A visit to Prague’s ‘secret’ botanical garden, close to Karlovo náměstí: 3 km

• Prague has several ‘secret’ gardens and parks, which the guide books rarely include in their city tours. One of the most interesting is the botanical garden run by Charles University and located in the New Town. This is just a short walk from Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí), the largest square in the country.
• The University garden – which was founded in the 18th century and is the country’s oldest – is quite compact. It almost seems overcrowded with different sections and is sometimes described by visitors as a bit ‘messy’. Nevertheless, it is full of interesting plants the shady walkways offer a respite from the sun in mid summer. There is also a well done geology section in the middle of the garden. The greenhouse section has an entry fee, but the main garden can be entered free of charge, seven days a week.
• Although there is a tram stop directly outside the entrance, it is quite a nice walk to the garden from Karlovo náměstí, the nearest metro stop. The park in the middle of this historic square (which was a cattle market in the 15th century) also used to be regarded as a bit messy and run down. It has recently had a face-lift with renovated grass areas and new fences. It is no longer a square to be avoided!
• One thing which would make the botanical garden even more attractive is a small café or bistro – at present there is just a vending machine next to the greenhouses. However, if walking from and back to Karlovo náměstí, there are various places for refreshments on or close to the square. For a popular café, try I Need Coffee (map point 6 – a Hejlík recommendation). Just off the northeast corner of the square (map point 7), the Amata Gelateria is one of Prague’s best (and most popular) ice cream parlors. There is often a long queue on sunny weekends.

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Directions

• As this is a city walk, without trail markers, detailed directions are not given here, partly because visitors will probably want to explore the streets around this historic part of town after or before visiting the garden