10 Cool-Down Tips for When It Feels Like Prague Is Melting

According to meteorologists, today should be the hottest on the books this summer, reaching a tropical 38°C. And since we know how most of the country feels about air-conditioning, try these tips for keeping cool in the Czech capital, no AC required:

Step Into Prague’s First Polarium

Photo: Kryocentrum / Facebook

A blast of arctic air isn’t just a panacea for Prague’s steamy weather, it’s also meant to have restorative properties say the founders of Kryocentrum in Prague 4. Cool off while treating fatigue and boosting immunity with a visit to these icy chambers where temps are kept at -110°C to -130°C. One visit is 360 CZK.

Ride Out the Day On an Air-Conditioned Tram

The Prague transit authority recently announced that it would be adding more air-conditioned models (buses and trams) to its fleet. Currently, there are 80-plus trams with AC—but how to spot them? Look out for the ForCity 15T model trams (white stripes on the sides, a yellow-orange color in the front) with a snowflake sticker on the door. We have experienced this mild cooling effect on the #20 and #22 trams.

Descend into Grottoes, Caverns, Crypts—Beer In Hand

Photo: Beer Club U Kunstatu / Facebook

The coldest cave in the Czech Republic is at Chýnov Caves in South Bohemia—closer to Prague are the Koněprusy Caves. But there’s no shortage of underground retreats in the Czech capital. Explore the Nuclear Bunker Museum, hide out in the grotto at Grébovka, linger in the deepest metro station (Náměstí Míru, located 52 meters underground), or visit the restored 11th-century crypt at Beer Club U Kunstatu with an ice-cold craft beer in hand.

Chill at the Cinema on the Cheap

Image: Kino Aero / Facebook

While Prague art house cinemas aren’t always air conditioned, they are dark, quiet, and far away from the blazing pavements and concrete buildings of scorching-hot Prague. Kino Aero kicks off its Prague film summer series today, admission is just 40 CZK!

Chase the Sprinkler Truck

Sprinkler vehicles are dispatched when temperatures exceed 25°C over a minimum of three consecutive days or when increased concentrations of ground-level ozone and heavy dust are present. See here for more on when and where the truck makes its rounds.

Shade Yourself In a Shopping Arcade

Photo: Dům U Nováků / Wikipedia Commons @ŠJů

Prague’s historic shopping arcades are a nice spot to hide out on a heat-intensive day. Among our favorites are Palác Lucerna and Dům u Nováků—hang out with a giant iced espresso from Kavovarna at the former, or contemplate existential misery at Řehoř Samsa (Gregor Samsa) bookstore/cafe in the latter.

Combine Ice Cream + Booze for Heat Relief

We recently sampled a number of Prague’s drunken cold-dairy delights, include boozy freakshakes and prosecco with a dip of sorbet; our week was definitely better for it, though perhaps not our waistlines. See Prague’s Dreamiest Ice Cream Cocktails.

Try Prague’s Newest Watersport on the Vltava

Photo: Pltka Board / Facebook

Stand-up paddle board rentals in Prague are picking up popularity and possibly feel less cheesy than a river jaunt on a giant swan. Rent one, complete with instruction, at Plťka Boards on Střelecký ostrov (Shooter’s Island) and go for a cool, leisurely float or try yoga class on the water. More info here.

Take an Icy Plunge

The chilliest swimming experience in Prague is said to be the invigorating icy-cold and stream-fed pool at Divoká Šárka. For more swimming spots see our article Poolside In Prague. 

Lemonade, Lemonade, Lemonade

Photo: Coffee and Riot / Facebook

An icy cucumber or ginger limonada is a summertime staple at many a Prague cafe. One that currently makes a delightfully refreshing lemonade is Coffee and Riot where specialties include sage and strawberry, mango with chili, or mint and lavender. In the mood for something stronger? Try blueberry lemonade with Latvian vodka.

Additional tips for spending a shady day: Prague Gardens, Prague Cafe Gardens, Prague Swimming Lakes, Prague Ice Cream, Beer Gardens, and Prague Beaches.