Holešovice

Tucked into a U-bend in the River Vltava, this dense, built-up neighbourhood dates from the late nineteenth century, but for centuries was an area of fields and meadows. Still today this suburb of Holešovice boasts two huge areas of green: Letná, overlooking the city centre, and, to the north, Stromovka, Prague’s largest public park, bordering the Výstaviště funfair and trade fairgrounds. A stroll through the park brings you to the Baroque chateau of Troja and the leafy zoo. Two important art museums are located in Holešovice — the city’s main museum of modern art, Veletržní Palace (part of the National Gallery), and the Dox Centre for Contemporary Art. Few tourists make it out here as it is not a very appealing spot to stay, but it’s worth the effort if only to remind yourself that Prague doesn’t begin and end at the Old Town Square. Holešovice, in many aspects, is very similar to the Karlín area.

Getting There and Around

Holešovice is quite centrally located and convenient for commuters travelling to both the centre and the office quarter just over the river in Karlín. The centre is within reach of Holešovice, especially from the area around Vltavská metro station, although you will have to contend with traffic, fumes and noise. Journey times between the downtown area and Karlín by metro and tram should take no more than 10 minutes.

Vltavská and Nádraží Holešovice metro stations, both on Line C, serve the district, and both are major tram interchanges. As they are on Line C, they are directly connected to Prague´s main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and Florenc bus station. Holešovice is well served by trams.