Holešovice: One of Europe’s Coolest Neighbourhoods
Let's find out what's so special about Prague's Holešovice - according to the British Guardian, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe!
Art and Culture off the Beaten Track in Holešovice
Thinking of Prague with its countless beautiful spots and monuments, the famous Charles Bridge or Wenceslas Square will probably come to your mind first. However, as in many cities, the beauty lies off the beaten (touristy) tracks too.
For years, Holešovice has been known as “unattractive part of Prague” or even as a “dead gray space”. But over the past decade, the area has started to transform from the ugly duckling to the swan – thanks to young entrepreneurs and creative people! They made use of the empty spaces and low rental prices to turn Holešovice into a vibrant neighbourhood full of art galleries, designer shops and bars.
Let’s find out what makes Praha 7 so special!
What to See & Do in Holešovice
The Guardian editors admitted that Holešovice might not be “as postcard-pretty” as Stare Mesto (the old town of Prague) but, nevertheless, it offers a great variety of museums you definitely shouldn’t miss as culture enthusiast (or hipster):
- The National Technical Museum
- Veletrzni Palace as part of the National Gallery
- The DOX Center for Contemporary Art, a multifunctional (exhibition) space in an old fabric
Theater and film fans will find pleasure in visiting:
- The Chemistry Gallery, part of the La Fabrika (the cultural heart)
- The Bio Oko, an independent and highly popular cinema
- The Jatka, housing international theatre and circus space in the Prague Market
- The Trafo Gallery, offering concerts and theatre shows, also part of the Prague Market
The small but vibrant Veverkova street is Holešovice’s mini-hub for all the shoppers out there:
- Garage Store (Veverkova #6), for sneakers and vinyl
- Jakoby (#8), for unisex coats, dresses and jumpers
- Recycle With Love, for vintage treasures.
- Helena Darbujanova‘s shop (#7), selling her designs (chairs, tables and lamps) as well as Czech designers’ work
- Page Five (#5) selling international books, magazines, posters and also hosting events
- Pop-up Mint Market, bringing together Czech interior, fashion and jewellery designers in Prague Market and other venues
Where to Eat & Drink in Holešovice
Plenty of healthy options for grabbing a bite or a drink are waiting for you – and the number of hip cafés or bars continues to grow! The following cafés and bars were definitely among the reasons for making Holešovice one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe!
- Cafe Letka (Letohradská 44), with its rough walls and handsomely large window
- Bitcoin Coffee (Dělnická 43), convincing with style and delicious treats
- Vnitroblock (Tusarova 31), convincing your inner hipster with its industrial chic as a gallery and concept store
- Erhart patisserie (Milady Horáková 56), spoiling you with Czech classics
- Bistro Jankovcova (Jankovcova 14a), for having a sweet or savoury breakfasts, soups and salads with style
- Bistro 8 (Veverkova 1410/8), offering delicious Sunday brunches, brisket burgers and pulled pork tacos
- SaSaZu in Prague Market, as one of the best dinner spots for Asian fusion cusine paired with DJ set
Where to Party in Holešovice
In case you will be living at THE FIZZ Prague, you won’t be alone – life in our student residences means being part of a huge family! Nevertheless, we would not put you through staying in a neighbourhood without options for a proper night out. So here you go with the best party spots in Holešovice:
- Bar Cobra (M Horáková 8) mixing mezze plates, wild boar with noodles and a great selection of wines and cocktails
- Cross Club (Plynární 23), a grungy club with live shows, DJ nights and themed parties pretty much every night – perfect for students!
- Mecca (U Průhonu 3) pleasing house music lovers
Nature in Holešovice
Those looking for a moment of tranquility surrounded by nature are advised to go to Stromovka Park or Letna Park. Especially the latter offers marvellous views over the rest of Prague. In summer, many people use the several gardens to refresh themselves with beer.
The Coolest Student Residence in Holešovice
Well, we can’t blame The Guardian for not mentioning it yet BUT… in Autumn, Holešovice will become an even cooler neighbourhood and hotspot for students! Soon, people from all over the world will find Prague’s most modern student residence in Holešovice. Our first THE FIZZ in Czech Republic will open its doors and students can enjoy their first apartment on their own either in a single studio or in a double/shared room. More about THE FIZZ and the booking start on our website!
And the Other Coolest Neighbourhoods?
Holešovice was ranked 7th in the list of “coolest neighbourhoods in Europe” but what about the other places? Maybe you need inspiration for your next vacay? Järntorget and Långgatorna in Göteborg, Sweden’s second largest city, made the first place. These cities were once a place for sailors and dockers to enjoy themselves after payday. Today, the many bars and pubs continue this tradition. The second ranking went to the university district in Brussels followed by El Cabanial in Valencia. Here’s the full article if you want to find out more! 🙂
We might be back with a more detailed Holešovice guide – stay tuned!
All photo rights by International Campus GmbH.