Malá Strana

Understand

Prague Castle is the symbol of the Czech state. It became the seat of Bohemian dukes in the 9th century. Since then, the Prague Castle had been continually the seat of ruler of the Czech lands, from kings of Bohemia to Czechoslovak and Czech presidents. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. Castle complex is a unique mixture of different architectural styles. From Romanesque St. George's Basilica, Gothic St. Vitus cathedral, renaissance Belvedere with gardens to adjustments by well-known architects form 20th century. Under the Castle is Lesser Town. Founded in 13th century, this part of Prague was inhabited mostly by Germans. Lesser Town was destroyed during the Hussite Rebellion, therefore there is a Baroque architectural predominance here.

Getting there

Public transport is the preferred way. To reach the Prague Castle, use station of line A 1 Malostranská A or 2 Hradčanská A . The best way how to get to Lesser Town is station of line A "Malostranská", station of trams 12, 20 and 22 "Malostranské náměstí". Probably the best option is a walk from Old Town via the Charles bridge. The nearest car parking (paid and guarded) is in the 3 U Prašného mostu street.

See

The main attraction of Hradčany (Castle Quarter or Castle District) is the Prague Castle itself. However the Castle Quarter is much larger and is filled with many other attractions, palaces, churches and monasteries. Some of the palaces host excellent galleries, others are used as government or church buildings. Some of the areas require you to buy a ticket for entrance. You can buy one of two combined tickets. The short tour allows entrance to the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane and Daliborka Tower for 250 Kč. The long tour allows entry to all the same places as the short tour, as well as "The Story of Prague Castle" exhibition, the National Gallery display in the Convent of St. George, and the Prague Castle Picture Gallery all for 350 Kč. The entry to the St. Vitus Cathedral is free (but crowds are regulated) when the owned by the state, but money is charged when owned by the Catholic church. The legal battle over the ownership of the cathedral still continues. To climb the bell tower of the cathedral costs 150 Kč.

1 Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad). The former seat of the King and is now the seat of the Czech president. This is Prague's number one tourist attraction so expect huge crowds and possibly long lines, especially during high tourist season. Your best bet is to come early, as soon as the castle opens. Similar to other royal palaces, there is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony. At noon, the ceremony includes fanfare at a flag ceremony in the first courtyard. 2 St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala svateho Vita). In the center of the castle and the most important cathedral in all of the Czech republic. The oldest parts of the cathedral are from the 14th century, but the cathedral was not completed in the Medieval period. The highest tower was completed in Renaissance and Baroque styles much later, as is clearly obvious. The Western portal and both Western towers are even younger, completed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, th

Do

Watch the Castle Guard changing ceremony at a full hour, best at noon. Listen to the Loreta bells at a full hour. Visit the excellent art galleries both inside the Castle and in the surrounding palaces. Climb the highest tower of the St. Vitus Cathedral and enjoy Prague from the excellent perspective. Go up the Petrin Observation Tower for a worthwhile view over the city for 60 Kč (reductions 40 Kč). Watch the night sky with a big telescope from the Stefanik Observatory (40 Kč). Children of all ages like the distorting mirrors in the Mirror Maze on Petřín Hill.

Buy

Number of little gift shop with Prague-themed items on Nerudova street. More affordable prices than in Old Town, less crowded and especially offers more original and peculiar items.

Eat

Budget 1 ROESEL - beer & food, 20, Mostecká 45. (updated May 2022) 2 Restaurace Pod Petřínem, Hellichova 5. (updated May 2022) 3 U Kocoura, Nerudova 205. (updated May 2022) 4 Restaurace U Mlynáře, Nerudova 213/18. (updated May 2022) 5 Garden Café Taussig, Vlašská 25. (updated May 2022) 6 Recharging Bar, Olympijská 1913/1. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 7 U krále Brabantského (Medieval Tavern), Thunovská 198/15, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, ☏ +420 724 144 192, [email protected]. 12:00-00:00. Tavern opened daily since 1375, recreating the ambient of 14th century Medieval Prague. Includes Medieval furniture and wall decorations, traditional food, and live entertainment by bards and sword fighters. Reservations recommended. An all-in evening package costs 1200 Kč. (updated Mar 2017) 8 U Zavesenyho Kafe, Uvoz 6 (near Hradčany square). one of the very few restaurants in the tourist area of Prague with a quirky atmosphere that isn't excessively touristy. Offering food at reasonable prices and serving good, modest food. A great place to have lunch while exploring Hradčany and Petrin Park, it's conveniently located in the middle between these two tourist attractions. (updated May 2022) 9 Restaurant U Zlatých nůžek (At the Golder Scissors), Na Kampě 6/494, ☏ +420 257 530 473. Daily 11:00-23:00. offers a wide selection of Czech and international cuisine including first-class Moravian wines. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of calmness in the centre of Prague with its beautiful view of the Charles Bridge and enjoy the garden in front of the hotel during the summer season (May-October). The restaurant is suitable for family gatherings, company events and wedding celebrations. (updated May 2022) 10 El Centro, Maltézské Náměstí 9, ☏ +420 257 533 343, [email protected]. Daily 12:00-00:00 (Last orders at 23:00). An excellent little restaurant located near the Charles Bridge, but tucked behind a couple of other buildings. It's a typical Spanish restaurant, has a very friend

Drink & nightlife

1 U Glaubiců, Malostranské náměstí 266/5, ☏ +420 257 532 027. Classic Czech pub, serving some of the best and cheapest beer in Malá Strana, normally one of the most expensive areas of the city. 2 U Malého Glena, Karmelitská 23, ☏ +420 257 531 717. American-owned bar with live jazz downstairs nightly. See video of this bar. 3 Dobrá trafika, Újezd 37, ☏ +420 732 852 364. Cosy cafe near Kampa with nice atmosphere, small garden and variety of small snacks and hot drinks. The cafe is located behind a newsstand (in Czech - trafika). 4 Cafe Club Ujezd, Ujezd 18, ☏ +420 251 510 873. Kind of an odd bar in Mala Strana. Interesting art on the walls and ceilings. Even more interesting clientele. Cheap beer and a great place for groups.

Sleep

1 EA Hotel Jeleni dvur, Jeleni 197, ☏ +420 233 028 333, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. All 30 rooms are equipped with TV/SAT, high speed Internet connection, direct dial telephone and safe deposit box. Public PC desk with Internet access and printer