Eastern Europe isn’t exactly known for its sultry summer temperatures; the Caribbean it ain’t. But the months of June, July and August have known the occasional Prague heatwave, not least in June 2019, when the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute recorded the city’s highest temperature since records began in 1775, a sizzling 100.22°F (37.9°C). But that tends to be the exception, rather than the rule. Generally, you should expect summer highs in the comfortably balmy high 70s – t-shirt, shades and sun hat weather, in other words. Read on for our sunny summer guide to all the best things to do in Prague when it’s hot out.
Best Prague Parks in Summer
Prague isn’t all medieval cobbles and gothic spires, you know. Sure, there’s plenty of that, but did you know it also has some amazing parks and gardens, many in the heart of the city? Chief among these is sprawling Stromovka: 250 acres of former royal hunting ground north of Prague Castle. There’s plenty to occupy young and old here on warm summer days. Stroll the tree-lined pathways and pause for a picnic beneath canopies of ancient oaks, play frisbee on the lawns, and keep one eye on the kids in the playground – the massive beer garden is located right next to it, meaning you get to enjoy a spot of liquid refreshment while they let off steam. The annual Metronome Prague Festival takes place at the exhibition grounds on the edge of the park every June, and has attracted acts as varied as Iggy Pop, Kraftwerk and Morcheeba as well as many up-and-coming local and international stars. Ice cream fans, rejoice! There’s also an annual summer Ice Cream Festival held here, featuring a mind-boggling (and brain-freezing) variety of ice cream types and flavors to try. Truly, there is no better way to cool down on a hot Prague afternoon.
You’ll find an actual metronome in nearby Letná Park, set directly on the Vltava’s western bank. The 75-foot-tall kinetic sculpture is the largest working metronome in the world. It’s almost (but not quite) enough to distract from the quite incredible city and castle views that can be enjoyed with (natch) a cooling Czech pilsner from the huge (and well shaded) hilltop beer garden. Like Stromovka, Letná has a number of playgrounds and plenty of walking and jogging trails. It also has its own summer festival, too; a late-August celebration of contemporary circus and theater that has been running here for more than 20 years.
Prague’s Historical Hotspots
Of course, no visit to Prague would be complete without making time for one or two of the Golden City’s hottest historical sites. You will of course pass through the Old Town Square at some point (every tourist here does), but you may find it more pleasant to visit in the evening, when the crowds have dissipated somewhat, and the sting has gone out of the day’s summer heat.
But don’t let soaring noon temperatures put you off spending time in Prague Castle, or visiting the many gems of the Jewish Museum, both of which should be considered must-dos on any Prague sightseeing itinerary, regardless of the season. Prague Castle is the catch-all name for a sprawling complex that began life as a fortress in the 9th Century and now contains medieval jewels including the imposing Old Royal Palace, gothic St Vitus Cathedral, atmospheric Golden Lane (once home to Franz Kafka, fact fans), and an exhibition that tells the story of Prague Castle. Sure, the lanes and courtyards of this hilltop fortress can be pretty exposed on a hot day, but what better way to stay cool than by stepping into the hushed, haunted halls of an ancient cathedral or two? You’ll be wishing you’d brought a fleece with you before you know it.
Similarly, the Jewish Museum just across the river takes in a number of fascinating attractions, many of which – the eye-popping Moorish-style Spanish Synagogue (pictured above) and Ceremonial Hall among them – are pleasantly cool on hot summer days. Hot day or not, the Old Jewish Cemetery is a mournful and moving must-see. Exit the 15th-century Pinkas Synagogue for this haunting window into Czechia’s troubled past, where thousands of crumbling gravestones, many dating back more than 500 years, prop each other up.
Top tip: Prague Castle and the Jewish Museum, along with many other Prague tours, activities and attractions, are included with a pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on normal entry prices when visiting multiple sites. Find out more and buy your pass here.
Stay Cool on (and in) the Water
River excursions are a great way to sightsee on hot days in Prague. Take the classic hour-long cruise from the Old Town along under Charles Bridge and back, or go large with a two-hour upgrade that takes in additional riverside highlights like the extraordinary Dancing House, a collaboration between Frank Gehry and Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić. You can also go al fresco on pedal boats, which are available to rent along the riverbank and on Slavonic Island. Choose from traditional boats (some with shade-providing awnings) or go wild on novelty options including giant swans and old-fashioned motor cars.
Indeed, the Vltava is where it’s at for much of the summer season. Hit up trendy Náplavka for sultry summer nights just a stone’s throw from Charles Square in the New Town. Temperatures along this broad riverside boulevard are naturally lower, and there are plenty of pop-up bars and ice-cream vendors to cool you down if the heat gets too much. A little further south out of the city center, Žluté lázně is the closest thing Prague has to a beach resort, with a sandy beach, cabanas and sports facilities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, volleyball and more. Though not quite the French Riviera, it does provide a relaxing oasis that feels a world away from the tourist hustle and bustle of central Prague in summer.
Still too hot for ya? Good news: Prague has plenty of pools in which to cool off, not least the Aquapalace which, true to its name, just happens to be one of the largest and grandest water parks in Europe. Spanning over 9,000 square meters, it features 12 slides (including the longest in Czechia), a wave pool, a lazy river and several themed swimming zones. You’ll find it around 30 minutes southeast of the city, in Čestlice. In Prague proper, hit up the indoor and outdoor pools at Podolí stadium, or try Divoká Šárka, set on the edge of a peaceful nature reserve in Prague 6 (full disclaimer: the water ain’t heated).
Save on Summer Attractions in Prague
Save money on Prague attractions, tours and activities with a Prague attraction pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.
