Where to Charge Your Phone Outdoors in Prague

Michal B.

April 17, 2025

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3 min read

Whether you’re visiting Prague for its iconic landmarks, wandering its charming streets, or snapping photos on Charles Bridge, running out of battery can quickly put a damper on your adventure. With increased reliance on smartphones for maps, translations, and cashless payments, knowing where to recharge on the go is vital.

If you find yourself low on battery while enjoying the Czech capital, don’t worry—here are the best ways and places to charge your phone outdoors in Prague in 2024.

1. Public Phone Charging Points and Smart Benches

Smart Benches (Chytré lavičky)

Prague has installed several smart benches in popular outdoor areas, combining a place to relax with the convenience of phone charging. Most of these benches use solar power and include both USB ports and wireless charging pads.

‍Popular Locations:

‍Letná Park: Offers stunning city views and benches with charging options.‍
Střelecký Island (Střelecký ostrov): A scenic spot on the Vltava River, popular for picnics and summer events.‍
Karlín & Holešovice Neighborhoods: Modern, tech-friendly districts with several smart benches.‍
Vyšehrad Gardens: Enjoy history and greenery while topping up your phone.

Look for benches labeled “Citiq” or “Smart Bench/Chytrá lavička.” Charging is free and uses solar power, but it can be slower than traditional wall outlets.

“Smart Points” Charging Totems

The city has also introduced occasional solar-powered “Smart Points”—standalone structures offering USB charging and sometimes WiFi in popular tourist zones, including:

‍Prague Castle Gardens
Kampa Park
Náplavka riverfront (especially during summer events and markets)

2. Outdoor Cafés, Beer Gardens & Food Courts

Many Prague cafés and even some traditional beer gardens now feature outdoor seating with accessible power outlets or USB charging stations:

‍Manifesto Market (Florenc & Anděl): Modern food markets with communal tables and charging points.‍
Žluté Lázně (Yellow Spa): A summer riverside area with bars and charging spots.‍
Prague’s Larger Starbucks: Outdoor terraces often have outlets available; just ask staff for the nearest option.

Honest Tip: Bring your USB cable and, if possible, a small power adapter.

3. Popular Shopping Streets & Malls

Large shopping centers near outdoor tourist hotspots offer charging stations, sometimes with outdoor access:

‍Palladium Mall (Náměstí Republiky)
Quadrio (Národní třída)
Westfield Chodov
Nový Smíchov (Anděl area)

Most malls have dedicated “Charging Zones,” typically on the ground floor or near food courts, where you can sit outside or right by the entrances.

4. Public Libraries and Cultural Spaces

Some of Prague’s outdoor library terraces and reading gardens have plugs:

‍Prague Municipal Library (Mariánské náměstí): Outdoor reading room with accessible sockets (May–September).‍
Centrum architektury a městského plánování (CAMP): Urban courtyard with seating, WiFi, and occasional USB outlets.‍

5. At Outdoor Events and Festivals

In summer, most large public markets, music festivals, and open-air events (like those on Náplavka or in Riegrovy Sady) set up charging stations or lockers. Look for branded “charging bikes” (man-powered chargers) or power banks for free rental with a deposit.

Essential Tips for Phone Charging Outdoors in Prague

‍Bring Your Cable & Universal Adapter: USB-A to USB-C/lightning cables are standard at charging stations and benches.‍
Consider a Power Bank Rental: Services like Dobijmat let you rent portable batteries from vending machines in metro stations, malls, and participating restaurants—return them at any partner location.‍
Keep Your Device Secure: Never leave your phone unattended while charging in busy outdoor spaces.

Good to Know

Public charging points are generally safe, but always keep an eye on your phone.
Many city-center facilities, even if primarily outdoors, have designated indoor spots for faster charging.
If you’re out of options, friendly café or restaurant staff are usually willing to help if you purchase something, even for takeaway.

With these resources and a little planning, running out of phone battery won’t interrupt your discovery of magical Prague—so you can keep snapping, navigating, and sharing every moment!

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about charging your phone in Prague.

Are public charging stations in Prague free to use?

Most public charging stations in Prague are free to use. Solar benches, smart city poles, and charging points in public libraries and cultural institutions typically offer complimentary charging. In commercial venues like cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers, charging is generally free for customers. Some transport hubs like the airport may have a mix of free stations and paid options (usually coin-operated). If using a charging station at a café or restaurant, it's considered good etiquette to purchase something, even if there's no official requirement to do so.

What type of plugs do the charging stations use?

Most public charging stations in Prague offer standard USB Type-A ports, which work with most charging cables. Newer installations, particularly at transport hubs and shopping centers, increasingly provide USB-C ports as well. Some locations also offer wireless charging pads compatible with phones that support Qi charging technology. Traditional power outlets in the Czech Republic use the standard European Type C/E sockets (two round pins), so if you're planning to use your own plug adapter, ensure it's compatible with European outlets. Smart benches typically only offer USB ports, not standard power outlets.

Is it safe to use public charging stations in Prague?

While public charging stations in Prague are generally safe, it's always wise to take precautions against potential security risks like "juice jacking" (data theft through charging ports). To stay safe: (1) Use a USB data blocker (also called a "USB condom") that prevents data transfer while charging. (2) Consider charging your device while powered off or in airplane mode. (3) Always use your own charging cable rather than ones provided at stations. (4) Avoid charging devices that contain sensitive information in unsupervised areas. Official charging stations in areas like the airport, municipal buildings, and major shopping centers typically have security measures in place.

How long does it typically take to charge a phone at these stations?

Charging times vary depending on the station and your device. Most public USB charging ports in Prague provide standard 5V/1A or 5V/2.1A output, which means they charge more slowly than modern fast chargers. Expect about 20-30% battery increase per hour of charging. Solar benches may charge even more slowly, especially on cloudy days. Some newer stations in transport hubs and shopping malls offer fast charging capabilities, which can provide up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes for compatible devices. To maximize efficiency, consider putting your phone in airplane mode or powering it off entirely while charging.

What should I do if a charging station isn't working?

If you encounter a non-functioning charging station: (1) Try a different port on the same station, as some may work while others don't. (2) Check if your charging cable works by testing it elsewhere or trying a friend's cable. (3) For solar-powered stations, performance may be reduced during cloudy weather or at night—try an indoor alternative instead. (4) For stations in public venues like libraries or shopping centers, you can report malfunctioning equipment to staff. (5) Have a backup plan by knowing the location of other nearby charging options using apps like ChargeHub or Plugshare. (6) Consider carrying a small power bank for emergencies.

Are there charging options available at night in Prague?

Yes, there are several charging options available during nighttime in Prague: (1) 24-hour establishments like McDonald's, certain Starbucks locations, and select gas stations. (2) Hotel lobbies, even if you're not a guest, often have accessible outlets. (3) Some public transport hubs like Praha hlavní nádraží (Main Railway Station) offer 24-hour charging facilities. (4) Major nightclubs and late-night bars may allow charging if you ask staff. (5) Some modern solar benches store energy during the day and remain operational at night. (6) 24-hour shopping centers like Palladium or Chodov provide outlets throughout their food courts and common areas. Keep in mind that charging outdoors at night may present security concerns, so indoor options are generally safer.

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Michal B.

Michal has been born in Prague and living there for more than 30 years. His favorite neighborhoods are Brevnov and Hradcany. Even though he knows Prague a lot, he loves just getting lost there and imagine he's a tourist.