St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle is one ...
Malá Strana - Prague Lesser Town: History, Attractions & Restaurants
Lesser Town in Prague is the historic part of Prague located below Prague Castle and west of the Vltava River with sights, winding streets, and restaurants.
The center of Prague can be divided into two areas. Prague Lesser Town is on the western bank of the Vltava River with sights such as Prague Castle, Petrin Hill, and the John Lennon Wall.
On the eastern bank of the Vltava, you will find Prague's Old Town, Staré Mesto, with the Old Town Hall, the Astronomical Clock, and the Jewish Quarter.
Since 1402, both parts have been connected by the Charles Bridge, a landmark in Prague.
Here we have compiled all the important information about Prague's Lesser Town, including sights, attractions, good places to eat, hotels, museums, and travel tips.
What Can I Do in Lesser Town?
Sights, Attractions, and Experiences
June 26, 2024
St. George's Basilica, built in 920, is the ...
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The 63.5-meter-high Petrin lookout tower on the hill ...
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The Old Royal Palace, which was the seat ...
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The National Technical Museum is one of the ...
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The John Lennon Wall, a colorful wall full ...
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Founded in 1143, Strahov Monastery is still inhabited ...
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Rosenberg Palace in Prague Castle is a former ...
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Tours
Tours, Tickets, and Audio Guides
How Do I Get to Prague's Lesser Town?
The center of Prague Lesser Town is Lesser Town Square with sights such as St. Nicholas Church, Sternberg Palace, and the Baroque Vrtba Garden. It is connected to Prague Castle on the north and Charles Bridge on the east.
To get to the Lesser Town Square, take public transportation to the Malostranské náměstí stop. This stop is served by streetcar lines 12, 15, 20, 22, 97, and bus line 194.
The Prague Castle is best reached by streetcar line 22 (to the Pražský hrad - Prague Castle stop).
Prague Castle
Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century. It is the largest enclosed castle complex in the world and a landmark of the Czech Republic. Covering an area of 7 hectares, it holds countless attractions such as the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane.
It is about 600 meters away on foot from the Lesser Town Square and can be reached within 12 minutes.
Public Transport: Public transport in Prague consists of metro (subway), streetcars, and buses, as well as suburban buses. This also includes the cable car on Petrin hill.
Dining in Lesser Town
Lesser Town in Prague is home to numerous restaurants serving Czech cuisine delicacies.
On the alley between Charles Bridge and St. Nicholas Church especially, there are many restaurants that Prague travelers should seek out. Visitors will also find them on Thunovska Lane, a charming alley that leads from St. Nicholas Church up to Prague Castle.
A clear recommendation is to visit the famous Strahov Monastery Brewery, which, according to surveys, brews the best beer in all of the Czech Republic. The monastery's beer garden and restaurant are one of the most popular places in Prague.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Some of the most popular sights in Prague Lesser Town are listed below.
1. Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, and St. George's Basilica.
2. The Strahov Monastery
3. Petrin Hill with the Petrin lookout tower
4. The Charles Bridge
5. The John Lennon Wall
6. The National Technical Museum
7. The Kampa Museum
8. The Franz Kafka Museum
9. The Alchemists and Magicians Museum of Old Prague
10. The KGB Museum
You can find more sights in our list of 50 Sights in Prague.
The restaurant and beer garden in Strahov Monastery is highly recommended. The beer in the monastery, brewed since the 13th century, is considered one of the best in the whole Czech Republic. There are also quite a few good restaurants to try on the alley between Charles Bridge and St. Nicholas Church, as well as on Thunovska Alley, which leads up to Prague Castle.
For more insider tips on eating out in Prague, check out our list of 13 Restaurants in Prague with Czech Cuisine.
In addition to the classic sights, Prague's Lesser Town is best known for its winding alleys, charming cobblestone streets, and Baroque buildings. A recommendation is to explore the picturesque alleys during a walk through Prague's Lesser Town, especially around the Castle District. This way you can come across hidden places and even village corners to immerse yourself in the special character of Lesser Town. Several cafes and restaurants, especially on Thunovska alley, are perfect for a break.
The easiest way to reach Prague Castle is by public transport. The most central station on the Lesser Town Ring is Malostranské náměstí. Get on streetcar line 22 here and get off at the Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) stop.
Alternatively, you can reach Prague Castle from the Lesser Town Ring after about 600 meters of walking, which takes about 12 minutes.
History of Lesser Town
The beginnings of Prague Lesser Town date back to the High Middle Ages, when the first settlements occurred in the area. In 1257, Lesser Town was elevated to the 2nd Prague city - after the Old Town - under King Přemysl Ottokar II.
The Hussite Wars of 1419/20, the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), and the devastating fire of 1541 severely affected Lesser Town. As a result, many buildings had to be rebuilt, which gave Lesser Town its present Baroque character.
In 1784, the previously independent Lesser Town was united with the Old Town, New Town, and Hradcany, which were joined behind a city fortification.
Three Main Periods
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