Why Explore Hidden Gems in Mala Strana?

Mala Strana sits right below the famous Prague Castle. It feels like a fairy tale world. Most people walk straight from Charles Bridge to the castle gates. They miss the hidden courtyards and secret gardens along the way. Finding these spots makes your trip more personal.

The area is famous for its baroque architecture. You can find many quiet squares that feel frozen in time. Exploring on foot is the best way to see the details. You will find small statues and ancient door knockers. It is a great way to escape the heavy crowds of the Old Town.

For a complete experience, use a Mala Strana walking tour itinerary to stay organized. This helps you find the tricky entrances to hidden parks. Many of these gems are free to enter. They offer the best views and the most relaxing atmospheres in the city.

10 Hidden Gems in Mala Strana Walking Tour

Here are the top picks for your next walk through the Lesser Town. These items mix nature, history, and local culture. Use this list to plan your day. Most of these are within easy walking distance of each other.

• Best overall: Vrtba Garden
• Best for families: Wallenstein Garden
• Best rainy-day: Museum of Alchemists
• Best free: Vojan Gardens

1. Name: Vrtba Garden Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is a stunning tiered baroque garden. It offers some of the best views of the city spires. Best for: Photography lovers Where: Near Karmelitská street Time: 45 minutes Cost: Approx 120-150 CZK Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the softest light on the rooftops.
2. Name: Wallenstein Garden Type: Iconic sight Why go: It features a massive dripstone wall and roaming peacocks. The architecture is grand and very peaceful. Best for: Families Where: Next to Malostranská metro Time: 30-45 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take the Metro Line A to Malostranská Tip: Look for the owls in the large aviary near the entrance.
3. Name: Vinárna Čertovka (Narrowest Street) Type: Unique experience Why go: It is so narrow that it has a traffic light for pedestrians. It is a fun and quirky photo spot. Best for: Quick stops Where: Near the Franz Kafka Museum Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk toward the river from U Lužického semináře Tip: Wait for the green light before you try to walk through.
4. Name: Vojan Gardens Type: Nature Why go: This is the oldest partially preserved garden in Prague. It is very quiet and full of fruit trees. Best for: Escaping crowds Where: U Lužického semináře Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A short walk from Charles Bridge Tip: This is a great place to sit and read a book.
5. Name: John Lennon Wall Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is a symbol of peace and freedom covered in colorful graffiti. It changes every single day. Best for: History buffs Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from Kampa Island Tip: Bring a marker if you want to leave a small message of peace.
6. Name: Kampa Island Type: Neighborhood Why go: Often called the "Venice of Prague," it has beautiful canals and parks. It feels like a separate village. Best for: Relaxed strolls Where: Under the Charles Bridge Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Take the stairs down from Charles Bridge Tip: Check out the giant baby statues by David Černý near the museum.
7. Name: Museum of Alchemists and Magicians Type: Museum Why go: It explores the mystical history of old Prague. The attic display is very atmospheric. Best for: Rainy days Where: Jánský vršek Time: 1 hour Cost: Approx 200-250 CZK Getting there: Walk up the hill from Nerudova street Tip: Have a drink at the Kellyxír cafe downstairs after your tour.
8. Name: Church of Our Lady Victorious Type: Sight Why go: It houses the famous Infant Jesus of Prague statue. People come from all over the world to see it. Best for: Culture Where: Karmelitská street Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free (donations welcome) Getting there: Tram 12, 15, 20, or 22 to Hellichova Tip: Visit the small museum upstairs to see the different outfits for the statue.
9. Name: Thunovská Street Type: Atmospheric street Why go: This narrow, arched street leads toward the castle. It is one of the most medieval-feeling spots in the city. Best for: Architecture Where: Parallel to Nerudova Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from the Malostranské náměstí square Tip: It is much quieter than the main Nerudova street nearby.
10. Name: Petřín Hill Secret Paths Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: Most people take the funicular, but the winding paths offer better views. You can find hidden orchards here. Best for: Hikers Where: Above the Lesser Town Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Start the walk from Lesser Town to Petrin Hill near Újezd Tip: Look for the "Hunger Wall" which runs through the park.

Essential Tips for Your Lesser Town Walk

To enjoy these hidden gems in Mala Strana walking tour stops, start early. Most gardens open at 10:00 AM. Visiting early helps you avoid the groups coming from Charles Bridge. You can find more information on the Prague.eu website about seasonal hours.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The cobblestones in Mala Strana are very old and can be slippery. This is especially true if it rains. Many streets are also quite steep as you get closer to the castle.

Don't forget to take breaks. There are many great coffee stops in Mala Strana where you can rest. Many cafes are tucked away in courtyards. They offer a quiet place to plan your next stop. Check the Visit Czechia portal for local events happening during your visit.