7 Beautiful Prague River Cruise Options [2023]
The enchanting city of Prague Czech Republic, where history and beauty merge seamlessly along the banks of the Vltava River.
Why a Prague river cruise is worth every moment…
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that encompasses stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and a touch of romance, then hop aboard a Prague boat tour.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, these Prague river cruises offer a unique perspective on the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking views and immerse yourself in centuries of fascinating history.
I will share the best river cruises in Prague and why embarking on a leisurely Prague cruise along the picturesque Vltava should be at the top of your travel itinerary.
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7 Best Prague River Cruises
1. Sightseeing Dinner Cruise on Open-Top Glass Boat
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
Indulge in the mesmerizing view of Prague’s historic landmarks illuminated against the night sky, including the iconic Prague Castle.
Experience this enchanting buffet Prague dinner cruise on a modern open-top glass boat, where style meets the city’s timeless beauty.
Prague Cruise River: What’s included
- Buffet dinner with a wide selection of Czech and international dishes
- Welcome drink (glass of Prosecco)
- Live music during the cruise
- Online audio commentary and a map available in multiple languages
River Cruise Prague: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 6 hours in advance for a full refund
- Wheelchair accessible
- This is an evening activity
- Guaranteed seating based on the option selected
- Access to insulated deck and open deck for photo opportunities
“The music and sightseeing were excellent. We had exclusive tickets along the windows. Unobstructed views were worth the extra $. Two musicians were so talented and engaging. The food was ok not great. Service was good. We will always remember this special night.”
Laura of Canada
2. Historical River Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes
Leisurely cruise Prague river while listening to an informative audio guide, unveiling the stories of Prague Castle and the illustrious Charles Bridge that unfold before your eyes.
Boat trip Prague: What’s included
- Audio guide in 19 languages (English, Spanish, Turkish, Korean, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian)
- One drink (choose from beer, soda, water, tea, coffee, or mulled wine during winter)
- Traditional gingerbread in winter or ice cream in summer
- Entry ticket to Charles Bridge Museum
Prague Boat Trips: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Not Wheelchair accessible
- The boats depart every 15 minutes
“This was a surprisingly excellent tour, you start Charles Bridge under the bridge and you are offered free drinks each which was so refreshing, once onboard they offered us either a free ice-cream or ginger bread. The boat is a small traditional wooden boat and it’s excellent to see and get close up look at the bridge and also the canal with water mill so better than getting a big boat.
Tour guide was excellent, you also given an audioguide as you travel around the river. You then can visit the museum as part of your ticket so over all excellent value for money, great views and great service.”
Jay of Ireland
3. Vltava River Lunch Cruise in an Open-Top Glass Boat
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Leisurely cruise Prague river while listening to an informative audio guide, unveiling the stories of Prague Castle and the illustrious Charles Bridge that unfold before your eyes.
Boat Ride Prague: What’s included
- Buffet lunch with Aperitif
- Online audio commentary and online map available in 6 languages (Czech, English, Spanish, German, Chinese, and Russian)
- Live music onboard
Prague Boat Tours: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Wheelchair accessible
- There is a maximum number of people per booking for the window option. If your group is bigger, then please place another order, but you might not be sitting together
- The boats depart every 15 minutes
“It might seem a bit expensive, but from all the boats that do this kind of journey, this one is definitely the fanciest one. The buffet is absolutely worth the money and I can also highly recommend paying a bit extra for a window seat. You won’t regret it 😉”
Jerry of UK
4. Vltava River Sightseeing Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 3.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Why not take a river sightseeing cruise to gaze upon the iconic Prague Castle, the historic Charles Bridge, the charming Kampa Island, the majestic Vyšehrad Rock Castle, and other splendid Prague highlights—all from a unique and enchanting waterborne perspective.
River Cruises Prague: What’s included
- Online audio commentary and online map
Prague Boats: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Wheelchair accessible
- Some past travellers have commented that sometimes the boat gets caught at the locks and can’t move
“The ship was beautifully kept and the 2 hour cruise was very relaxing. We enjoyed drinks onboard which were served at our table and paid our tab near the end of the cruise. We had a table for 2 by the windows and had a great view of the city from our seats. We would definitely recommend this trip if you have a spare few hours in Prague.”
Lynn of UK
5. Jazz Boat Cruise with Concert
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
Immerse yourself in the sensory delights of Prague! Listen to the rich melodies of quality jazz while cruising through the heart of the city.
The Jazz Aperitif Cruise commences at 5 PM, elevate your experience further by savouring a meal onboard.
Boat Trips in Prague: What’s included
- Live jazz music
- 3-course dinner (only if option chosen)
Prague Boats: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Wheelchair accessible
- At some tables, you may be seated together with other guests
- The open upper deck of the boat has a roof cover and retractable plastic side covers in case of a bad weather
“We elected to sit in the upper deck without the optional dinner. It was a perfect choice for us. The music was very good, but not too loud since we were not in the same room as the band. Small group of people, so no big crowd on a boat.
Prague at night from the river is one of the most beautiful sights. We drank wine and enjoyed the great weather and views. Highly recommend if you are looking to cruise the river in Prague.”
Karen of USA
6. Swimming Beer Bike on A Cycle Boat
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
Cruise along the river on the exclusive cycle boat, savouring ice-cold premium Czech beer as you pedal. Unparalleled river views while pedalling on the only cycle boat in Europe.
It’s a unique experience that combines refreshing drinks, active fun, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable activity. A must for a group of friends or as a way to meet other travellers.
Boat Party Prague Tour: What’s included
- Choose one: unlimited Czech Budvar beer, 7 bottles of Prosecco, or 15L of cider
- Bartender/Captain
Best Boat Tour Prague: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Don’t forget to bring your ID
- If choosing the Prosecco or cider option, contact the local partner prior to your trip or put it into the comments of the tour package when booking
“Had a blast on this trip – would definitely recommend for stag or hen trip.”
Ross of UK
7. Boat Ride to the Zoo and Admission Ticket
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
This just might be the best boat tour in Prague for families!
Head to the Prague Zoo by boat, accompanied by a guide. Upon reaching the zoo, enjoy seeing all of the varieties of wild and rare animals.
River Cruises to Prague: What’s included
- Live tour guide on the boat (German, English, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish)
- Zoo entry ticket
- Drink and snack on the Prague cruise
- Ticket for public transport back to the city
Prague Boat Tours: Things to Know Before Booking
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Don’t forget your camera and wear comfortable shoes
“It was a great day overall. Martin, our guide, was a great guy and told us many things during the boat ride. The zoo is huge and has so many animals to see. The only thing I would change would be the time of the beginning of the tour. It it was earlier there would be more time to spend in the zoo. Despite that I recommend 100% this tour and choose Martin as your tour guide!”
Catarina of Portugal
Why a River Cruise in Prague is Worth Every Moment
- Mesmerizing Panoramic Views: As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Vltava River, prepare to be captivated by this UNESCO-listed city with its postcard-perfect vistas that unfold before your eyes. Marvel at Prague Castle majestically perched on Hradčany Hill, Charles Bridge stretching across the river like a work of art, and the colourful facades lining both banks. A river cruise offers an unbeatable vantage point to take in these panoramas while enjoying a refreshing breeze.
- Unveiling Architectural Gems: Prague’s architectural treasures are best appreciated by its waterways. From Gothic marvels such as St. Vitus Cathedral to Baroque beauties like St. Nicholas Church, each landmark reveals its true splendour when viewed from afar during a river cruise. The seamless blend of styles showcased in buildings like Dancing House in New Town and Vyšehrad Fortress will leave you awestruck.
- Leisurely Exploration: A river cruise allows you to relax and soak up the city’s charm without worrying about navigating busy streets or getting lost in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Sit back on deck with your favourite beverage in hand or enjoy some delicious local cuisine while effortlessly drifting past iconic sites—no maps required! It’s an ideal way to unwind and truly appreciate all that Prague has to offer.
- Unique Perspectives at Different Times: Whether it’s an afternoon delight or under moonlit skies, each time of day presents a different ambiance during a river cruise. Daytime cruises offer vibrant views and the chance to witness Prague’s bustling life, while evening cruises provide a romantic setting with illuminated landmarks casting their magical glow upon the water. Choose the timing that suits you best and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
- Cultural Enrichment: Most river cruises in Prague include informative audio guides or live commentary, offering fascinating insights into history like the Jewish Ghetto, culture and interesting facts about the city.
FAQs About Prague River Cruise
What will I see during a Prague river cruise?
During a Prague river cruise, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, and the Dancing House, all beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Are Prague river cruises guided?
Yes, most Prague river cruises are guided. Knowledgeable guides provide commentary in multiple languages, sharing historical and cultural insights about the city’s attractions.
How long do Prague river cruises last?
The duration of Prague river cruises varies. Daytime cruises can last around 1 to 2 hours, while dinner cruises often extend to 2 to 3 hours, allowing time for both dining and sightseeing.
Are Prague river cruises available year-round?
Yes, many river cruises operate year-round. The experience changes with the seasons, offering the chance to enjoy Prague’s beauty from the water in different contexts.
Are Prague river cruises affected by weather conditions?
Weather conditions can impact river cruises. Cruises may be cancelled or rescheduled during adverse weather. It’s best to check with the operator before your planned cruise.
As a Holidaymaker
Enjoy your Prague river tour. I have no doubt it will be a highlight of your trip!
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