Malá Strana (Lesser Town) is one of the most beautiful districts in Prague. It is located between the Vltava River and Prague Castle. While in the past it was often home to people who went to work at the castle, today it is seat of many public institutions such as ministries and embassies. In this article, I will introduce you to Malá Strana in detail, give you my tips on where to stay, where to eat cheaply, and what to see in Malá Strana.
A visit to Malá Strana is, of course, an essential part of any first trip to Prague. If you plan to explore it thoroughly (including Prague Castle and Petřín Hill), ideally set aside a whole day for it.
Accommodation in Malá Strana Prague – Best Hotels
As a native of Prague, I can’t say that I would recommend staying in Malá Strana during your visit. Sure, it’s a beautiful historic district full of monuments, but on the other hand, it’s also one of the more expensive areas, and you’ll never have any peace and quiet there. And with Prague’s excellent public transport system, it’s no problem at all to stay outside the city center.
If you do decide to stay in Malá Strana, expect higher prices for food and accommodation. I can recommend the following accommodations:
- Greg Apartments Kampa Prague (inexpensive but comfortable apartments offering simple accommodation)
- Hotel Waldstein (a comfortable hotel with an excellent breakfast included in the price)
How to get to Malá Strana?
Malá Strana is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. From the Old Town, you can easily walk there across Charles Bridge. Otherwise, you can use Prague’s public transport to get to the following stops:
- Malostranská stop – metro line A and a number of trams run to Malostranská station
- Malostranské náměstí stop – many trams run to this stop; tourists may find line 22 towards Prague Castle useful, for example
Best restaurant in Malá Strana, Prague
At first glance, it may seem that Malá Strana is full of expensive and touristy restaurants. However, you can eat here at local prices, you just need to know where to go. My tips include the following:
- Školní jídelna Dražického náměstí – This is primarily a canteen for children from the local school, but anyone can come here for lunch. For CZK 120 (EUR 5), you can get a simple daily menu that includes a main course, soup, and dessert. The cafeteria is open every weekday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and also from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. A truly local, unpretentious experience.
- Baráčnická rychta – A restaurant with beautiful seating in the courtyard, where you can enjoy traditional Czech dishes for around €10 and good draft beer.
Malá Strana Prague Map
30 things to see and do in Malá Strana
You will find these attractions in Malá Strana.
1. Prague Castle
No visit to Prague would be complete without a tour of Prague Castle. It dominates the entire city. For more than a thousand years, it was the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents, and to this day it remains a symbol of Czech statehood.
The Prague Castle complex is huge and includes many interesting places. The basic tour takes you to St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Old Royal Palace. Everything you might want to know about visiting Prague Castle can be found in this article.
Prague Castle is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (most buildings are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). A ticket for the basic tour costs CZK 450.
2. St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the most famous part of Prague Castle and also one of the most important Christian buildings in the entire country. The view of the cathedral from the outside (which is free) is magnificent, and the impressive interiors are also captivating. For an additional fee, you can also visit the south tower, which offers beautiful views.
You can see the cathedral as part of the basic visitor tour of Prague Castle.
St. Vitus Cathedral is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. in winter), except on Sundays, when the cathedral opens at 12:00 p.m. In the past, part of the cathedral was freely accessible, but now, due to reconstruction, you can only enter with a ticket.
3. Gardens below Prague Castle
The gardens below Prague Castle are a series of terraced gardens on the slope below the castle grounds. They offer beautiful views of the roofs of Malá Strana and the Vltava River, as well as a pleasant escape from the busy tourist spots. If you are looking for a peaceful place to stop and enjoy the views, you should definitely head here.
The gardens below Prague Castle are only open in summer (from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and admission is free.
4. Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk Memorial
If you leave Prague Castle via the 4th courtyard onto Hradčanské náměstí, you will find yourself in front of a statue of one of the most important historical figures in the Czech Republic. The monument to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk commemorates the founder of the Czechoslovak state and the first president of the republic.
5. Wallenstein Garden
In Malá Strana, you will find a large number of beautiful gardens offering unforgettable views of Prague. These include the Wallenstein Garden, where you will find fountains, statues, and an artificial stalactite wall, among other things.
The Wallenstein Garden is open to the public free of charge, but only from April to October. It usually opens at 9:00 a.m. (7:00 a.m. on weekdays) and closes at 7:00 p.m.
6. St. Nicholas Church
It is simply impossible to walk through Malá Strana and not notice the monumental dome that belongs to St. Nicholas Church. This sanctuary is located right in the heart of Malá Strana and is definitely worth a visit.
While inside you will find a beautiful Baroque interior, the bell tower is also interesting, and for a fee you can climb it and enjoy the view of Prague. The church is also famous for its magnificent fresco decorations.
The church interiors are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (on some days, the church has extended opening hours), and a basic ticket costs CZK 150. Tickets for the bell tower are purchased separately on the right side of the church wall and cost CZK 200. The bell tower is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and has extended opening hours on some days.
7. Vrtbovská zahrada
Vrtbovská zahrada is a hidden Baroque gem on the slopes of Petřín Hill. The terraced garden with elegant staircases, sculptures, and a pavilion offers magnificent views of the roofs of Malá Strana. It is one of the places that tourists often overlook, yet it is one of my favorite gardens in all of Prague.
The garden is open every day from March to October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the garden costs CZK 150.
8. Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague
This Baroque church is not particularly significant in itself, but it is famous as the home of the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. This miraculous statue has made the church one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Prague.
In addition to the Infant Jesus itself, don’t forget to visit the Museum of the Infant Jesus of Prague, which can be accessed from the church. In this museum, you will find a unique collection of clothes for the Infant Jesus of Prague, most of which were donated by important personalities from around the world.
Admission to the church (where you can see the Infant Jesus itself) and the adjacent museum is free. The church is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. on Sundays) outside of services, and the museum is usually open an hour less.
9. Lennon Wall
The iconic colorful wall covered with graffiti and inscriptions has become one of the most popular places among tourists in Prague. During communism, the wall became a symbol of resistance against the regime and a place where people expressed their opinions. Today, Lennon Wall is a great place to remember the country’s darker history and take great photos.
10. Franz Kafka Museum
Prague was the birthplace of the famous writer Franz Kafka and was also the inspiration for many of his books. In Malá Strana, you will also find a museum dedicated to this important writer, where you can see his manuscripts, photographs, and other interesting artifacts related to his life and work.
The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission is CZK 300.
11. The narrowest street in Prague
Just a few steps from the Franz Kafka Museum, you will find a place that would be easy to miss. Hidden between historic houses is a narrow street that is only a few dozen centimeters wide in some places. They even installed a traffic light there. Be sure to walk through the entire alley, which will take you to the Vltava River, where you will have beautiful views of Charles Bridge.
12. Malostranské mostecké věže
As you walk through the Lesser Town, you will surely notice the imposing Bridge Towers, which form an impressive entrance to Charles Bridge. The lower Romanesque tower dates from the 12th century, while the taller Gothic tower was built during the reign of Charles IV.
You can enter the larger of the towers and look out over the Vltava River and the Old Town from its gallery. The entrance fee is CZK 200. If you decide to combine your visit with admission to the Old Town Bridge Tower (on the other side of Charles Bridge), you will pay CZK 340.
13. Kampa
Although it may not seem so at first glance, Kampa is one of the islands on the Vltava River. It is separated from the mainland only by a narrow water channel called Čertovka. Today, most of Kampa is covered by a park, but there are also several interesting sights to see.
14. Čertovka
The aforementioned water canal is one of the most picturesque places in Kampa. The narrow canal creates a unique scenery, which is why this area is often referred to as the Venice of Prague. You can walk across one of the bridges, one of which even offers views of a historic mill.
15. Mimina Sculpture
The Mimina sculpture by artist David Černý stands in a park in Kampa and depicts giant crawling babies with strange faces. These controversial sculptures are a typical example of modern art in a historic setting. While wandering around Prague, you may come across many other sculptures by David Černý.
16. Yellow Penguins on the Vltava River
Just a few steps from the Mimin sculpture, you will find a playful installation on the Vltava River consisting of a row of plastic yellow penguins. If you come here after dark, the penguins will be illuminated. There is also a beautiful view of the opposite bank of the river from here.
17. Kampa Museum
The Kampa Museum is a building you can’t miss when walking around Kampa. Today, it houses an important gallery of modern art, so it’s especially worth a visit for art enthusiasts. The most famous is the large collection of paintings by František Kupka.
The Kampa Museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission for adults is CZK 360.
18. Werich Villa
The Werich Villa in Kampa is associated with the name of the famous Czech actor and writer Jan Werich. Today, it houses a museum and cultural center commemorating his life and work.
Werich Villa is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and admission is CZK 170.
19. Church of Our Lady beneath the Chain
Hidden in the narrow streets behind Kampa is a less famous church, but that certainly does not mean it is any less beautiful. This Gothic building is one of the oldest in Malá Strana and is associated with the Order of the Knights of Malta. The building dates back to the 12th century and its name refers to the chain that once closed the entrance to the bridge over the Vltava River.
The church is not normally open to the public. If you want to take a look inside, you have to come before mass, when the interior is usually accessible.
20. Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague
If you imagine Prague as a mystical medieval city full of legends, you should definitely visit this museum. It recalls stories of mysterious alchemists who sought the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life in Prague. The exhibitions are really well done and have a great atmosphere.
The museum is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and admission is CZK 290.
MY TIP: If you like the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague, I would also recommend a visit to the Museum of Prague Legends and Ghosts, which is located a short distance from the Lesser Town Bridge Towers.
21. Loreta
This Baroque pilgrimage complex is located in Prague’s Hradčany district. For non-believers, it is particularly interesting for its unique carillon, whose unique sound can be heard every hour on the hour. Inside, you will also be impressed by the richly decorated chapels.
Loreta is open to the public every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and admission is CZK 280.
22. Strahov Monastery
If you walk from Prague Castle towards Petřín, you will definitely notice the Strahov Monastery building along the way. This 12th-century monastery complex attracts visitors mainly with its beautiful Strahov Library with magnificent halls filled with valuable books.
Within Strahov Monastery, you can visit either just the library or take a guided tour of the entire complex. Admission to the library costs CZK 190, while the tour costs CZK 340. The monastery is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
23. The Great Strahov Garden
The Great Strahov Garden stretches behind the monastery and offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of Prague. If you are passing through, you can stop in the gardens and take a moment to relax. Admission to the gardens is free.
24. Petřín Lookout Tower
The lookout tower on Petřín Hill resembles the famous Eiffel Tower and can be seen from many places in Prague. Today, the metal lookout tower offers some of the most beautiful views of the entire city, but on the other hand, admission is quite expensive, so it may be more worthwhile to go to another place in Prague for the view.
The Petřín Lookout Tower is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for most of the year, with extended opening hours in the summer months. Admission is CZK 250. If you want to take the elevator to the top (otherwise you can take the stairs), be prepared to pay an additional CZK 150.
25. Štefánik Observatory
On Petřín Hill, you will also find the Štefánik Observatory, which is primarily dedicated to popularizing space observation for the public. You can observe the sky here not only at night but also during the day, as there are giant telescopes available for this purpose.
The observatory is usually open for observation from Tuesday to Sunday. Specific opening hours vary significantly throughout the year, so check them at this link. A regular ticket to the observatory costs CZK 120.
26. Petřín Gardens
Essentially, the entire Petřín Hill is covered with extensive gardens and orchards, which are crisscrossed by paths and many interesting places. Prague residents often go to Petřín for dates and consider these gardens one of the most romantic places to stroll as a couple in Prague. There is also a funicular railway that will take you from Újezd to the top of Petřín.
MY NOTE: Currently (as of March 6, 2026), the funicular railway to Petřín is closed and not operating due to the instability of the hillside and repairs.
27. Mirror Maze
Next to the Petřín Lookout Tower, you will also find the famous Mirror Maze, which children will especially enjoy. Inside, you will find a series of mirrors that create optical illusions, and it is really easy to get lost here.
The opening hours of the maze are the same as those of the Petřín Lookout Tower. A single ticket costs CZK 150, or you can purchase a combined ticket for the lookout tower and the maze for CZK 300.
28. Memorial to the Victims of Communism
Below Petřín Hill, you will find this memorial, which is inconspicuous at first glance but very important, dedicated to the victims of communism in Czechoslovakia. The memorial depicts gradually disintegrating figures symbolizing the loss of freedom and human dignity.
29. The Hunger Wall
A medieval wall stretches across Petřín Hill, which you will surely notice at first glance. It was built in the 14th century as part of Prague’s defense system. It supposedly got its name because its construction was used by the enlightened ruler Charles IV as an excuse to put the local population to work during a famine.
30. Tank Torso Sculpture
As you leave Malá Strana, be sure to notice the sculpture by David Černý (who also created the Miminos in Kampa). In the middle of the park lie the remains of a pink-painted Soviet tank. During communism, the tank commemorated victory in World War II, but after the fall of the regime, it became a symbol of liberation from Soviet occupation and social change.
How to see Malá Strana in one day?
If you want to explore Malá Strana thoroughly, I would recommend setting aside a whole day for your visit. Start at the top at Prague Castle, which will take you about half a day to tour. Don’t forget to visit Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) and watch the changing of the guard.
From Prague Castle, you can continue around Loreta and through Strahov to Petřín. Climb the lookout tower, visit the mirror maze, or just admire the blossoming orchards. From Petřín, descend to Malá Strana. Stop at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and rest your eyes on the famous Infant Jesus of Prague.
From here, you can head to Kampa Island, which offers beautiful views and several interesting sights in the surrounding area. The Lennon Wall is a must-see. If you still have time, head north to the narrowest street in Prague and the Franz Kafka Museum. The most beautiful views of Prague during the golden hour await you from the tower of St. Nicholas Church or the Vrtba Garden.
