The Vltava River flows right through Prague, and thanks to its network of locks and sluices, it remains navigable year-round. This means you can enjoy a boat cruise whether it’s summer or winter, experiencing the city’s stunning landmarks from an entirely different perspective.
I’ve been on a Prague boat at least ten times, experiencing everything from sightseeing tours and a stunning cruise through Čertovka to evening dinner cruises, lively party boats, private corporate events, and even trips with my kids to the zoo. I’ve also ridden the local ferry – a regular service costing just a few crowns that many locals use to cross between the riverbanks.
Boat parties are fantastic – they offer a completely different kind of celebration that I absolutely love. Dinner cruises, however, tend to be less intimate because of the constant flow of people snapping photos and videos. If you can ignore that, the cruise can be truly magical. The buffet-style food may detract somewhat from the experience, and its quality often doesn’t match that of an à la carte restaurant. I’ll share more of my experiences below.
Which Cruise Should You Choose?
Prague boat tours serve two main types of tourists:
- Mainstream Tourists: Companies such as Prague Boats, Prague Venice, and River Trips Prague offer mass-market cruises. These options cater to the majority of tourists by delivering a solid experience at an affordable price. Among them, Prague Boats has modern boats and is the largest and most widely available option.
- Luxury and Private Tourists: If you’re looking for a more personalized and upscale experience, several companies offer private cruises – such as Presidential Cruises and Prague Private Boat. These services provide luxurious vessels, exclusive service, and premium catering.
While standard boat cruises are affordable and enjoyable even when shared with many other passengers, private and premium options typically start at around €40 per person, with prices averaging closer to €80 per person per hour for an exclusive experience.
Sightseeing Cruises
Classic sightseeing cruises in Prague are typically offered in two durations: one-hour and two-hour tours. In a one-hour cruise, you’ll see the city’s most important landmarks.
I recommend choosing one of the following three options:
- One-Hour Cruise with Prague Boats: This tour features a boat equipped with a panoramic roof, giving you views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge (which you’ll pass under twice), and the Rudolfinum. Priced at €18, it includes an online audio commentary that explains the sights along the way. Free onboard WiFi lets you access the guide easily on your phone, and if you prefer, printed guides in 16 languages are available. Refreshments are served, and in good weather the roof opens to reveal a stunning panoramic view of Prague. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a boat cruise.
- 45-Minute Cruise with Prague Venice: Set sail on charming, small wooden boats. Departing from the dock beneath Charles Bridge, you’ll pass under the bridge several times, navigate the winding Čertovka, and glide past landmarks such as Prague Castle, Lesser Town, and the Rudolfinum. For €22, you receive light refreshments and an audio guide available in 19 languages. I particularly love this option for its iconic journey through Čertovka. Boats depart approximately every 15 minutes.
- Two-Hour Cruise with Prague Boats: If you have more time and want to fully experience Prague from the water, this two-hour tour is an excellent choice. It covers most of the major sights, and by passing through a lock chamber – which lifts the boat several meters – it allows you to venture further upstream. In addition to Lesser Town, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Rudolfinum, you’ll also see the National Theatre, Petřín, the Dancing House, Vyšehrad, the Podolí Waterworks, Vyšehrad Bridge, and Mánes along the upper Vltava. Priced at €24, it offers a comprehensive view of the city. An online audio guide (accessible via free onboard WiFi) is provided, with printed guides available in 16 languages. The cruise departs twice daily at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This is my personal favorite if you have the time to spare.
Map of Recommended Cruises: See What Awaits You:
My tips:
- Prague Boats provides free WiFi on board.
- Prague Boats does not guarantee a specific vessel for each cruise. If you have a preference, check the daily schedule on the Czech version of their website – which lists cruise types, boat names, and departure times – to help ensure you get the boat you want. (The English version of website does not offer this detail.)
- You can also use the online city guide provided by Prague Boats as you explore the city – whether on foot or aboard another boat.
- When passing under Charles Bridge, have fun with the echo by calling out your companion’s name.
- In the summer, enjoy a glass of prosecco or champagne on board – the experience of cruising with a refreshing drink in hand is simply exquisite.
I will tell you more about lunch or dinner cruises later. However, Prague Boats is essentially the first on mind option for cruise with food.
Prague Boats
Large boats can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 550 passengers and offer classic commercial cruises. You’ll see the main landmarks along the Vltava River at a relatively low cost while enjoying an unforgettable experience. I personally enjoy cruising on these larger vessels, even though you’ll be among many fellow passengers.
Small boats typically carry fewer passengers – often up to around 50 or even less. They’re used for private or semi-private cruises that are sometimes combined with guided tours, wine tastings, or similar experiences. Although these cruises tend to be more expensive, they offer a more personalized and immersive experience.
My ranking of boats in Prague:
The Largest and Most Modern Boat – Grand Bohemia
The new Grand Bohemia is hard to miss on the Vltava River. Stretching an impressive 75 meters while maintaining a low profile, it features a single, open deck with abundant glass panels for unobstructed views. A portion of the roof can retract to create an open deck just a few dozen centimeters above the water, delivering a fantastic cruising experience. Although it can accommodate up to 550 people, it can feel crowded; for dinner buffet cruises, the maximum is just over 300 guests – making it a large, elongated floating restaurant.
The Most Iconic Boat (Vodouch / Plavuně)
These wooden boats, with their simple and antique design, are truly beautiful. I especially love them because their journey starts under Charles Bridge – passing beneath it several times – before briefly venturing into the charming heart of old Prague via Čertovka, a dead-end branch of the Vltava. This cruise is not only iconic but also delightful, evoking the historic atmosphere of the city. On board, you’ll be served light refreshments, and if you manage to secure a seat at the front, you’ll capture some top-notch photos.
The Best Boat for a Date and Dinner
There once was a fantastic boat called Lužnice from Prague Boats, renowned for its elegant, luxurious interior and à la carte dining. I absolutely loved it, though I’m not sure if it’s still in operation. If you come across it, definitely book a dinner cruise and treat your significant other to a memorable date.
Prague Boats now operates two impressive new vessels – Agnes de Bohemia and Bohemia Rhapsody. These are among the most common sights on the Vltava River.”
The Most Common Sightseeing Boat
Three similar boats cruise on the Vltava – each with glass-covered exteriors and two decks. While the newest one is called Anna Carolina, they all offer a very similar experience. A standout feature is the glass-bottomed lower deck, which provides excellent views of the river, while the upper deck gives you the sensation of being in a lookout tower. It’s fantastic – within just an hour, you can see all the major sights.
The Most Unusual Boat
The most unusual boat in Prague is ElektroNemo. I haven’t had the chance to ride it yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list. While its solar-powered nature doesn’t particularly excite me, its bizarre, sci-fi, almost steampunk design certainly does. This small vessel accommodates 25 people and can even navigate the narrow Čertovka (Devil’s Canal).
The Cheapest Boat “Cruise”
The most affordable way to experience a boat ride in Prague is at Smíchov, where a small ferry shuttles between the two banks of the Vltava. Part of the city’s public transportation system, all you need is a regular ticket—costing just a few crowns. Known as line P5, the ferry stops right under the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the sightseeing cruises, give it a try. Although it isn’t a sightseeing cruise per se, you’ll still enjoy a pleasant ride from one bank to the other, catching a distant glimpse of Prague Castle and a closer view of Vyšehrad. The ferry runs every 20 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long.
The Most Premium Boat
According to my friends, the best boat experience in Prague comes from a small company that operates two vessels styled like luxury boats from the First Czechoslovak Republic. These boats are stunning – featuring dapper captains in crisp white uniforms and offering high-quality food and drinks. It’s pure luxury. I haven’t seen anything more beautiful on the Vltava. They even cater to special occasions like bachelor parties and marriage proposals. You spend an hour cruising while listening to engaging commentary about Prague, sipping champagne or prosecco, and enjoying light refreshments – a truly luxurious experience.
The Most Premium Yacht
The absolute pinnacle of Prague’s boat offerings is a luxury yacht for 10 people, complete with a bar and catering. I haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, but if you do, let me know what you think. Even from afar, it looks both massive and exceptionally luxurious on the Vltava.
Cruise Companies with Boats in Prague
Prague is home to several cruise companies offering a variety of boat experiences on the Vltava River. Here are some of the main ones:
- Prague Boats – prague-boats.cz – A well-known company offering a range of cruises—from sightseeing tours to dinner cruises – with a fleet that includes both modern and historical vessels to suit various preferences and budgets.
- Prague Venice – prazskebenatky.cz – Offers luxury river cruises with a focus on comfort and high-end service, providing a unique way to explore Prague and other European cities.
- River Trip – riverboatsprague.cz – One of the oldest operators in Prague, offering traditional steamboat cruises that provide a nostalgic experience with historical vessels.
- Prague Steam Boats – praguesteamboats.com – Known for intimate, private cruises on smaller vessels – ideal for romantic outings or private events.
- Parník – parnik.cz – Specializes in private boat rentals and exclusive experiences, offering tailored cruises for small groups – perfect for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
These companies offer a wide range of options, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect cruise to match their interests and budget.
Private Cruise Companies in Prague
Here are some private cruise companies in Prague, with my top recommendation first. The rest are worth considering based on your preferences.
- Presidential Cruises – presidentialcruises.com – Operates two premium boats for up to 10 people, specializing in private cruises, bachelor parties, and celebrity events.
- President Yacht – president-yacht.com – Offers two premium boats – one of the most luxurious in Prague for up to 10 people – focusing exclusively on private cruises.
- Prague Private boat – pragueprivateboat.com – Provides one luxury boat for up to 9 people, specializing in private cruises.
- YachtBoat Prague – cs.yachtboatprague.com – A smaller company offering a few modern boats, primarily focused on private cruises.
Special Cruises
Besides everything I’ve already mentioned, you can experience even more on the Vltava River, although these options might appeal to a niche audience.
Gondola
You can even enjoy a traditional Venetian-style gondola ride in Prague. Although the Vltava in the city center is wider and less intricate than the canals of Venice, the gondolier will guide you to some truly charming spots. If you love gondolas, give it a try.
Cycle Beer Boat
This boat accommodates about 10 people and requires you to pedal – like riding a bike – to move forward. The more people pedal, the faster and smoother the ride. It sounds simple, but since you’re also enjoying Czech beer, the combination of sunshine and a little alcohol can make pedaling more challenging. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to cruise among the sights. Here.
Jazz Boat
While this boat remains in the harbor, it offers live jazz concerts or other music performances on board—often accompanied by a food service. Check their website for more information.
There are also other ways to experience the Vltava – such as kayaking, pedal boating, paddle boating, inflatable rafts, paddleboards, and more.
Some other boats:
