Prague Boat Tours: How to Choose the Best River Cruise

Enjoy Prague from a new perspective, floating peacefully on the Vltava River. Boat tours are an excellent opportunity to discover Prague, relax, enjoy romance, good food, good music, or party hard.

Seeing Prague from the water just hits different. A boat tour is one of the nicest ways to enjoy Prague. You can sit back, relax, and watch the city go by from the calm waters of the Vltava River, which runs through the heart of the city. No crowds, no rushing, just beautiful views all around you.

You’ll see famous sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, and many more from a completely different angle. And whether you have one hour or a whole evening, there’s a cruise for every kind of traveler.

In this guide, I’ll help you choose the right boat tour for you. I’ll explain the different types, what to expect, and share a few tips (plus direct links) so you can book with confidence.

Let’s dive in! (To the article, not the Vltava River 😄)

What Kind of Boat Tours Can You Take?

Most boat tours in Prague fall into four main categories:

Short Sightseeing Cruises – Perfect for your first time in Prague and seeing Prague’s highlights in about an hour. Think of them as Prague’s greatest hits from the water – quick, affordable, and incredibly photogenic.

Lunch Cruises – A relaxing way to combine sightseeing with a nice meal aboard the boat. These 2-hour tours are ideal for a relaxed midday break with a view that beats any restaurant terrace in the city.

Evening Cruises – This is where things get interesting! You can choose from romantic dinner cruises with fancy food, lively jazz boat cruises with live music, or even party boats if you want to dance the night away. All with Prague’s illuminated skyline as your backdrop.

Private Cruises – Want the boat all to yourself? Private cruises are perfect for special occasions such as proposals, birthdays, or when you just want to avoid crowds and treat yourself to something nice.

And if you’re traveling with kids, make sure to keep reading, there’s one special cruise they’ll love!

Each cruise type has a different atmosphere, duration, and price, so the best choice depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a quick overview to help you compare.

Cruise Type	Duration	Meal Included	Best For	Typical Price
Short Sightseeing Cruise	1 hour	No or light snacks	First-timers, families	~€20
Lunch Cruise	2 hours	Yes (buffet)	Midday relaxation	~€50
Evening Cruise	2–3 hours	Yes (buffet, à la carte optional)	Romantic evenings, jazz lovers, party seekers	~€45–€80+
Private Cruise	2–3 hours	Drinks included (beer/prosecco), meals available on request	Celebrations, small groups, exclusive experiences	From ~€530 per group

Let’s take a closer look at each type of cruise so you can find the one that fits your travel style best.

1. Short Sightseeing Cruises (~1 Hour)

Short cruises are perfect if you’re visiting Prague for the first time and want to get a quick overview of where everything is without a big time commitment. You’ll enjoy the city’s highlights from the water, with beautiful views and zero walking required.

They’re also great if you just need a calm break during a busy sightseeing day. Sightseeing while comfortably seated? Yes, please! It’s a convenient option if you’re traveling with kids (they won’t get bored), or if your schedule is tight and you only have an hour to spare.

Budget travelers love these cruises too. For around €17–22, you get an hour of stunning views and photo ops. That’s probably less than what you’d spend on lunch!

What you will see

Most short cruises follow a similar route. You’ll start near the city center (usually near Charles, Čech, or Štefanik Bridge) and cruise up and down the river. The boat passes under several bridges, so you get to see Prague Castle from multiple angles.

You’ll see all the main sights – Prague Castle looking majestic from below, Charles Bridge from the best angle possible, and the colorful buildings along the riverbank. Some of the cruises will also take you to the “Devil’s” Channel (Čertovka) to the old mill wheel and water goblin statue.

Don’t worry about missing anything; there’s usually commentary pointing out the important buildings, covering some basic history, or a few fun facts. Some boats have audio guides, others have a live guide. Either way, you’ll learn a few interesting facts about what you’re seeing.

One thing to know: the route is pretty fixed. You won’t go very far up or down the river, so you’ll see the historic center really well, but not much beyond that.

What to Expect (And What Not to Expect)

These cruises keep things simple. You’ll get amazing views and some basic information about Prague’s history. Some boats also offer a drink or light snack on board, like beer or ice cream (either included or paid extra).

The commentary is usually pretty good, though it can feel a bit rushed since they’re covering a lot in just less than onehour. But honestly, you’re mainly there for the views anyway.

My Top Picks for Short Cruises

The short cruise is honestly a no-brainer if you’re visiting Prague. It’s affordable, not too long, and gives you some of the best views in the city. Plus, after just one hour on the water, you’ll have a much better feel for the layout of Prague, which helps for the rest of your trip.

My personal favorite (and the one I’ve done many times) is the Prague Venice Cruise (Pražské Benátky). It’s got a bit of everything:

• The boat is partially covered, so no worries about the weather.
• You’ll get headphones with audio commentary in many languages.
• A drink is included (even beer or hot wine in winter!)
• Plus a little snack like local gingerbread or ice cream, depending on the season.
• And here’s a nice bonus: your ticket also includes free entry to the Charles Bridge Museum, which is genuinely worth a visit too.

It’s also super flexible as they have a lot of boats, so they depart every few minutes (or whenever a boat fills up). You don’t need to stress about exact timing or long waits.

The cruise departs from just below Charles Bridge on the Old Town side. While boarding, you’ll even get a peek at something special, the preserved arch of Judith’s Bridge, the 12th-century predecessor to Charles Bridge. Most people miss it, but you’ll get right up close.

👉 Book the Prague Venice Cruise here.

Other Cruises You Can Consider

A few other providers are offering short sightseeing cruises that are great if you’re looking for something slightly different.

Want to cruise in the late evening? This Prague Boats cruise runs until 10 PM, so it’s perfect if your days are packed and you want to unwind after dinner.
👉 Check availability here.

Prefer a live guide instead of an audio recording? This Prague Boats option includes a real person on board sharing fun facts and stories.
👉 Book it here.

Departing a little further down the river (from Štefánik Bridge), this cruise by Premiant City Tours is another solid option, especially if you’re staying closer to this area.
👉 See details here.

2. Lunch Cruise (2 Hours)

If you’d like to enjoy a relaxed meal while seeing Prague from the water, the lunch cruise is a lovely option. It’s calm, comfortable, and lets you enjoy the city without needing to plan anything complicated. Just board the boat, grab a plate, and enjoy the views.

This kind of cruise is great for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want to take a sightseeing break with a buffet and live music. You’ll get a bit more time on the river than with the short cruise, and the route usually covers more of the city, including places further upstream, like the Dancing House and the Vyšehrad cliffs.

My Top Pick for a Lunch Cruise

This Vltava River Lunch Cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat is my favorite and the one I recommend most.

• The glass roof makes sure you’ll enjoy great views no matter the weather
• A buffet lunch is included, with a wide selection of warm and cold dishes
• You’ll be welcomed with a traditional Czech aperitif
• There’s live accordion music on board, just the right touch of atmosphere without being overwhelming
• You’ll pass by Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Kampa Island, the Dancing House, and more
• Includes audio commentary via an app and Wi-Fi onboard

It departs from Dvořák Embankment (Dvořákovo nábřeží) Pier 3A (check the screen at the pier for your boat name), and the entire trip lasts about 2 hours.

Good to know: you might spend a few minutes of your cruise inside a lock chamber. The Vltava in Prague has several small dams, and boats use these chambers to move between different water levels.

It’s basically a big concrete “room” that fills or empties with water to move the boat up or down. This process takes a bit of time, but it’s necessary. Otherwise, the route would be very limited. It’s totally normal and nothing to worry about, just not the most scenic part of the ride.

👉 Book the Vltava Lunch Cruise here.

3. Evening Cruises (2–3 Hours)

Evening cruises are where Prague on the water really comes to life. As the sun sets and the city lights start twinkling, you’ll see why Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The best part? You get to choose your vibe – nice dinner, lively jazz, or party time.

These cruises are longer than the daytime options, usually lasting 2–3 hours depending on what you pick. You’ll see more of the river, get better photo opportunities with the golden hour lighting, and experience Prague’s nighttime magic from the water.

Good to know: Just like with the lunch cruises, your boat may spend a little time in a lock chamber. It’s a standard part of river navigation in Prague. Nothing dramatic, just a concrete basin that lifts or lowers the boat. It’s a bit slow but necessary for longer routes.

My Top Pick for a Dinner Cruise

This Evening Dinner Cruise on an Open-Top Glass Boat is a popular choice for couples and anyone looking for a bit of elegance.

• You’ll enjoy a buffet-style dinner
• The open-top glass design means amazing panoramic views all night long
• There’s live music on board for just the right romantic touch
• A welcome drink is included
• Great for pleasant night out with your spouse, family or friends

This elegant 3-hour cruise combines stunning evening to night views with great food and a relaxed atmosphere. It starts at €79 for the Essential package, but you can upgrade to Deluxe or Exclusive for premium seating and extras. The boat departs at 7 pm from Dvořák Embankment near Čech Bridge, just a short walk from the Old Town.

👉 Book the Dinner Cruise here.

My Top Pick for a Jazz Evening

For something smooth and classy, the Jazz Boat is a local legend.

• Enjoy 3 sets of live jazz performed by top musicians
• Dinner available à la carte, but optional – you can just come for the music and views
• The route passes through the center of this historical city for iconic views
• The atmosphere is relaxed, cool, and adult-friendly (not a party boat)

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours and departs at 8:30 PM from Dvořák Embankment, near Štefánik Bridge. Tickets start at €45 per person without a meal, or you can upgrade to a 3-course dinner for €76 (vegetarian option available).

Tip: Book early – it’s not a huge boat (34 people max), and it often sells out in high season.

👉 Check availability here.

My Top Pick for a Party Cruise

Wanna something wild and unforgettable and party with Prague’s skyline as your backdrop? This Party Boat Cruise is a fun way to kick off (or finish) your night. You’ll sail past the city’s glowing landmarks while dancing to house beats spun by international DJs. Expect welcome shots, good vibes, and a boat full of people ready to party.

• Includes a DJ, dancefloor, and often a welcome drink or open bar options
• Cruises through central Prague – you’ll still see Charles Bridge and other landmarks, but with bass in the background
• You’ll meet fellow travelers and party people, and the vibe is fun and social

Prepare that this 2-hour party cruise doesn’t end when you dock. Entry to EPIC Club, one of Prague’s most modern and stylish venues, is included. The afterparty regularly draws over 1000 people, so bring your ID, dress smart casual, and get ready for a late one.

👉 Book it here.

4. Private Cruises (2–3 Hours)

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, maybe for a birthday, anniversary, bachelorette party, or just a fun time with your significant other or friends, YachtBoat Prague is your go-to company.

Their private cruises combine great service, all-you-can-drink beer or prosecco, and stylish boats with fantastic views of Prague. A private boat means a personalized experience, so everything is really up to you.

You’ll cruise past the city’s highlights in a more intimate setting, with music, drinks, and your own captain. All boats are sleek, modern, and designed for comfort; some even feel like floating lounges.

My Top Picks from YachtBoat Private Cruises

For fun with friends:
This YachtBoat Cruise is a 3-hour ride with unlimited tap! beer or prosecco – great value and always a crowd-pleaser.
From €599 for a boat up to 11 people – 3 hours – 👉 Book here.

Or the same in “Classic” version in a different boat. 👉 Book here.

For a luxury party vibe:
The VIP ONE Experience offers a chic setting, a great sound system, and drinks flowing. Ideal for celebrations.
From €665 – 3 hours – 👉 Book here.

For a shorter but faster ride:
The VIP SPEED Experience is for you if you’re up for a high-speed boating experience on the Vltava River with unlimited ice-cold beers in a can or prosecco.
From €530 for a boat up to 8 people – 2 hours – 👉 Book here.

You can also go all out and book a 2-boat combo cruise for larger groups, or try the Pontoon if you want something a bit different but still stylish.

👉 Browse and book YachtBoat cruises here.

Extra Family Tip: Cruise to the Zoo

Skip the traffic and cruise your way to Prague Zoo! This scenic ride from Rašín Embankment to Císařský Island takes 55–75 minutes and offers views of Prague Castle, bridges, and even a lock or two. Kids love it and grown-ups too.

Combine the cruise with a guided Zoo experience:
Includes the boat ride, zoo ticket, live commentary on board, and a return bus to the city.
€65 per adult / €55 per child (3–11 years)
👉 More info & booking here.

Ready to ride?

Prague from the water is honestly one of those experiences that stays with you. There are so many different ways to do it. Just pick what feels right for your trip.

First-time visitors should definitely start with a short cruise – it’s affordable and gives you the perfect Prague overview. But if you’re celebrating something special or just want the boat to yourselves, seriously consider going private.

You’re going to love seeing Prague’s beautiful skyline from the calm waters of the Vltava. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes any Prague visit better.

Useful Travel Resources

I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.

Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.

Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.

Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.

Last article update: July 27, 2025

Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska