Beat the heat: Top 10 cool oases in Prague
When temperatures soar, Prague and its vicinity offer plenty of ways to cool down. From natural swimming spots to hidden courtyards and air-conditioned galleries, here are ten refreshing escapes.
1. Divoká Šárka Valley – A cool swim and hike
Nestled in the green hills of Prague 6, Divoká Šárka has served as a city escape for more than half a century. In 1964, it became Prague’s first nature reserve and today offers visitors a plethora of activities. Walk through the shaded valley, cool your feet in the stream, and feast your eyes on the lush forests that lead to the highlight of the valley: the Divoká Šárka swimming pool. The public pool charges a small entrance fee but is perhaps the coolest swim you’ll find in Prague, as its water comes directly from a natural spring. Prefer a free dip? Lake Džbán is just a short walk away.
How to get there: Trams 20 and 26 stop right by the entrance.
2. The National Gallery and Kolektor Café
Located in the Trade Fair Palace, a remarkable example of functionalist architecture built in 1927, the National Gallery is one of the few air-conditioned museums in Prague. Besides the cool-factor, it also boasts an impressive collection, including works by international artists such as Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt and Paul Gauguin, alongside Czech masters including Alfons Mucha, František Kupka and Toyen. In the same building you’ll also find Kolektor Café — also air-conditioned — with sky-high ceilings, plenty of natural light, a workspace and excellent specialty coffee.
3. Tiché údolí nature reserve
This hidden gem technically isn’t in Prague but in the nearby town of Roztoky u Prahy. It’s only a cool 15-minute train ride from Praha-Bubny station, which is easily reached by tram or metro. As early as the 19th century, the valley served as a summer retreat for Prague residents, many of whom built the villas that still shape its stunning visual landscape today. It reflects a long tradition of the urban escape — one that is more popular than ever. Walk or cycle through the forested valley, cool off in the stream, and continue all the way to the famous Únětický pivovar for a cold beer.
4. Baden Baden Štvanice
As the name suggests, Baden Baden is a riverside swimming oasis on the banks of Štvanice Island. Popular with Prague locals throughout the summer, it combines swimming with a relaxed cultural atmosphere. There are shaded seating areas, a bar, community yoga classes, barbecue rentals and even open-air concerts in the evenings.
5. Vlny Štvanice
The Czech Republic might be landlocked but that doesn’t mean you cannot surf here. Just next to Baden Baden you can find Vlny Štvanice. Here you can take up a surfing lesson or just relax in one of Prague’s most pleasant riverside terraces.
6. Step inside Prague’s churches
A slightly unorthodox suggestion but possibly the most useful, Prague has over 300 churches and nearly all of them are a guaranteed cool respite. Thanks to their thick stone walls they naturally stay cool even on the hottest summer days. Not to worry, cooling off in a church isn’t sacrilege, in fact historically churches have been places of refuge for the public.
Here are just a few free churches to keep on your list: Church of St. Ignatius in New Town, Church of Our Lady Victorious in Mala Strana, Basilica of St Ludmila at Náměstí Míru ort he Church of St Nicholas right next to Old Town Square.
7. Biotop Lhotka
If you prefer a natural swimming escape in lieu to chlorinated public swimming pools visit Biotop Lhotka. It is a natural swimming lake where the water is filtered by aquatic plants rather than chemicals, creating a cleaner, more natural swimming experience. Biotop Lhotka is accessible via the B and C metro lines and then a short bus ride.
8. Prague’s courtyards or ‘Vnitrobloky’
Prague’s coolest spaces are hidden in plain sight. Behind ordinary apartment buildings throughout the city are vnitrobloky — inner courtyards transformed into cafés, gardens, and cultural spaces. Studies have shown that these courtyards can be up to 12.1 °C cooler than the outdoor environment during warm seasons!
Just one example is only steps from Old Town Square, Skautský institut (Scout Institute) has served as a cultural hub for generations, providing community classes, performances and a cafe with a 5 story terrace in the courtyard.
9. Koněprusy Caves
When all else fails, one can head underground. Around 40 minutes southwest of Prague, the Koněprusy Caves remain a constant 10°C throughout the year. The Czech Republic’s longest cave system stretches for more than two kilometres and is filled with grand limestone formations, underground chambers and a fascinating geological history.
10. A day trip to Tábor and Lake Jordán
If you’re prepared to leave Prague altogether, Tábor makes for one of the best summer day trips from Prague. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is ideal for wandering in the shade before going to Lake Jordán, Central Europe’s oldest reservoir. Today it’s a popular swimming and paddle boarding spot, offering what every overheated traveller needs.
