Are you spending your summer in Czechia and are torn about what to do? This blog will be a simple and straightforward guide for students (and tourists) spending their summer vacation in Czechia. From traditional activities around the country to fun things to do in the capital, Prague, this is the place for you!
Czech people love spending time outdoors. Whether hiking, swimming, or sitting at an outdoor restaurant, they appreciate the warm weather between May and September! In this section, I will recommend 3 outdoor activities to do outside of Prague:
Go hiking.
If you have yet to hike in Czechia, you are missing out! The country has some of the most stunning landscapes accessible by foot, typically consisting of a 2-4 ride from Prague, albeit by bus, car, or train. Experience peaceful walks, ride on boats, observe the tall trees, natural waterfalls, & impressive rock structures, & eat at traditional Czech pubs on the way to the top. Some of the best places to hike are Bila Opava, Riegrova Trail, & Sněžka — look some up & go for it!
Race with boby.
Imagine sleighing, but in the summer — boby or bobova draha is a fun Czech activity whereby 1-2 people sit on an iron sleigh that takes them up, then the driver has complete control on the way down! Race with your friends & play multiple rounds while observing the surrounding views. The best boby activity, in my opinion, is in Špinderluv Mlyn (Bedrichov 127)! Besides, it is even a Monkey Park (Lanovy Park), where you have to climb & slide across various obstacles between forest trees to reach the finish line, all on a zip-line!
Explore Czechia.
Sounds quite obvious, but many beautiful cities in Czechia are worth a one-day visit if you are tight on time. My top two recommendations would be Česky Krumlov & Karlovy Vary. Just a simple search on either of these cities would make you want to visit — they are both historical, with multiple pastel buildings, & lots to do in 24 hours. For the first, take a boat trip for 2-6 people & explore the city via the surrounding river — then, make sure to go downtown & visit the castles. For the second, enjoy the Mineral Springs around the city & go for a short hike to look over it.
What if you want to spend your summer in Prague specifically? It is undoubtedly a beautiful city with affordable activities/food & accessible transportation — what is there to do other than explore this magical city? In this section, I will recommend 3 outdoor activities to do within Prague:
Ride the Vltava paddle boats.
Have you ever crossed bridges from side A to side B in Prague & noticed those small paddle boats for couples, families, & friends? You definitely want to take advantage of this! To reserve a boat, stop at the Narodni Divadlo station by tram & walk towards the island with Zofin Palace — there, you should find a few places that say “boat rental” or “pujčovna lodiček.” Wait a short line, rent for 1-2 hours, get some drinks/snacks available at the reservation booth, & paddle around. You will get the best view of Charles Bridge & Prague Castle.
Attend festivals & concerts.
This is not my particular pass-time in the summer. Still, I included it because Prague is a lively city with many outdoor festivals, concerts, & other events occurring constantly! While I may not have the best list, you can find places to go to online or by seeing posters along the streets. These places are definitely worth your time because they are affordable, typically include many food options such as barbecue & interesting refreshments, & are located within the city, so the commute is very convenient!
Play sports, such as swimming/paddle/volleyball.
Last but not least, sports in Prague are always a great option to bring people together & spend time in the sun. For swimming, Podoli or Zluté Lazne are wonderful options. The first contains a kids pool, adult outdoor & indoor pools, a large field to place towels, lots of food options (hot dogs, ice cream, langoš, etc.), & 2 waterslides! The second is within nature & swimming mainly takes place in the river; however, there is a place to play ping pong, and events constantly occur, as well as pubs & cafes, among other facilities. Paddle is an activity recently discovered — the only place I know of is “Tennis & Padel Club Sandy,” & for 2 hours with friends, it is a great way to pass the time. The only issue is that it is on the pricier side & quite far from the centre. Finally, volleyball. We do not have a beach in Prague, but we still play typical beach summer sports! Rent a court in Ladronka or other places easily found online & enjoy.
Have a safe & fun summer in Czechia!