Prague in summer: best things to do and see

Prague is a delightful city all year round, but there's something magical about summer. With longer days, al fresco dining, and bustling beer gardens, Prague buzzes with energy as the weather warms up — and the season brings plenty of fun things to do. Summer is the perfect time to picnic in local parks like Stromovka and Petřín or head further afield for a hike in Prochov Rocks and national parks.

With its prized position on the banks of the Vltava River, there's ample opportunity to cool off when the heat rises. You can get on a paddleboard in the heart of the city, or make a splash at the water park if you’re visiting Prague with kids. For the more adventurous, head out to Sazava River, where you can canoe and kayak in spectacular scenery. There are stunning day trips and a few hidden gems too that will make your trip all the more special. Enjoy the best of Prague in summer with these 10 things to do.

Best outdoor activities

1. Experience the magic of Prochov Rocks

Escape the city for the day for a hike in the breathtaking Bohemian Paradise Geopark. Consisting of impressive rock formations like Prochov Rocks, this is a must for fans of the great outdoors. This UNESCO-protected landscape rewards lengthy hikes with some of Czechia's greatest views.

Highlights:

Book the a walking tour for private transport to Prochov Rocks. There's a chance to take a cooling summer dip in a Bohemian lake, with additional points of interest like Kost Castle.

Address and opening hours:

Blata 15, 506 01 Jičín, Czechia. Tour times vary.

2. Enjoy a picnic in Stromovka

Prague's largest central park bursts with activity in summer. Once a hunting ground for Czech royals, the park provides modern-day Praguers with leafy trails and picnic spots. There's a packed summer calendar that spans everything from ice cream to beer festivals.

Highlights:

Let someone else handle the meal prep with a private boho-style picnic in Stromovka. You'll get a full picnic box with drinks and cutlery to enjoy in a Prague park of your choice.

Address and opening hours:
Královská obora, Bubeneč, 170 00 Praha 7, Czechia. Open daily, 24/7.

3. Head to the top of Petřín Lookout Tower

The perfect retreat from the summer heat, Petřín is a peaceful green space set around a 318m-high hill. At its center is Petřín Lookout Tower. This eye-catching piece of 19th-century architecture was influenced by the Eiffel Tower and provides excellent views across Prague.

Highlights:

Get ahead of the crowds with a Petřín Lookout Tower and Mirror Maze Entry Ticket. Enjoy magical views from atop the tower and then head to the mirror maze that was built for the 1891 Prague Exhibition.

Address and opening hours:

Petřínské sady 118 00, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia. Open daily, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM.

4. Explore the city by bike

Prague is a great city to discover by bike in the summer when temperatures soar. Feel the breeze in your hair as you glide through the Royal Gardens and along the Vltava River for Letná Park.

Highlights:

Book the Panoramic & Prague Castle - City & Park Bike Tour for an outdoor excursion that takes in some of the city's best viewpoints.

Address and opening hours:

Dlouha 24, Prague 1 - Praha Bike office (near Old Town Sq.), Dlouhá 708/24, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia. Start times vary.

5. Learn how to rock climb

Prague is the perfect place to learn how to rock climb. Head out to the city's surrounding national parks, where you can bask in the natural beauty as you climb. The Czech Republic's national parks are a treat to explore thanks to their well-formed rock walls for rappelling and climbing.

Highlights:

Book a half-day rock climbing experience and get to grips with this amazing sport. Photos will be shared with you afterward to remember the fun.

Address and opening hours:

Do Klukovic 305, 152 00 Praha, Czechia. Start times vary.

Best water activities

6. Hop on a cycle boat with a beer

The Vltava River flows right through Prague, providing endless fun in the summer. Try something different and hop on a cycle boat powered by your pedaling. You'll get to see Prague from a new vantage point while enjoying a crisp Czech pilsner.

Highlights:

Try a swimming beer bike on a cycle boat for a refreshing way to see the city. It comes with unlimited Czech beer and the option for cider or prosecco, too. You'll start at Štefanik Bridge on a roundtrip of Prague's essential riverfront sights.

Address and opening hours:

Petrská čtvrť, 110 00 Prague 1, Czechia. Start times vary.

7. Learn how to paddle board in the center of Prague

Make the most of the sunshine in the cooling waters of the Vltava River. See the sights in a quiet area of the river, where you'll practice how to paddle board. Once you've mastered the sport, you can begin to explore more of the river and its sights.

Highlights:

Take to the water on a paddle boarding tour and pick up a new skill. The expert instructors will help you perfect your posture as you stand up on your paddle board.

Address and opening hours:

Císařská louka, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, Czechia. Start times vary.

8. Enjoy an evening jazz cruise down the River Vltava

Hop aboard a live jazz dinner cruise to enjoy a delicious meal as you sail through the city center. Enjoy the warm glow of the sun as it sets over the Old Town to the soothing sound of live jazz music.

Highlights:

Book the a jazz boat cruise for a romantic end to an evening in Prague. The cruise lasts for 2.5 hours and includes a 3-course dinner if booked.

Address and opening hours:

Na Františku Gate 18, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia. Start times vary.

9. Make a splash at Aquapalace Water World

Aquapalace Water World is central Europe's premier water park and a must-visit for families and friends. Relax in the winding lazy river or pump up your adrenaline with a fast-paced water slide.

Highlights

Finish up with a steamy sauna or relaxing spa treatment — but bear in mind Sauna World requires an extra fee.

Address and opening hours:

Pražská 138, 251 01 Čestlice, Czechia. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM. Open Sunday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.

10. Canoe down the Sazava River

Escape to the iconic Bohemian countryside to explore winding rivers and canyons by canoe. This thrilling treat is the perfect way to experience the Czech outdoors along the scenic Sázava River. Learn how to canoe down rapid sections or make a race of it with a group tour.

Highlights:

Book the Sazava River Canoe Day Trip for All Levels for an all-inclusive trip to the countryside. Transport, equipment, lunch, and drinks are all included.

Address and opening hours:

Sázava, 285 06, Czechia. Pick-up from accommodation. Tour times and dates vary.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Prague?

The city offers various outdoor swimming pools. The popular ones are Podolí and Petynka. There are also lakes which you can swim, including the Hostivař Reservoir Beach and the Džbán Lake at the Divoká Šárka nature reserve.

Are there any great summer festivals in Prague?

There are various summer festivals for all tastes and genres. Check out the free street party, United Islands of Prague, which boasts music of different genres from all over the world every summer in Prague. The Colors of Ostrava and Rock for People are also well-known Czech music festivals.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Prague?

Prague is full of options for fun outdoor activities. Pack a picnic and enjoy stunning views of the city from Letná Park or Petrín Hill, or enjoy watching the river winding by from the sandy Vltava Beach.

What are some great day trips to take from Prague in the summer?

The areas surrounding Prague offer diverse opportunities for fun day trips. Český Krumlov, to the south, is a stunningly picturesque town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Karlovy Vary, to the west, is a famous spa town with thermal springs and a crystal factory.

What are some fun activities with kids in Prague in summer?

If your children are water lovers, consider a trip to the water park at Aquapalace, with a wide selection of waterslides and attractions (and saunas for adults).