Summer in Prague features sunrise over the city on clear mornings, lunch under the terrace canopy, and sunsets over the river on warm evenings. As a traveler, you will love this time of year in the Czech capital. Filled with tourists, Prague’s summer months are throbbing with energy. Keep these tips in mind when planning your trip to make the most of your experience.
Weather
It warms up pleasantly in the evenings in Prague in the summer, with average highs in the 70s Fahrenheit in June, July, and August. The temperature drops to the low 50s at night. Rain is possible, so be prepared to hide under a shelter to wait for showers, or take a small travel umbrella with you.
What to pack
The items of clothing that can carry you from day to night are the most practical, especially if you are not staying conveniently near Prague’s Old Town to sneak into your hotel and change clothes for dinner. Pointed toe supportive walking shoes are a must. Exploring Prague on foot is the best way to see its sights, but its cobbled walkways are off-putting on feet and knees. Bring more than one reliable pair of shoes if you can. Pack a light jacket or sweater in a neutral color for the evenings when dining outdoors or walking to the bridge, the theater, clubs or concerts or making stops at nightly bars.
Events
Prague summer events include Museum Night in June, Prague Folklore Days in July, and the Italian Operas Festival in August. Also look for performances in the theaters of Prague; classical music concerts in Old Town, Mala Strana and Castle Hill; and live shows in the bars and pubs of Prague.
What to do in Prague in summer
Prepare for the crowds and plan well for any activities you don’t want to miss. The attraction lines at Prague Castle can really slow you down, so follow the tips to visit Prague Castle for the best experience. Old Town Square will be full. As of 2018, the medieval astronomical clock has been disassembled for repair and is expected to be operational again in August. When it resumes, you’ll have to wait patiently before the clock chimes to get a decent view, because this popular attraction draws large crowds even when tourist numbers are low.
Take advantage of the warm weather by strolling along the Vltava River, which divides Prague’s Old Town from the Mala Strana district. Or escape to one of the parks or gardens of Prague, eat or drink on the terrace of a restaurant, refresh yourself in a museum like the Mucha or the communist museums, or go shopping in a mall. Visit the Charles Bridge at night to see the city lights reflecting off the water, or climb to the top of Castle Hill to overlook the glittering city.
Every beer lover knows that the Czech Republic is famous for its breweries, so refresh yourself with a glass of Czech beer in a cozy pub. Czech beer varieties are great with a meal (such as roast pork with meatballs or dill soup) or on their own. As a bonus, food and drink are cheap. For more ideas, see »50 things to do in Prague«.
Tips for the summer trip to Prague
Make your travel plans at least three months in advance. Prague hotels fill up quickly during the tourist season, and it can be difficult to find rooms in the best locations, in the castle district, Mala Strana, the old town or the new town, if you wait too long. You’ll pay a little more for a hotel in these areas, but the architecture that surrounds it is an attraction in itself. Plus, they are home to many restaurants and shops and are within walking distance of many places on your must-see list.
The danger of pickpockets increases during the summer; Practiced thieves take advantage of the opportunity that crowds provide to practice their trade. Keep an eye out for the metro and train crowds as well. And don’t forget to validate your ticket when entering the metro station on your way to the train. Look for the flashing arrows above the slots on the escalators; There will probably be no instructions for doing it in English, and the police will be watching. The locals will have passes that they don’t have to insert into the slots, so you can’t just look at them and think you know what you’re doing.
Day trips
Summer is a great time to take a day trip from Prague. Escape the city by train, bus or guided tour and discover other highlights of the Czech Republic. The spa town Karlovy Vary, the charming medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, the historic treasure house of Karlstein Castle or the medieval town of Kutna Hora are just some of your options. Other travelers to Prague are likely to have the same idea, so you won’t necessarily escape the crowds if you decide to leave Prague for a day or a weekend.
