What to See in Malá Strana & Hradčany Prague: 15 Top Sights
Trying to figure out what to see in Malá Strana and Hradčany?
Malá Strana and Hradčany neighborhoods sit on the opposite side of the Vltava River from Old Town. These areas are well known for their beautiful cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and, of course, Prague Castle.
To our surprise, Malá Strana and Hradčany ended up being our two favorite parts of Prague. We spent hours roaming the streets and exploring every little nook we could find, and, trust me, there is plenty to see.
In this guide, we’re going to give your our complete list of what to see in Malá Strana and Hradčany along with our top tips for spending a full day exploring these beautiful neighborhoods.
Let’s get started!
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Hradčany & Malá Strana Sights Map
Top Sights in Malá Strana and Hradčany
Since there’s so much to see in Malá Strana and Hradčany, we recommend starting your day as early as possible. This will allow you time to enjoy the quiet streets, for a little while at least, and you’ll be able to get to the castle before the crowds arrive.
1. Prague Castle Complex
Prague Castle is probably at the top of every visitor’s bucket list of things to see when visiting the city and with good reason.
This massive complex sits atop a hill overlooking the city, and, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is the largest ancient castle in the world.
The entire castle consists of dozens of buildings including palaces, churches, gardens, and towers. While not all are accessible to the public, there are many that are, and they’re definitely worth checking out.
We recommend booking your Prague Castle tickets or tour in advance to skip the ticket line because it can get very busy. This is a great tour option.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is hard to miss. This massive structure stands at the center of the Prague Castle complex and its spires tower high above the city.
Construction of the gothic cathedral began in the 14th century, but it wasn’t finished until the 19th century.
The cathedral itself is really impressive, both inside and out, so it’s definitely worth poking your head inside for a few minutes, even if it’s just to get a glimpse of the incredible 45-ton organ that’s displayed inside.
Old Royal Palace
The Old Royal Palace is one of the must-see stops on a castle visit. Its main highlight is the Vladislav Hall, which was once used for coronations and banquets.
St. George’s Basilica
St. George’s Basilica dates back to the 10th century which makes it even older than St. Vitus Cathedral. It’s usually an overlooked stop since it’s not as grand as St. Vitus Cathedral, but it’s still worth a look if you have time.
Golden Lane
The Golden Lane is made up of a row of tiny, brightly colored houses set along the castle’s walls. It’s probably one of the most photogenic spots of Prague Castle, so many visitors tend to congregate in this area.
They were originally home to castle guards and goldsmiths, which is where the name came from. Today, many of them house small museum exhibits, so it’s fun to roam through them.
Pro Tip:
The earlier you can get to the castle, the better. Ideally, we recommend arriving before 10 AM, but earlier is even better. If you pre-book a tour, it’s a great way to avoid the long lines which are inevitable.
2. Charles Bridge
If you’re coming from Old Town, we recommend crossing the river at Charles Bridge to get to Malá Strana.
Charles Bridge is probably one of the most recognized landmarks in the city, along with Prague Castle. It was built in the 14th century and spans almost 1,700 feet across the Vltava River.
This bridge is pedestrian-only, so if you get there early enough, you should be able to get some great pictures. There should be little to no crowds at this time of day.
What we love about Charles Bridge is that it’s more than just a means to get from one side of the river to the other.
You’ll often find street performers and musicians here, along with artists and other vendors selling various souvenirs.
The bridge is also lined on each side with 30 statues of various saints, including the Statue of Vitus. Be sure to check them out out along the way.
3. John Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall is tucked away on a side street in Malá Strana. What began as a mural of John Lennon after his death, turned into an outlet for local artists to bring attention to various causes, such as global warming.
John Lennon never actually visited the city, but the mural was meant to serve as a symbol of freedom and peace. The designs are ever-changing and include anything from political statements to colorful artwork.
You probably don’t need to spend a lot of time here, probably not more than 10 or 15 minutes at the most.
Honestly, as interesting as the wall is, what we really enjoyed were the streets surrounding the wall. It’s located in the middle of a neighborhood that houses several embassies in beautiful, historic buildings.
The tree-lined streets are very quiet early in the morning, which is a nice contrast from the busy Old Town streets.
When we visited, we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Prague which is only a few minutes’ walk from the wall. We grabbed some coffee to-go and took a relaxing stroll through the streets on our way to the wall.
This happened to be on a weekend so the streets were even more quiet with very little traffic or crowds.
Want to read our complete review of Mandarin Oriental Prague?
→ Mandarin Oriental Prague Review: Luxury Stay in Mala Strana
4. Kampa Island
Kampa Island is probably our favorite place in all of Prague. It’s filled with tree-lined, cobblestone streets, beautiful canals, and small cafes and restaurants that feel less touristy than the ones in Old Town.
There’s also more green space, so you can easily find a bench somewhere and just spend a little time people watching and enjoying the views.
If it’s something that interests you, you can check out the giant baby sculptures by David Černý, which are located just outside Museum Kampa.
Personally speaking, we thought they were a little strange, but hey, that’s just us.
5. Wallenstein Garden
We came across Wallenstein Garden one day as we were roaming the backstreets of Malá Strana. Some people were passing though an unassuming entrance in a wall, so we decided to follow.
Inside, we found a beautiful garden filled with stone walkways, green foliage, benches and stunning fountains. The garden was built in the 1600’s, along with the Waldstein Palace which now houses the seat of the Czech Senate.
It doesn’t cost anything to roam the grounds, so, if you have some time, we recommend adding this stop to your walking tour.
It’s great for people-watching, plus, you’ll probably catch a glimpse of the resident peacocks too. They seemed to be the main attraction.
6. St. Nicholas Church & Bell Tower
St. Nicholas Church is a beautiful Baroque church located in the heart of Lesser Town. It’s famous for its massive green dome and ornate interior.
We only viewed it from outside but if you’re into churches or architecture, you might want to peak your head inside.
You can also climb the bell tower, for a fee, if you’re up for it. It’s supposed to have some of the best views in this part of the city, so if you don’t mind climbing 215 steps, it might be worth it.
7. Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí)
Lesser Town Square is located right next to St. Nicholas Church. This is the heart of the neighborhood so it tends to be one of the busiest areas in Malá Strana.
Unlike Old Town Square, this square is not pedestrian-only, so it can get very busy, especially because it also serves as a tram stop.
There are some cafes and restaurants that line the square, so if you enjoy watching the hustle and bustle, it might be a nice place to stop for a drink. That said, we think there are much nicer, and quieter, places to stop.
8. Nerudova Street
Nerudova Street is one of the prettiest streets in Prague, so you can’t miss this if you’re in Malá Strana.
As part of the Royal Route leading to the castle, this street is lined with beautifully preserved buildings that were actually rebuilt after a fire in 1541.
One interesting thing to note is that many of these buildings feature house signs which were used before numbers to identify specific houses and the trade of the person who lived there.
If you have time, it’s fun to go around to the different houses and try to identify each one.
You’ll also find some great cafes and boutique shops along Nerudova Street so it’s worth spending a little time exploring those as well.
9. Hradčany Square
Hradcany Square serves as one of the main gateways to the Prague Castle complex. It’s lined with several historical palaces, including the New Royal Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace.
From the square, you can get an amazing view over all of Prague, so it’s a perfect stop if you’re looking for a panoramic shot of the city.
There’s a changing of the guard at the New Royal Palace every hour, so try to time your visit to coincide with this. Keep in mind, it can get very crowded, especially during the peak summer months.
We loved this area because there are several small restaurants and cafes nearby which are less crowded and touristy than other parts of the city. This is a perfect place to stop for lunch, depending on the time of day you visit.
10. Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the world that is still in active use. It was founded in 1143, and one of the main draws for visitors is the Strahov Library.
It’s filled from floor-to-ceiling with ornate bookshelves, ceiling frescoes, and a collection of rare manuscripts and globes.
If you want a deeper dive, you can book this Stahov Monastery walking tour which will cover everything about the history of the monastery.
Aside from the library, the monastery grounds have some of the best panoramic views in Prague, along with a quiet courtyard that you can roam around.
If you’ve worked up a thirst, we highly recommend stopping at the monastery’s brewery which serves beer that’s brewed on-site.
We stopped here after visiting the castle and it was the perfect spot to get away from the main tourist areas for a little while.
Check out our complete guide for the best beer spots in Prague:
→ 10 Best Beer Spots in Prague You Shouldn’t Miss
11. Kafka Museum Courtyard
If you happen to visit the Kafka Museum, be sure to check out the quirky urinating sculpture which is located in the courtyard in front of the museum. It’s a little odd but people seem to get a kick out of it.
Even though the sculpture is definitely one of the more unique parts of the courtyard, what we loved about it was that it was lined with the cutest restaurants and shops.
If you want to try some traditional Czech gingerbread while you’re in Prague, and you happen to find yourself in this area, there’s a cute little shop just steps from the sculpture that we highly recommend. You can’t miss it.
12. Uvoz Street
You probably won’t see Úvoz Street on many walking tours. We actually came across it completely by chance when we were wandering the streets around Prague Castle.
Since this is a lesser known area, it tends to be much more quiet than the more traveled streets surrounding the castle.
What makes it unique is that it offers some amazing views over the rooftops of Prague, so it’s another must-see if you want some more great pictures of the city.
If you’re heading downhill, Úvoz eventually merges with Nerudova Street, so you’ll end up right back in the heart of Malá Strana.
13. Vrtba Garden
Vrtba Garden is another hidden gem in Malá Strana that isn’t talked about much. This small baroque garden sits on the hillside of Petrin Hill, so if you’re heading in that direction, you can easily add it as a stop along the way.
Not many people know about it and it’s difficult to find unless you’re specifically looking for it. Once you get there though, you’ll realize it was definitely worth the visit.
It’s tiered design provides unbelievable views over the city, and since it’s not very well known, it offers a quiet respite from the rest of the city.
If you want to get away from the crowds for a bit, this is the place to be.
14. Nový Svět
You probably won’t see Nový Svět on many bucket lists either, but this quaint little neighborhood is definitely worth a quick visit.
These colorful little houses were originally built in the 14th century to house castle workers, however, the ones you see today were mostly built in the 17th and 18th centuries.
This charming area is only about a 10-minute walk from Prague Castle, and it doesn’t require a huge time commitment.
It’s a great off-the-beaten-track location, plus you’ll get some great pictures.
15. Zámecké schody
Zámecké schody is the set of steps that connects Malá Strana to Prague Castle. The climb to get to the top is pretty steep, and with a total of 220 steps, climbing them can be a pretty grueling task.
However, the views along the way are really spectacular. Of course, that’s assuming you can focus on the scenery instead of your pounding heart and your legs screaming with every step.
So, is Zámecké schody the only way to get to Prague Castle?
While most visitors use these stairs to climb up to Prague Castle, we’d recommend doing the reverse: walk up via Nerudova Street (an easier, more scenic climb) and save these steeper stairs for your way back down. It’s much easier on the legs.
Pro Tip:
About half-way up (or down) Zámecké schody, there’s a small cafe called Coffee in Garden. It has a small outdoor terrace that overlooks the Fürstenberg Garden, and it also offers panoramic views over Prague. If you have time, you can grab a cold drink and some small bites here. It’s not a place we would recommend for lunch, but it’s perfect for grabbing a water or beer while enjoying the views. You can also use the restroom here for a small fee.
Tips for Exploring Malá Strana
Even though Prague is a very walkable city, we do have a few tips to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Visit Early in the Day
Morning is, by far, the best time of day to visit Malá Strana and Hradčany. This is especially true if you just want to roam the streets for a little while or take pictures without hoards of people in the background.
Since many of the sights in this part of the city are free, opening hours aren’t too much of an issue at this time of day.
However, if you want incorporate some inside visits, be sure to keep the operating hours in mind when planning your route.
Want our complete guide about all the free things to see in Prague?
→ Best Free Things to Do in Prague: A One Day Walking Itinerary
Wear Comfortable Shoes
While Prague is definitely a walkable city, there’s still a lot of walking to be done. On average, we walked about 5 miles per day. Be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes when heading out.
Pace Yourself for the Climb to the Castle
Hradčany sits at a significantly higher elevation than Malá Strana. If you’re combining both into one day, plan for a workout.
There’s no way to avoid some uphill walking, no matter which route you take. If you’re not up for the walk, Tram 22 and Tram 23 will drop you off fairly close to the castle.
Bring Water and Some Cash
Since you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, we recommend bringing some water with you, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months. We also suggest bringing a little bit of cash since there’s usually a small charge to use public restrooms.
Watch Your Footing Along the Way
The combination of cobblestones, hills, stairs, and tourists stopping suddenly for photos makes this an area where it’s easy to trip if you’re distracted. Be mindful of who and what is around you.
Where to Stay in Malá Strana & Hradčany
There are countless hotels throughout Malá Strana, but if you’re looking for suggestions, these are some of our favorites:
→ Hotel Pod Věží – This boutique hotel located right next to Charles Bridge in Malá Strana, so it’s well positioned for exploring the area.
→ Aria Hotel – Gorgeous beautiful hotel has an ideal location that’s close to most of the major sights in Malá Strana. It has a rooftop terrace with stunning views.
→ Mandarin Oriental: This hotel is a quiet retreat in the heart of Malá Strana, but it’s still close to all the sights you’ll want to see on this side of the river. Not only is it our favorite hotel in Malá Strana, it’s probably our favorite hotel in all of Prague.
Curious how Mandarin Oriental compares to Four Seasons Prague?
→ Four Seasons vs Mandarin Oriental Prague: How They Compare
Answering Your Questions About Malá Strana
Is Malá Strana Worth visiting?
Mala Strana is absolutely worth visiting. It was actually our favorite part of Prague.
What is Malá Strana known for?
Mala Strana is known for its quiet, cobblestone streets and beautiful canals.
What’s in Malá Strana Prague?
You can find many things in Malá Strana including Wallenstein Gardens, Lennon Wall, and the Franz Kafka Museum.
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- Four Seasons vs Mandarin Oriental Prague: How They Compare
- Mandarin Oriental Prague Review: Luxury Stay in Mala Strana
- Four Seasons Prague Review: Luxury Hotel Stay in Old Town
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Our Final Take: What to See in Malá Strana
So, there you have it. If you were wondering what to see in Malá Strana before reading this, hopefully we’ve shown you that there are plenty of things to see to fill at least a day.
Its quiet streets and panoramic views are just a couple of reasons why it became our favorite part of the city. So much so, we ended up visiting more than once.
If you visit Prague, do yourself a favor and explore this beautiful part of the city. You may find that it’s your favorite part of the city too.
Talk soon!
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