Petřín Lookout Tower & Mirror Maze

Q: How many steps does Petřín Tower have, and how hard is the climb?

Petřín Tower has **299 steps**. - Stairs are **narrow but not claustrophobic**, with metal railings on both sides. - Several **small landings** let you rest briefly. - Most travelers describe it as a **moderate** climb: manageable even for beginners, but tiring if you're not used to stairs. If you have knee, breathing, or balance concerns, consider using the lift.

Q: How long does a visit take?

For most travelers: - **Tower only:** 40–60 minutes - **Tower + Mirror Maze:** 50–75 minutes If the funicular or ticket queues are long, plan for **an extra 15–20 minutes**.

Q: Is Petřín Tower safe for people with vertigo or fear of heights?

It depends on your sensitivity. - The stairs are slightly open and let you look through to the center. - The upper platform is open-air and can feel **exposed** on windy days. - The lower deck is **more sheltered** and often feels more comfortable. If you struggle with heights, you might prefer the **lower platform only**, or simply enjoy the views from Petřín Hill without climbing the tower.

Q: Does the funicular require a special ticket?

No, it uses standard **Prague public transport tickets**. - A regular 30- or 90-minute ticket works. - Day passes and multi-day passes are also valid. - Validate your ticket before starting the ascent unless using a pass.

Why visit Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze

Stairs inside Petrin Tower with a view of Prague through metal lattice.

Petřín Tower

Step onto one of Prague’s widest 360-degree outdoor viewpoints, where Old Town, Prague Castle, Vinohrady, and distant rolling hills all unfold beneath you.
Choose your climb. Tackling the 299 steps gives a great sense of accomplishment, while the small lift provides a gentle route to the top.
Enjoy a peaceful park atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy streets below. It is a quiet escape without ever leaving the city.
Perfect for photographers, families, and anyone who enjoys scenic high points without overwhelming height or enclosed spaces.
A lovely way to start or end the day, especially if you enjoy strolling among gardens and scenic paths after taking in the view.

Mirror Maze

A cheerful, nostalgic attraction that brings quick laughter and surprise. The short mirrored corridor, diorama hall, and fun-house mirrors make it especially delightful for children.
Lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, which makes it an easy, low-pressure add-on to the tower.
Adults enjoy it when they come expecting a charming old-fashioned amusement rather than a modern, high-tech attraction.
The combo ticket with the tower offers good value and adds variety to your Petřín Hill visit.

Petřín Tower highlights

Two open-air viewing platforms

Both decks wrap fully around the tower, giving you a complete sweep of Prague. The upper deck offers the biggest wow moment, especially in clear weather.

299-step climb or optional lift

The climb is steady but manageable, with small landings to rest on. The lift helps visitors who prefer a gentler ascent, though it can get busy at peak times.

Relaxing hilltop gardens

Petřín Hill is one of Prague’s most beloved green spaces. You can wander through meadows, orchards, and rose gardens before or after your tower visit.

Family-friendly cluster of attractions

The tower, Mirror Maze, funicular, and nearby walking trails make the area easy and enjoyable for families with children.

Light historic charm

Built in 1891 during the Jubilee Exhibition, Petřín Tower carries a sense of old-world engineering and European fairground whimsy.

Direct funicular access

The funicular links the hill to Újezd below, gliding through leafy slopes and giving you an easy, scenic ride to the top.

The Funicular: The easiest and most scenic way up

The Petřín funicular runs between Újezd, Nebozízek (mid-hill), and Petřín (top).
Works with standard Prague public transport tickets.
Very popular on weekends and holidays, so a small wait is normal.
If it is paused or full, several paths lead to the top. Some are steeper than others, but all offer beautiful views and plenty of shade.
From the upper station, it is only a few minutes’ walk to both the tower and the Maze.

Plan your visit to Petřín Lookout Tower and the Mirror Maze

Generally open from 10am to 6pm, with longer hours in summer.
Early mornings offer peaceful queues, cooler air, and great photography conditions.
Late afternoons are ideal for warm, golden light and relaxed hilltop ambience.
Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours if you are visiting both the tower and the Maze at a comfortable pace.
Lines can form quickly at the base, especially for the lift.
The lift is small and takes very few people at a time, so the staircase is often faster.

At the top of Petřín Hill, above the Lesser Town. Find on maps
The funicular from Újezd is the most convenient approach, but walking paths from Malá Strana, Strahov, and Újezd take you through beautiful corners of the hill.
The tower and Mirror Maze sit just a couple of minutes apart, making it easy to visit both without extra walking.
If the funicular is busy, several beautiful paths lead up the hill, though some are steep.
Allow extra time if walking, especially with children.

Staircases, viewing decks, and a small lift inside the tower.
Mirror Maze building next door with its own entrance.
Restrooms at the tower and at the funicular station.
Seasonal kiosks selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream.
Benches, shade, and wide lawns where you can take breaks between activities.
The staircase is narrow in places and open to the air. Rest on the landings if needed.

Come earlier in the day if you want to avoid queues, especially in summer or good weather.
If the ticket line at the tower looks long, check the Mirror Maze ticket window, where combo tickets are often quicker to buy.
Wear comfortable shoes. Whether you climb the steps or wander the gardens, there is a bit of walking involved.
On windy days, the upper deck can feel breezy, so bring a light layer.
Check funicular updates during holidays or special events.
For the clearest views, pick a day with good visibility, but even light haze gives the city a soft, romantic glow from above.

Újezd cafés for breakfast, coffee, and pastries before the funicular ride.
Petřín Hill snack stands for a simple treat while you explore the summit area.
Lesser Town restaurants once you descend, offering a cozy mix of Czech and European dishes.

Malá Strana for quiet streets, beautiful architecture, and immediate access to the funicular.
Old Town if you want to stay close to major sights while remaining only a short tram ride from Újezd.
Smíchov for modern hotels and excellent public transport without the crowds of Old Town.

Municipal House for art nouveau architecture, cafés, concerts, and guided tours.
Celetná Street for a charming walk toward Old Town Square lined with shops and historic buildings.
Palladium Shopping Center for stores, dining, and convenient services right off Republic Square.
Hybernia Theatre for local performances.
House of the Black Madonna for Cubist architecture and a beautifully preserved café.

Frequently asked questions about Petřín Lookout Tower

How many steps does Petřín Tower have, and how hard is the climb?

Petřín Tower has 299 steps.

Stairs are narrow but not claustrophobic, with metal railings on both sides.
Several small landings let you rest briefly.
Most travelers describe it as a moderate climb: manageable even for beginners, but tiring if you're not used to stairs.
If you have knee, breathing, or balance concerns, consider using the lift.

Is there a lift to the top, and how long is the wait?

Yes, there is a small elevator that fits a few people at a time, for an additional fee. The lift queue is often longer than the stairs during busy hours. If you really need the lift, aim for early morning to avoid long waits. If you're able to climb stairs, the staircase is usually the quicker and more pleasant option.

How long does a visit take?

For most travelers:

Tower only: 40–60 minutes
Tower + Mirror Maze: 50–75 minutes
If the funicular or ticket queues are long, plan for an extra 15–20 minutes.

Is Petřín Tower safe for people with vertigo or fear of heights?

It depends on your sensitivity.

The stairs are slightly open and let you look through to the center.
The upper platform is open-air and can feel exposed on windy days.
The lower deck is more sheltered and often feels more comfortable.
If you struggle with heights, you might prefer the lower platform only, or simply enjoy the views from Petřín Hill without climbing the tower.

Does the funicular require a special ticket?

No, it uses standard Prague public transport tickets.