How long does it take to walk through Holešovice Art District?

A complete walk through the main landmarks takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This estimate includes about 15-45 minutes at major stops like the Trade Fair Palace and DOX, covering a distance of roughly 3 kilometers.

Is Holešovice worth visiting if I only have two days in Prague?

Yes, Holešovice is worth visiting for travelers who want to see the 'real' Prague away from the medieval center. It offers a unique look at the city's industrial heritage and contemporary culture that you won't find in the Old Town.

Can I see the Gulliver Airship for free?

The Gulliver Airship is located on the roof of the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. While you can see the exterior from the street, access to the interior of the airship usually requires a paid ticket to the DOX gallery.

What is the best time of day to explore Holešovice?

The best time is the afternoon, starting around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM. This ensures that the galleries and concept stores like Vnitroblock are open, and you can end your walk as the evening atmosphere begins at Cross Club.

How do I get to Holešovice from Prague Old Town?

The easiest way is by tram. You can take Tram 17 or 6 from the city center to 'Strossmayerovo náměstí', which is the starting point for most neighborhood strolls in the area.

Is the Holešovice walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the neighborhood is mostly flat with wide sidewalks, making it very accessible for strollers. Most of the major cultural institutions like the National Gallery and DOX have elevators and step-free access.

What is Cross Club in Prague?

Cross Club is a world-famous cultural center and nightclub known for its incredible 'steampunk' design. It is built almost entirely from recycled industrial parts and functions as a cafe during the day and a music venue at night.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Venture beyond the historic spires of the Old Town and step into Holešovice, Prague's most dynamic creative district. Once a gritty industrial hub defined by steam, slaughterhouses, and shipping, this neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation into a haven for artists, designers, and visionaries. This self-guided walk explores the intersection of functionalist architecture and contemporary culture, leading you through the heart of what locals call Art District 7. You will discover how massive factories and warehouses have been reimagined as cutting-edge galleries, independent cinemas, and underground clubs. On this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter architectural landmarks like the Trade Fair Palace, a massive 1920s functionalist masterpiece that once served as the world's largest building of its kind. The route also takes you to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, where a massive wooden airship appears to have landed on the roof of a former factory. As you navigate the winding streets of Prague 7, you'll see how the city's industrial heritage provides a raw, authentic backdrop for its modern identity. From the community-driven atmosphere of Bio Oko to the cyberpunk aesthetics of Cross Club, this walking route captures the unconventional spirit of modern Prague. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who want to experience the city's local favorites away from the typical tourist crowds. You can take your time exploring the tucked-away courtyards of Vnitroblock or browsing the stalls of the Prague Market, a former slaughterhouse complex that now pulses with urban life. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a street art lover, or simply a curious traveler, this self-guided walk offers a deep dive into the creative soul of Holešovice. Discover the stories of the people who shaped this district and the artists who continue to redefine it today at your own pace. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Experience the 1930s charm and deck-chair seating of Bio Oko cinema

Admire the functionalist grandeur of the National Gallery’s Trade Fair Palace

Explore the repurposed slaughterhouse halls of the Prague Market at Jatka78

Find the hidden industrial courtyard and creative concept store at Vnitroblock

See the iconic Gulliver Airship perched atop the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art

Witness the recycled kinetic sculptures of the world-famous Cross Club

Tour Stops (6)

BIO OKO

Start your self-guided walk at Bio Oko, a legendary neighborhood cinema that serves as the social anchor of Holešovice. Built in 1940 as part of a residential complex, this cinema survived the decline of single-screen theaters by becoming a vibrant community hub. Step inside the lobby to see the retro-cool aesthetic that defines the district. The screening room is famous for its eclectic seating, which includes everything from standard theater chairs to beanbags and even a repurposed Trabant car. While the films change daily, the building itself is a prime example of late functionalism. It represents the local commitment to preserving cultural history while adapting it for a modern, creative audience. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere before heading toward the art galleries.

National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace

Just a short walk away stands the Veletržní palác, or Trade Fair Palace. Completed in 1928, this massive structure was the first and largest functionalist building in Prague, signaling the city's aspirations as a modern European capital. Its clean lines and vast glass surfaces were groundbreaking for the time, even impressing the famous architect Le Corbusier. Originally intended for trade fairs, it now houses the National Gallery’s collection of 20th and 21st-century art. The history of the building is as dramatic as its architecture; it survived a devastating fire in 1974 before being meticulously restored. While the permanent collections are vast, the building's atrium alone is worth seeing for its sheer scale and light-filled geometry.

Jatka78

As you move deeper into Holešovice, you reach the Prague Market complex, formerly the city's central slaughterhouse. Stop 3 is Jatka78, a name derived from the Czech word for 'slaughterhouse' and the building number. This space is a testament to Prague's ability to recycle industrial history into cultural gold. Once a place of industrial labor, Hall 7 and 8 now serve as a multifunctional theater focused on contemporary circus, dance, and puppet theater. The surrounding market complex is a fascinating mix of gritty warehouses, vegetable stalls, and trendy cafes. Note that the appearance of the market is frequently evolving as the city undergoes long-term renovation projects, but the raw, industrial character of the red-brick buildings remains a constant highlight of the neighborhood stroll.

VNITROBLOCK

Hidden behind an inconspicuous entrance on Tusarova street lies Vnitroblock, a quintessential Holešovice experience. This is a 'block' in the literal sense—a repurposed industrial courtyard that connects two streets. It serves as a concept store, gallery, coffee shop, and dance studio all in one. The interior retains its industrial bones, with exposed brick, steel beams, and concrete floors. Vnitroblock embodies the DIY spirit of the neighborhood, where creative people took an abandoned space and turned it into a living room for the community. The installations and featured designers change frequently, so there is always something new to see. It is a perfect spot to observe local life and see how Prague’s youth have reclaimed the city's manufacturing past.

DOX Centre for Contemporary Art

A few blocks away, you will find DOX, the largest independent institution for contemporary art in the Czech Republic. Housed in a former factory, DOX is famous for its provocative exhibitions that tackle social and political themes. However, its most recognizable feature is the Gulliver Airship—a 42-meter-long wooden structure that appears to be floating above the gallery's roof. Designed by architect Martin Rajniš, the airship serves as a space for literature and discussion, symbolizing the desire to fly and the power of imagination. The contrast between the sleek white walls of the gallery and the organic wooden curves of the airship is a highlight for any photography enthusiast. Exhibits here change often, reflecting the ever-shifting landscape of modern art.

Cross Club

Conclude your neighborhood stroll at Cross Club, a truly unique landmark that defies easy categorization. This is a multi-level complex of bars, clubs, and cafes, but it is most famous for its 'cyberpunk' or steampunk aesthetic. The entire building is covered in kinetic sculptures made from recycled industrial parts—gears, wires, pistons, and scrap metal that often move and light up. Created by artist František Sádra Chmelík and his team, the design is a living work of art that continues to grow and change. It perfectly summarizes the Holešovice spirit: industrial, recycled, and fiercely independent. Whether you stay for a drink or just admire the exterior, Cross Club is a mesmerizing finale to your exploration of Prague's industrial arts district.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Industrial Arts route is the best choice for art lovers, as it covers the National Gallery's Trade Fair Palace, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, and the creative hub of Vnitroblock. This self-guided walk focuses on the district's unique mix of functionalist architecture and modern street art.