Why Visit the Lesser Town in Prague?

Malá Strana offers a quiet escape from the busy Old Town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of history. Many embassies and government buildings are located here. This keeps the streets clean and safe for travelers. You will see beautiful architecture at every corner. The district is also home to some of the city's best gardens.

Planning your visit is easy because most sights are close together. You can walk from the river to the castle in twenty minutes. However, the hills can be steep in some areas. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestones. Many visitors prefer this side of the river for its romantic vibe. It is ideal for couples and photography enthusiasts.

• Best overall: St. Nicholas Church
• Best for families: Kampa Island
• Best rainy-day: Strahov Monastery Library
• Best free: Wallenstein Garden

10 Essential Lesser Town Malá Strana Must-Sees

The following list includes the most iconic spots in the district. These attractions offer a mix of history, art, and nature. Make sure to check the official tourism portal for seasonal events. Most of these sites are open year-round for visitors. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

1. Name: St. Nicholas Church Type: sight Why go: It is a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture with a massive dome. Best for: architecture fans Where: Malostranské náměstí Time: 45 minutes Cost: Paid entry Getting there: Tram 12, 15, 20, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí Tip: Visit the church bell tower for unique views.
2. Name: Nerudova Street Type: neighborhood Why go: This historic street features unique house signs used before street numbers. Best for: photographers Where: Below Prague Castle Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up from Malostranské náměstí Tip: Look for the Three Fiddles and Green Lobster signs.
3. Name: Wallenstein Garden Type: nature Why go: This early Baroque garden features peacocks and a mysterious dripstone wall. Best for: relaxation Where: Near Malostranská metro Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Metro line A to Malostranská Tip: The garden is usually closed during the winter months.
4. Name: Lennon Wall Type: experience Why go: It is a symbol of peace and freedom covered in colorful graffiti. Best for: street art lovers Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from Charles Bridge Tip: Learn how to find the Lennon Wall easily using side streets.
5. Name: Kampa Island Type: park Why go: A peaceful island separated from the mainland by the Devil’s Stream. Best for: families Where: Next to Charles Bridge Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Walk down the stairs from Charles Bridge Tip: Check out the giant crawling baby sculptures by David Černý.
6. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It looks like a small Eiffel Tower and offers panoramic city views. Best for: panorama seekers Where: Petřín Hill Time: 2 hours Cost: Paid entry Getting there: Take the funicular from Újezd Tip: Explore the rose gardens on Petřín Hill after your climb.
7. Name: Strahov Monastery Library Type: museum Why go: One of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world. Best for: book lovers Where: Strahovské nádvoří Time: 1 hour Cost: Paid entry Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec Tip: The Philosophical and Theological Halls are the main highlights.
8. Name: Vrtba Garden Type: garden Why go: An intimate Baroque garden built on a slope with amazing tiered terraces. Best for: couples Where: Karmelitská street Time: 45 minutes Cost: Paid entry Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí Tip: The top terrace offers one of the best photo spots in Prague.
9. Name: Franz Kafka Museum Type: museum Why go: An immersive look into the life of the famous Prague-born writer. Best for: literature fans Where: Cihelná street Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Paid entry Getting there: Walk from Malostranská metro Tip: Don't miss the moving "Piss" sculpture in the courtyard.
10. Name: Charles Bridge Type: sight Why go: This medieval bridge connects the Lesser Town to the Old Town. Best for: everyone Where: Mostecká street entrance Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from any part of Malá Strana Tip: Read our sightseeing tips to avoid the biggest crowds.

How to Plan Your Malá Strana Itinerary

To see all these sights, start your day early at the top. Take a tram up to the Prague Castle area. Then, walk down through Nerudova Street into the heart of Malá Strana. This route saves you from walking uphill all day. You can stop for lunch at a local tavern along the way. Many places offer traditional Czech goulash and dumplings.

If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby Petřín Hill. It is a great place for a picnic in the afternoon. Most travelers spend about four to six hours in this district. You can easily combine this with a Prague Castle complex guide tour. The area is very walkable, but trams are efficient if you get tired. Always keep a map or GPS handy for the winding alleys.