Mala Strana

Exploring the Lesser Quarter

Mala Strana means "Little Side." It is also known as the Lesser Quarter/Town/Side because, originally, it was a market settlement where most of the poor population of Prague resided. But today, the postcodes here are among the most expensive in Prague.

What to do and see?

Cross the Karluv Most from Old Town

Mala Strana end of Karluv Most

Because why not? It is always fun to walk over the most famous bridge in Prague. Besides, it's got 360 degrees of views to offer whilst you cross.

Crossing the Karluv Most

John Lennon Wall

Visit this wall with graffiti dedicated to one of the most brilliant persons of the musical industry. It also features lyrics from songs of the Beatles. Just imagine there are no people.

Lennon Wall

Hear Mass at Church of Our Lady Victorious

Church of Our Lady Victorious

This church is home to the Infant Jesus of Prague. The church dates back to 1611, and the said statuette was originally from Spain and was donated to the Carmelites of Prague. Sightseeing is allowed except during mass times. English masses are held here every Thursdays at 5PM, and Sundays at 12NN.

Infant Jesus of Prague

U Maltézskych Rytîrü Lunch

After hearing the 12 NN mass, we went and had lunch at the nearby restaurant. We ordered Cesar salad, chips, and honey pork ribs.

Czech Lunch

The place was cosy, and the service was prompt. There are toilet facilities. The food is average and reasonably priced. The servings were generous apart from the honey pork ribs. Overall, I'd say it was a relatively satisfying meal.

View from Petrin Hill funicular station

Petrin Hill

Ride the funicular to go up Petrin Hill. But if you fancy a bit of uphill walk, feel free to do so - just about 20 minutes. Otherwise, enjoy the views of the city from the funicular as you ascend.

Rose Garden at Petrin Hill

- Explore the rose gardens as you head towards the Carpathian Ruthenian Church of Saint Michael Archangel. It's a 17th century wooden church relocated on the side of Petrin Hill from the Carpathian Mountains in 1929.

Back of the wooden church

Ruthenian Church

View of Prague from Kinsky Garden - Petrin Hill

- Sit along the lake Lachtan in Kinsky Gardens

Petrin Hill

- Climb the 299 steps of Petrin Lookout Tower - Prague's own version of Eiffel Tower. Measuring around 378m, the cast-iron tower has an observation deck for more panoramic views of Prague. Entry is worth 50 CZK. There are toilet facilities.

Petrin Lookout Tower

- Try out the Mirror Maze - adults pay 70 CZK. Make your way through a maze of diorama of the battle of the Praguers against the Swedes, and then through a hall with mirrors that will warp your appearance in fun and crazy ways.

- Visit the Holy Sepulchre and Cavalry Chapel, and the St. Lawrence Church. The Holy Sepulchre has a window which is strategically positioned so that a sun beam falls right on the sacrificial stone located at the centre of the chapel during Easter at 3PM. The Cavalry Chapel serves as a reminder of the Good Friday.

St. Lawrence Church

Filipinsky Dessert

Try out the Filo Halo-Halo in a Filo store located across the Church of Our Lady Victorious. For 75 CZK, enjoy a traditional dessert made of shaved ice usually mixed with agar jelly, sweet beans, coconut, fruits, and sometimes, ube (yam) while walking along the streets of Mala Strana.

Halo-Halo in Prague

Walk along the streets of Mala Strana

Go inside St. Nicholas Church

Dome of the Cathedral

St. Nicholas Church took a hundred years and 3 generations of architects to complete. Apart from the impressive details of its interiors, marvel at the ten paintings depicting the Passion of Christ, the copy of the Gothic wooden sculpture of Our Lady of Foy, and the cathedral's main organ consisting of 4000 pipes up to 6m in length - the organ that was said to have been played by W.A. Mozart during his visit in Prague.

The Altar

The main organ

Our Lady of Foy wooden sculpture

Cross the Karluv Most again and head to Old Town at night

Because the darkness brings out the light - Karluv Most is different at night, as well as the views of the Astronomical Clock Tower and the Old Town Square. Enjoy people watching while you marvel at these Czech gems.

Mala Strana at night

Old Town Square at night

Astronomical Clock Tower at night