Prague's Vinohrady ranked among world's 'coolest' neighborhoods

Sophisticated, calm, leafy, trendy, and picturesque. These are some of the words you may associate the Prague district of Vinohrady with, and now a new word can definitively be added to that list: “cool.” According to a new ranking by major lifestyle magazine Time Out, Vinohrady is the 28th coolest neighborhood in the world. 

Time Out calculates the "coolest" neighborhoods worldwide through a multi-step process. It first gathers input from locals and visitors via a mass survey, then creates a shortlist of popular neighborhoods, and lastly consults local experts and city editors “who know their cities better than anyone else.” The final ranking reflects the most vibrant and attractive neighborhoods in each city, appealing to both residents and tourists.

Mainly based in Prague 2 – but also with parts in Prague 1, 3, 4, and 10 – this large district, whose name refers to its vineyard-filled past, is home to many expats, eateries, and bars. Prague residents are well aware of náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad and its weekend farmer’s markets, náměstí Míru, and the Riegrovy Sady, Grébovka, and Folimanka parks. 

People who have passed through Vinohrady in the past will be aware of its cultural offerings, ranging from multicultural cuisines (Georgian, Japanese, Mexican, and Indian, to name a few) to street festivals, such as the annual Americká Street party in September. It is also home to the Vinohrady Wine Festival and its landmarks have been part of the Signal Festival highlights.

Fans of bars and pub culture can explore the well-known Lokál Korunní, Vinohradský Parlament, or Vinohradský Pivovar – or tens of other similar places. 

The district offers various independent cinemas such as Kino Pilotů for art movies and films. Theatergoers can also enjoy the offerings of Divadlo Apollo, which in four years will celebrate its 100th birthday, and also visit Vinohrady Theater.

Vinohrady's most western part is located right next to the National Museum, giving it a close proximity to the city center. Towards the east of Vinohrady is Flora, a bustling area with a large shopping mall and, notably, the country's only IMAX cinema.

Vinohrady is also considered generally safe by Praguers: according to the Czech police’s official interactive map, Vinohrady sees less crime than other parts of the capital that are closer to the center. 

Bordering the grungier and atmospheric Žižkov area, Vinohrady residents can also take in the Žižkov Television Tower as part of the area’s skyline. The southwest of the area is also beside Prague’s Vyšehrad, which adds to its character.

Earlier this year, an Expats.cz poll asking readers where they lived found that Prague 2 was the most popular answer, with Vinohrady being mentioned the most frequently. “Although the apartments are expensive, Vinohrady is a nice, family-friendly neighborhood with a pleasant park [Riegrovy Sady] nearby. Other parts of Prague are easily reachable on foot or by public transport, and the area has several nice cafes and restaurants,” said one reader.

Its popularity and appeal are reflected in its prices. Browsing real estate website Bezrealitky, the average price of the five cheapest (with bills included) two-bedroom apartments in the area is about CZK 27,000 at the time of writing. The price of a 33-square-meter furnished studio in Vinohrady is CZK 23,400 on the site, whereas a studio of the same size in Žižkov is around CZK 18,000.

On a global level, the neighborhood of Laureles in Medellín, Colombia, topped Time Out's 2023 ranking. Smithfield in the Irish capital of Dublin was Europe's coolest neighborhood (and ranked second overall).

With plenty of attractions, cultural offerings and activities to do, Time Out's ranking underlines the fact that Vinohrady remains one of Prague's most popular areas – for expats and locals alike.