Prague’s Karlín District Named One of World’s 50 Coolest Neighborhoods

Where are the coolest neighborhoods to visit in the world? Not the familiar tourist locations, but vibrant areas filled with local flavor and that intangible “cool” quality.

The Czech capital, of course, is represented on their list. But what’s the coolest neighborhood in Prague? Historic Old Town or Malá Strana? Swanky Vinohrady? Up-and-coming Vršovice?

How about Karlín, which was devastated by floods in 2002 but has rebuilt itself into a center of both business and culture?

“Revitalization efforts from flooding in 2002 have lined its streets with restaurants, wine bars and young families. And the current wave of experimental spaces – from Manifesto Market’s open-air food stalls in shipping containers to Kasarna Karlin’s summer cinemas and artsy events – are taking the area from residential paradise to destination-worthy neighbourhood.”

Among the district’s top food & drink offerings, Scallon recommends Ambiente’s Eska for dining (a must for Sunday brunch), the Veltlin wine bar for a nightly tipple, and if you’re in the mood, cat café Kavárna Kočičí for some feline company.

The spacious Karlínské Náměstí park, along with the impressive Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius behind it, were recommended sights to see, with the newly-renovated Penta Hotel tapped among the district’s accommodation options.

Prague Karlín district came in at number 38 on the list of the top 50 coolest neighborhoods, although the criteria for ranking was not disclosed.

Embajadores in Madrid, Euljiro in Seoul, and Nueva Villa de Aburrá in Medellín took the top three spots. Five of the top 10 coolest neighborhoods were in Europe, with Metaxourgeio (Athens), Princípe Real (Lisbon), Strasbourg-Saint-Denis (Paris) and Neukölln (Berlin) also ranking high.