Charles Bridge & Devil's Channel Canal Cruise Prague
- Duration45 minutes
- Daily
- Group
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Overview
This 45-minute canal cruise leaves from beside Charles Bridge and glides along the Vltava, through the narrow Devil's Channel and past Prague Castle, the National Theatre and the Rudolfinum. Audio commentary comes in 19 languages including Arabic, with your own headphones, and the ticket includes entry to the Charles Bridge Museum. Boats depart every 15 minutes, so it is easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. It suits couples, families and photographers who want a relaxed view of Prague's river side. There is no hotel pickup.
Highlights
- 45-minute cruise on a traditional canal boat from Charles Bridge
- Sail through the Devil's Channel, known as the Venice of Prague
- Views of Prague Castle, the National Theatre and the Rudolfinum from the water
- Audio commentary in 19 languages, including Arabic, with personal headphones
- Charles Bridge Museum ticket included
- Departures every 15 minutes
Full Description
Charles Bridge, the starting point
Charles Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge across the Vltava. It was begun in 1357 under Charles IV and finished in the early fifteenth century, and it is lined with baroque statues on both sides. The boats leave from the embankment next to it, at Křižovnické náměstí, so you can walk the bridge before or after the cruise. The ride begins right under its arches, which is a memorable start.
Many visitors ask what the best time to visit Charles Bridge is, and the honest answer is early morning or after dark, when there are far fewer people. The cruise gives you a quieter angle on the same view, and the audio commentary explains how the bridge became the main link between the Old Town and the castle.
The Devil's Channel and Kampa Island
The Devil's Channel, called Čertovka in Czech, is a narrow artificial stream that splits off from the Vltava and runs around Kampa Island in the Lesser Town. It was dug in the Middle Ages to feed water mills, and an old mill wheel still turns beside it. The little houses along the banks and the low footbridges have earned the area the nickname the Venice of Prague.
A Devil's Channel boat trip is one of the most photographed things to do in Prague, because the channel is only reachable from the water. Take your camera and sit on the side that faces the bank for the best views. The cruise takes about ten minutes through this stretch.
Prague Castle, the National Theatre and the river skyline
Beyond Kampa the boat turns for views of the National Theatre, a golden-roofed neo-Renaissance landmark built with donations from the Czech people in the nineteenth century, and of Prague Castle above the river. The commentary explains the history behind each building, so this is a good Prague sightseeing boat tour if you want context as well as photos.
Further along you pass the giant metronome on Letná hill, the riverside Občanská plovárna and the Rudolfinum concert hall. Because the trip lasts 45 minutes and departures run every 15 minutes, it works well in the late afternoon, when the light on the castle is at its best.
Charles Bridge Museum
Your ticket includes entry to the Charles Bridge Museum, located close to the departure point. It tells the story of the bridge from its foundation and shows how it was built, repaired after floods and used through the centuries. It is a compact museum that adds depth to the cruise and takes about an hour to visit.
You can go to the museum after the cruise, which makes this Charles Bridge tour a good half-day plan together with a walk across the bridge and through Kampa Park. Opening hours change by season, so check them on the day of your visit.
Itinerary
- Meet at the pier by Charles BridgeArrive at Křižovnické náměstí beside the bridge a few minutes before your boat leaves.
- Charles BridgeThe cruise starts beneath the bridge's arches, with about 10 minutes of views and commentary.
- National TheatrePass the golden-roofed theatre on the river bank, about 5 minutes.
- Devil's ChannelGlide through the narrow channel around Kampa Island, about 10 minutes.
- Prague Castle and river landmarksSee the castle, the giant metronome, Občanská plovárna and the Rudolfinum from the water.
- Return and Charles Bridge MuseumThe boat returns after about 45 minutes; use your museum ticket afterwards.
What's included
- 45-minute canal boat ride (departures every 15 minutes)
- Audio commentary in 19 languages including Arabic (personal headphones)
- Soft drinks on board (lemonade, tea, coffee)
- Traditional gingerbread (ice cream in summer)
- Entry ticket to the Charles Bridge Museum
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–14
- History and culture lovers
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- A short visit — about 1 hour
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers who dislike boats or narrow waterways
Meeting point
The cruise leaves from Křižovnické náměstí 191/3 in Prague Old Town, on the embankment beside Charles Bridge. Please arrive at least ten minutes before your chosen departure time. Boats depart every 15 minutes, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Important information
- Arrive ten minutes before your departure time and keep your booking confirmation on your phone
- Personal headphones are provided for the audio commentary in 19 languages, including Arabic
- The Charles Bridge Museum ticket is included in the option you book here
- Light refreshments may be served on board depending on the season
- The boat has low covered areas, so wear a light jacket in cool weather
- The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users
- Boats can be cancelled in bad weather or when the water level is high
- Museum opening hours change by season
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Charles Bridge canal cruise cost?
The price depends on the option and the age group. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children before you pay.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The cruise leaves from the embankment beside Charles Bridge in the Old Town, and the meeting point is on your booking confirmation.
How long is the Devil's Channel cruise?
The whole trip takes about 45 minutes, with around ten minutes spent in the narrow Devil's Channel itself.
Is the Charles Bridge Museum ticket included?
Yes. The option offered here includes entry to the Charles Bridge Museum, which you can visit after the cruise.
Is the commentary available in Arabic?
Yes. The audio commentary is available in 19 languages, Arabic included, through personal headphones.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and have their own ticket category. It is short and calm, so it suits most families.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring a camera and a light jacket, because it can be cool on the water. Comfortable shoes help if you also want to walk over the bridge.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Usually yes, because boats leave every 15 minutes. Check the booking panel for available times on your date.
Where does the Devil's Channel get its name?
The name Čertovka is linked to local legends about a devil said to live in the mill area, and to an old washerwoman story. The channel itself was dug to power mills.
What is the best time for a Prague river cruise?
Late afternoon gives soft light on the castle and the bridge. Early morning is quieter, and departures run through the day.
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