Vinohrady: tradition and modernity in the heart of Prague
The famous Vinohrady neighborhood, located in Prague 2, has been included in the top 30 most beautiful and developed areas in the world.
Vinohrady is one of the most charming districts of Prague, rich in tradition and culture. The name of the neighborhood means “vineyards,” since wine production is a fundamental element in the history of this area. In the Middle Ages, under the reign of Charles IV, the area was designated for vine cultivation. However, in the 17th century, with the onset of the Thirty Years’ War, vineyards suffered a significant decline.
Originally an agricultural area, the neighborhood began to develop in the 19th century, becoming a modern residential district characterized by Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic buildings. Over time, the area grew in importance until it was declared a city in 1879, with the title of Královské Vinohrady. In the following years, the area continued to develop through the construction of theaters, parks, and schools.
In 1922, Vinohrady lost its independence, becoming part of the Prague district. Nevertheless, the area maintained its unique and refined characteristics, making it still important and desirable for intellectuals and artists today.
The ranking created by lifestyle magazine “Time Out” reflects a complex calculation in multiple stages, involving a collection of opinions through a mass survey, the creation of a list of the most popular neighborhoods, and consultation with local experts and city editors. The result of this analysis aims to highlight the most dynamic and fascinating neighborhoods that attract residents and visitors every year. The ranking describes Vinohrady as calm, green, and trendy.
Vinohrady is distinguished by Náměstí Míru, dominated by the Neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila. What also characterizes the area is Riegrovy Sady park, which offers beautiful views of the city and ideal spaces for picnics and walks. Not far from the park, It’s possible to admire the famous Water Tower, a historic building constructed at the end of the 19th century to supply water to the neighborhood. Today, it is no longer used for water purposes, but it remains an important architectural symbol of the area.
From a gastronomic perspective, the neighborhood offers a very wide range that spans multicultural cuisines (Japanese, Mexican, Indian, etc.) to street festivals. The most popular festivals include Americká Street and Vinohrady Wine Festival, while bars such as Lokál Korunní, Vinohradský Parlament and Vinohradský Pivovar are well worth a visit.
The neighborhood also offers excellent entertainment, thanks to a series of independent cinemas and theaters, including Divadlo Apollo and the Vinohrady Theatre. Museum lovers will not be left empty-handed, thanks to the art galleries in the area. Vinohrady also provides easy access to the Nové Město district, which hosts numerous internationally renowned museums, such as the National Museum of Prague.
Today, Vinohrady is considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. Thanks to its central location, rich cultural offerings, and the presence of numerous green spaces, the area is an ideal choice not only for families, but also for workers and students looking for a vibrant and stimulating environment.
Sources: https://www.expats.cz/; https://msmstudy.eu/; https://praha2.cz/
