A guide for Holešovice
Holešovice, in Prague 7, is nuzzled into the meander of the Vltava River often considered the coolest suburb of Prague. And it deserves the title. Only a 25-minute walk from the Old Town, Holešovice was gifted with 2 of Prague’s best parks, art galleries, a brand new shopping mall inaugurated in November 2019, an enormous amount of good restaurants, cafes and eateries, pubs and clubs, and even one of Prague’s major stadiums. Indeed, Holešovice covers all the basis.
And best of all, little touristic movement around. Holešovice still feels pretty local and business as usual.
But, what to do and see here?
PARKS
Letná Park, translating to Summer park is an amazing green area filled with sport courts, playgrounds, beer gardens and stunning views of Prague and the river. You can walk through Letná all the way to the castle without ever regretting the way you chose.
The beer garden is close in winter, leaving it empty to enjoy the extensive (and beautiful) views of the city but from March until late October you can enjoy the still cheap beer in this massive beer garden right in front of the Letná Chateau, a beautiful building and restaurant mostly used for weddings. Also at Letná, you will find the Metronome, a huge functional piece of art which looks out to the city and stands where once stood the atrocious giant statue of Stalin, and it counts the time since freedom has been re-established in the Czech Republic.
To the other side of Holešovice, rests the huge and amazing Stromovka park. Not many views of the city from this part, but still a beautiful green area, full of little lakes and playgrounds, running and biking areas, a planetarium with English presentation and a little ferry crossing towards to Prague Zoo.
CULTURAL
Holešovice is definitely a place for the cultural mind. Galleries, museums, planetariums and historical locations are the heart of the suburb.
Galleries
The National Gallery Prague is a state-owned art gallery in Prague, which manages the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic and presents masterpieces of Czech and international fine art in permanent and temporary exhibitions. (Dukelských Hrdinů 47)
- DOX – Centro of Contemporary Art
This is how they describe their goal:
"In an age when growing numbers of people tend to think dangerously alike, art´s capacity to suspend, even for a moment, our habitual ways of seeing may well prove to be of its greatest value".
Well, if you didn’t feel like visiting this place yet, so don’t, it is not for you. (Poupetova 1, Prague 7)
- Trafo Gallery
A small but nice gallery showcasing local artists and great events. (Bubenské nábřeží 306/13)
- Cinema BIO OKO
Another unique experience that you would go just by looking at it from the outside. The building looks tired and not very welcoming, but inside is another experience whatsoever.
It’s no modern, quite the opposite, it is like going back in time and sitting in the old-style cinema seats or even in an old car to resemble the open cinemas of the past. The program includes new movies, oldies, classics, small productions, short movies, international movies as well as Czech classics.
Check the program and walk from Hotel Belvedere, is right next to it.
SHOPPING
The newest Shopping Mall in Prague is right here. Inaugurated in November 2019, the Centrum Stromovka brings the traditional shops, wellbeing area with fitness studio, hair salon and children area.
For fashion labels, a walk or a short tram ride to Pařižska street is the way to go. Get tram 17 from Strossmayerovo naměsti, only 3 stops.
EATING, DRINKING, DANCING
Holešovice is full of options when it comes to food, beverage or a little party. From the modern Czech-style bistros such Belcredi or Bistro 8, or the interesting creperie U Slepe Kocicky (the blind cat), there is an option for every taste.
- VEGETARIANS & VEGANS
The Vegtral Restaurace is welcoming and caring about your taste. Worth to try if you are not vegetarian but don’t mind a meatless meal.
BISTROS & EATERIES
Belcredi Bistro (photo) offers a weekly menu and good beer in a friendly environment. Guests from Hotel Belvedere can enjoy a 10% discount voucher, so why not give it a try?
Bistro 8 is another well-known restaurant serving a daily menu at affordable prices and colourful meals. Inspired by traditional Parisian bistros, cooking with fresh ingredients and local beer, wine and even soft drinks. (Veverkova 1410/8)
Lokal and Stromovkou is a modernized traditional Czech pub chain. Selling the country best draft beers and Czech meals, you will find a young and vibrant crowd. (Nad Královskou oborou 232/31)
Home Kitchen serves unique and stylish meals in an yet calm and cosy restaurant. Their goal is to offer the feeling of home food. (Jankovcova 14a)
Creperie U Slepé Kočičky is a cosy and friendly little restaurant serving delicious galettes, crepes, salads, soups, steaks, coffees, teas, draft beer and wine. A must-stop anytime. (M. Horákové 600/38)
Holešovické trhy (Farmers Market)
More than only food, the farmer’s market brings fresh local produce, sweets and pastries, flowers, beers, coffees and an immense variety of traditional Czech products. Great to get a little and original gift or to try a few of Czech special treats. (Holešovická tržnice, HALA 22, Bubenské nábř. 306/13)
COFFEES & DRINKS
There are cafes in every corner in Holešovice, you will be very pleased trying just a few if you do like I do, follow the smell.
Bar Cobra Plus is a modern café and bar open until late with special cocktails, beers and food. (Milady Horákové 688/8)
Erhart Café is a pastry heaven. Cakes, sweets, ice cream and all those afternoon tea dreams. (Milady Horákové 56)
PARTYING
The Cross Club is an option for any night. With an eclectic program list for a variety of tastes, an incredible decoration and vibrant people this place is a must go for any partygoers. (Plynarni 23)
Where to stay?
Hotel Belvedere is a traditional hotel that has always been there for its guests. Equipped with 150 rooms and an fantastic Executive Floor, the hotel also offers Thai Massage, a hair salon, a Lobby bar and the modern Belcredi Bistro.