With nearly 2.5 million visitors expected between June and August, Prague is preparing for another bustling summer!
Last year, the Czech capital welcomed 2.25 million tourists over the same period, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This year’s forecast, according to Klára Janderová, spokeswoman for Prague City Tourism, includes not only international travelers but also many domestic visitors, who typically makeup about one-fifth of Prague’s summer tourism and often explore areas beyond the city’s conservation zone.
Even with the seasonal surge, Prague still offers pockets of quiet charm that remain largely off the typical tourist radar. From leafy parks with sweeping views to cozy neighborhood cafes untouched by guidebooks, the city offers plenty of ways to escape the rush. And for those willing to go farther afield, the rest of Czechia is filled with scenic towns and cultural gems just a short train ride away.
Quiet Spots in Prague to Savor the Summer
While Prague’s Old Town Square and Prague Castle draw most of the attention — and foot traffic — locals know there are plenty of places to catch a break from the crowds without leaving the city limits.
One such place is Náplavka, the stretch of riverbank along the Vltava. The better-known side, near Palackého Bridge, bustles with pop-up bars, cafes on converted houseboats, and the popular Saturday farmers market, which attracts both locals and in-the-know tourists. Across the river in Smíchov, however, the opposite bank is undergoing a quiet transformation. With newly opened spots and more room to roam, this side offers similar views and ambiance with fewer people and more breathing room.
Tucked behind Prague Castle, Nový Svět (New World) charms with its cobbled lanes, quaint cottages, and peaceful atmosphere, a hidden village feel just steps from the city’s busiest landmark.
Green space is abundant in Prague, and several centrally located parks provide a welcome reprieve. Letná Park, set on a hill above the Vltava River, is a local favorite for its expansive lawns, panoramic views of the city’s many bridges, and its legendary beer garden that buzzes with conversation well into the summer evenings.
Nearby, Riegrovy Sady in the Vinohrady district offers a more relaxed vibe, with sloping lawns perfect for sunset picnics and distant views of Prague Castle. Tucked away in the residential neighborhood of Vršovice, Havlíčkovy Sady, which is also known as Grébovka, features a charming vineyard, ornate pavilions, and even a manmade grotto.
For a dose of history without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Prague Castle, Vyšehrad is a compelling alternative. Standing tall above the river on the city’s southern edge, this historic fortress is steeped in Czech legends and offers sweeping views, quiet gardens, and an atmospheric cemetery where many notable Czech figures are buried. Despite its cultural importance, Vyšehrad remains remarkably uncrowded.
Just beyond the city center, several neighborhoods offer a more authentic experience of Prague life.
Karlín, a formerly industrial district turned hip residential area, features tree-lined streets, boutique cafes, and Art Nouveau architecture. Adjacent Vršovice is less polished but full of character, with independent galleries, stylish bistros, and a creative spirit. Vinohrady, long favored by expats, blends leafy avenues with a cosmopolitan feel, making it a pleasant place to stay while still being within easy reach of the city’s major sights.
For those willing to venture a bit farther, Divoká Šárka on Prague’s western edge provides a surprising escape into nature. This rugged natural reserve offers hiking trails through rocky gorges, meadows, and forests. Despite its wild feel, it’s accessible by public transport in under 30 minutes from the city center.
Whether visitors want to slow down with a view, stroll through leafy neighborhoods, or take a hike that feels miles away from the crowds, Prague has no shortage of options, as long as you know where to look.
Where Else to Go Next in the Czech Republic
For those looking to broaden their itinerary beyond Prague, Czechia offers a variety of cities and towns worth exploring, all of which are easily accessible by train or bus. These destinations deliver rich history, vibrant culture, and fewer crowds, especially in the summer months.
Pilsen, about 90 minutes west of Prague, is best known as the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner Lager. The original Pilsner Urquell Brewery still offers tours that dive into its 180-year-old brewing tradition.
But the city offers more than just beer. Its historic center is home to one of the tallest cathedrals in the country, a maze of underground tunnels, and a lively square that hosts frequent festivals and farmers markets.
In the southeast, Brno stands as the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and one that proudly wears its distinct personality. Often overlooked in favor of Prague, Brno has a thriving café culture, a walkable old town, and a mix of modernist architecture and medieval landmarks, including the imposing Špilberk Castle. It’s also home to one of Europe’s best-preserved ossuaries (preserved chambers for storing bones) and an emerging tech scene that gives the city a youthful, creative energy.
Further east, Olomouc is a baroque gem with a laid-back atmosphere. Its compact city center features cobbled squares, historic churches, and ornate fountains. The town’s abundant student population typically clears out during the summer, making it especially peaceful. One caveat for travelers: the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Holy Trinity Column, is currently undergoing renovation, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
To the south, České Budějovice offers a taste of Czech brewing heritage and a slower pace of life. Home to the original Budweiser brewery (not to be confused with its American namesake), the city also boasts the second-largest town square in the country, ringed by pastel-colored facades and arcaded walkways. It’s a great base for day trips to nearby Český Krumlov or the scenic countryside of South Bohemia.
These destinations provide a deeper look at Czech culture — and a break from Prague’s summertime crowds — without straying too far from the capital.
Whether you stay in Prague or venture out, the Czech Republic promises rich experiences far from the usual tourist path. They’re just there waiting for you to be discovered.