When spring arrives in Prague, the flowering trees come into full bloom and for a few short weeks the hills and gardens of the city turn white and pink. It is a wonderful time to take photographs, with beautiful colours in nature and the historical skyline behind them. This guide covers the places we suggest for blossom, when to go, and how to get the best pictures, whether you are shooting on your own or planning a photo session.
When Do the Trees Bloom in Prague?
The season usually runs from late March to early May, with the peak for cherry, apple and pear trees most often falling in April. The exact timing moves by a week or two every year depending on the weather, and a single windy, rainy day can bring the petals down. Different species also flower in sequence: almonds and magnolias come first, then cherries, then apples and pears, and finally lilacs and chestnuts in May. If your dates are fixed, do not worry too much – something is almost always in flower between early April and mid-May.
One local tradition is worth knowing about. On 1 May, the day of love in the Czech Republic, couples kiss under a blossoming tree, ideally a cherry. Many go to Petřín Hill, to the statue of the romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha. It is charming to see, and very crowded.
Where to Find the Best Blossom in Prague
The best places are spread around the centre, among the orchards and historical Baroque gardens. Petřín, Vojan Gardens, Havlíčkovy sady, Stromovka and Letná are the best spots close to the heart of the city.
Petřín Hill
The slopes of Petřín are covered with old orchards, especially the Seminary Garden on the side above Malá Strana. Hundreds of fruit trees flower here, and the great advantage is the background: between the branches you see Prague Castle, the dome of St Nicholas Church and the rooftops of the Lesser Quarter. Walk up from Újezd or come down from the Strahov Monastery side; the paths are steep in places.
Vojan Gardens
A walled former monastery garden in Malá Strana, close to Malostranská metro station. Its old fruit trees blossom above quiet lawns where peacocks wander. It is small, calm and sheltered, which makes it ideal for family portraits and for anyone who prefers not to climb hills.
Havlíčkovy sady (Grébovka)
This park in Vinohrady combines flowering trees with a vineyard, a wooden gazebo and an Italian-style villa. It is less visited by tourists, and the terraces give elegant backgrounds for couples.
Stromovka
The former royal game reserve in the north of the city is Prague’s largest central park, with wide meadows, ponds and many ornamental trees. There is room for everyone here, even on a sunny weekend. Trams stop at Výstaviště, beside the main entrance.
Letná Park
Letná sits on a plateau above the river. In spring, the trees along its paths flower, and from the edge of the park you can combine blossom in the foreground with the famous view of the Vltava bridges.
Other Places Worth a Look
- The gardens below Prague Castle and the Royal Garden, once they open for the season.
- Magnolias in the Franciscan Garden and in the parks of the Old and New Town.
- Rose gardens, such as the one on top of Petřín, which take over from the blossom in late May and June.
When Is the Best Time of Day?
The best time to photograph cherry, apple and pear blossom is at sunrise or sunset, in my opinion. The light is soft and diffused in the morning and rich in the evening. The sun is low enough in the sky not to throw harsh shadows through the orchard or make blotchy patches of light, which can be really hard to work around because the trees are tall.
There is also a practical reason. Early in the morning the popular spots on Petřín are almost empty, while on a warm April afternoon there may be a queue of people waiting for the same tree. Sunrise and sunset times change quickly in spring, so check them for your dates.
Tips for Blossom Photographs
- Overcast is fine. A bright grey sky gives soft, even light on pale petals. On such days, frame tightly and keep the white sky out of the picture.
- Backlight for glow. With the low sun behind the branches, the petals light up. Expose for faces and let the background go bright.
- Use a longer lens. A short telephoto with a wide aperture compresses the branches and turns the blossom into a soft cloud of colour around your subject.
- Shoot through the flowers. Hold a branch close to the lens, without breaking it, for a soft foreground blur.
- Dress simply. Plain, light or pastel clothing works best. Busy patterns compete with the flowers.
- Look after the trees. Do not pull branches down, pick blossom or climb the trees. These are old orchards and they are fragile.
- Watch the forecast. If the trees are at their peak and wind or heavy rain is coming, go today, not tomorrow.
How Long Does a Blossom Photoshoot Take?
It depends on the route: it can take from one hour up to six hours. A short session concentrates on one garden. With more time we can visit several historical gardens and viewpoints, and if you wish, combine the blooming trees with the classic historical places of Prague in the same tour. Because the blossom is unpredictable, it helps to stay a little flexible about the exact day and location. Please get in touch for more details about a blossom photoshoot in Prague.
Planning more stops in the city? Browse more Prague guides for other places worth visiting and photographing.
