Spring, I’ve made things easier for you and I’ve written this very useful list of where to see magnolia and cherry blossoms in Prague.
Cherry Blossom in Prague
When to see them? – From mid March
Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Prague. The crowds are fewer, travel costs are considerably lower and the weather is slightly warmer. Pair all that with the blossoming trees and there’s no better time to visit.
The cherry blossoms in Prague typically start to bloom from the second week of March. However changes in the weather conditions (for example drawn out or longer winters) impact when the trees will blossom. For the past 3 years, the trees in several of the locations below have bloomed approximately around the second week in March.
Magnolia in Prague
When to see them? – From end of March/Beginning of April
Magnolia trees are the crowning blossom during Spring time. Named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol who lived during the 17th century, these trees can range in shades of deep pink, to blush and white. If you’re searching for Magnolia trees in Prague, then you’ll want to visit from the end of March to the beginning of April.
Note however that Magnolia blooms are very easily damaged if there happens to be a storm, a cold spell or snow. With the weather and seasons changing constantly, snow and frost is not uncommon in March and April so it’s pretty much impossible to predict when the magnolia flowers will be in full bloom or if they will bloom at all. And remember that if they do bloom, they will only be in bloom for a few short weeks. See below on where to find the best magnolia trees in Prague.
Where to find Magnolia and Cherry Blossoms in Prague?
The magnolia trees and cherry blossoms in Prague are spread throughout the city. You’ll find them mostly in the city parks however there are some random locations as well in the neighbourhoods around the historical centre. Below I have listed each location by district along with a google map of the precise location of each place to make it easier for you to discover and explore.
Mala Strana (Little Quarter) – Prague 1
Petřín
The beautiful backdrop to Prague’s Mala Strana historic quarter; Petřín Hill is one of the largest parks and recreational grounds in the city centre, recognisable by its sloping hill and the smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top. Its panoramic views over the city make this a popular spot for locals and tourists throughout the year.
This is the number one spot to see the cherry blossom trees in Prague for tourists due to its close proximity to Charles Bridge. Its hillside location means that the trees blossom early here (mid march) in an array of pink and white. There are so many blossom trees here that when you look out to Petřín from the other side of the river bank in Prague during Spring, all you can see is a sea of white and pink.
There is a Czech tradition that couples in Prague should go to kiss underneath the statue of Karel Hynek Macha, a famous Czech poet on the 1st May (the Czech version of Valentines Day) and then under a blossoming tree so that the girl will stay beautiful all year round. Unfortunately with the change in seasons, it is rare for the trees to be in full blossom in May.
How to get to Petřín
Tram numbers 9, 22, 15, 12, 20 and 23 all go to Ujezd tram stop which is located at the bottom of the hill. Alternatively you can take the tram 22 up to Pohořelec and start your exploration from there, walking through the Strahov Monastery and into Petřín and work your way back down to Mala Strana.
Ujezd
Right at the bottom of Petřín Hill is the tram stop Ujezd. As soon as you approach from either direction, you’ll immediately see the pink row of cherry blossoms.
Most people will come here to see the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, a harrowing work of art of six bronze human figures descending a flight of stairs. The further up the stairs, the more “decayed” the bodies become – symbolising how political prisoners were affected by Communism.
From Ujezd you can easily head to the blooms on Petřín Hill, the secret Vrtba Garden or Mala Strana.
How to get to Ujedz
Tram numbers 9, 22, 15, 12, 20 and 23 all go to Ujezd tram stop.
Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada)
One of the most beautiful private gardens in Prague lies in Mala Strana (Little Quarter) hidden behind a high wall just a 2 minute walk from Malostranské náměstí and right next to the Metro station Malostranská. The Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) is part of the Czech Senate and it features beautifully landscaped Baroque style gardens, a large fountain with a pond, swimming Koi fish, peacocks, an artificial cave with stalactites and a stunning pavilion with painted frescoes. During the summer months, this is a very peaceful spot, a favourite with the locals and a popular venue for concerts, theatrical performances and wedding couples for photo shoots.
However in the Spring, it’s main attraction are the blooming white and pink magnolia trees. White magnolia trees line one side of the large pond while the pink one (as shown in the photo) is located in the far corner next to the pond.
Note that the garden doesn’t open to the pubic until April so you would have to visit very early in April to see the trees in full bloom. The garden opens from 7:30 am on weekdays and 10:00 am on weekends. The morning tends to be the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds, although the late afternoon has a beautiful light. The garden closes at 6:00pm April and May and 7:00pm June to September.
How to get to the Wallenstein Garden
The easiest method is to take the tram #2, #18, #22, #20 or #12 to Malostranská or the Metro Line A (Green Line) also to Malostranská. When you step off the tram, walk towards the metro entrance building and you’ll see to the left of the entrance a black gated entrance. This leads you directly to the garden. Alternatively, you call follow the tram line around towards Malostranské náměstí and enter through the small brown door on the right hand side of the street.
Vojanovy Sady
Vojan Garden (Vojanovy Sady) is another beautiful garden hidden behind high walls in the Mala Strana area of Prague. This garden is beautiful year around and is pretty undiscovered by mainstream tourists. It especially comes to life in the Spring when its magnolia trees (of which is has quite a few) bloom spectacularly. This often happens around the end of March (weather depending). The cherry blossom trees that line the pathways in the middle of the garden bloom a little later (beginning of April).
Make sure to walk all the way to the back of the garden where you walk up a few steps and you’ll find another beautiful magnolia tree and a number of peacocks.
How to get to the Vojan Garden
The Vojan Garden is hidden behind high walls, located in between Malostranská and Charles Bridge. You can easily walk there from Malostranská Metro or Tram Stops (#2, #18, #22, #20 or #12) or from Charles Bridge. Simply walk across to the Malo Strana side, exit to the right and follow the street around. You’ll eventually reach a triangle “square” which divides the street into two. Take the street on the left and follow it until you see a large door on your left which is the entrance to the garden.
Vinohrady – Prague 2
Riegrovy Sady
Riegrovy Sady is one of the most popular parks for locals in the neighbourhood area called Vinohrady in the Prague 2 district. Located a little out of the main touristic centre of Prague, it is beautiful park that is a delight to visit in the Spring, Summer and Autumn months.
In the Spring the park is full of colourful flowers and the cherry blossom trees on the top of the hill bloom from mid to late March. The trees are wroth visiting as a few metres on and you’ll enjoy one of the best views over Prague from the lookout point, a popular spot in the late afternoon as the sunsets behind Petrin Hill and Prague Castle.
How to get to Riegrovy Sady
The nearest metro station is Jiřího z Poděbrad, (JZP) which is located on Line A (Green Line). From there it is an easy 700m walk to the park. Alternatively you can take a tram to Italska or Vinohradská tržnice (Tram #11 or 13) and then walk 200m to the park.
Namesti Miru
Namesti Miru is one of the main squares in the area of Vinohrady. Also known as Peace Square, it is home to the Church of St. Ludmilla and a number of good restaurants and bars.
Close to the tram stops there is a small patch where there are a handful of magnolia trees which bloom late March/early April. With the church in the background, this is a great photo opportunity and a chance to enjoy an area of Prague that isn’t as touristy as some of the other places mentioned. Riegrovy Sady (see above) is close by as is Havlíček Gardens (Grébovka – Havlíčkovy sady) see below.
How to get to Namesti Miru
Namesti Miru has its own Metro stop under the same name which is on Line A (Green Line). When you exit the metro station you’ll be on the main square. There are also multiple trams which go to Namesti Miru #10, #13, #22 and #16.
Na Švihance Street
Prague has an abundance of beautiful streets. In fact, pretty much anywhere you go in the historic part of the city you’ll find pastel coloured buildings and stunning architecture. One of the prettiest streets during Spring is Na Švihance Street, located just off Riegrovy Sady in Prague 2.
The elegant Na Švihance street is decorated with Art Nouveau-style houses and beautiful facades with Japanese ornamental cherry trees lining the street, each of which drips with gentle blossoms of the most desirable pink shades come spring time.
How to get to Na Švihance
The quickest route would be to take the metro to Jiřího z Poděbrad Line A (Green Line). When you exit the metro station you’ll be on the main square. You should stand facing the front of the church and turn to your left and walk straight up Slavikova street. Na Švihance will be the third street on your left.
There are also two trams which go to Jiřího z Poděbrad #11 and #13.
Jiřího z Poděbrad Square
Jiřího z Poděbrad or JZP to most expats here in Prague (as few of us can pronounce Jiřího z Poděbrad) is the bustling heart of Vinohrady. It is home to the The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, located in the centre of the main square. It is easily recognisable by its large glass clock with a 7.6 m diameter dial and unusual design which is often said to look like Noahs Ark.
It is also home to a myriad of cool cafes, bars and restaurants and it hosts a local farmers market which is very popular, every Wed-Sat from February to December (normally).
The centre of the square is lined with trees that bloom deep pink in colour from the end of March/beginning of April. There are a few white blossom trees scattered around the park too and a some up on the street Přemyslovská (behind the church on the east of the square) which is typically where a lot of the Instagram shots are from.
How to get to Jiřího z Poděbrad
The quickest route would be to take the metro to Jiřího z Poděbrad Line A (Green Line). When you exit the metro station you’ll be on the main square. You should stand facing the front of the church and turn to your left and walk straight up Slavikova street. Na Švihance will be the third street on your left.
There are also two trams which go to Jiřího z Poděbrad #11 and #13.
Grébovka – Havlíčkovy sady
While Riegrovy Sady park in Prague 2 is the most popular park (mostly because of the beer garden and the views), Havlickovy Sady is definitely the most beautiful park.
Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, it is home to fountains, water cascades, and a stunning Renaissance style villa surrounded by vineyards that have been cultivated on the park’s steep slope since the 14th century. There is also a charming wooden Vineyard Gazebo where you can enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the summer evenings and an alternative view of Prague 10 district. For those with children, there is a children’s play park and a small artificial grotto with a fountain and statue of Neptune.
There are also a number of beautiful blossom trees at the bottom of the hill and a beautiful Magnolia tree at the top close to the villa.
How to get to Havlíčkovy sady
There are two points in which you can enter the park, either from the top or the bottom. The top is easiest to reach by tram and the best entrance for those wishing to visit the vineyard and children’s park (also saves you walking up hill with a pram). The closest tram stop to the park is Krymská (Trams #4 #13 #22).