Zizkov District

The basics

A stroll through the gritty yet lively suburb of Zizkov is the ideal foil to tours of Prague’s postcard-perfect old town. This residential area was built in the 19th century for industrial workers; under Soviet rule, it became a Communist stronghold. Today, a young workforce has moved in, bringing a burgeoning bar and multicultural restaurant scene.

Check out sights like the Television Tower, the farmers’ market at Jiriho z Podebrad, and funky art galleries along the laid-back, cobbled streets. The area is also home to the Olšanské cemetery—the biggest in Prague—and the New Jewish Cemetery, where author Franz Kafka is buried. Other notable sights include the hilltop National Monument and nearby Czech Army Museum and Riegrovy Sady park.

Things to know before you go

• Zizkov has a vibrant dining scene, with buzzy restaurants, cafés, and bars open all day and night.

• A mix of historic architecture, contemporary landmarks, and subversive street art, makes the Zizkov District appealing for urban photographers.

• This modern suburb has wide, paved sidewalks, but the streets are cobblestone and can be challenging to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. Some of the streets in this hillside area are steep.

How to get there

The Zizkov District sits just east of Prague’s old town but is easy to reach with the city’s robust public transit system. Take metro line 3 to the Jiriho z Podebrad station or hop on one of the numerous bus lines that connect the train station and city center to this outlying neighborhood.

When to get there

This eclectic corner of the city is a great spot to explore both day and night. Hit the farmers market in the morning, then browse the quirky shops, stop for lunch at one of the many eateries, and spend the afternoon taking in the top sights. As the sun goes down, dive into the area’s nightlife with a pub or club crawl.

Sightseeing in Prague’s Zizkov District

For a primarily residential area, the Zizkov District has a surprising number of attractions. The most famous is the Television Tower, a soaring modern tower much hated when it was completed in 1992 but now regarded with affection by local residents. The tower has viewing platforms open to the public and features distinctive sculptures by Czech artist David Černý of giant babies scaling the exterior.