Czech firearms are of a high standard and there are several shooting ranges in Prague (also outdoors). Better than the name suggests is the Rambo Shooting Range, Za porícskou branou 7, Prague 8 (Tel: 22 31 37 12), where you can spend a few enjoyable hours.
Squash
As this sport becomes more and more popular, new squash courts are constantly being set up in Prague, however, the demand is still higher than the supply, and many courts are often fully booked for months.
The Squashové centrum, 15 Wenceslas Square (Tel: 224 00 92 32) has an unmatched central location. It has three seats and is open daily until 11 p.m. Clubs and balls can be borrowed there.
Tennis
Renting a tennis court outdoors (mostly clay courts) and in halls is possible for a fee. Most places have floodlights and are also open in the evening, some until 11 p.m. Reservations are necessary.
Tenisový klub Slávia Prague, Letná Park, Prague 7 (Tel: 233 38 40 33) has eight excellent sand courts with floodlights and indoor tennis courts with hard surfaces.
The Tenis Club, Strelecký Island (Ostrov), also rents tennis courts to non-members.
Other sports
At TJ Zizkov Prague, Císarský ostrov 76, Prague 6 (Tel: 287 84 76) you can ride with a companion for a fee and also use the pretty bridle paths in Stromovka Park for an additional fee. Booking in advance is recommended.
Ice skating
Ice skating is one of the most popular sports, but the ice stadiums are only open for a short time, mostly on weekends.
Good ice stadiums are Sportovní hala (HC Sparta), Za elektrármou 419, Prague 7 (Tel: 237 22 04) and Vokovice, Za lány 1, Prague 6 (Tel: 236 27 59).
From December, outdoor ice skating on the Divoká Sárka and Hostivar water reservoirs is also very popular. The picturesque surroundings and the many Grog sellers make this an attractive activity, but renting skates is problematic.
Swim
Since the public swimming pools are usually overcrowded and the water contains a lot of chlorine, the smaller swimming pools of the luxury hotels are often better.
The indoor pool in the Aréal Strahov Stadium, Olympijská, Prague 6 (Tel: 235 52 26) is used by competitive swimmers and also has a sauna. However, it is closed in July and August.
The YMCA, Na Porící 12 (Tel: 224 87 11 11), is also set up for eager swimmers and is open until 10 p.m.
Outdoor swimming in the water reservoirs outside of Prague is extremely popular, but these bathing areas are often contaminated and overcrowded.
Other sports
In sporting terms, the Czechs had their greatest successes in tennis, and Ivan Lendl, Martina Navrátilová and Jana Novotná are considered national sports heroes. It was also successful in 1998 when the Czech ice hockey team took first place at the Olympics. The multifunctional hall O2 Arena (Internet: www.sazkaarena.com) was built for the 2004 Ice Hockey World Championship and offers space for 18,000 spectators.
The Czech soccer team turned out to be a misunderstood figure at the 1996 European Championships when it reached the final. There is a very big rivalry in the domestic first division between Sparta Praha (Internet: www.sparta.cz) and Slávia Praha (Internet: www.slavia.cz). The third Prague team to play in the first division is FK Victoria Zizkov, who is based at Viktoria Zizkov Stadium, Seifertova Trída, Prague 3 (tel: 222 72 20 45). Sparta Praha play in the Toyota Arena, and Slávia Praha in the Evzena Rosického Stadium.
Tickets for sporting events are particularly easy at Ticketpro, Rytírská 31 (Tel: 224 81 80 80. Internet: www.ticketpro.cz), available. The ticket office is open Mon-Sun from 8.30am to 8.30pm.
Gyms
As everywhere in Eastern Europe, gyms are now opening on every corner, but most are only for members and have quite questionable supervision and support. The luxury hotels geared towards business people are usually more suitable.
The Fitness Club Intercontinental, Námestí Curieovych 43/5 (tel: 224 88 15 25) and the Fitness Center Hilton, Pobrezni 1, Prague 8 (tel: 224 84 29 13) are not only open to hotel guests. Both have a good selection of devices.
Gyms include the Body and Fitness Club, Bolzanova 7, Prague 1 (Tel: 224 22 73 96), the Fit Club Classic, Vladivostocka 1460/2, Prague 10 (Tel: 267 31 04 84 – booking an aerobics class one day in advance) and the Sport Centrum, YMCA, Na Porící 12 (Tel: 224 87 58 11).
Golf
There are few golf courses in the Czech Republic and the only 18-hole course in Prague is only available to members (although the better hotels may be able to help if you ask them in advance).
The Golf Club Prague, Plzeòská, Prague 5 (Internet: www.gcp.cz) has a 9-hole course and a driving range.
