Holešovice: A District Reborn

This route is ideal for those who’d rather be enchanted by the raw charm of a modern city and the poetry of old industrial complexes. We’ll take you through one of the most exciting and rapidly developing Prague districts. Holešovice was a former centre of manufacturing and business – here you’ll find distinctive factory complexes from the early 20th century remain, a former slaughterhouse, and docks. The factories no longer serve their original purpose, and many have been renovated, finding new lives as apartments, offices, and studios for young creatives, designers, and architects. Holešovice offers delightful surprises with its plethora of quirky cafés and bistros, alternative cultural spaces, and design shops. In short, it’s an area where creativity and innovation await you around every corner.

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ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Route Length: 4 km / 2 miles

1. Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác) (tram) → Heřmanova St. →

2. Řezáčovo náměstí/Square
This small square squeezed between residential buildings is not only an excellent place to rest for a bit, but it‘s also a place where all kinds of events take place, including a popular farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, as well as pop-up stores with contemporary design, sustainable and slow fashion.

→ Farského St. →

3. Hus Congregational House (Husův sbor, Farského 3)
This imposing seven-story building for the Czechoslovak Hussite Church was completed in 1937. In addition to its unmistakable tower with chalice, there’s a marble-lined chapel and one of the largest columbariums (vaults for cinerary urns) in Europe, spread over two underground floors.

→ 4 Strossmayerovo náměstí/Square

4. Strossmayerovo náměstí/Square
A busy transportation node and symbol of Holešovice, the east side of which is dominated by the pseudo-Gothic Church of St Anthony of Padua dating back to the early 20th century. Its two towers were modelled after those of Týn Cathedral on Old Town Square. A unique nativity scene is stored here, with figures dressed in native costumes of various Slavic nationalities.

→ Antonínská St. → nábřeží Kapitána Jaroše/Riverbank → Bubenské nábřeží/Riverbank

5. Prague Market (Pražská tržnice)
For nearly 100 years, this huge complex with Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance elements functioned as a slaughterhouse, but today it’s undergoing rapid changes. You’ll find all kinds of things here: Hall 22 is the home of the largest produce market in Prague, as well as shops and stands with a variety of goods and groceries. Outside you’ll find stalls with various types of street food. The complex has several restaurants - of note are the highly-rated Vietnamese restaurant Trang An and the glam Asian fusion restaurant SaSaZu. Other buildings house the modern art gallery Trafo Gallery and Jatka78, a theatre and art space that focuses primarily on new circus and progressive theatre.

→ Komunardů St. → Tusarova St.

6. Vnitroblock
A popular location - this imposing industrial space is today a favourite meeting place over a cup of coffee as well as a multifunctional space for artistic or creatively oriented events.

→ Komunardů St. → U Průhonu St.

7. Holešovice Town Brewery (Holešovický měšťanský pivovar)
Founded in the late 19^th century brewery, its opening led to the ruin of many smaller breweries. Many Praguers have tasted the local brew, as it was brewed here under the name "Měsťan” until 1998. Today, it’s a modern office complex combining Romanticism with Renaissance and Gothic elements.

→ Na Maninách St. → U Uranie St. → U Parního mlýna St. → Jankovcova St.

8. The former steam mill on Jankovcova St is another excellent example of a sensitive transformation of a historical building into a modern office complex. The mill, built in 1911, was the first automated flour mill in Prague, capable of grinding 200 tonnes of grain daily. Today the complex is a mix of designer offices for both multinational corporations and small start-ups.

→ Jankovcova St. → V Přístavu St. →

9. Holešovice Docks, Prague Marina
The Holešovice docks, an important technical monument, is the only port in Prague which directly connects boat transport with rail and road. It’s definitely seen better days but remains worthy of a visit. The original buildings at the dock are in Art Nouveau style. The contrast between the rusting boats and the modern Prague Marina luxury apartment complex creates its unique atmosphere.

→ Jankovcova St. →

10. Ogilvy
Originally the Prague Bakery and Soda Water Company, founded by Ferdinand Zátka, it became the home of one of the largest advertising agencies in the world in 2003. In 2012, the building’s façade was redecorated in red and white battleship camouflage - a creative inspiration from the local nautical history.

→ Přívozní St. → U Uranie St. → Komunardů St. → Poupětova St.

11. DOX Center for Contemporary Art
The DOX Center was one of the pioneering projects that kicked off the transformation of Holešovice from an industrial to a creative district. The building is a rebuilt factory. Viewed from the street, the 42m-long wooden construction - the Gulliver airship - on the rooftop terrace is eye-catching; it’s used primarily for literary events. DOX prides itself on its independence and active contacts with the international art world; it focuses primarily on art projects that reflect current social issues.

→ Osadní St. → Ortenovo náměstí/Square (tram stop)

Tip: At the intersection of Jankovcova and Plynární streets, you’ll find the legendary Cross Club and café.

12. Cross Club is a salute to Holešovice’s industrial character. Steampunk aesthetic, steel, and moving bolts, screws, and wheels form not only the essence of the outdoor space but also that of the cellar interiors of the renowned music club.

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