Mala Strana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mala Strana featuring a city and landscape views
Mala Strana
Mala Strana
Mala Strana showing a city, landscape views and a park
Mala Strana featuring a square or plaza and a park

This handsome, historical neighbourhood, filled with charming cobbled streets, cute courtyards, interesting museums and parks, is perfect for aimless wandering.  

While most tourists dedicate the vast majority of their time to Prague’s Stare Mesto (Old Town), those who do hop over the river to Mala Strana (Lesser Town) won’t be disappointed by what they find. Explore one of Prague’s most picturesque and romantic neighborhoods, where Baroque buildings line the cobbled streets and beautifully manicured parks and gardens welcome those who want to rest amid greenery.

Mala Strana was a neighborhood that sprung up in the shadow of Prague's Castle, housing wealthy citizens who would have worked in the city’s administration. Wander around the district and admire the impressive residences, many of which have been converted into shops, restaurants and commercial enterprises.

Head for Lesser Town Square, the central square in the neighborhood and a busy transportation hub. Dominating the square is Mala Strana’s most recognizable landmark: the Church of St. Nicholas. This Baroque church has hosted performances by famous composers including Mozart and Bach and its green dome is an iconic feature of the Prague skyline.

In addition to historic architecture, Mala Strana also contains several interesting museums. Examine equipment from Soviet-era laboratories at the KGB Museum, survey contemporary pieces at Museum Kampa and inspect rare musical instruments at the Czech Museum of Music, housed inside a former Baroque church. The Franz Kafka Museum, devoted to the great Czech author, is also found in this neighborhood and features valuable first editions, manuscripts, letters and more.

When you need a break from the city surroundings, venture to one of the district’s many leafy parks and gardens. Look for peacocks strutting around the manicured Wallenstein Gardens, the grounds of a 17th-century palace, or walk around the intimate UNESCO-listed Vrtba Garden. The riverside Kampa Park, meanwhile, hosts some of artist David Černý’s Babies, a series of sculptures depicting oversized crawling infants.

Shop for souvenirs and artisan handicrafts on Mostecká Street. This lively stretch is lined with boutiques selling everything from glassware and artworks to skincare products.

Mala Strana is located on the west bank of the Vltava River. To get here, walk across the Charles Bridge on foot or take the metro to Malostranská station.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Mala Strana Hotel Deals

Archibald At the Charles Bridge

Archibald At the Charles Bridge

3 out of 5
Na Kampe 15, Prague
The price is AU$180 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$180
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Parking is a NIGHTMARE. it cost about $40 and we had to walk a half mile. What a mess. I’m glad we were only in backpacks or it would have been worse. Hotel is lovely. Right on the water. Breakfast is amazing. Loved it so much. Just be aware that parking is neither easy or convenient. At all."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Archibald At the Charles Bridge
Hotel Roma Prague

Hotel Roma Prague

4 out of 5
Újezd 425/24, Praha 1-Malá Strana, Prague
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$137 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$137
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,076 reviews)
"Very good stay, great location if you want to see all of Prague city as you can walk or take public transport from the hotel. Staff were very friendly and rooms were spacious and clean"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Hotel Roma Prague
Luxury Family Hotel Royal Palace

Luxury Family Hotel Royal Palace

5 out of 5
Letenska 11, Prague
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (696 reviews)
Bon spot!
"Bien situé. Propre. Personnel aimable."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Luxury Family Hotel Royal Palace
Mandarin Oriental, Prague

Mandarin Oriental, Prague

5 out of 5
Nebovidska 459/1, Prague
The price is AU$737 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$737
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Prague Castle and Old Town Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (280 reviews)
"Not far from Charles bridge."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Bishop's House

Bishop's House

4.5 out of 5
Drazickeho namesti 6/62, Prague, Prague 1
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$191 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$191
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Bishop's House
Hotel Hoffmeister

Hotel Hoffmeister

5 out of 5
Pod Bruskou 7, Mala Strana, Prague
The price is AU$193 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$193
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (985 reviews)
"Lovely room quiet friendly staff"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hotel Hoffmeister
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mala Strana

Josefov showing heritage architecture

Josefov

4/5(11 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Josefov for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Jewish Town Hall and Old Jewish Cemetery. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Staromestska Station.

Josefov
Czech Republic showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Stare Mesto

5/5(80 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Old Town Square to Havelska Market – discover Stare Mesto, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Stare Mesto
Prague featuring a city

Prague 1

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Known for its popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Prague 1. Check out top attractions like Old Town Square and Prague Castle, and jump on the metro at Staromestska Station or Staroměstská Stop to see more of the city.

Prague 1
Charles Bridge which includes heritage elements, a bridge and a city

Prague City Center

Old Town Square and Prague Castle are top sights in Prague City Center, and you should be sure to explore the acclaimed art galleries. Hop aboard the metro at Karlovy Lázně Stop or Staroměstská Stop to see more sights in the area.

Prague City Center
Default Image

Prague 5

Noted for its historical sites and breweries, there's plenty to explore in Prague 5. Top attractions like Novy Smichov Shopping Centre and Staropramen Brewery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Arbesovo Náměstí Stop or Anděl (ul. Plzenska) Stop to see more of the city.

Prague 5
Nove Mesto showing heritage elements, a city and railway items

Nové Město

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charles Square to Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius – discover Nové Město, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nové Město

Mala Strana Travel Guide

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