Why Visit the Kampa Island Riverside Path?

Kampa Island is often called the "Venice of Prague." This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the city center. The riverside path offers a quiet space to think and explore. You can see the Vltava River from many different angles here. It is much less crowded than the main tourist squares. The island is separated from the mainland by a small canal.

History is alive on every corner of this island. You will see old water wheels that still turn today. The architecture is a mix of medieval and baroque styles. In the evening, the path becomes very romantic with soft lighting. It is a great place for a slow stroll after dinner. You can see the city lights reflecting on the dark river water.

Modern art also plays a big role on the island. Large sculptures sit right next to the water. These pieces create a fun contrast with the old buildings. The path is well-maintained and safe for all ages. Most of the route is paved with traditional cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the uneven ground. You will find many small cafes tucked away in the side streets.

10 Best Sights Along the Kampa Island Riverside Path

There are many wonderful things to see on this route. You should plan to spend at least half a day here. This allows you to see everything without rushing. Use our Prague riverside walking routes guide for more ideas. Here are the top ten sights you cannot miss.

1. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous bridge in the city with amazing views. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Northern tip of Kampa Island. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the bridge deck. Tip: Visit at sunrise to avoid the massive crowds.
2. Name: Museum Kampa Type: Museum Why go: It houses a world-class collection of modern Central European art. Best for: Art lovers and indoor exploration. Where: U Sovových mlýnů. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Usually around 300 CZK for adults. Getting there: Follow the path south from Charles Bridge. Tip: The courtyard often has free art displays to enjoy.
3. Name: David Černý's Babies Type: Art Why go: These giant, faceless baby sculptures are iconic and strange. Best for: Unique photo opportunities. Where: Outside Museum Kampa. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right on the main riverside path. Tip: Look closely at the faces to see the barcode stamps.
4. Name: The Yellow Penguins Type: Art Why go: A line of 34 glowing penguins made from recycled plastic. Best for: Families and evening walks. Where: On a pier near the museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look toward the river near the museum entrance. Tip: These look best when they light up at night.
5. Name: Grand Priory Mill Type: History Why go: A large, historic water wheel that still functions today. Best for: Seeing old-world engineering. Where: Overlooking the Devil's Stream canal. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the bridge near the Lennon Wall. Tip: Look for the small statue of a water goblin nearby.
6. Name: Devil's Stream (Čertovka) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This narrow canal gives the area its "Venice" nickname. Best for: Romantic views and boat watching. Where: Between Kampa Island and Malá Strana. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross any of the small bridges on the island. Tip: This is a great spot to see river cruises passing by.
7. Name: Lennon Wall Type: Experience Why go: A colorful symbol of peace and freedom filled with graffiti. Best for: Culture seekers and younger travelers. Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí, just off the path. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short 2-minute walk from the mill wheel. Tip: You are allowed to add your own message with a marker.
8. Name: Kampa Park Type: Nature Why go: A wide green lawn perfect for relaxing by the river. Best for: Picnics and letting kids run around. Where: Central part of the island. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: The path runs directly through the park center. Tip: Bring a blanket and some snacks for a midday break.
9. Name: Shooters Island Type: Day Trip Why go: Offers a different view of the city from the middle of the river. Best for: Nature lovers and quiet moments. Where: South of Kampa Island. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the Shooters Island access from riverside via Legion Bridge. Tip: There is a public elevator on the bridge for easy access.
10. Name: Legion Bridge Type: Viewpoint Why go: Provides a panoramic view of the National Theater and Kampa. Best for: Watching the sunset over the Vltava. Where: Southern end of the riverside route. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south through Kampa Park to reach the bridge. Tip: This is the best spot to photograph the island from above.

Practical Tips for Your Riverside Walk

Walking the Kampa Island riverside path is easy for most people. The ground is mostly flat and easy to walk on. However, some areas have old cobblestones. These can be slippery when it rains or snows. In 2026, expect more interactive digital signs along the route. These will help you learn about the history of each building. Most attractions are open every day of the week.

Early morning is the best time for a quiet walk. The light is soft and perfect for taking photos. Most tour groups arrive after 10:00 AM. If you want peace, come before the shops open. The path is also very safe at night. Prague is known for being a very safe city for walkers. Many locals walk their dogs here in the evening.

Public restrooms are available near the museum and park. You might need a few coins to use them. Carry a small amount of Czech Koruna (CZK) for this. Most cafes will accept credit cards for food and drinks. Check the Vltava river embankment views for the best photo spots. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Exploring Beyond Kampa Island

If you have more time, explore other parts of the river. You can walk south toward the Dancing House. This route takes you past some very modern buildings. You can also visit the Naplavka riverbank guide for a different experience. Naplavka is famous for its lively atmosphere and boat bars. It is a favorite spot for the younger crowd in Prague.

Another great option is to cross the river to the Old Town side. This gives you a view of Kampa Island from across the water. You can see the colorful houses and the green park. The river is full of life with swans and ducks. Many people enjoy feeding the birds near the shore. Please use bird-friendly food like seeds or peas.

For a longer trip, consider a river cruise. Many boats depart from docks near the island. You can see the city while sitting down and relaxing. Some cruises even offer dinner and live music. It is a great way to see the romantic evening river walk in Prague from the water. Make sure to book your tickets in advance during summer.