Spring Has Sprung in Prague!

It's official, spring is here! Whether you have chosen to officially mark the beginning of the season by ways of the Spring Equinox on March 20th, Google's doodle on the same day, the Met Office who base their Spring on temperature measurements, or seeing the first lambs in the UK, either way, it's here. For me (and most of Prague), Spring is here when the beer garden at Riegrovy Sady opens! 

This official opening means only one thing, no more cramming into stuffy, smoky and overly heated pubs then freezing to death the moment you step outside. Long summer days and balmy summer evenings are upon us. So, of course, the moment I heard of this auspicious annual event off I popped with a spring in my step straight down there for a pivo or 2. Sadly, this visit could have been under better circumstances. I was here to wish my good Manc friend Jon goodbye (miss you and Laura already!), he was leaving to go back home, albeit a temporary move.

Being the disorganised mess I am, I managed to double book, but nevertheless 2 and a half hours later I was back on a bench, pivo in hand, ready to re assume my position for the inevitable all nighter that was to occur. We left around 11, marched to Harley's and spent the rest of the night in a Captain Morgan and coke haze, life is good!

So, moving on, once Riegrovy Sady has been conquered, how do you spend your summers in Prague? Well, I have a few favourite places.

Troja

Troja Chateau

In my opinion, this is the nicest part of Prague, situated in the hills to the North West of Prague. You can get the bus 112 from Holesovice metro station on the red line. Not only is there a really nice zoo, there's a rather grand looking chateau (pictured above), botanical gardens and a vineyard with a cafe where you can sample the produce. On a nice sunny day, it is perfect and there is a great view over the river, Stromovka park and the rest of Prague. This is my little gem, where I go to chill out. You can easily spend a whole day here and I never tire of it.

Sv Klara's Chapel, Troja botanical gardens and Vineyard.

Divoká Šárka

Looking down on Divoka Sarka.

Located just off Evropska going up towards the airport, it's easy to miss. Get off at bus / tram stop (bus 119, trams 20, 26) Divoka Sarka and once you enter it is hard to believe you are still in Prague. It has a lake, outdoor swimming pool, a pub and is a walkers / runners / cyclers paradise. 

One of the streams in Divoka Sarka.

Přírodní park Hostivař-Záběhlice

Another great park in Prague is in Hostivar, located on the outskirts of the southeast. Get there by catching the 22 or 26 tram. Also great for walkers, runners and cyclists it also has a man made beach on the lake. You can sunbathe, swim, or just eat and get drunk courtesy of the many pop up food and drunk outlets they have. If I remember rightly, the entrance fee to the beach area is around 50kc (about 1.50 GBP), the rest of the park however is free.

The lake in Hostivar park.

As I started this article it was a bright sunny day, now I have finished it begins to rain... Jinx much? :s

Do you have any other great ideas to spend your summer days in Prague that you would like to share with us? Let me know, speak below!