Did you know that Prague was ranked 33rd in the 2024 World’s Best Cities ranking? With its rich history, walkability, vibrant culture, and safety, it’s no surprise that the Czech capital is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Prague is not just relying on its stunning architecture and heritage. The city is actively shaping a more comfortable, sustainable, and livable environment for everyone.

One Million Trees by 2026

A major part of Prague’s vision for the future is its ambitious plan to plant 1 million trees by 2026. Already, over 600,000 trees have been planted across the city — in parks, streets, schoolyards, and urban brownfields.

These trees do much more than beautify the city. They:

• Clean the air
• Cool urban areas during hot summers
• Support biodiversity
• Retain rainwater and reduce flooding
• Create inviting green spaces for residents and visitors

source: praha2.cz

Blue-Green Infrastructure: A Modern Urban Ecosystem

Prague is also investing heavily in blue-green infrastructure, a sustainable urban design approach that combines natural greenery with smart water management.

This includes:

• Rain gardens and retention basins to soak up stormwater
• Permeable surfaces and green roofs to reduce runoff and overheating
• Restored rivers and creeks, which bring back biodiversity and reduce flood risks

One fascinating example? The city's use of plane trees (Platanus), which were chosen because they tolerate pruning, shaping, and transplanting very well. Many of these trees are planted on rooftops or in large containers — areas often exposed to intense wind and heat.

To keep them stable, their roots are anchored using steel mesh within the soil. Some trees grow directly in rooftop lawns, while others are planted in containers. But there’s a catch: in the summer, the soil in these containers can reach up to 57°C, which stresses the trees. Gardeners try to reduce the heat by wrapping the pots in reed mats, but trees in containers still grow slower than those planted directly in the ground.

It’s a clear sign of how much thought and effort goes into greening the city — even under extreme conditions.

A Walk Through Prague’s Living History: Iconic Trees in the City Center

If you take a stroll through Prague’s historic center, don’t miss some truly remarkable trees that have witnessed centuries of the city’s life:

• The Franciscan Yew in the Paradise Courtyard of the New Town Franciscan Monastery near the Church of Our Lady of the Snows is centuries old. Its growth is shrub-like and wide-spreading. The central trunk is dead, topped by a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. Surrounding thinner trunks reach up to 100 cm in circumference. In 2002, the tree was carefully pruned to preserve the statue while removing only dry or obstructing branches, at the monks’ request.

• The Beethoven Plane Tree near the Grand Prior’s Palace (Velkopřevorský palác) is another iconic living monument connecting nature and culture in the city center.

source: Wikiwand

What Else Is Prague Doing to Improve City Life?

Prague is taking many other steps to improve daily life for residents and visitors:

• Revitalizing public spaces — transforming grey courtyards and squares into green, welcoming places
• Expanding green infrastructure — adding flower meadows, rain gardens, and street greenery
• Promoting sustainable mobility — improving public transport, bike lanes, and walkability
• Smart city upgrades — such as clean energy systems and air quality sensors
• Community-focused events — farmer's markets, neighborhood festivals, and cultural projects

These initiatives form part of Prague’s 2030 Climate Plan, focused on reducing emissions, increasing climate resilience, and enhancing daily comfort.

A Small Contribution from Mamaison’s Parent Brand

At Mamaison Hotels & Residences, we’re proud to operate in a city that’s not only beautiful, but forward-thinking.

Our parent company, CPI Hotels, shares this commitment to sustainability. As part of their environmental efforts, they recently planted over 600 trees near Brno, supporting the green transition on a national scale.

Learn more here:
Sustainability with CPI Hotels

Why It Matters

Prague’s place among the world’s best cities isn’t just about landmarks — it’s about livability. Clean air, green spaces, smart infrastructure, and attention to detail all contribute to a better, more balanced urban life.

And with every tree, every shaded bench, and every restored stream, Prague is quietly and steadily building a city that works — not just today, but for decades to come.

source: nadacevia

Come experience it for yourself — we’ll be happy to welcome you at Mamaison Hotels & Residences.