Summer is up and cities across Europe have planted palm trees and trucked in tons of sand to urban riverfronts to create the feeling of a lazy day at the shore. Urban beaches are a hit and Momondo guides you to our favourites.
Prague
As the heart of Europe, Prague is known for many things – gothic architecture, pilsner, beautiful ladies, et al. – but its beaches are often overlooked as a means of cooling off on a hot summer day. Sure, cold pilsner pints help, but sometimes cool water and a socially acceptable reason to be semi-naked take off the edge off of summer. Like most Prague establishments, beer and food are typically available, and like many Prague parks, don’t stare and drop your tongue if you see ladies sunbathing topless. Dog-friendly Prague draws a line in the sand regarding canines, so remember to leave Spikey back at the flat, hotel, or hostel. Beach admission rates vary according to peak times and/or services used, and some locations offer reduced rates after 5:00pm.
O2 Zlute Lazne
Prague’s largest beach along the Vltava River provides a recreational area for table tennis, football, volleyball, petanque (a French form of outdoor bowling), climbing, or leisurely naps in a hammock. The recent addition of a children’s pool provides great balance to the beach’s restaurant (with beer garden), WiFi access, DJ sounds and, yes, even its nude section. Located on the Vltava’s eastern bank (under beautiful wooded cliffs) a few tram stops south of Vysehrad castle, Zlute Lazne provides something cool for anyone who’s hot. Tram 3, 16, 17, or 21 to Dvorce.
O2 ZLUTE LAZNE; Podolske nabrezi, Prague 4
Plavecky Stadion Podoli
On the eastern bank of the Vltava River, just south of Vysehrad castle and extremely close to beach 02 Zlute Lazne, Prague’s largest swimming pool facilities offer multiple competition-sized pools (two outdoor, one indoor) for diving, laps, or just plain splashing around. A large poolside sunbathing area (nestled beneath rocky cliffs) and interesting play equipment for children (paddle boats and waterslide) make Plavecky Stadion (Swimming Stadium) Podoli a unique summer experience. With a wellness/rehabilitation area onsite, amenities such as massage, solarium, and sauna are also available. Tram 3, 16, 17, or 21 to Dvorce.
PLAVECKY STADION PODOLI; Podolska 74, Prague 4
Smichovska Plaz
Photo: Mirka Nacinova
Closest to the center, on the Vltava River’s west bank, Smichovska Plaz is a small (200m long) beach with a nice restaurant/bar and a great view of the Prague cityscape. Petanque, badminton, volleyball, and a play area for children make the beach a cool hotspot by day, and live music (e.g., bands, DJs) and fantastic cocktails add to its nightly charm. Next to Botel Admiral, Smichovska Plaz is directly across the river from the Dancing Buildings.
SMICHOVSKA PLAZ; Horejsi nabrezi, Prague 5
Divoka Sarka / Vodni nadrz Dzban
Photo: Prague.eu
Vodni nadrz Dzban, the largest lake on Prague’s outskirts and part of a large nature reserve, is worth a visit, as it offers hiking, beaches, a children’s area, sports facilities, boat rentals, and also a nude area. If you prefer chlorine to lake water, try a 15 minute walk (via beautiful nature trails) to a swimming pool with table tennis and a restaurant. Whereas other Prague beaches are worth a hot afternoon or evening out, Divoka Sarka is perfect for an entire summer day in nature. From Dejvicka metro station, take a tram to Divoka Sarka stop.
DIVOKO SARKA / VODNI NADRZ DZBAN; Nad Lavkou 5, Prague 6
Go Further:
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Beach Life in Amsterdam
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Beach Life in New York
Beach Life in Madrid
Beach Life in London
Beach life in Copenhagen