There are five of them, some of which have been operating for more than 100 years, and although they once served an entirely different purpose, today they are the best place to be in Prague. A place for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the vibrant metropolis. Put simply, the Prague boardwalks are a fantastic place to relax, but also to take in culture and go for a peaceful early-evening walk with views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. It doesn’t matter which boardwalk you choose, however, they are best enjoyed with family and friends.
From raftsmen to organic food
In the past, the Prague boardwalks belonged to rafters, but the days when the hearty hubbub and convivial conversations of drenched raftsmen resounded around the place are long gone. The last rafts came into the Prague boardwalks in 1947, and a lot has changed since then. For example, every Saturday, and sometimes even on Wednesdays, farmers’ markets where you can find and taste delicious Czech food are held here. Only trusted sellers offer their goods here, so high-quality food is guaranteed. You can not only savour fruit and vegetables, but you will also find dairy products, meat, fragrant flowers, coffee and, of course, invigorating refreshments.One deck better than the next
Although there are five boardwalks in Prague, if you want to take in an authentic atmosphere and to make the most of your visit to the boardwalks, head to Vyšehrad and the Rašín Embankment. Today, it is the most attractive and lively location on the banks of the Vltava and in the centre of Prague. And right here, during a stroll or a party, you can admire a unique panorama of Hradčany with Prague Castle or walk to the very end of the boardwalk to the Dancing House which, in spite of the busy crossroads, seems to have been made for a great selfie.While wandering along this boardwalk, be sure not to miss the decks of the boats anchored there. The almost 70-metre long Cargo Gallery is literally packed with culture – a concert, an exhibition or an interesting screening takes place virtually every day. Regular concerts are also held on the shiny deck of the (A)void Floating Gallery. If you are more inclined towards the theatre, then climb aboard the Forman Brothers’ Boat of Secrets (loď Tajemství bratří Formanů), where you will not only find something to please adults, but, in the afternoon, plays for children are also staged. And you must not miss the exhibition Gott My Live (until 30 September 2017), which maps the career of Karel Gott, probably the most famous Czech singer.
Reward yourself with a Czech beer or visit a food festival
Yet the other boardwalks also have plenty to offer. All you need to do is take a ferry boat and enjoy a romantic trip along the Vltava, from where you can quickly transfer to the other boardwalks and enjoy concerts, culture and drinks to the fullest. And when you reach Dvořák Embankment, you will be rewarded with the Brewery Boat (loď Pivovar). As the name suggests, this boat is literally brimming with beer. Besides beer specials, you can also taste renowned Czech beer and excellent old Bohemian cuisine.However, if you want to sample varied food in one place, it is worth visiting the “Smíchov” Waterfront. The Upper Embankment literally plays host to one diverse food festival after the other. Delicacies from Vietnam, Thailand, India, Russia and Lebanon will be on offer at the Waterfront Street Food Festival (26 August 2017). If vegan specialities are your thing, then don’t miss the open-air waterfront vegan market (Veggie Náplavka, 10 September 2017) on the Rašín Embankment.
