Best things to do in Prague this weekend, June 11–13

A new cultural venue has opened up in Výstaviště in Prague’s Holešovice district. After two years of renovation, the former restaurant U Primasů has been transformed into Atelier Rychta. The lower level has an exhibition called Flower (Květina), with some contemporary paintings plus interactive elements for kids, where they can try to re-create famous works with Legos, magnetic cut outs, or an overhead projector. There are also some educational signs, in Czech, showing how flowers were used in different art styles. The upper level of Atelier Rychta has a relaxation area that can also be used as an event space. Admission in June is free of charge. More information is on the Výstaviště website.

Some of Prague’s gardens will be accessible for the Weekend of Open Gardens on June 12–13. The event is meant to raise awareness and appreciation for gardens and the art of landscaping. There are 13 participating gardens in Prague, and more across the country. Visitors can look forward to guided tours, lectures, concerts, and more. The garden at Troja Chateau will have several musical performances. There is also a chance to see inside some community and private gardens. While entry to most gardens is free, the garden under Prague Castle is charging admission. More about the event, including a map, can be found here.

Sometimes, the journey is the destination. A steam train leaves from Prague’s Smíchovské nádraží on June 13 at 10:10 am and takes a journey on an often elevated historical track to Hostivice and back. The track is called the “Prague Semmering” after a well-known Austrian mountain railway. The journey has views of nature-filled valleys as well as Prague’s skyline of both modern buildings and sites such as Vyšehrad and Prague Castle. More information is on the Czech Railways website.