The area of Vinohrady (Vineyards in English)lies in the municipal districts of Prague 2, 3, 10 and partially also of Prague 1 and Prague 4. It is one of Prague’s most distinctive and well-known districts. The area is filled with adorned houses, wide paved streets and grown trees. It is famous for the Vinohrady Theatre, the Smetana Theatre, George of Poděbrady Square, the National House and the building of Prague Main Railway Station. Rieger Gardens, Peace Square and Vinohradská Street are considered the centre of the area.
History
Vinohrady used to be a separate municipality in the past. It was first called “Viničné Hory”, later gaining the name Royal Vinohrady. Until 1922, the area was the fourth biggest city in the Czech Republic and only later became part of Prague.
Vinohrady gained its name from the medieval vineyards that once covered the south-western slopes of Prague. In the second half of the 19th century, residential buildings for middle and upper social classes started to be built in the area, attracting businessmen, journalists and artists to move in. New buildings were built to create spacious streets and parks. The architects used mainly neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque styles and around 1900 also Art Nouveau style. The building of Vinohrady Market Hall has been preserved from that period.
After Vinohrady became part of Prague, its streets were named after significant figures or after the Allied states and the cities of the Entente Powers – today, there are, for example, Londýnská, Bruselská and Belgická Streets.
Places to see in Vinohrady
Rieger Gardens
We can say that Rieger Gardens is where everyday life takes place in Vinohrady. There are a number of restaurants, pubs and cafés with a nice view of Prague Castle and Petřín Hill. It is one of the most sought-after spots in Vinohrady. In Rieger Gardens, there is a sandstone obelisk, the building of Vinohradská sokolovna and the Neoclassical lookout tower Mlékárna with a recently opened café. Havlíček Gardens (familiarly called Grébrovka) with the villa of industrialist Moritz Gröbe is another “green” area of Vinohrady.
Vinohradská Street
Leading from Wenceslas Square to Strašnice, Vinohradská Street is the liveliest street in the district. It is lined by a number of interesting buildings and complexes – for example, the 1971 Vinohrady Palace, the famous Vinohrady Market Hall and the Vinohradský Cemetery.
Squares in Vinohrady
George of Poděbrady Square with a Roman Catholic church is a curious place to visit. Peace Square with the Church of St Ludmila and the neo-Renaissance National House of Vinohrady is another very busy square.
Culture in Vinohrady
The tradition of the local theatre is perhaps the most significant symbol of Vinohrady. The Vinohrady Theatre, which is located on Peace Square, is considered a prestigious theatre in Prague. The Smetana Theatre, i.e. the State Opera, represents one of the four scenes of the National Theatre. In Vinohrady, there is also a modern music club called the Retro Music Hall, where concerts and theatre performances are held.
Where to eat
Bruxx restaurant on Peace Square serves Belgian specialties, including fresh mussels, waffles and about 50 types of Belgian beer. Na Břehu Rhôny wine bar offers French specialties.
Jiná Krajina Kodaňská restaurant offers fresh fish and vegetarian dishes. Zelená zahrada combines Czech and Mediterranean cuisines and guests can sit on the terrace outside at any time of the year – either under parasols or by the fireplace. Parlament restaurant is a perfect choice for tasty Czech dishes.
Las Adelitas Americká and Las Adelitas Lucemburská restaurants focus on traditional Mexican cuisine. Café Buddha serves Asian dishes.
Coffee
Cafedu café, which serves coffee, tea, croissants and sandwiches, is a popular place to go. Monolok Café offers coffee, desserts and wines. Coffee Imrvére offers Arabic coffee, pancakes, panini, quiche and cakes. Choco Loves Coffee is a perfect choice for lovers of chocolate, pralines and marzipan. La Boheme Café is situated right inside the Vinohrady Market Hall.