What is Holešovice? Honestly, it’s a mix. Predominantly taken over by millennials, Holešovice is filled with budding families, newly-working people, and university students. From techno clubs to galleries to gyms to local vendors, Holešovice appeals to all ages.
The year-round Prague market, Pražská tržnice, is like if Bryant Park’s Christmas market was open all year long. Selling local produce, the farmer’s market and grocery stores make it a popular place. The warehouses are home to food trucks, bars, cafes, cultural events, live music, and more. It’s a place to get lost in, but with pivo cheaper than water, you’ll be fine. SaSaZu, a restaurant you should take your parents to, is located right inside the market. Though, you’ll never know if the customers at 6 a.m. are getting a headstart on their day or leaving Tao-inspired SaSaZu. You’ll be surprised to find exclusive clubs like Mecca and SaSaZu on your block, but Prague’s techno scene even seeps into more residential life.
Right next to the dorm, the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, draws a massive crowd with exhibitions, a café, a store, and a library. Art is very hip to Holešovice. Various art forms have been driven by political activism, such as a Ukrainian artist’s mural against Soviet communism. Just by the art scene, it’s clear this is an incredibly progressive neighborhood.
You know when you really want a coffee or something to eat but you don’t want to make it yourself and you don’t want to leave your dorm? Don’t worry, Osada’s got you. Located in the same courtyard as Osadní, your soon-to-be go-to coffee shop is just a few feet away. Osada serves more than just coffee, though. From their amazing hummus to their fan-favorite risotto and light pastries, Osada’s weekday 8 a.m to 8 p.m. hours mean it’s there for you at any meal. They even sell bottled coffees, kombucha, wine, oat milk, and more for your to-go needs. Whether you want to get work done undisturbed or just chill with your friends, Osada’s outdoor seating is a must!
When it’s after 4 p.m. on a weekend, and Osada is closed, just around the corner lies Ca Phe, another amazing restaurant and coffee shop. I swear I’ve never had a better chai latte. And every coffee store nearby has plant-based milk so don’t worry if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan. This is also one of the only places around the block that actually serves matcha, so if you’re worried about missing Cha Cha, Ca Phe has got you covered.
Right off of the Ortenovo náměstí tram stop, just a five-minute walk from Osadní, lies a “secret” neighborhood cafe, Kontejner. Though it looks like a semi-modern-industrial structure in the middle of a park, the large LED-lighted “K” indicates you’re in the right spot. Famously, this is the first place I’ve seen which serves turkey, which you’ll come to find is a commodity over here. But it doesn’t stop there. Sandwiches with egg salad, koláče, and daily pastries are offered at all hours, every day. Pro tip #1: go on the weekdays before 1 p.m. when the cafe offers a hot breakfast menu, and make sure to sit outside on the second floor for a beautiful view of Holešovice.
A few other staples when it comes to food are: Lovely Day Bistro, Phoenix, and Phill’s Corner. Though most offer take-out, they’re also pretty great as sit-down options and conveniently by the dorm. Vietnamese food is ubiquitous in Holešovice, with at least two restaurants per block. You’ll rarely go hungry here, but the options are pretty much the same, so Machova’s Vinohrady wins in variety.
Conveniently located right next to Ca Phe are Albert, the local grocery store, and the DM, for all of your drug store needs. Albert is the cheapest grocery store in the area, though I personally prefer the Billa located right behind Osadni (better produce!). Warning: as I already alluded to, but turkey does not exist here. Good hummus is few-and-far between (try using Wolt, Prague’s Grubhub). And, for those who may, I’d say don’t trust the sushi. In a landlocked nation, I’ve been wary of eating raw fish. The DM is pretty much your basic CVS, Walgreens, Harmons equivalent in the Czech Republic. But, it won’t offer medicine beyond basic Ibuprofen. For anything more, you’ll need to head over to a local pharmacy. The translation may be a bit of a struggle, so I’d recommend you bring medicine from home for convenience.
Pro tip #2, the place I’ve gatekept: Narnia. Well, that’s just what my friends and I call it. Son Ha Obchodní Centrum has everything you’ve never wanted. I’ve come home with yarn, matching T-shirts, a bedazzled dress, a watch, Halloween candy, a pillow, jewelry, and honestly, anything you could think of. What I could only describe as the most comprehensive undercover Amazon warehouse disguised as a minimart, you need to see it for yourself.
Saving the best for last— the Minimart. If you’re missing a New York bodega, don’t worry. Right across the street is one of the best minimarts. From basic snacks to children’s toys, this seemingly tiny space has so many things you never knew you needed. Open until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. every night, the minimart has been a saving grace for when you run out of shampoo, coffee, or chocolate. Holešovice is definitely not as exciting as Machova’s Vinohrady since it is pretty residential, but it has everything you’ll need.