Riegrovy Sady: Prague’s Green Heartbeat and Sunset Sanctuary

In a city celebrated for its ancient spires and cobblestone squares, some of its most magical moments unfold not in a castle courtyard, but on a simple grassy slope. Welcome to Riegrovy Sady, the sprawling, vibrant park in the heart of the Vinohrady district. More than just a patch of green, this is a social hub, a sports field, a family playground, and arguably the city’s best open-air theater for watching the sun dip below the Prague Castle skyline. For locals, expats, and savvy travelers, Riegrovy Sady is where the city comes to breathe, drink, and simply be.¹

A Park with a Past

Established between 1904 and 1908, Riegrovy Sady was designed as a classic 19th-century English-style garden.¹ The park covers 11 hectares of what were once vineyards, first planted by order of Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century.⁵ The park is named in honor of František Ladislav Rieger, a prominent 19th-century Czech politician and nationalist leader. His imposing bronze statue, created in 1913 by renowned sculptor Josef Václav Myslbek, greets visitors at the park’s southwest corner.¹

The park’s history is as layered as the city itself. The land saw its vineyards destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, later replaced by gardens, a sugar mill, and even theaters.⁵ During the Nazi occupation of World War II, the park was temporarily renamed Smetanovy Sady after the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, as Rieger’s nationalist legacy was out of favor with the regime. It reverted to its original name in 1947 and has since been a beloved public space.⁵

The Unmissable Riegrovy Sady Experience

While the park offers plenty of space for a quiet stroll or a picnic, two experiences define a visit to “Riegráče,” as it’s affectionately known.

The Sunset Ritual

The park’s most famous feature is its large, sloping western lawn that offers an unparalleled, panoramic view of Prague.⁶ As evening approaches, a migration begins. Locals, students, and tourists flock to this grassy hill, armed with blankets, snacks, and drinks.⁸ They settle in to watch one of the city’s most spectacular shows: the sun setting behind the iconic silhouette of Prague Castle.¹¹ The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, a shared moment of appreciation for the city’s beauty.⁹ To find this magical spot, simply walk towards the western side of the park; the gathering crowd will guide you to the slope with the famous view.⁸

The Legendary Beer Garden

At the top of the park, nestled under a canopy of towering chestnut trees, lies one of Prague’s largest and most popular beer gardens, now known as ENERGY PUB.¹⁴ With space for over 1,200 people, it’s a buzzing social hub from spring through autumn.¹⁵ The atmosphere is electric and friendly, a perfect mix of locals and visitors.¹⁴

• Drinks: The main draw is the fresh, expertly poured Pilsner Urquell served from a tank, but you can also find other craft beers, wine, and cocktails.¹⁴ Be prepared for the Czech glass deposit system; you’ll pay a small deposit for your first glass, which is returned when you bring it back.¹⁶
• Food: The food is classic beer garden fare, perfect for soaking up the pivo. Expect grilled sausages (klobása), burgers, pulled pork, and gourmet hot dogs, with vegetarian options also available.⁷
• Eğlence: The beer garden is a cultural hotspot. A giant screen broadcasts major sporting events, especially ice hockey, drawing huge, passionate crowds.² Summer nights are filled with live music, DJ sets, and food festivals, ensuring there’s always something happening.¹⁵

Beyond Beer and Sunsets

Riegrovy Sady is a versatile park with something for everyone:

• For the Active: You’ll find plenty of paths for jogging, outdoor exercise machines, and the large Sokol gym complex on the park’s southern edge.³
• For Families: A large, modern children’s playground, “U Draka,” provides ample entertainment for kids.⁶
• For a Quiet Moment: Besides the main beer garden, you can find the Mlíkárna, a charming café housed in a restored classical lookout tower, offering a more tranquil spot for a coffee or beer.⁶

Oraya nasıl gidilir

Riegrovy Sady is conveniently located on the border of the Vinohrady and Žižkov districts and is easily accessible by public transport.¹

• By Metro: Take the Green Line (A) to Jiřího z Poděbrad veya Náměstí Míru. From either station, it’s a pleasant 5-10 minute walk to the park.⁶
• By Tram: Take tram #11 için Italská veya Vinohradská tržnice stops, which are very close to the park entrances.¹
• By Bus: Bus #135 için Na Smetance stop will also get you nearby.⁸

Whether you come for the unforgettable sunset, a cold beer under the chestnuts, or simply a peaceful walk, Riegrovy Sady offers an authentic slice of Prague life. It’s a place that perfectly captures the city’s relaxed, social, and stunningly beautiful spirit.

Riegrovy Sady: Prague’s Sunset Hill, Beer-Garden & Local Hang-Out

1. A Quick History

• Origins (1902-1904) – Landscape architect Leopold Batěk transformed former vineyards into an English-style garden and named it for Czech statesman František Ladislav Rieger. (prague.eu, myczechwalks.com)
• Inter-war Additions – A classicist lookout restaurant (today Mlíkarna) and a sandstone obelisk date to the 1920s–30s. (prague.eu)
• Modern Era – After 2019 renovations that briefly shuttered the beer garden, the area relaunched in 2020 and now hosts seasonal festivals marking the park’s 120th anniversary. (expats.cz, parkriegrovysady.cz)

2. Signature Spots & Activities

3. Events & Pop-Culture

• Concerts & Live Podcasts – A restored heritage stage hosts indie bands, stand-up nights and 2024’s “Riegráč Fest” gastro-markets. (parkriegrovysady.cz)
• Sports on the Big Screen – From Champions League finals to the summer Olympics, matches draw thousands—arrive early for a table. (english.radio.cz)
• Limited-Edition Brews – June 2025 saw the Czech launch of Iron Maiden’s “Trooper Saturn” lager on tap exclusively at the garden’s Energy Pub. (praguedaily.news)

4. Pratik Detaylar

5. Insider Tips

1. Golden-Hour Game-Plan – Grab a takeaway pint from Mlíkarna, aim for the lawn an hour before sunset, and watch the castle silhouette glow.
2. Blanket & Layer – Even summer nights cool quickly on the hill; locals pack a jacket and picnic rug.
3. Quiet Corners – If crowds swell, detour to the wooded eastern knoll for secluded benches and chestnut blossoms in April.
4. Morning Joggers’ Loop – One lap of the outer gravel path ≈ 1 km; sunrise views are uncrowded and dog-friendly.
5. Rain Plan – The beer garden has two covered barns; for full shelter duck into nearby Vinohradský Pivovar on Korunní street.

6. Why Visit Riegrovy Sady?

Few places combine postcard panoramas, cold lager and neighbourhood energy as effortlessly as “Riegráč.” Whether you’re chasing castles at sunset, a screen to cheer the Euros, or a leafy shortcut between Vinohrady cafés, this 120-year-old park delivers Prague at its most laid-back—and most photogenic. Bring a blanket, order a tankové pivo, and let the city stage the show.

Been to Riegrovy Sady? Drop your favourite picnic recipe or beer-garden memory in the comments below!