Malá Strana

The easiest and most beautiful way to reach Malá Strana from Prague Old Town is by crossing emblematic Charles Bridge, admiring the 31 sculptural groups that decorate it on your way. The stately appearance of the bridge contrasts with the lively musicians and street sellers found here who vie for travellers’ attention.

As you walk across its half kilometre span, you’ll spot pretty Kampa Island on your left, which nestles between the Vltava and the Čertovka channel (also known as the “Devil’s Stream”). The island is home to the Kampa Museum and you could visit its interesting collection of works by 20th century artists, or simply relax in the lovely park with river views.

Malá Strana neighbourhood also has further cultural activities to choose between. Just a short distance from the Kampa Museum you’ll find the Franz Kafka Museum, the museum of Czech filmmaker Karel Zeman and the Infant Jesus of Prague Museum. The latter has a surprisingly varied collection of liturgical clothes and accessories that are used to decorate the small, lovingly worshipped sculpture throughout the year.

If you continue straight along Mostecká Street after leaving Charles Bridge (instead of turning off to Kampa Island), you’ll head directly to Malostranské Náměstí, a square that represents the heart of this enchanting neighbourhood. In fact, Malostranské Náměstí, with the spectacular Jesuit temple of Sant Nicholas at its centre, is the best place to get a feeling for the neighbourhood. One corner of the square is home to Malostranska Beseda, a club that is famous for its food and cultural events, and for the fact that it’s housed in a Renaissance building that was Malá Strana town hall from the end of the 15th century until 1784. And if you’ve missed coffee time, no excuses are needed to enjoy a beer here instead. After all, Prague is passionate about brewing beer and the city is considered a great “beer travel” destination.

Returning to the city’s heritage, if you’d like to enjoy a unique view of St Nicholas church, don’t forget to visit Vrtba Garden.  There’s a good reason that it’s one of the favourite spots of local residents! And if you’re looking for impressive panoramic views that get countless Instagram “likes”, walk or take the historic funicular railway to Petřín Hill. Set at an altitude of 140 m, this spot guarantees a fantastic bird’s eye view of one of the most stunning historical city centres in Europe.

And the attractions of Malá Strana don’t end there. Other places that are definitely worth visiting include Nerudova Street, a beautiful road that climbs up to Prague Castle and is lined by elegant buildings; the surprsing Wallenstein Palace Gardens, current seat of the Czech senate; and the John Lennon Wall, which was created as an improvised tribute following the death of the legendary Beatle, later becoming an iconic symbol for freedom of expression.