Undoubtedly, summer is my favorite season in Prague. The days are warm, the sun is shining, and enjoying a beer on a rooftop hits just right! Here’s your guide to summer in Prague from an American who lives there.
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Table of Contents:
Introduction to Prague
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, a country located smack dab in the middle of Europe. It’s a perfect stop for your “European summer” trip or to visit all on its own. Prague has a rich history which can be experienced through its architecture, museums, traditions, food, and more, making it the perfect place to experience authentic culture while also finding some to relax and take in the views of the city.
Where to stay in Prague
Prague has a lot of great options for accommodation that won’t break the bank. As someone who lives here, it’s better for the local economy to stay in a hotel or hostel over an Airbnb, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding where to stay during your trip to Prague in summer. Here are some hotels (and one hostel) I personally recommend:
Hotel Paris Prague⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Gorgeous hotel built in the early 1900s in Neo-Gothic style with an unbeatable location
Hotel Pod Věží⭐⭐⭐⭐: Lovely hotel ideally located right at the end of Charles Bridge offering delicious breakfast (my mom stayed here and loved it)
Majestic Plaza Hotel Prague⭐⭐⭐⭐: Elegant hotel in a quieter area near Wenceslas Square with two restaurants
Hotel Salvator⭐⭐⭐: Trendy hotel a few minutes walk from Old Town Square and right by a metro station
Stellar Female Hostel: A women’s-only hostel with dormitory and double rooms
How to get to Prague
Obviously this largely depends on where you are coming from. If you’re coming from a nearby country like Hungary, Poland, or Austria, you can consider taking a train or bus. But if you’re coming from somewhere further, a flight is likely your best option.
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How to get around Prague
The best way to get around Prague is by using the super well-connected public transport system. I recommend downloading the app PID Lítačka and purchasing tickets there, just be sure to click ‘activate’ before getting on your ride. Otherwise, you can buy tickets in stations or on most trams and buses. Bolt (and Uber, but Bolt is better) are also available in the city.
Is summer a good time to visit Prague?
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking to experience during your summer trip in Prague. Of course in the summer you won’t find Christmas markets, for example! In my opinion, though, summer is an excellent time to visit Prague because of the wonderful weather and the amount of things to enjoy outdoors. Just keep in mind that there might be more crowds at popular attractions than during the spring or fall.
What is the weather like during summer in Prague?
Generally, the weather during summer in Prague is pleasant and it does not rain often. Average temperatures during summer in Prague range from 22-30°C (72-86°F) but can get hotter. Some days can feel a bit humid, but usually less than what I’m used to during summer in New Jersey in the USA (if that comparison helps at all).
Is Prague too hot in the summer?
The answer to this question definitely depends on personal preference, but for me, no, Prague is not too hot in the summer. While it is true that A/C is less common than in the United States, most hotels and indoor restaurants in the summer will have it. I still recommend you pack a small electric fan with you and also bring a bathing suit because as I will share later, Prague has numerous swimming spots!
What to do during summer in Prague?
Now, let’s finally get into what to actually do during summer in Prague. Rather than organizing things into an itinerary, I’m going to break things down into a list so you can pick and choose what stands out to you. I’m not just touching on the main tourist attractions here, but truly telling you how I’d spend a nice summer day in the city. If you’re looking for a more organized activity, check out my other article: Here’s Precisely How To Spend 3 Days in Prague This Spring.
Petřín Hill
Petřín Hill is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It is home to Petřín Lookout Tower, a structure based on the Eiffel Tower in Paris (I definitely recommend getting a ticket to go up the tower), numerous gardens such as Seminary Garden which has 2,000+ fruit trees, and the Štefánik Observatory. The primary ways to get up the hill are to walk (but it’s quite tiring), to take a bus, or to take an Uber/Bolt. There used to be a funicular as well, but it’s under construction until 2026.
Náplavka + Vltava
The Náplavka is the bank of the Vltava River. It’s a super hip spot with restaurants and bars (both on boats and on land), galleries, and public art installations. On land, the bars are in vault-like structures that usually have indoor and outdoor seating.
On Saturday mornings, there’s also a farmer’s market from 8AM-2PM. If you actually want to spend time on the river, hop in a paddle boat. There are a few different rental places but I recommend Slovanka Boat Rental. This is such a fun activity for a warm day and even a moving boat bar you can paddle up to to get a drink.
Altán Grébovka (Gazebo Grébovka)
The Gazebo Grébovka located in the stunning Grébovka park is a perfect place to spend a few hours on a summer’s day. It’s a wooden structure perched on a hill, surrounded by vineyards (yes, vineyards in Prague!) overlooking the city. It serves local wines, snacks, and light meals. Also in the park don’t miss the Grotta Cave, a man made, three-story cave first built in the 1800s.
Riegrovy sady
Riegrovy Sady is a lovely park in Prague and a lively spot to watch the sunset over the city with an incredible view of the Prague Castle. This is one of the first things I did when I studied abroad in Prague in the summer of 2019, so it holds a special place in my heart. The park has a lot of space for walking, sports, and other outdoor activities and also a beer garden!
Wallenstein Garden
One of the most gorgeous, peaceful places in Prague, these free-to-visit gardens located in Prague’s Lesser Town can’t be missed. The gardens surround the Wallenstein Palace, a baroque style building that is now home to the Czech senate. One of my favorite parts of the gardens (other than the white peacocks that live around the central pond) is the dripstone wall—made up of man made stalactites, it hides numerous animal faces!
Musoleum by David Černý
A very off-the-wall museum, Musoleum opened in 2023 in the Smíchov area of Prague in a former distillery and features the work of famous Czech sculptor David Černý. David Černý became famous in 1991 by painting pink a Soviet tank that served as a war memorial in Prague but is best known for his barcode baby sculptures that can be seen climbing up the side of Prague’s TV Tower. Now visitors to Prague can see even more of his work at Musoleum… You may have nightmares afterwards, but this museum really isn’t one to miss!
Kasarna Karlin
Kasarna Karlin is a former military barracks complex turned cultural hub. There are bars, live music acts, an open air cinema (see showings here), a beach volleyball court, and more. It’s such a fun way to spend a couple of hours in the city relaxing amongst the locals. It’s become more well-known due to it being shut down for one year because of zoning regulations, but thanks to the advocacy of the neighborhood it was able to re-open to the public again in May 2025.
Prague Zoo
The Prague Zoo is one of the best zoos in Europe, and for a good reason! It’s also recognized globally for its conservation efforts, and has even bred animals which were going extinct and introduced them to the wild. It also has some rare animals that you won’t see at most other zoos in Europe, such as the Tasmanian devil. The zoo has so many different species to see and places to eat, so you will be able to spend a good 4 hours here, whether it’s with family or on your own. Entry costs 330 CZK or about $15 USD. The Botanical Garden is nearby, which I recommend hitting up too!
Žluté lázně
Žluté lázně (yellow spa) is the ideal place to spend a hot day and feel like you’re getting away from the city, while not actually leaving the city! It is a riverside swimming and sports area on the bank of the Vltava River and is a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals. The Czech Republic is a landlocked country, so having a place that actually has sand and resembles a beach is truly epic. You can also partake in water activities like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, and there are often events like yoga and live music.
Sunset Cinema
Located on top of Arkády Pankrác in Prague, Sunset Cinema is an outdoor movie theater located on a rooftop with an amazing view of Prague and immaculate summer vibes. There are a bunch of games and activities as well as places to relax so I definitely recommend getting there ahead of the movie. There is also food and drinks so definitely come hungry and thirsty. You can buy tickets ahead of time online (use my discount code TAYLOR for 10% off your tickets).
Manifesto Market
Last but not least is Manifesto Market, a trendy outdoor food market that always gets the vibes going. There are plenty of food stalls to choose from—I usually opt to get a few small things from different vendors. My favorite choice there has to be Alebrijes Cocina Mexicana which has the most delicious Mexican food I’ve had in the entire city. In the summer there’s often live music, cultural events, and even a wading pool to dip your feet in!
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Now you know the best non-touristy things to do during summer in Prague. I hope you enjoy it!