The winter sports scene in Prague isn’t all hockey and ice skating. There are plenty of indoor gaming and sporting spaces to let off some steam this winter season while keeping warm.
Badminton
Badminton has made a comeback in recent years, with a few places around Prague to play indoors. Hotel Olšanska has four indoor badminton courts that can be reserved for private play. Badminton rackets and shuttlecocks can be rented there too.
“Hotel Olšanska has one of the best indoor badminton courts I’ve ever been to,” said AAU student Trey Alioto.
Along with badminton, they have a professional table tennis room that can be reserved too. If you’re ready to relax after playing, Hotel Olšanksa has a swimming pool and sauna world, with a student discount for a visit.
“If you have a heated game, you can head to the spa right after,” said Alioto.
Billiards
One of the most popular pub sports has a dedicated club at Billiard Řipská in Vinohrady. With over 15 billiards tables, there are also three electronic dart machines in the front. Reservations are recommended to play billiards and darts.
“The drinks are relatively cheap; the whole place is great. It’s easy to get to, and it’s cash only, so it makes me feel like a local,” said Brooklyn Ferenc.
The billiards’ hall has plenty of room for larger groups of people to play and cocktails for 100 CZK.
“There’s a happy hour until 6; if you go and you want to play earlier, it’s cheaper,” said Ferenc, noting that for a regular pool table rental, it’s 115 CZK before 18:00 and 175 CZK following.
Board Games
If you’re looking for something less physically active, you can always sit down with friends for a board game at Bohemia Boards and Brews. Proclaiming to be Prague’s first board game café, they have weekly events and pub quizzes in Czech and English.
Each Sunday, Bohemia Boards and Brews hosts an open gaming night where anyone can join a game needing players. Instructions are available if you are new to the board gaming scene.
Bowling
The Victoria Bowling Bar is a four-lane bowling alley right off of the Victoria Žižkov tram stop. With a full bar, billiards tables, and darts, it is a cozy underground bowling alley good for small parties. Reservations are needed to go to both the bowling alley and bar.
If you are looking for affordable fun, Bowling Celnice, Dejvice, Kolín, and Bowling Smichov offer student discounts to bowl.
Swimming
Aquapark Barrandov is an indoor aqua center with a variety of pools and amenities for both kids and adults. They have hot tubs, a saltwater pool, and a lazy river not far outside of Prague. The Aquapark offers a discounted student rate for ISIC cardholders.
If you’re looking for a traditional gym space with an indoor pool, Sportcentrum YMCA is a great option for people closer to Prague’s center. With a badminton court, solarium, sauna, and workout classes, there are plenty of ways to maximize your me-time at the YMCA.
It can be difficult to stay motivated to exercise in freezing temperatures. Luckily, Prague’s indoor sporting and gaming scene can give locals some relief from the winter blues.
