Top 10 Charming Things to Do on Kampa Island, Prague

Top 10 Charming Things to Do on Kampa Island, Prague

Ague Praha 2014 Holmstad – By Øyvind Holmstad [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

You have wandered around Old Town, visited Prague Castle, and heard the Astronomical Clock on the hour.

Now you want to head somewhere with a little less people, a little more solitude, and something a little more – well, different.

Welcome to Kampa Island.

Kampa Island is really only the infamous Charles Bridge, but the atmosphere makes it feel as if it is miles away from the bustling city. To escape the hustle of the country’s capital, you can easily get to this convenient island for a half day of fun, relaxation, and something different from the usual tourist spots.

Reminiscent of the historical section of Prague and Old Town architecture, this island is tranquil, and can provide some much needed peace during an otherwise hectic vacation – we’re looking at you, kids. We have compiled the top 10 charming things to do on Kampa Island – and we’re sure there’s something for everyone.

Kampa – By Jerzy Strzelecki [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

History of Kampa

To understand the island itself, we have to give you a little background information about how it came to be. This island is in the Vltava river on the side of Mala Strana, connected to land by the street ulice Na Kampe. Devil’s Stream separates the island from Lesser Town by an artificially-made channel. A part of the city since the 17th-century, this island provides an oasis that is easily accessible from Mala Strana, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Venice. 

1) Museum Kampa

Prag Museum Kampa 2019 – By Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Prag, Museum Kampa — 2019 — 6715” / CC BY-SA 4.0

First on our list of activities to do on the island, we have Museum Kampa. This modern art gallery shows Central European and Czech work, focusing on the latter. Many of the pieces are all from the collection of Meda Mladek, Frantisek Kupka, and Otto Gutfreund, and opened in 2003. A massive landmark in the front of the museum is a chair by Magdalena Jetelova, a Czech installation artist.

In addition to numerous paintings, there are incredible sculptures along with the infamous chair, such as a big red dog, and other unique displays that will surely catch your attention. Situated right on the riverbank, this museum gives great views over the Vltava and the surrounding areas.

The aim of the museum is to support a collection of works of art by modern artists, in order to convey the trials and tribulations the artists went through during their retrospective time period. Each exhibit provides programs for schools and the general public, being inclusive and open to anyone who wants to learn something about modern art.

With the building having been constructed on the premises of Sova’s Mills, a historical mill that traces back to the 10th century, the historical ambiance and cultural flair you can find here are worth the trip. 

2) Devil’s Stream

Certovka – By Gitanes232 [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

The surrounding houses among the stream are extremely picturesque, with the channel separating Kampa from the Lesser Town. The houses and the winding water gave the channel its other nickname, “Prague Venice.” The old mill-wheel nearby adds to the Instagram-esque photography spot. The history of the channel dates back to ancient times, when the Knights of Malta in the middle ages needed to regulate the water flow for the mills in the area.

The channel runs for almost 750 meters, separating from the Vltava behind the Most Legii bridge, and returning behind the Charles Bridge. For a nice walk, some great photography spots, and the sound of rushing water, head to the Devil’s Stream.

3) Lennon Wall

John Lennon Wall 30 Years of Freedom – By Nostrifikator – Nostrifikator [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

A public journal dedicated to helping the world, this wall has taken on a life of its own, with bright graffiti, cursive lyrics, and peace signs scattered around. Unfortunately, none of the original art from the 1980s remains, due to the popularity and the creation of new art pieces almost everyday.

However, the ever-changing landscape of the wall means that you can visit this landmark every few years and it will look different than when you last saw it, showing the necessity of the general public to feel heard. Every year on the anniversary of John Lennon’s death on December 8th, the wall will be filled with candles, flowers, and people paying their respects to the famous Beatles musician. 

4) Cerny Sculptures

Kampa Babies – By ŠJů, Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

The faces are replaced with barcode stamps, and part of the Cerny installation is housed outside of the famous Zizkov Television Tower – in an effort to make the tower more appealing, and distract from the – well, ugly – architecture of the tower.

A separate eight-piece bronze collection was installed on Kampa Island in 2008, with some on the green space, and some right outside of the Museum Kampa. Despite being somewhat creepy, and possibly frightening if you’re strolling around Kampa at night, the babies will at least elicit some sort of response – and that’s what art is supposed to do, right?

The faceless babies are devoid of the human features that program us to think they are adorable and cute, and leave us with just our thoughts to decide what we think of these creatures. For some thought-provoking art in a beautiful space, head to Kampa and check out these interesting sculptures. 

5) Cafe Savoy

Brno Cafe Savoy – By Scotch Mist – By Scotch Mist – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45782147

For five on our list, we have a little lunch break at Cafe Savoy. This restaurant is widely considered one of the best in the city for any meal of the day. Serving up scrumptious French Toast, tasty sandwiches, and mouth-watering dinners, this restaurant is no stranger to upscale. The hanging crystal chandelier coupled with the palace-like ambiance gives this place a royal feel, and makes you feel as such while dining here.

The prices of course reflect the high-class vibe, but for an exquisite meal, head here. With traditional Czech dishes combined with those that have a French flair, the head chef has created a unique menu that all will enjoy. If you’re really in the mood for a luxurious treat, try the degustation menu that features paired wines with each course – your tastebuds will thank you.

If you’d rather just stop in for a coffee and a dessert, be prepared to have some strong espresso and freshly-prepared confections. Only one street away from here while on the upstream side of the island, this is an easy place to head to grab some food before continuing your exploration of Kampa.

6) Grand Prior’s Mill

Kampa – By Paddy [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

For centuries, this island was known for green spaces and mills located on the Certovka stream, where the local women would wash their clothes.

Although there are several mills still intact here, Grand Prior’s is the most famous due to the restored 7-meter wheel.

This mill used to harness the power of the water to power the local’s homes and businesses, proving to be an important part of the old community. 

7) U Karlova Mostu

Lode u Karlova Mostu – By ŠJů, Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

The food here is fresh and local, and is not as busy as some of the nearby tourist spots. Located between the Lennon Wall and Charles Bridge, this bistro combines high-quality cuisine with a modern interior. Despite being somewhat expensive, the view, the solitude, and the traditional dishes will make you feel as if you’re dining in a combination of Venice and Prague. 

8) IL Cafe III

Praha Werichova vila kavarna – By Palickap [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

With a stylish interior with arched-ceiling and modern light fixtures, this relaxed cafe combines a comfortable vibe with a minimalist approach, creating a great pit-stop no matter what your current dress-code is like.

The display case of desserts is sure to get your stomach rumbling, and the comfortable seats will provide much-needed respite for your tired legs. Head here in between checking out the Lennon Wall and the Museum.

9) Lichtenstein Palace

Czech 2013 Prague Lichtenstein Palace – By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia

Number nine on our list is the beautiful Lichtenstein Palace, a historical masterpiece dating back to the 16th-century. This building has been reconstructed numerous times since its inception, with the latest renovation in the late ‘80s.

Owned by the government, the palace is home to numerous luxury apartments for lucky wealthy residents. In addition, the palace hosts classical music concerts in the upscale and architecturally-beautiful building. 

10) Yellow Penguins

Prag Museum Kampa – By Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Prag, Museum Kampa — 2019 — 6716” / CC BY-SA 4.0

Last on our list, we have the Yellow Penguins – Instagrammers, get your phones out. The line of small, yellow penguins all in a row on a miniature pier jutting out into the river gives the perfect photo, boasting the Charles Bridge in the background and a pop of color in the foreground.

A part of the Museum Kampa, these adorable little sculptures light up at night, “shedding some light” on another interesting exhibition this museum contains. Popping up in late 2016, this spot is a great viewpoint to snap a few photos, enjoy the river breeze, and catch a different perspective of the Charles Bridge in the background.

Leave the metropolis behind and head to Kampa for a day of relaxation. Everyone needs a city-break once in a while, and the green spaces, art installations, and ancient buildings make you feel like you have entered a different world – or at least a different country.

Praha Kampa View – By Txllxt TxllxT [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]