Shooter’s Island

Charles Bridge gets all the crowds, but Shooter’s Island has all the views. Situated in the middle of the Vltava River immediately south of Charles Bridge, Shooter’s Island is connected to land via the Legion Bridge, and features postcard-perfect central views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. As with pretty much any place in Prague, Shooter’s Island has its own quirky history. First mentioned in the 12th century, it became a medieval bow and arrow shooting range in the 1300s for the army.

This, along with the summer fireworks festivals held on the island starting in the 19th century lead to the name ‘Shooter’s Island’. Today, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic break trekking between the Old Town and Mala Strana. Lounge around on the small beach at the northern tip of the island, or doze off together on one of the lawns as paddle and swan boats lazily drift by, letting the sounds of quiet chatter and quacking ducks lull you to sleep. If it’s a nice day and you want to rent a swan boat of your own to peddle around the Vltava―a classic thing for couples to do―hop down an island to Zofin Island immediately south, where they go for around 200 crowns an hour.