Žižkov offers you the taste of real Prague. Vibrant and a little rebellious, this was once a residential neighbourhood for working-class citizens, as well as a stronghold of Communist regime. Today it brims with offbeat pubs and houses some unique attractions like the National Monument and the eye-catchy TV Tower.
Žižkov
TV tower, military history and urban views
HIGHLIGHTS
- Get a close-up of the enormous Jan Žižka statue - third largest equestrian sculpture in the world
- Explore Czech history since the earliest days at the City of Prague Museum
- Visit a quaint city landmark reminiscent of the Communist regime – the 216-meter-tall TV Tower
- Visit one of Žižkov’s countless pubs – local style
Originally called Královské Vinohrady I, Žižkov ultimately got its name from one of the most famous Czech military leaders – Jan Žižka. He led the Hussite forces in the victorious Battle of Vítkov Hill (1420), and is now commemorated with a huge bronze equestrian statue – placed on that same hill.
In 1881—1922, Žižkov had a status of a separate city and historically, this was a working-class district. It still maintains a pretty much alternative, edgy spirit compared to the picture-perfect Prague’s Old Town, and is often referred to as Free Republic Žižkov.
According to the popular opinion, few places in Europe can compare with Žižkov in terms of the density of pubs and bars – which can be called one of the main attractions of the area. However, the most visible landmark here is the Žižkov TV Tower – this peculiarly-looking building is the tallest in Prague and a reminder of the city’s Communist era. Today it houses a hotel, a restaurant with an observation deck and some entertainment facilities (like a skating rink in winter).
Visit the National Monument on Vítkov Hill – besides the impressive statue of Žižka, it features a museum and breathtaking panoramas of Prague. To get familiar with the millennia-old history of the Czech capital, explore the City of Prague Museum, and find the tomb of the world-famous writer Franz Kafka in the New Jewish Cemetery.
If you want to see Prague’s cultural life through the eyes of a local, drop into Palác Akropolis – a massive entertainment complex, featuring a theatre, a music club, a restaurant and several bars.