Planning Your Lesser Town Adventure

Malá Strana is a walkable district with narrow streets and grand palaces. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Prague. Most visitors arrive by crossing the river or walking down from the castle. Early morning is the best time to avoid the biggest crowds.

• Best overall: St Nicholas Bell Tower
• Best for families: Kampa Island
• Best for photos: Vrtba Garden
• Best free activity: Wallenstein Garden

Keep in mind that there are two St Nicholas churches in Prague. One is in the Old Town Square. The other is here in the Lesser Town. Make sure you head to the one with the green dome in Malá Strana.

10 Lesser Town Malá Strana Must-Sees

The following list includes the top sights you should not miss. Each location offers a unique look at Czech history and culture. These are the essential Prague highlights for any itinerary.

1. Name: St Nicholas Bell Tower Type: sight Why go: It offers incredible views and a unique history of the secret police. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Malostranské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, 20, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Look for the "spy post" used during the Cold War.
2. Name: Charles Bridge (Lesser Town Side) Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous bridge in the city. Best for: Everyone. Where: Connects Old Town to Lesser Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the tower toward the river. Tip: Read these Charles Bridge sightseeing tips to beat the crowds.
3. Name: Lennon Wall Type: experience Why go: It is a symbol of peace and freedom filled with colorful graffiti. Best for: Younger travelers and artists. Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the bridge. Tip: Learn how to find the Lennon Wall in Prague before you go.
4. Name: Wallenstein Garden Type: nature Why go: A stunning baroque garden with peacocks and a dripstone wall. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Near Malostranská metro station. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main square. Tip: The garden is closed during the winter months.
5. Name: Nerudova Street Type: sight Why go: Famous for its beautiful house signs and historical buildings. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Leads from the square up to the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from St Nicholas Church. Tip: Check out the Nerudova Street historical buildings for unique symbols.
6. Name: Vrtba Garden Type: nature Why go: One of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Europe. Best for: Couples and views. Where: Karmelitská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 120-150 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the tram stop. Tip: Climb to the top terrace for a perfect view of the St Nicholas dome.
7. Name: Kampa Island Type: neighborhood Why go: Known as the Venice of Prague because of its canals. Best for: Afternoon strolls. Where: Next to Charles Bridge. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs down from Charles Bridge. Tip: Visit the giant baby statues by David Černý here.
8. Name: Franz Kafka Museum Type: museum Why go: A deep dive into the life of Prague's most famous writer. Best for: Literature fans. Where: Cihelná street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Near the river bank. Tip: Don't miss the "Piss" sculpture in the courtyard.
9. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: day trip Why go: It looks like a small Eiffel Tower and offers the highest views. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-250 CZK. Getting there: Take the funicular from Újezd. Tip: Walk down through the orchards for great photos.
10. Name: Prague Castle Type: day trip Why go: The largest ancient castle complex in the world. Best for: History buffs. Where: Top of the hill. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: 250-450 CZK. Getting there: Walk up Nerudova street. Tip: Use a Prague Castle complex guide to see the highlights.

Tips for Visiting St Nicholas Church Lesser Town Bell Tower

When visiting St Nicholas Church Lesser Town bell tower, remember it has a separate entrance. You do not enter through the main church doors. Look for the small door on the corner of the square. This tower was managed by the city, not the church. This is why it served different purposes over the years.

The climb involves 215 steep steps. There is no elevator available for visitors. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time. You can stop at various levels to see museum exhibits. These displays show how the watchmen lived in the tower centuries ago.

For more official information, you can check the Prague.eu portal. They provide updates on seasonal hours. Generally, the tower is open daily. Sunset is a popular time to visit for the golden light over the city roofs.