Prague Boats

Prague Boats has been running cruises on the Vltava since 1993 and is one of the largest river operators in the city. Its ticket office and main pier are on Dvořákovo nábřeží, the Old Town embankment by the Čechův Bridge, and its fleet includes glass-roofed boats for dining cruises and newer electric catamarans. Seeing the city from the river is one of the easiest ways to take in the castle, Charles Bridge and the embankments, and it makes a relaxing break between days of walking.

The simplest option is the 50-minute sightseeing cruise, which passes the main riverside sights and runs through the day, with evening departures when the city is lit up. For a longer trip, the grand cruise covers more of the river. Lunch cruises on the glass boats last about two hours, while the Crystal Dinner and the dinner cruise last around three hours, combining a meal with views of the illuminated city. In the Advent season there are special sightseeing cruises of about an hour, and on New Year's Eve a three-hour cruise on the Agnes de Bohemia.

One of the most appealing trips uses small eco-friendly boats to enter Čertovka, the Devil's Channel, a narrow millrace that separates Kampa Island from the Lesser Town and passes under small bridges and old water wheels. The company also runs an evening eco-cruise with a glass of prosecco and a Beer Story Tour that combines a river cruise with Czech beer. Private and corporate events, weddings and team events can be arranged on request.

River cruises suit almost everyone: families with children, older visitors who want to rest their legs, couples looking for a romantic evening and groups. Book online in advance for dinner cruises and in busy seasons, and check your booking confirmation for the boarding pier, as some cruises leave from other points. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Dress warmly in the cooler months, even on covered boats.

The Dvořákovo nábřeží pier is a short walk from Staroměstská metro station on line A and from the Pařížská and Jewish Quarter area. The Čechův Bridge leads across the river to Letná Park, so you can combine a cruise with a walk up to the viewpoint at the Metronome.