Lesser Town Square & Neruda Street

Malostranské náměstí (Lesser Town Square) located at the end of Mostecká Street, is a vibrant heart of Prague’s Lesser Town. On the right-hand side, coming from Mostecká Street, stands the beautiful Thun Palace, a historic Baroque residence built around 1720. The palace houses the Czech Parliament and is one of the oldest parliamentary buildings in Europe. It has played a central role in Czech history—it was here where the first session of the National Assembly proclaimed the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, dethroned the Habsburgs, and elected T. G. Masaryk as president. The palace also witnessed the approval of the first Czechoslovak Constitution in 1920.

The striking green dome of the Church of St. Nicholas dominates the square, showcasing one of Prague’s finest examples of Baroque architecture and adding dramatic flair to the city’s skyline.

Directly opposite Mostecká Street is the Grömling Palace, built in 1786 for lawyer Karel from Grömling. Renowned as one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in Prague, the palace became famous for its ground-floor café, a popular meeting spot for leading figures of Czech cultural life from 1874 onward. Today, the tradition of lively conversation continues in the same space, now sadly home to a Starbucks café.

Several important diplomatic buildings are located on nearby streets, including the splendid palaces housing the United States (Schönbrunn Palace) and German Embassies (Lobkowicz Palace) on Tržiště Street and the United Kingdom Embassy (Thun-Hohenstein Palace) in Thunovská Street.

From the square, Neruda Street leads uphill toward Prague Castle, following part of the famous Royal Route once used by Bohemian kings on their coronation procession. This picturesque street is lined with carefully preserved Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance houses, many bearing colorful and unique house signs—medieval symbols that once served as address markers.

Notable buildings along Neruda Street include the Liechtenstein Palace (at the bottom of the street), today home to the Academy of Performing Arts; Morzinský Palace (no. 5), housing the Romanian Embassy; the Kolowrat Palace (no. 20), now the Italian Embassy; and the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Cajetan, dating from 1691. A special literary connection awaits at U Dvou slunců (House of Two Suns, no. 47), the childhood home of the beloved Czech writer Jan Neruda, whose evocative stories captured the spirit of Prague and gave this street its cherished name.

With its boutique shops, galleries, and cozy cafés, Neruda Street invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll steeped in history and culture while ascending toward the breathtaking views and monumental grandeur of Prague Castle.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Keep an eye out for the fascinating house signs along  Neruda Street - each offers a glimpse into Prague’s medieval past and adds unique charm to your walk. Look for signs such as the Black Eagle (no. 2), Red Eagle (no. 6), Three Violins (no. 12), Kinský Palace, Golden Crown (no. 15), Golden Goblet (no. 16), Donkey in the Cradle (no. 25), Golden Wheel (no. 28), Seven Roaches (no. 31), Golden Lion (no. 32), Golden Horseshoe (no. 34), Red Lion (no. 41), Green Cancer (no. 43), and White Swan (no. 49).

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

-Seminar Café (Modern café with breakfast, lunch & cultural events) 4.6⭐

-Miska Ramen  (Japanese ramen & Asian street food) 4.8⭐ 

 

[$]

-Bistro Monk 2 (Modern bistro with international menu) 4.8⭐ 

-Cukr Káva Limonáda (Cozy café with homemade desserts and brunch) 4.3⭐

-Street Burger Bistro (Gourmet burgers & craft beer) 4.7⭐

 

[$$]

-SIU Restaurant (Modern European cuisine in a stylish setting) 5.0⭐ 

-Restaurant U Tří Pštrosů (Elegant Czech & international dining in historic setting) 4.0⭐

-Piknik Park (Italian restaurant & wine terrace by the canal) 4.7⭐ 

 

[$$]

-Brick's (Modern European cuisine with river views) 4.5⭐

-Kampa Park (Fine dining with river and Charles bridge views and international cuisine) 4.6⭐