Mala Strana Travel Guide

Prague

Mala Strana featuring landscape views and a city
Mala Strana
Mala Strana
Mala Strana which includes a garden, landscape views and a city
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

Things to do


Top hotels in Mala Strana

Archibald At the Charles Bridge

Archibald At the Charles Bridge

3 out of 5
Na Kampe 15, Prague
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,995 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
฿2,995
฿3,507 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved this hotel! Amazing location right next to the Charles Bridge but tucked away in a quiet area near the park / river. Plenty of dining and historical sites nearby. Rooms were lovely and clean. Breakfast was also excellent."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Archibald At the Charles Bridge
Hotel Roma Prague

Hotel Roma Prague

4 out of 5
Újezd 425/24, Praha 1-Malá Strana, Prague
The price is ฿2,384 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
฿2,384
฿2,823 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,079 reviews)
Great hotel, but be cautious if using hair dryer!
"Overall great hotel in a nice convenient location. The only major concern was the hair dryer in the hotel room (used once) overheated and sparks flew out and could have caught my hair and the room on fire. Severely dangerous!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Roma Prague
Mandarin Oriental, Prague

Mandarin Oriental, Prague

5 out of 5
Nebovidska 459/1, Prague
The price is ฿12,098 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
฿12,098
฿13,704 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Prague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Prague Astronomical Clock and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
Highly recommend
"A really lovely hotel in a great location. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Room immaculate and opened up onto a small terrace overlooking a beautiful courtyard. Food in both restaurants was excellent. Well equipped large gym. Highly recommend staying at Mandarin Oriental."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Mandarin Oriental, 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 Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (690 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, clean and quiet. Just round the corner from the Charles Bridge in the 'Lesser Town' area. Polite helpful and friendly staff. Definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Luxury Family Hotel Royal Palace
Hotel U Tri Pstrosu

Hotel U Tri Pstrosu

4 out of 5
Drazickeho Namesti 12, Prague, Czech Republic
The price is ฿2,532 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
฿2,532
฿2,990 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Prague. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (299 reviews)
"Would have preferred a room with a view but instead I could only see the top of the roof"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hotel U Tri Pstrosu
Old Royal Post Boutique Hotel & Premium Suites

Old Royal Post Boutique Hotel & Premium Suites

4 out of 5
Maltézské Námestí 8, Prague
The price is ฿4,044 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿4,044
฿4,529 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Prague. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (647 reviews)
"I love this hotel and would stay there again. Convenient location, close to everything. The room was beautiful. We are a traveling family of four with small children. I love this place!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Old Royal Post Boutique Hotel & Premium Suites
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 which includes heritage architecture

Josefov

5/5(101 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 featuring a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Stare Mesto

4.5/5(542 area reviews)

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

Stare Mesto
Prague which includes a city

Prague 1

4.5/5(630 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 Astronomical Clock, and jump on the metro at Staromestska Station or Staroměstská Stop to see more of the city.

Prague 1
Charles Bridge which includes a city, a river or creek and heritage elements

Prague City Center

Prague Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square 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

4/5(8 area reviews)

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 which includes railway items, a city and heritage elements

Nové Město

4.5/5(1,151 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charles Square to New Town Hall – discover Nové Město, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nové Město

Mala Strana Travel Guide