Tour operator
Taste of Prague
A food tour company started in 2011 by a group of Prague friends, running small-group foodie tours, private tours and wine trips to Moravia.
Prague Steamboat Company
Prague's historic river company, founded in 1865, running sightseeing and dining cruises, trips to the zoo and restored paddle steamers from Rašínovo nábřeží.
At a glance
- Type
- River cruises and historic steamers
- Area
- Nové Město, Prague, Czech Republic
- Official site
- praguesteamboats.com
Good to know
- Historic paddle steamers
- Zoo cruise
- Dining cruises
- Day trips
Why we recommend it
The Prague Steamboat Company, Pražská paroplavební společnost, was founded in 1865 by the then mayor of Prague, František Dittrich, and is one of the oldest companies on the river. More than 150 years later it still runs boats from its pier on Rašínovo nábřeží, the New Town embankment between the Jirásek and Palacký bridges, close to the Náplavka. Its fleet includes two restored historic paddle steamers, the Vltava and the Vyšehrad, which were declared cultural monuments in 2013.
The company offers a wide range of cruises. The hour-long sightseeing cruise is the most popular, taking in the castle, Charles Bridge and the embankments from the water. Dining cruises include lunch on a glass boat, the Crystal Dinner and a dinner on board. Longer trips go beyond the city: there is a cruise downriver to Prague Zoo, a pleasant way to reach Troja, and seasonal excursions to Slapy, upstream through the Vltava valley, and to Mělník, where the Vltava meets the Elbe.
The paddle steamers are a highlight for anyone interested in transport history, and a trip on one of them is an experience that has changed little in a century. The company also runs a Museum of Steamboats aboard the Vyšehrad, open daily from May to September. Boats and catering can be hired for corporate events, private parties and weddings, and the company hosts events through the year.
The cruises suit families, couples, older visitors and anyone who wants a relaxing view of Prague. The zoo cruise is especially good with children, as it combines a boat trip with a day at the zoo, while the Slapy and Mělník excursions are a good choice for a slower day out of the city. Check the website for the current timetable, as longer trips run mainly in the warmer months, and book ahead for dining cruises.
The pier is on Rašínovo nábřeží, a few minutes' walk from Karlovo náměstí metro station on line B and from the Palackého náměstí tram stop. The Dancing House is just to the north, and on Saturday mornings the Náplavka farmers' market sets up on the same embankment, so it is easy to combine the market with a cruise.
Prague Steamboat Company FAQs
When was the Prague Steamboat Company founded?
In 1865, by Prague mayor František Dittrich.
Where do the boats leave from?
From Pier 2 on Rašínovo nábřeží, between the Jirásek and Palacký bridges.
Does the company run historic steamers?
Yes. The paddle steamers Vltava and Vyšehrad are restored and in service, and both are cultural monuments.
Can I take a boat to Prague Zoo?
Yes. The company runs a cruise to the zoo.
How long is the sightseeing cruise?
About an hour.
Are there trips outside Prague?
Yes. Seasonal cruises go to Slapy and Mělník.
Is there a steamboat museum?
Yes. The Museum of Steamboats on board the Vyšehrad is open daily from May to September.
How do I get to the pier?
Walk from Karlovo náměstí metro station on line B or take a tram to Palackého náměstí.