Vltava River
Vltava River
4.5
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The longest river in the Czech Republic flows into the Elbe, through Germany and empties into the North Sea.
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The area
Neighborhood: Praha 1 (City Center)
How to get there
- national Ave • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
4,946 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,570 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
221 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
72
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland31,139 contributions
Sep 2021
Vltava (or Moldau in German) is 430 kilometers long and the longest river within the Czech Republic. The river flows across Bohemia when it finally merges with the Elbe.
We could admire it in Prague as it flows through the city. The best-known bridge crossing it is Charles Bridge from 1402.
We could admire it in Prague as it flows through the city. The best-known bridge crossing it is Charles Bridge from 1402.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wenovo
Morris County, NJ2,030 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
I could not imagine a better place to grow up, with the Vltava river at our feet and the view of the National Theater across the river.
This is where we skated as kids by the Kampa area on the frozen river and further down by the bridge. In the summer we swam in the river, actually in a pool cut into a large deck floating on the river.
Then there was the music in the summer from the large steamboats (parniky) drifting thru our windows. The boats had to stop in the narrow passageway before they could continue down the river. In the warm weather young people would rent heavy wooden rowboats ( lodicky). It was very affordable and amazing to go on a date on the river. All you needed was a strong guy with strong arms who could handle the heavy rowboat.
There are many different ways you can transport yourself on the river these days, from the double seater plastic paddle boats to the large party tourists boats. As they pass under the bridges you will get yet another great view of Prague.
The huge flood in 2002 caused a lot of damage in Prague and along the rivers' route to Prague. Not well equipped to handle it, the officials learned an important lesson that time. The flood in June 2013 was better controlled with high walls erected around the river banks. That year we came to Prague on a long before scheduled trip with lots of worries. But we were fortunate as most of the flood was under control already on Mala Strana and the water level was normalizing. The Charles bridge was reopened to tourists as well as some of the restaurants around the river.
The Vltava river was an inspirations to the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana for the part of his creation- Ma Vlast (My Homeland) symphony.
For the best view of the river and the bridges go to the Letna Park. For absolutely the BEST view, guaranteed!
Day or night in any season....
This is where we skated as kids by the Kampa area on the frozen river and further down by the bridge. In the summer we swam in the river, actually in a pool cut into a large deck floating on the river.
Then there was the music in the summer from the large steamboats (parniky) drifting thru our windows. The boats had to stop in the narrow passageway before they could continue down the river. In the warm weather young people would rent heavy wooden rowboats ( lodicky). It was very affordable and amazing to go on a date on the river. All you needed was a strong guy with strong arms who could handle the heavy rowboat.
There are many different ways you can transport yourself on the river these days, from the double seater plastic paddle boats to the large party tourists boats. As they pass under the bridges you will get yet another great view of Prague.
The huge flood in 2002 caused a lot of damage in Prague and along the rivers' route to Prague. Not well equipped to handle it, the officials learned an important lesson that time. The flood in June 2013 was better controlled with high walls erected around the river banks. That year we came to Prague on a long before scheduled trip with lots of worries. But we were fortunate as most of the flood was under control already on Mala Strana and the water level was normalizing. The Charles bridge was reopened to tourists as well as some of the restaurants around the river.
The Vltava river was an inspirations to the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana for the part of his creation- Ma Vlast (My Homeland) symphony.
For the best view of the river and the bridges go to the Letna Park. For absolutely the BEST view, guaranteed!
Day or night in any season....
Written March 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wenovo
Morris County, NJ2,030 contributions
Oct 2019
Growing up in the house on the Vltava riverbank, ( Nabrezi Legii ) , Mala Strana side, was truly an amazing experience and opportunity to take advantage of all the fun activities on the water.
Small wooden riverboats were available to rent , the large steamboats passing under our windows with music playing in the summer. The ice skating in the winter.
The great view of the National Theater across the river.
The small islands - Shooters and Zofin - were and still are easily accessible and fun in every season.
The Vltava river was an inspiration the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana for Ma Vlast symphony.
Small wooden riverboats were available to rent , the large steamboats passing under our windows with music playing in the summer. The ice skating in the winter.
The great view of the National Theater across the river.
The small islands - Shooters and Zofin - were and still are easily accessible and fun in every season.
The Vltava river was an inspiration the famous Czech composer Bedrich Smetana for Ma Vlast symphony.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EllaDexter
Sydney, Australia1,755 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
One of the highlights of our visit to Prague was a couple of hours spent on a paddle boat on the Vltava. Armed with a couple of cold ones, we had heaps of fun on a (mostly) sunny afternoon checking out the city from the water.
We hired our boat from the friendly guy flying the Australian flag. The rates were pretty reasonable - certainly well worth the cost to have the experience.
We hired our boat from the friendly guy flying the Australian flag. The rates were pretty reasonable - certainly well worth the cost to have the experience.
Written September 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scpuri2017
New Delhi, India18 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
While in Prague ( Praha), one must make it a point to spend an evening along Vatava River side. Very lively and exciting atmosphere, with people enjoying their drinks sitting on River sides. So many Fixed Boat Restaurants, Drink /Snack Kiosks along River side.
Must take the One Hour River cruise or Dinner Cruise as per will.
One of the best River Sides that we have enjoyed.
Must take the One Hour River cruise or Dinner Cruise as per will.
One of the best River Sides that we have enjoyed.
Written July 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I often come to Prague and enjoy walks along the river walkways, and especially the stretch between the Prague Hilton and Charles Bridge. The latter is Prague’s most visited and famous bridge. Prague has 18 bridges from which one can view and cross this 430-kilometre long river. Since Charles Bridge often is very crowded, we got there at 6:00 am to avoid the crowds. Of its length, 13 kilometres are within the City of Prague. During the day, there are many cruise boats on the river, people kayaking, others fishing, ducks swimming, and some fish jumping in the water. After rains, the water takes on a dark colour. In the vicinity and on both sides of Charles Bridge, there are restaurants where you can have an enjoyable, relaxing, delicious Czech cuisine while enjoying the Vltava River scenery.
Written June 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wenovo
Morris County, NJ2,030 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
It's been years since I have been back to Prague during the hot month of July. I have almost forgotten, how enjoyable it was to take the summer mornings walks by the river. Or spending time on Strelecky Ostrov, right at the edge of the water under the large shady trees. Renting a boat. Watching the large boats down below from Charles bridge.
Feeding the swans and watching dogs take a refreshing swim. Watching the evening lights and the occasional fireworks reflect in the water.
It was great to be so close to the Vltava river again, it was great to be home...
Feeding the swans and watching dogs take a refreshing swim. Watching the evening lights and the occasional fireworks reflect in the water.
It was great to be so close to the Vltava river again, it was great to be home...
Written August 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami S
Victoria, Canada76 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
We received vouchers for this boat tour as part of a Wowcher package which we booked and were a bit sceptical because we couldn't find the company and no-one seemed to know them, but this was absolutely fantastic value. Go to the Charles Bridge Museum to pick up these boats, the sailors in traditional costume in Krizovnicke Namesti square will show you where to go to get your ticket, then you join the replica wooden river boat under the bridge where you are served mulled wine (or coffee) and pastry as part of your tour price. The boats are very quaint, with a pot-bellied stove onboard and a shallow draft which allows them to go into the canals too. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us some great tips on other highlights not to miss in Prague! Well worth the effort to find it!
Written January 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rohan7nair
Mumbai, India85 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
During my visit to Prague, I went on the boat ride in Vltava. The view of the city on one side and Prague Castle on the other side... truly amazing. It is best to sit on the upper deck of the boat to enjoy the entire ride as it gives a much better view of the artistic work on the bridges and other attractions.
Written March 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pedrowazere
Newport-on-Tay, UK28 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
A real (surprising) highlight of our trip to Prague was the hour we spent on the Vltava River on a pedalo! Armed with a camera, cold beers and sense of adventure we enjoyed the best views of the Charles Bridge and getting up close to the local swans! An excellent and very peaceful way to see beautiful Prague from a different angle.
Written October 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi - I would like to take the 1 hour river cruise. PLease can you tell me the name of the boat/company I should look for. Thank you.
Written September 3, 2019
Prague Venice Boat trip gets good ratings, try that one maybe?
Written September 3, 2019
Hi Paul,
We are a family of 5 and want to rent one of the paddle boats in July. Would you recommend booking online? They want $108 Euros for one hour for a family of 5 which includes getting picked up at our hotel. I would prefer to be more flexible and just walk down there when we are ready to go and rent on the spot. Advice?
Written June 21, 2018
Hi there,
Could someone tell me when the best time to rent a paddle boat on the river is?
My boyfriend and I would like to avoid the tourist rush.
We'll be visiting the first week in October.
Thanks,
Ally
Written August 9, 2015
I would like to know how much it costs to rent a paddle boat . I'm visiting Prague next week and I am staying 3 days.
Written June 30, 2015
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