Mirror Maze, Prague

Notable Building in Prague

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Gary Bembridge

The Mirror Maze on Petřín Hill is a small attraction with a big mood shift: it's light, goofy, and deliberately disorienting in the best possible way. Set inside a neo-Gothic “mini castle” that looks like it belongs in a storybook, it's one of the things to do in Prague when you want a break from churches, palaces, and serious sightseeing without leaving the city's most scenic viewpoints behind.

Because it sits near other Petřín highlights, it's often visited on walking tours of Prague that include viewpoints and gardens, and it works brilliantly as a quick stop between longer, more demanding sights. Even if you only go in for 20 minutes, you'll come out smiling-and probably with a few unforgettable photos.

History and Significance of the Mirror Maze
Things to See and Do in the Mirror Maze
How to Get to the Mirror Maze
Practical Tips on Visiting the Mirror Maze
Where to Stay close to the Mirror Maze
Is the Mirror Maze Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Mirror Maze
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Mirror Maze

History and Significance of the Mirror Maze

The Mirror Maze (Zrcadlové bludiště) is one of Prague's classic “fun with a backstory” attractions, originally created for the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition. Its popularity was strong enough that it didn't stay a temporary novelty for long-soon after, it was moved to Petřín Hill, where it fit naturally into the area's mix of gardens, viewpoints, and family-friendly outings.

The building itself adds to the charm. Designed in a neo-Gothic style that resembles a miniature fortress gate, it plays into Prague’s love of theatrical architecture, even when the purpose is pure entertainment. That “castle” feel makes the experience more immersive before you even step inside.

While the mirrors are the headline act, the maze also carries a small dose of historical storytelling through its large diorama scene tied to Prague's past. It's a reminder that many of the city's lighter attractions still connect back to the broader narrative of Prague as a place shaped by drama, defense, and civic identity.

Things to See and Do in the Mirror Maze

The first section is the mirror corridor, designed to scramble your sense of direction and turn simple movement into a game. It’s not long, but it’s surprisingly effective-especially when the space is busy and you’re trying to navigate without bumping into people who are laughing at their own reflections.

Next, pause at the diorama hall rather than rushing through it. The large panoramic scene adds a different texture to the visit, and it’s a nice contrast to the silly mirror corridor because it gives you a moment to reset and actually look at something without being tricked by perspective.

The grand finale is the Laughter Hall, where curved mirrors stretch, shrink, and twist your body into absurd shapes. It’s the main reason the attraction works so well for groups and families, and it’s also where the most memorable photos tend to happen-especially if you take turns watching each other’s reactions.

How to Get to the Mirror Maze

If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), and the simplest route into the city is via airport bus connections or taxi/ride-hailing to a central metro or tram connection. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Prague on Booking.com. From central Prague, Petřín Hill is best approached via public transport and then either a steep walk or the funicular when operating.

If you're arriving by train, Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Railway Station) links directly into the metro network, making it easy to reach stops near the base of Petřín Hill and continue onward by tram and foot. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. This option is convenient if you want to build Petřín into a wider day covering Malá Strana and riverside walks.

If you’re arriving by long-distance bus, you’ll typically terminate at a central hub with metro/tram links toward the Lesser Town side. If you’re traveling by car, expect tight streets and limited parking around the hill, so it’s usually best to park outside the historic core and continue by public transport, then walk up.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Mirror Maze

Suggested tips: Use it as a quick “energy reset” between Petřín viewpoints-go in, laugh, then head back out to gardens and panoramas.
Best time to visit: Earlier in the day for shorter lines; weekdays are usually calmer than weekends.
Entrance fee: 150 CZK
Opening hours: September—May: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00—18:00 June—August: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00—19:00
Official website:
How long to spend: 20-40 minutes, longer if you’re with kids or want to linger in the Laughter Hall.
Accessibility: The attraction is compact, with tight corridors and steps; it may be challenging for wheelchairs and difficult with large strollers.
Facilities: There are limited facilities inside; plan snacks, restrooms, and longer breaks around Petřín parks and nearby cafés.
Photography tip: Turn off flash and watch for glare; for best results, shoot reactions rather than trying to “beat” the reflections.
Guided tours: Not necessary-this is a self-guided, quick, playful stop that works best without structure.
Nearby food options: Petřín is better for picnic-style breaks; for cafés and sit-down meals, head down toward Malá Strana afterward.

Where to Stay close to the Mirror Maze

If you want a convenient base for Petřín Hill days and easy access to Malá Strana's scenic lanes, Aria Hotel Prague is well placed for a relaxed, walkable itinerary. For a boutique stay that keeps you close to river crossings while still being practical for getting up to Petřín, Hotel Pod Vezi makes sightseeing days efficient and easy. If you prefer a stylish, central stay that balances calm comfort with strong transport links to Petřín approaches, Hotel Josef is a good option for mixing viewpoint days with Old Town exploring.

Is the Mirror Maze Worth Visiting?

Yes-if you want a fun, low-commitment attraction that adds variety to a Petřín Hill visit. It's not a “must” in the way Prague's major landmarks are, but it's a reliably enjoyable stop that works for almost any traveler type, especially families and groups.

The key is to treat it as what it is: a short burst of laughter and optical illusion, neatly packaged inside a charming building, with just enough historical flavor to keep it feeling distinctly Prague rather than generic amusement.

FAQs for Visiting Mirror Maze

It’s on Petřín Hill, close to other Petřín attractions and gardens, and typically visited as part of a viewpoint-focused outing.

Most visitors spend 20-40 minutes, depending on crowd levels and how long you stay in the Laughter Hall.

Yes, it’s one of Prague’s most kid-friendly attractions, with plenty of playful moments and easy entertainment.

Not for long-the maze is designed to be disorienting but manageable, and most people find their way through quickly.

There is a large diorama scene related to Prague’s history, which adds a cultural layer between the mirror sections.

Yes, though it’s most fun with others; solo travelers still enjoy the novelty and the quick, light break.

Generally yes, but glare and reflections can make it tricky-focus on reactions and avoid blocking narrow corridors.

It may be challenging due to tight spaces, steps, and compact corridors; accessibility can be limited.

It can, especially on weekends and in peak season; earlier visits tend to be calmer.

Yes, it works best as part of a Petřín Hill outing alongside viewpoints, gardens, and a walk down into Malá Strana.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.6 (4,664)

Mirror Maze in Petřín Park sits in Petřínské sady, Prague 1, and is a compact mirrored wooden labyrinth noted for a mural depicting the city in 1648; visitors say it's fun for kids and has an appealing otherworldly feel but is short — more a mirror walk with distortion mirrors than a true maze — so the visit is brief, though the setting in the park and the price are considered reasonable and the uphill approach can be part of the experience when the funicular isn't running.

Tal Galili

4 months ago

"Costs 300 kc for a family with 1 kid. A bit small. It's not a mirror maze, more like a short mirror path and then a bunch of distortion mirrors. It'sa bit underwhelming. But the stroll there is beautiful with the trees and greenery...."

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Louise

4 months ago

"Extremely disappointed with this attraction. It is not a maze at all, it’s just a mirror walk through because it is so small. It took us all of about10 seconds to walk through. We were all in shock when we got to the end and just couldn’t believe that was it. It’s such a shame because the decor is good and could be so much better if they just made it a lot bigger and then it would be an actual maze where people have to find their way out, but as it stands it is so small and so easy to manoeuvre around as there is only one way to go so it’s definitely not a maze...."

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Bev Starbuck

a month ago

"Amazing place with a mirror Maze and some fun fair mirrors. At the moment the fanicular is out of action so it is a long walk all up hill and stepsbut worth the trek...."

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For Different Travelers

Personalized tips to match your travel style.

Families with Kids

This is one of the easiest “yes” attractions for families because it’s short, silly, and doesn’t require long attention spans. Let kids lead the way through the mirror corridor, then make the Laughter Hall the big finale-everyone gets a moment, and the mood stays upbeat.

To avoid stress, aim for an earlier visit and keep snacks and water handy, especially if you're combining it with a longer Petřín Hill walk. Afterward, the surrounding gardens are perfect for letting kids run off energy.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Mirror Maze is a playful interlude rather than a romantic centerpiece, but it can be surprisingly fun as a shared laugh in the middle of a more scenic day. It's especially good if you've been doing churches and museums and want something that feels spontaneous.

Pair it with the viewpoints on Petřín Hill and then a slow walk down toward Malá Strana for cafés and evening streets. The contrast-goofy mirrors followed by panoramic views-makes the day feel varied and memorable.

Budget Travelers

This can be a worthwhile small-ticket stop if you want a change of pace and you're already up on Petřín Hill. The value is in the quick entertainment and the “Prague quirkiness” factor, especially when you're balancing a schedule of mostly free walking and viewpoints.

If you’re watching costs closely, prioritize Petřín’s free gardens and viewpoints first, then decide on the spot if the Maze feels worth the add-on. It’s easy to skip without breaking the day, but fun to include if you want a light moment.

Nearby Attractions to the Mirror Maze

Petřín Lookout Tower: A classic viewpoint nearby with a skyline panorama that pairs perfectly with the Maze's quick visit.
Petřín Gardens: Peaceful paths and landscaped areas ideal for picnics, strolling, and a slower side of Prague.
Strahov Monastery: A historic monastery complex with impressive interiors and one of the city's best-known libraries.
Prague Castle: The hilltop landmark complex that can be linked into the same day via scenic walking routes.
Malá Strana: The Lesser Town below, full of cafés, lanes, and Baroque architecture for an easy downhill continuation.

The Mirror Maze appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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