Quick Picks for Your Visit

Don't have much time to read the whole list? Here are our top recommendations for a quick visit. These picks cover the most popular needs for travelers in 2026. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere and easy access from the center.

• Best Overall: Meditation Garden (Památník obětem zla)
• Best for Families: Lochotín Park
• Best Free Spot: Mlýnská Strouha
• Best for Romance: Luft Garden

Best Secret Gardens and Quiet Parks Plzeň

The city center is surrounded by a beautiful ring of parks. These gardens replaced the old city walls long ago. Beyond the center, you will find even more secluded treasures. Here are the top 11 secret gardens and quiet parks Plzeň has to offer.

1. Name: Meditation Garden (Památník obětem zla) Type: experience Why go: It is a deeply moving monument to victims of evil. The garden features hundreds of ornamental conifers and stone sculptures. Best for: Quiet reflection Where: Hradiště district Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 60-100 CZK) Getting there: Bus 30 to the 'Hradiště' stop Tip: Read the story of Luboš Hruška before you visit. More info is available on our Meditation Garden guide.
2. Name: Mlýnská Strouha Type: sight Why go: Known as the "Venice of Pilsen," this area features a small water canal. It has colorful sculptures and a very modern feel. Best for: Afternoon walks Where: East edge of the city center Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the main square (Náměstí Republiky) Tip: It is one of the best hidden courtyards and cafes locations nearby.
3. Name: Luft Garden (Luftova zahrada) Type: experience Why go: This is a historic private garden from the early 20th century. It features rare trees and two beautiful ponds. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Doudlevce district Time: 1 hour Cost: Usually free (check opening days) Getting there: Bus 13 or 14 to 'Doudlevce' Tip: This garden is only open on certain days each month. Always check the official calendar first.
4. Name: Lochotín Park (Lochotínský park) Type: park Why go: This park offers historic spa buildings and great views of the city. It is located right next to the Zoo. Best for: Scenic views Where: Lochotín district Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Tram 1 or 4 to 'Lékařská fakulta' Tip: Check out the non-touristy viewpoints located at the top of the park hill.
5. Name: Borský Park (Borský park) Type: park Why go: It is the largest park in the city. While popular, its size means you can always find a quiet corner. Best for: Picnics and sports Where: Bory district Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Tram 4 to the 'Bory' terminus Tip: Walk to the back of the park to reach the Radbuza river valley for more seclusion.
6. Name: Šafaříkovy Sady Type: sight Why go: This part of the park ring features a beautiful rose garden. It also has a famous statue of Spejbl and Hurvínek. Best for: Families and fans of puppetry Where: City center Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Short walk from the Cathedral Tip: Look for the hidden benches tucked behind the rose bushes.
7. Name: Hostašovy Sady Type: sight Why go: Located near the West Bohemian Museum, this is a very quiet spot. It features remains of the old city fortifications. Best for: History buffs Where: Near the museum Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the city center Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the small crowds of students.
8. Name: Sigmond Nature Trail Type: experience Why go: This trail takes you through the pine forests of the Bolevec area. It passes several historic ponds and rock formations. Best for: Hiking Where: Northern outskirts Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Tram 1 to 'Bolevec' Tip: Combine this with a visit to the secluded swimming spots at Bolevec ponds.
9. Name: Mikulášské Náměstí Park Type: sight Why go: This park is located in front of a beautiful gymnasium. It has a local, non-touristy atmosphere. Best for: Reading a book Where: Slovany district Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Tram 2 to 'Mikulášské náměstí' Tip: The architecture around the square is some of the best in the city.
10. Name: Chotěšov Abbey Gardens Type: day trip Why go: The grounds of this massive, ruined abbey are incredibly atmospheric. It feels like stepping back in time. Best for: Photographers Where: Chotěšov (20km from Plzeň) Time: Half-day Cost: Small fee for abbey tours Getting there: Train or bus from Plzeň main station Tip: Check the Plzeň Region official site for special events or concerts here.
11. Name: Kozel Castle Park Type: day trip Why go: This hunting lodge is surrounded by a massive 40-hectare forest park. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the Plzeň Region. Best for: A full day in nature Where: Šťáhlavy Time: 4-5 hours Cost: Free (park), fee for castle Getting there: Train to 'Šťáhlavy' then a short walk Tip: Visit in autumn for the most stunning colors in the trees.

Practical Tips for Your Green Escape

Visiting the gardens in Plzeň is easy if you plan ahead. Most parks are open all year, but some gardens have seasonal hours. The best time to visit is from late April to October. This is when the flowers are in full bloom. You can also explore the Roudna district for more local greenery. Always respect the quiet zones in places like the Meditation Garden.

Public transport in Plzeň is very efficient. You can buy tickets with a contactless card on any tram or bus. This makes reaching the outer parks very simple. Most parks have clear signs and maps at the entrances. If you are visiting 2026, look for new bike-sharing options near the parks. This is a great way to see multiple spots in one day.