Neighbourhoods at a Glance - Prague and Czech Republic - page 161

Neighbourhood Top Five
Experience the bustle and throng of Charles Bridge ( CLICK HERE ), a crowded
half-kilometre of baroque statues, busking jazz musicians, postcard sellers, caricature
artists, snapshotting tourists and stunning views. Better still, experience the bridge at
its most romantic, at dawn.
Gaze in wonder at the florid frescoes and trompe l'oeuil trickery that adorn the
soaring vaults and domes of St Nicholas Church ( CLICK HERE ).
Remember the repression of communist-era Prague with a visit to the John Len-
non Wall ( CLICK HERE ), where local youths once gathered in a spirit of rebellion.
Admire the faith and passion that has gone into creating the countless costumes
that adorn the Infant Jesus of Prague ( CLICK HERE ).
Escape from the crowds with a stroll among the aristocratic fripperies of the im-
pressive - and unexpected - Wallenstein Garden ( CLICK HERE ).
Explore: Malá Strana
Almost too picturesque for its own good, the baroque district of Malá Strana (Little
Quarter) tumbles down the hillside between Prague Castle and the river. The focal
point of the neighbourhood is Nerudova street, which links the castle to Malostranské
náměstí, Malá Strana's main square, dominated by the soaring green dome of St Nich-
olas Church. To its north is a maze of palaces and gardens, home to government of-
fices and foreign embassies; to the south are more parks and gardens straggling along
the banks of the Vltava before merging into the more commercialised streets of
Smíchov.
Once you get away from the crowded pavements of Nerudova and Mostecká - the
main tourist route between the castle and Charles Bridge - there are cobbled back-
streets to explore, with hidden historic gardens, quaint and colourful house signs
perched above doorways, and countless little bars and cafes where you can while
away an afternoon.