What Českomoravská is
Českomoravská lies at the intersection of Prague’s Vysočany and Libeň districts. Once anchored by the Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk (ČKD) engineering works, it has developed from an industrial area into a commercial and cultural hub (czechia-prague.com).
The district is known for the O2 Arena, Galerie Harfa and O2 Universum. Českomoravská Metro Station on Line B has served the area since 1990, alongside tram and bus connections (praguevisitorpass.eu).
History
Industrial heritage and urban development
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the ČKD engineering works made trams, locomotives and other heavy machinery. The area’s industrial growth brought worker housing, rail infrastructure and supporting services (czechia-prague.com).
During communist rule (1948–1989), Vysočany and Českomoravská grew through the construction of large residential complexes known as paneláky and the expansion of public transit. New tram lines and, later, the metro served workers and a growing population (newgeography.com).
After the Velvet Revolution, factories closed or were privatized as industrial activity declined. The O2 Arena opened in 2004, marking a new phase of redevelopment that attracted retail, hospitality and creative industries (futurehubs.eu).
Completion of the Českomoravská Metro Station in 1990 strengthened the district’s connection to central Prague. Its shift from manufacturing toward a service-based economy is also reflected in modern amenities, housing and shopping centers such as Galerie Harfa (praguevisitorpass.eu).
Vysočany and Českomoravská now attract young professionals, families and expatriates. Economic diversification and rising living standards have increased property values, while affordability remains a challenge (newgeography.com).
Preserved factory buildings remain among the traces of the area’s industrial past. The district’s infrastructure includes public transport, cycling paths and access to major roads; development has also focused on sustainable mobility, pedestrian zones and electric-vehicle infrastructure. Public art and varied dining options contribute to its urban character (futurehubs.eu; praguevisitorpass.eu).
What to see
O2 Arena and O2 Universum
The O2 Arena is a premier multipurpose venue and Central Europe’s largest multipurpose venue, with a capacity of 18,000. It hosts concerts, sports events and exhibitions. Facilities include restaurants, bars, ATMs, merchandise shops and cloakrooms. See the O2 Arena Official site for events.
O2 Universum is a modern congress and cultural center, directly connected to metro and bus lines. It is fully accessible.
Galerie Harfa and Harfa Office Park
Galerie Harfa has more than 160 shops, a range of dining options, a rooftop park and family attractions including a dinosaur-themed playground (Galerie Harfa).
Harfa Office Park includes modern offices, hotels and residential complexes. The surrounding area also has restaurants and cafés, food courts and pop-up stalls.
Industrial sites and photo spots
Visitors can look for preserved industrial structures and take in the O2 Arena’s architecture. Panoramic city views are available from Vysočany.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours
- O2 Arena 9:00 AM–10:00 PM; hours may vary on event days. Check the O2 Arena website for event-specific hours.
- Galerie Harfa Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Tickets
O2 Arena event tickets are available online or from authorized vendors; prices depend on the event.
Public transport tickets can be bought at stations and kiosks, or through the PID Lítačka app. The unified ticket system covers metro, trams and buses. Validate tickets before travel. Options include single tickets for 30 or 90 minutes, plus 24-hour and 72-hour passes. Contactless payment and the PID Lítačka app are supported.
Getting around
Metro Line B connects the district to the city center, with Můstek, near Wenceslas Square, about 15 minutes away. Trams 8 and 25 connect with neighborhoods including Karlín and Holešovice. Buses serve suburban areas and connect with major transit hubs.
2025 station renovation and transport alternatives
Českomoravská Metro Station is closed for renovations from January 6 to December 12, 2025 (O2 Arena parking and transportation information). The work includes escalator and elevator upgrades, utility improvements and a new design featuring glass and enamel panels devised by Maxim Velčovský and edit! architects (expats.cz).
During the closure:
- Vysočanská (Line B) is 1.2 km from the O2 Arena and fully accessible.
- Palmovka (Line B) is 1.6 km away and has tram connections; it offers partial accessibility.
- Replacement trams connect both stations with the O2 Arena area every 5–10 minutes during events. Stops are within minutes’ walk of the arena.
Walking routes from Vysočanská and Palmovka are flat and easy to navigate, although visitors with limited mobility may prefer surface transport. Renovation and transport updates are available from Expats.cz.
Accessibility, parking and visitor services
The O2 Arena and O2 Universum are barrier-free, with accessible facilities and reserved parking. Vysočanská is fully accessible, while Palmovka has partial access. Major venues provide accessible restrooms; emergency services, first-aid stations and free Wi-Fi are also available.
Several garages are located near the O2 Arena. Rates are approximately 50 CZK per hour or 550 CZK per day, with designated spaces for disabled visitors.
The district is described as safe, with increased security during major events. Venue staff generally speak English, and signage is in Czech and English.
Tips
- Weekdays outside event hours are less crowded. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather.
- Expect crowds during major events, keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Allow extra time on event days and dress for the season.
- Use Google Maps or the PID Lítačka app for real-time schedules. For travel alerts, see DPP and the O2 Arena transport information.
- Carry some CZK cash for small purchases; credit cards are widely accepted.
- English is commonly spoken, though basic Czech phrases are appreciated.
- Concerts, sports events, trade fairs and festivals take place at the O2 Arena and O2 Universum throughout the year. Look for special promotions and extended hours during major events.
- Plan ahead by checking event schedules, transport updates and ticket options. The guide also recommends the Audiala app and its social channels for travel alerts and tips.
Nearby places and excursions
- Old Town Square Reach it by taking Metro Line B to Můstek.
- Letná Park Accessible by tram and known for city views.
- Wenceslas Square A shopping and cultural boulevard.
- Regional excursions Kutná Hora, Karlštejn Castle, Bohemian Switzerland National Park and Konopiště Castle can be reached by train or organized tours (discoveringprague.com).
