Make waves in Prague: An updated guide to pools and swimming areas for 2023

This summer promises to be another hot one, but you can always cool off in one of Prague’s many pools and swimming areas. We've compiled a list ranging from natural swimming areas to fun parks with water slides.

For natural outdoor swimming areas, there is an interactive map showing the water quality based on the most recent tests by the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (KHS). Other pools should have water that has been treated with chlorine.

You should also check not only the hours and prices of the pools, but also what activities are allowed. Some pools are only for swimming laps in fixed lanes, and not for splashing around.

Biotop Radotín: This natural swimming pool, conveniently located near a bike path along the Vltava, shares space with a resort and bar. The water is cleaned by ecological methods, without chemicals. The main area is covered in grass. Outdoor showers and a children’s playground are also available. A sauna only operates in the fall and winter and will reopen in October.

[NEW] Koupaliště Džbán: The popular spot in Prague 6 has partially reopened under new management, with access to the natural swimming area from a new location. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the weather.

Koupaliště Lhotka: Located near the Novodvorská housing estate, this natural biotope surrounded by a green lawn opened in 2018 after a massive renovation. The 5,570 square meters of water reach a depth of 3.25 meters. Changing rooms, showers, refreshments, and a clubhouse are available.

Přírodní koupalistě Motol: The natural water reservoir with an area of 4,100 square meters has minimal services. Patrons in online reviews comment that time seems to have stopped and the place seems untouched by any modernization. But the water is clean and people can relax in peace, along with ducks who also use the pond.

Aquadream: A large swimming complex in Barrandov offers a 25-meter indoor pool and water slides, plus an outdoor pool and play area complete with sunbathing meadow, paddling pool and mini-golf, beach volleyball, skittles, petanque rental, and refreshments.

Aquapalace Praha: This massive complex on the outskirts of Prague in the Průhonice-Čestlice commercial zone is pricey and packed but still a large draw not only for locals but also tourists. It ranks on Trip Advisor as one of Prague’s top amusements. The main attraction is its Outdoor Wild Water River.

ČEZ plavecký stadion Podolí: Over 50 years old, this relic of the past has two outdoor pools and a huge grassy lawn full of sunbathers. The whole area is flanked by a massive set of metal bleachers, a unique sight for swimmers.

Koupaliště Divoká Šárka: Possibly the city’s quietest, most scenic outdoor pool has two pools: the standard pool and the invigorating icy-cold and stream-fed pool. The water is treated with a minimal amount of chlorine. For children, there is a wading pool, trampoline, swings, slides, and climbing frames. This complex offers a variety of water attractions as well as pétanque, table tennis, netball, and volleyball. Lockable cabins can be rented.

Koupaliště Klánovice: Inviting sun chairs, a grassy beach, playgrounds, trampolines, and beach volleyball make this venue in Prague 9 a great place to spend an afternoon. The complex also has mini-golf, trampolines, and volleyball.

Koupaliště Ládví: The renovated pool re-opened in 2014. Visitors will also find pétanque and ping pong courts, a large restaurant, and sunbathing lawns on the grounds.

Koupaliště Petynka: In Střešovice in Prague 6 you can find a 50-meter pool plus a 103-meter tobogán run, aquazorbing, volleyball, and a trampoline.

Koupaliště Stírka: Located in Kobylisy, this is one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in Prague. It has given bathers the opportunity to take the plunge for over 60 years. For those who rely on public transport, it is just a few hundred meters from the Kobylisy metro station.

Plavecký a sportovní areál Hloubětín: An outdoor summer pool joins two indoor salt-water pools that operate year-round. Special features include a diving training center.

Plavecký stadion SK Slavia: The indoor swimming old-fashioned complex in Vršovice has an outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months. Enjoy a 50-meter pool as well as the children’s pools that are situated outdoors.

Pražačka: The outdoor pool area is one of the most popular parts of this Žižkov sports complex in the summer. The pool is open until 9:30 p.m. on weekdays for those in need of a refreshing post-work swim.

Aquacentrum Šutka: Prague’s state-of-the-art swimming facility features a 50-meter indoor pool with eight lanes and a 300-seat grandstand. It also offers a whirlpool, wild river, two water slides, waterfall, relaxation pool, children's wading pool, and a water bar. For wellness enthusiasts, the complex has two Finnish saunas with outdoor cooling pools and two steam baths.

Aquacentrum Letňany Lagoon: Alongside a 25-meter pool, this water center offers a range of attractions such as an 86-meter water slide, a fun pool with massage jets and a wild channel, a pool with air and water massages, and aquazorbing. The center also features a relaxation area with a sauna, cooling pool, steam room, and whirlpool. Additionally, there is a fitness room, aerobics, and spinning classes.

Sportovně relaxační areál Jedenáctka: In Chodov in Prague 11 you can find a 25-meter indoor pool plus a “water world” with a 42-meter curving slide and water spout, a children’s pool, and whirlpools. The complex also has a multi-function sports hall.

[NEW] Výstaviště Holešovice: The six-lane pool, maintained at a temperature of 26 degrees, will be open in the latter half of July and throughout August. It is intended for exercise, and not splashing around. Two saunas are also available at the pool complex.

Plovárna Baden Baden: You can swim at your own risk in the Vltava until the end of September at this renewed cultural and sports area on Štvanice ostrov. There are also some evening concerts and events. The island is accessible from Hlávkův most, and later this summer via a new footbridge.

Kayak Beach Bar: The waterfront Kayak Beach Bar provides space for beach volleyball matches, beach soccer, tennis, fitness, yoga, or pétanque. The court is lit at night. The bar area offers light refreshments and also the possibility of renting kayaks or paddleboards. There is no swimming, though.

Hostivařská přehrada: In addition to swimming and sunbathing, this area in a forested park offers slides, trampolines, pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. There is also a section for nude sunbathing and swimming.

Žluté lázně: An urban beach resort on the banks of the Vltava offers grassy and sandy beaches, several beach volleyball courts, restaurants, and cultural events. A large splash and kiddie pool area is popular with local parents. The entire complex is barrier-free.

Gutovka: Prague’s first so-called water world boasts 15 water elements, as well as beach volleyball, a climbing wall, mini-golf, and a skate park.

Malešice park: The water pumps, dykes, mill wheels, and cascades are typically the biggest hit with kids at this renovated park. People also come to run, skate, or just picnic and relax.

Max van der Stoel park: A fairly new park in Prague commemorates the support shown to Czech dissidents by the late Dutch politician Max van der Stoel. The central focus of the park is a long, linear water feature. Children can also enjoy balance blocks, a rope pyramid, or a barefoot trail.