14 Must-Know Local Tips for Summer in Prague: Beat the Heat and Crowds
Summer in Prague can be magical. Long days stretching until nearly 10 PM, beer gardens buzzing with life, and the Vltava River calling your name. But it can also be sweltering, crowded, and overwhelming if you don’t know the local secrets. When Prague gets too hot to handle, locals don’t panic. We have our tricks.
Typical summer temperatures hit 25°C (77°F), but can easily reach 35°C (95°F) or more, and the city streets get absolutely scorching during the day.
As someone who’s weathered countless Prague summers, I’ve learned that surviving (and thriving) in this beautiful city during the hot months isn’t just about knowing where to go – it’s about knowing when to go, how to stay cool, and which tricks will save you from the tourist crowds melting in the city center.
So let me expose these secrets that you won’t find in regular guidebooks. This is how we locals actually get through Prague summers, and how you can too.
1. Stay Hydrated for Free: Prague’s Network of Drinking Fountains
Prague’s tap water isn’t just safe, it’s delicious. Skip the pricey bottled water and bring a reusable bottle instead. You can refill it anywhere, saving both money and the planet.
But here’s what most visitors don’t know: Prague has dozens of public drinking fountains scattered throughout the city. How to find them? Use local Mapy.com (either app or online) and search for “drinking water” or “pítko” in Czech. You’ll see all the fountains marked on the map. Unlike tourist-trap stores, these refreshment breaks cost you absolutely nothing.
Want to learn more about Prague’s tap water safety? Check out my detailed guide Is Tap Water in Prague Safe to Drink? for everything you need to know.
2. Hunt Down Air-Conditioned Trams (Yes, They Exist!)
In Prague’s summer heat, spotting an air-conditioned tram can feel like finding an oasis in the desert. The easiest way? Look for the yellow frame around the front windshield, that’s the Škoda 15T model, and it’s got AC. You can also check the doors for a white snowflake on a blue background, the universal AC symbol.
If you’re a bit geeky like me, open mapa.pid.cz and click on the approaching tram to see if it has the snowflake icon (green means AC, grey means you’re about to become a human pretzel in a metal oven). You can even filter the map to show only air-conditioned vehicles using the snowflake icon in the bottom-left corner.
You can also spot AC trams on the new black digital information panels that are appearing more and more at Prague tram stops. Again, just look for the simple snowflake symbol.
The AC kicks in automatically when it’s 22°C (72°F) or warmer outside, so on proper summer days, you’re guaranteed relief.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the brand new Škoda 52T trams that are starting to hit the streets. They’re all equipped with AC and currently being tested with passengers.
3. Go Underground: Choose Metro Over Trams
When the summer heat becomes unbearable, ditch the trams and head underground. Prague’s metro stations stay naturally cool year-round, think of them as free air conditioning with a side of transportation.
Even if it means a slightly longer route, the metro will give you a refreshing break from the scorching streets above. Plus, you’ll arrive at your destination actually comfortable instead of looking like you just ran a marathon.
4. Cool Off in Prague’s Churches
What better time to admire Prague’s stunning church architecture than when it’s scorching outside? Those thick stone walls, especially in Gothic churches, keep the interiors beautifully cool like natural air conditioning that’s centuries old.
Don’t miss the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica or Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, the Gothic Týn Church on Old Town Square, or the Church of Our Lady of the Snows near Wenceslas Square.
For Baroque beauty, both St. Nicholas churches (one in Lesser Town Square, one in Old Town Square) are spectacular. And if you’re into modernist architecture, trek to Jiří z Poděbrad Square to see the outstanding Sacred Heart Church by Jože Plečnik – the same architect who redesigned parts of Prague Castle.
5. Beat the Heat: Live Like a Vampire (Or Early Bird)
Prague summers can be brutal between 11 AM and 7 PM, so flip your schedule and embrace the cooler hours. Go out late or wake up ridiculously early – both will reward you with calmer streets and bearable temperatures.
Late evenings are perfect for river walks along Náplavka with a drink in hand, boat tours when the city lights reflect on the water, or pedal boating (šlapadla in Czech) without melting into the Vltava.
Early mornings? That’s when you can actually enjoy those Instagram-worthy sunrise shots from viewpoints like Petřín Hill, Seminary Garden, or Letna Gardens. Take a peaceful bike ride using the city’s bike-sharing system, or stroll through Old Town without fighting crowds of tourists.
The city feels completely different at these hours. And your body will thank you.
6. Cool Underground Sightseeing
When the streets are blazing, head underground for some fascinating history in blissfully cool spaces. Prague’s underground sights stay refreshingly temperate year-round.
Medieval Underground at Old Town Hall – Explore the largest complex of medieval halls, corridors and tunnels in Prague, dating back to the 12th century. This Romanesque-Gothic underground system is remarkably well preserved. Book tickets for the underground here, or get a combined ticket with the Old Town Hall here.
The National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror – Visit the crypt of the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, where seven Czechoslovak paratroopers hid for three weeks after assassinating Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in 1942. The memorial features contemporary exhibits about the resistance and the tragic final battle that took place here on June 18, 1942. You can still see bullet holes in the crypt walls from that fateful day. Entry is free.
Casemates at Vyšehrad – Wander through over 1km of underground corridors from the 17th-18th centuries, ending in the massive Gorlice hall where six original statues from Charles Bridge now rest in cool, dim splendor. You can book the Casemates to Gorlice Tour or join the Saturday combined tour covering both Vyšehrad Casemates.
Cold War Bunker at Hotel Jalta – Step into a real nuclear bunker 10 meters underground on Wenceslas Square, complete with original communist secret police (StB) equipment and spy gear. It’s like walking into a perfectly preserved time capsule from communist Czechoslovakia. Book your visit here, or include it as part of a Communism History walking guided tour.
7. Cool Off at Prague’s Urban Beaches
Prague has several fantastic riverside spots where you can dip your toes (or dive right in) to beat the heat. These urban beaches offer the perfect escape without leaving the city.
Žluté lázně is Prague’s crown jewel, CNN ranked it among Europe’s 10 best urban beaches. This sprawling complex on the Vltava’s right bank has both grassy and sandy areas, plus paddleboards, kayaks, beach volleyball courts, and even a kids’ splash zone. The outdoor gym and multiple food spots make it easy to spend an entire day here.
Baden Baden on Štvanice Island brings back Prague’s historic swimming culture in a more intimate setting. This place offers direct river access, sunbathing decks, paddleboard rentals, and a relaxed vibe. The water quality has improved dramatically over the years, making river swimming a real option again. Access it via the HolKa footbridge from Holešovice Market or Karlín.
8. Štvanice Wave – Prague’s Urban Surf Spot
Not far from Baden Baden, you’ll find something completely unique: Prague’s first river surfing wave. Vlny Štvanice opened in 2023 and offers the surreal experience of surfing with Prague Castle as your backdrop.
Unlike ocean surfing where you ride a moving wave, river surfing means staying in one spot on a stationary wave that flows beneath you. The 7.5-meter wide wave accommodates all skill levels, from complete beginners to trick masters.
Even if you’re not into water sports, it’s fascinating to watch surfers riding waves in the middle of the city. The project brilliantly saved a former military training course from decay while creating Prague’s coolest new water attraction.
9. Pedal Boats – Romance on the Water
If you dare to venture onto the Vltava, pedal boats (šlapadla in Czech) are one of my absolute favorite Prague activities. There’s something incredibly romantic about gliding along the river while getting a gentle workout and staying cool.
The views from the water are simply unmatched, you’ll see Prague from angles that most visitors never experience. Time it for sunset and you’ll understand why this is such a magical way to spend a summer evening.
You have three main sections to choose from, each offering different perspectives. The middle section between Jirásek Bridge and Charles Bridge (rentals at Slovanský Island) gives you stunning views of the National Theatre, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle.
For next-level experience, rent from Novotného Lávka to pedal directly under Charles Bridge and explore the romantic Čertovka canal. The southern section offers beautiful Vyšehrad views – rent from Žluté lázně or Smíchov’s Lihovar port.
Tips: Don’t forget sunscreen because you’re completely exposed on the water. And remember, whoever’s steering can’t drink alcohol (random police checks do happen on the river).
10. Boat Tours – Prague’s Greatest Hits from the Water
Nothing beats the cooling breeze and stunning views you get from a Vltava River cruise. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to escape the summer heat while sightseeing. You’re literally floating through the city center with zero effort required.
From the water, you’ll get incredible angles of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the National Theatre that you simplycan’t see from street level. For first-timers, I highly recommend the 1-hour sightseeing cruise as it covers all the major landmarks without eating up your entire day, and the price won’t break your budget.
The options range from quick morning or afternoon tours to romantic dinner cruises, floating jazz clubs, and even private cruises. Each offers a completely different vibe depending on what you’re after. For detailed comparisons of all cruise types, what to expect, and direct booking links, check out my comprehensive Prague Boat Tours: How to Choose the Best River Cruise guide.
11. Beer Gardens – Czech Summer at Its Best
What’s more Czech than enjoying a cold beer in a traditional summer beer garden? The combination of great beer and the relaxed atmosphere of outdoor drinking is quintessentially Prague.
Head to Letná Park’s beer garden for fantastic beer with incredible city views, or try the lively scene at Rieger Gardens (Riegrovy sady) where locals gather on warm evenings. Vyšehrad also offers a lively beer garden experience with historical charm.
Want to combine beer with the river? Check out Loď Pivovar, a traditional beer garden floating on an anchored boat. You get the authentic beer garden atmosphere plus the cooling effect of being on the water, making it perfect for those scorching summer days.
12. Drinks and Culture by the River
Speaking of cool places where you can have a drink by the river, there are some spots I absolutely have to recommend. Think of them as venues where drinks and culture blend together perfectly.
Čapadlo sits right on Smetana Embankment under Charles Bridge, offering daily cultural programming from spring to fall – acoustic concerts, art exhibitions, and community events, all with Prague Castle views and free entry.
The Kobky on Náplavka are architectural gems – these renovated circular riverside spaces were once storage areas for boat cargo. Now they house galleries, cafés, and cultural spaces with stunning rotating glass doors. The project was even shortlisted for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe architecture award.
Floating boats along Náplavka offer unique venues like (A)VOID Floating Gallery, Loď Tajemství, Pivnice Petra, and many more. Each with its own character and riverside charm.
For something different, try Přístav 18600 in Karlín – a living park project that transformed an abandoned railway yard into a cultural space, or Altenburg 1964 in Holešovice, a 1964 cargo ship turned alternative club with incredible sunsets by Trojský Bridge.
13. Ice Cream – The Ultimate Summer Cool-Down
There’s probably no better or more enjoyable way to cool down on sweltering summer days than with a proper portion of ice cream. In summer, you’ll find ice cream offerings on every corner, but not all ice cream is created equal. Knowing where to go for the best makes all the difference.
Crème de la Crème is my all-time favorite, with 6 locations in Prague (the main one on Národní Street). Owner Honza Hochsteiger literally has a university degree in ice cream making from Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna! His vanilla, pistachio, salted peanut, or mango sorbet is something special. The gorgeous Art Nouveau salon offers up to 40 flavors of artisanal ice cream made from scratch.
Angelato has 4 locations (including Rytířská and Újezd in the city center). Macedonian ice cream master Zlatko Kebakoski creates silky Italian gelato with flavors like chocolate-orange, Mozart (marzipan with almonds and pistachio cream), and monthly limited editions. Have you tried the avocado one?
Puro Gelato (5 locations including Výtoň and Karlín) follows the “puro” (pure) philosophy – no artificial colors or chemicals, just natural ingredients. Their gelato is served at warmer temperatures than regular ice cream, so your taste buds can actually taste the flavors properly.
Míša is the ultimate local treat – this tvaroh (quark) popsicle covered in chocolate has been a Czech staple since 1962. You can grab one at any grocery store for an authentic, nostalgic taste that 97% of Czechs know from childhood.
What to avoid: Trdelník (chimney cake) with ice cream – it’s a tourist trap using the cheapest ingredients and tastes terrible. Skip it!
14. Go Enjoy Summer Events and Festivals
Summer in Prague means countless cultural events and festivals happening across the city. The warm evenings and long days create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor entertainment.
You can catch major music festivals like Metronome, which bring international and local acts to Prague. Rainbow Prague Pride fills the streets with celebration and community spirit each August.
My personal favorite is Letní Letná, the new circus festival that brings the world’s best acrobats and performers to Prague every summer. It perfectly captures the creative energy that makes Prague summers so special.
The beauty of Prague’s summer festival scene is that there’s always something happening, whether you’re into music, theater, art, or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere with a cold drink in hand.
There you have it, 14 ways to beat Prague’s summer heat like a true local. The city is yours to enjoy, no matter how high the temperature climbs. Stay cool and have the best Prague summer ever!
Useful Travel Resources
I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.
Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.
Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.
Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.
Last article update: August 19, 2025
Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska
