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Best Things to do and to see along Vltava River, Czech Republic

The Vltava River is one of the most recognizable rivers in all of Europe. Winding through the capital city of Prague in the lively Czech Republic, the Vltava is what directly cuts the city in half, separating the Prague Castle from the Old Town Square. If you are fortunate enough to head to Prague during your next holiday, consider checking out these top things to do while meandering along the river on foot or by boat. 

Cesky Krumlov

Historic Center of Cesky Krumlov – By Ron Van Oers – This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed asHistoric Centre of ÄŒeský Krumlov., CC BY-SA 3.0 igo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58155912

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town that is a little more off the beaten path than you would find with Prague. For those who want to take a day trip out of the crowded city center that is always packed with tourists, consider heading to Cesky Krumlov in the Southern Bohemian region of the country. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 30 years, this charming, historical, and beautiful town has tons of character. 

Insider Tip: Make sure you head to the 14th century State Castle while here! 

Ceske Budejovice

Ceske Budejovice – By Pavel Rychtecký – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5150751

Just a short trip farther down the river is the equally-charming town of Ceske Budejovice. Founded in the early 13th century, this town still contains its historical feel, while incorporating colorful homes, extensive views, and one of the best breweries in the entire country.

Insider Tip: BudÄ›jovický Budvar Brewery produces Budwesier Budvar – a taste Czech beer! 

Melnik

Melnik – By VitVit – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41127766

Just a few kilometers after the Vltava passes through Prague, the river meanders its way through the tiny town of Melnik. Visitors to this sleepy town can enjoy checking out Chateau Melnik, a home to the royal family of the Czech Republic, and wandering around one of the seven vineyards. What better way is there to end a tourist-filled day with a glass of fresh, red wine? 

Prague

Prague – By Moyan Brenn from Italy – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40605148

Soon, we’ll get into a little more detail of what you can find along the Vltava River in Prague – but for now, we just need to make it noted that the Vltava River flows through this bustling capital city in Czech Republic. If you are taking a boat tour of the Vltava, you are driving your rental car along its route, or you want to just check out all of the hot-spots along this river, then stopping in Prague for at least a few days is a must. 

Insider Tip: We recommend taking one of the half-day or full-day boat tours in Prague.

Hluboka Castle

Hluboka Castle – By Czcharlie – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28047470

Featuring a huge castle, expansive rooms, and a lookout tower, visitors will love the places they can explore at the Hluboka Castle. Based on the English Windsor Castle, the Hluboka Castle combines a unique mixture of various construction techniques that make this a popular hotspot today. 

Prague Beer Tour

Pislner Urquell – By Steven Walling – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64734689

If you decide to spend a few days in Prague while tracing the route of the Vltava River, consider going on one of the popular Prague beer tours. Prague is known for its breweries, outdoor beer gardens, and basement-level bars. We recommend choosing one of the local Prague tours that can bring you to lesser-known local breweries and microbreweries that serve famous Czech beer – without the ‘higher’ prices.

Check out the Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge – By Sergey Ashmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38296402

A great spot to gaze at the flowing Vltava, nearby pedestrians, and passersby on the boats is people-watching on the Charles Bridge. This infamous bridge is a pedestrian-only crossing that connects the two halves of the city – today, this bridge is commonly found with artists, performers, and photo-hungry visitors. 

Petrin Lookout Tower

View from the Petrin Tower – By Lady Rose MacClare – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101616940

Another nearby attraction to the gorgeous Vltava is the Petrin Lookout Tower. If you really want to get different viewpoints of the capital city, seeing what it is like from the water -and the sky – can be a great juxtaposition. 

Head to a museum

Narodni muzeum – By VitVit – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74010453

If it’s a rainy day in Prague and you’re a little too cold to stay on the water all-day-long, consider heading to one of the city’s numerous museums. Not only can you learn more about Czech history, but you can find extremely niche museums, such as gingerbread and toilet museums – we’re serious. 

Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery 

Praha Jewish Cemetery – By Photo: Andreas Praefcke – Self-photographed, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97553

The Old Jewish Cemetery pays homage to the Jewish population that Prague had in the past. Unfortunately, the Jewish residents were only given a small plot for burial purposes, causing tombstones to be placed on top of one another and causing interesting land formations. This unique cemetery and museum are centered in the heart of the Jewish Quarter in Prague – perfect for an educational break from floating down the Vltava. 

Climb to the Castle

Prague Jewish Cemetery – By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28714927

The last activity we recommend along the Vltava River is the Prague Castle. As you float near the Charles Bridge, you will see this expansive fort-like structure high up on the hilltop. If you enjoy a little hike to the largest ancient castle in the world, stroll up to the Prague Castle and catch the changing of the guards at 12pm every day.