Holešovice: Prague’s Hippest New Neighbourhood

Czech it out! Prague just got hipper than Brooklyn and Shoreditch combined

In the ex-industrial meatpacking district of Holešovice, Prague, a new wave of offbeat art galleries and cocktails in jam jars are stealing the show. Okay – we may have seen it all before; but that’s not to say we don’t love it. Follow our guide to the best hipster hangouts in Holešovice and remain one step ahead of the crowd.

First things first, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art is the number one place to see and be seen. This popular gallery is teeming with creative types, as hip local residents wander through the series of ever-changing exhibitions designed to highlight the powerful social impact of art. A former factory, Dox has constructed a 42-metre steel and wood airship on its roof, which serves as a space dedicated to literature events. The rest of the building, meanwhile, is used as a multidisciplinary space featuring exhibitions by both international and Czech artists, as well as talks, performances and film screenings. Make sure to visit the museum shop, where a great selection of contemporary art books and niche design items can be found.

If you’re wondering how the hipsters furnish their warehouse conversions, head to Loooox. This design shop is one of several spaces occupied by creatives, and the industrial gallery is dripping with urban luxe. Softer aesthetics are available at Kido, whose aim is to promote community and sustainability in the urban environment. You can pick up a light lunch here too, with vegetarian options including homemade quiche and vegetable strudel.

Alternative lunchtime options can be unwrapped at the sprawling Holešovice Prague Market, where tourists don’t usually impinge. Catch the farmers’ market here every Monday- Saturday; the Vietnamese bún chà is the best outside of Hanoi.

For an afternoon hipster hangout, climb the slopes of Letná Park for a pint with a view. This popular spot gets crowded during the summer, but with unrivalled views over the steepled Old Town of Prague, some tactical table pinching pays off. Afterwards, make plans for a showing at the independent one-screen cinema Bio Oko. This place offers a winning combination of arthouse films, blockbuster hits, and a great bar and café.