Prague – Karlín

The need to restore Karlín’s devastated buildings happily coincided with the spirit of the age that took hold of unused industrial buildings, co-opting and integrating them into modern urbanism. The former factory halls and production facilities thus filled with new offices, shops and studios. Alongside the revamped industrial area is the historical quarter, with some architectural gems, such as the Neo-Romanesque Basilica of St Cyril and Methodius, as well as the wholly new and modern development of apartments and administrative buildings. In the Vltava river niveau between Libeň and Nové Město a unique urban complex has sprung up.

Typically enough, it has drawn to itself a whole gamut of talented young visionaries, so you’ll find technology start-ups and art workshops at every step. Naturally catering for this demographic are the local restaurants – Karlín eateries have quickly gained cult status. Karlín cuisine is eclectic and cosmopolitan, open to influence by, say, Scandinavia, yet staunchly based on local ingredients. The fame of enterprises such as Eska, Spojka or Kro has long spread beyond Karlín. But these eateries are not the only magnets of a neighbourhood that reminds of Berlin in all its characteristics – including the vibrant life of its streets and parks, and the ubiquitous bicycles that the level terrain calls out for.

Karlín is at its best in the summer, not only because it is one of the greenest districts in Prague. In summer, the outdoor areas of the local cultural and social centres are open to the public. Among the iconic ones are the waterside Přístav 186 00, which 8 years ago was quite literally a dump. Today it’s a community space where you and your friends can have a beer and a BBQ with your friends right by the river – they’ll even lend you a grill. There’s summer open air drama, a sports ground and a shared bread and pizza oven.

At the Kasárna Karlín (Karlín Barracks) you’ll meet not only locals, since people from all over Prague flock to it like moths to a beacon. In this remarkably spacious former military barracks people stop off after work to listen to a concert, watch an exhibition or a film, or just chat with others keen on distinctive settings and sites with some history. Others such places include the Invalidovna at the opposite end of Karlín, also a former barracks as well as a military hospital. It features a community garden with a café.

One of the most beautiful parks can be found on the island of Štvanice. Its semi-insularity avoids the risk of tourist overload. Why not be among the more select group who get to enjoy it. There’s a music club, an independent theatre and a skate-park. Not forgetting the bicycle repair shop, which can come in handy; because the cycle path along the Vltava river is one of the most charming. This season, the ferry goes past Štvanice and straight from Karlín to the Prague Market in Holešovice.

1. Karlín Barracks (Kasárna Karlín),  Prvního pluku 20/2
2. Church of St Cyril and St Methodius,  Karlínském náměstí
3. Karlínské Square
4. Spojka Karlín,  Pernetova 697/35
5. Eska,  Pernerova 49
6. Kro Kitchen,  Sokolovská 79/81
7. Přístav 18600,  Rohanskáý ostrov 8
8. Štvanice
9. Art Nouveau school building,  Lyčkovo náměstí 6
10. Invalidovna,  Sokolovská 136/24

 

Are you interested in Karlín and want to learn even more about this district?

Then venture out on our individual tours.

You can book a walk with a choice of commentary in a range of languages directly in our e-shop