I'm moving to Smíchov: Prague Castle and Petřín from the window and places from films
A place that you will fall in love with for its picturesque corners, while staying in the center of Prague's events. A place breathing with privacy, peace, exclusivity, and luxury. In addition, a view of the Petřín Tower. Smíchov is a part of Prague that will satisfy both introverts and extroverts. If you are looking for housing at a prestigious address, but with a proper dose of privacy, Smíchov is the right choice.
Smíchov was originally a separate city.
It was only later, in 1922 it joined Greater Prague. The city resisted joining for a long time, but Prague authorities saw this place as a potential source of higher taxes. Factories and residential construction were then booming in Smíchov. From this period there are factories, workers' houses and as time went on, the city modernized and kept up with every era.
Vinohrady offer noble walks, but they are far from the Vltava River. Karlín is more of a showcase of modern office culture, Smíchov however, carries a mix of everything. Modern buildings, history, and excellent transport accessibility.
The riverbank as a popular meeting place
The Vltava is a silent witness to life on the local riverbank. There are markets, cultural events, food festivals, evening gatherings held here. You will regularly meet athletes, skaters, runners, but also enthusiasts of water sports. Sports activities therefore offer a gorgeous view, giving you a feeling that you live in a very peaceful place, yet in the very center of the city.
Smíchov City is the expected heart of the future
The construction of the Smíchov City complex is underway in the area of the former freight station, which is expected to provide up to 400,000 square meters of residential, administrative, commercial, or public areas. Plus, a kilometer wide pedestrian boulevard, that will be the center of all happenings. Expected completion is in the year 2032.
The city office also involved the residents themselves in the planning, who could contribute their own proposals for the development of this area.
Cafes, cinemas and jazz
Whatever your taste for life, Smíchov has plenty of options to provide you with tailor-made comfort. The area has numerous cafes, restaurants and bars overlooking the Vltava River.
Mayor of Prague 5 Lukáš Herold (ODS) when asked by LP-Life which places in Prague 5 he finds interesting, first mentions Jazz Dock on Janáček Embankment, a bar with live jazz music in a modern glass building, giving the impression that it stands on the river. He considers it the best jazz club in the metropolis.
"People can refresh themselves at the Café between the lines in Štefánikova Street, which is a double holder of the Cafe of the Year title in Prague 5, and that gives the opportunity to work for people with disabilities,"
The mayor emphasizes a very commendable project. For young people, he especially recommends the Café, that is looking for a name in Stroupežnický street, which was created in the place of a former carpentry. The establishment includes a gallery, multi-functional room for rent, and courtyard. People should not miss the Radlická cultural gym, located in a former freight train station. It offers creative spaces for various events, from team building, birthdays and weddings, to concerts, workshops, lectures or corporate meetings.
Farmers markets: honey, wine and music
The city district regularly updates events that take place here. One of the most popular starts every spring. Farmers markets, various gastronomic events, musical and sporting events.
New projects Prague 5: there is always something going on here
Many novelties are taking place here. Prague 5 also recently opened the Michonovka Care Services House, construction of a primary school will start between V Cibulkách and Na výši streets in Košíře, or a new park Na Pláni was opened in June, which was created in the area of a former gardeners colony.
Park Na Pláni is the result of communication between councillors and citizens and a gift to future generations
Praha 5 communicates with its citizens. A prime example is the newly opened Park Na Pláni.
Before the start of work, there were several public discussions, meetings with citizens and changes made to proposals based on their comments.
"The result was a clear intention to build a city park with a strong emphasis on ecology, community function and accessibility for all generations,"
Reminded the councilor of Prague 6, Lubomir Broz. Thus, a community garden, play and sports elements were built, new vegetation was planted. We have replaced public lighting, installed a new drainage system, a building with the facilities has sprung up. In the first half of this year, the construction works were completed and the garden adjustments finalized. Councilor Lubomír Brož also added that the park is for future generations.
"Thanks to the activity of citizens and the accommodating approach of the city district, it was possible to preserve a significant amount of greenery, which will serve current and future generations of inhabitants. Na Pláni Park thus represents not only a new public space, but also a symbol of participatory planning and sustainable city development."
Mayor Lukáš Herold would additionally invite you to nature in the Prokopské Valley, which is one of the most beautiful places in the capital. Apart from ponds, quarries, and rock outcrops, the valley offers space for rest and relaxation. This unique location also hides a rock garden, a unique, publicly accessible botanical garden and arboretum with an area of approximately 2 000 m² and more than two thousand rock plants, alpines and other trees. In the 1950s, it was founded by the Haladas couple in the former limestone quarry. The area was revitalized with the financial support of Prague 5 in 2019.
Who left a mark here? Karel Gott and Luděk Sobota
Who loves it here?
The most famous celebrity who lived here is undoubtedly Karel Gott at Bertramka. Even before him, the homestead was firmly associated with Wolfgang A. Mozart.
Just a little above the busy Smíchov center, Luděk Sobota has been living for forty years.
After divorcing Ivan Vyskočil ten years ago, his wife Anife Vyskočilová also settled here in the old bourgeois apartment.
Golden tip: Kinský Garden, Paper fest and a place where Netflix filmed
Iveta has spent a few good years here and she has really grown fond of this place. What would she recommend as the best thing in Prague 5?
"There's a wonderful Kinsky garden on the number five... And a Benedictine monastery. A great event used to be the Paper fest, a sales event for all kinds of paper products."
Various events are regularly held here. The venue named Genius Loci comes alive in the summer with movie projections, but you can also rent it for your own event, such as a fabulous wedding.
Just to add, it's a favorite spot for filmmakers. The Benedictine monastery with the church of Saint Gabriel hosted the film All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix).
We also see the monastery in the Czech crime series Specialists.
Portheimka as a multicultural center
Mayor of Prague 5 points out another amazing place. According to him, interesting exhibitions can be enjoyed at the Portheimka Gallery in the same-name heritage-protected mansion in the vicinity of the Church of St. Wenceslas in Smíchov.
As an exhibition area or place where concerts are held, the adjacent park also serves. The Švandovo Theatre nearby then continues the long-standing tradition of previous theaters located in this building and its surroundings.
Lukáš Herold, of course, still reminds of the Smíchov embankment, quieter than the waterfront on the other side of the river.
But that should probably be your beloved place.
Transport accessibility
The transport accessibility here is great. Metro B offers stops at Anděl, Smíchov's Bus Station is an important transport hub, and the railway connection will furthermore undergo further development.
Nearby connection to the highway D5, D1 via city ring.
Source: expats.cz, iprpraha.cz, smichovcity.praha5.cz/,praha5.cz/press-releases, kafe.cz, idnes.cz/, blesk.cz/, author's inquiry
