We have booked a trip for 10 days in early November to Prague and part of that time will be staying at Hotel Ibis Praha on Plzenska in Smichov. Just curious to hear how you would describe the immediate neighborhood of that hotel, including Novy Smichov Mall. As we are familiar with the main attractions and the other neighborhoods of Prague it would be interesting to get to know the character of Prague 5 on this trip. It would a;so be interesting to hear if there are good walking routes from that hotel to city center, Mala Strana, or the Zahrady. Also any recommendations for cheap or worthwhile pubs in the area. Thanks!
Je mi smutna (can't you see the face?). Ahoj all... to be frank, I'm actually truthfully quite sad that nobody who is familiar with P5 and the Novy Smichov (Plzenska) area has written a response to my husband's query. It was the first time ever that he took time out and had the patience to compose a post (since we joined in 2004!) Is any expat or traveller who is savvy with the various districts of Praha able to give us some ideas of how to maximize familiarization with the area (i.e. mock itinerary, including going up north a few blocks to the Zahrada)? Anyone know of any cool places to eat (as cool as Kure v Hodinkach in Zizkov?) From all that I've been devouring online, I understand that all of P5 has gone wireless (meaning that one could just be in the Smichov area could just get online provded he had a laptop?) Whoa... too, I'm understanding (and correct me if I'm wrong) that the Smichov area is considered up-and-coming, the way that Zizkov was back in 03 or 04. Please someone... have a good heart or some goodwill, and toss us a line! Diky! Jana
I'm sorry, you are sad. I worked on Smichov 7 years ago, so my information aren't fresh. Praha 5 is really big city quarter ( 2749 ha) and includes more sub-parts: Smíchov, Košíře, Motol, Hlubočepy, Radlice, Jinonice-Butovice and the southern part of Malá Strana. Every part is quite different. About Novy Smichov Mall - I'm not big fan of these big malls, they are too impersonal and souless to me, but there are neons and music in the air and trees and cinema multiplex and fancy shops, so I guess it's ok Walking routes - close to hotel is Petrin hill. 20 minutes of walk will get you to Karlovo namesti (Charles square) and National Theatre, or, of course, you can use tram or subway (stops are few minutes from hotel) and then you can go anywhere very quickly.
"up and comming" Gentrification, or more specifically urban gentrification, is a process in which low-cost, physically deteriorated neighborhoods experience physical renovation and an increase in property values, along with an influx of wealthier residents who typically displace the prior residents (wikipedia) Well, I think you can say that. Of course, it's really only in progress Also it means that local long live residents are expeled by offices of global companies. Anyway, after dark is maybe that area little less secure than others - but in context of Czech republic, so nothing really dangerous.
Hey Eso, I'm gratified at the reply! Will tell Ondrej to read along all the sentiments that you left. What you opine re: gentrification...curiously enough, we now live in the Pacific Northwest (one state north of California in the States), and we also live in a neighborhood that is undergoing gentrification. And yes, the definition provided by Wikipedia is appropriate and fitting. More curiously (and specific) are the following otazky: Is it worthwhile (in your opinion, of course) to take tramvaj east to valley neighborhoods like Kosire and Motol to visit them (and is there anything famous in these residential areas?) Staropramen brewery: in your opinion, worth it to go or not? Barrandov studios.. across the Vltava from Branik, down south from where we will be... one cannot get there without auto, yes? and does it offer any studio tours, much we like do here in Hollywood, CA? The area in Smichov where the pink tank was for years and years before taken away like 15 years ago: I hear that it is currently a fountain filled with flowers....do you know exactly one would find that? Up to petrin and the zahrady....could we just walk straight north a few blocks from Radlicke and Plzenska and enter the park for a run? Is it truly true (I understand you're in kladno now and only lived in Smichov years ago, but perhaps another clovek will find and read my post) that P5 has gone totally wireless? Maybe we should bring a laptop then! Any great hospody around the area nearby? And yes, total agreement.. i hate shopping, large crowds, and overlydone garish behemoths, like novy smichov mall. What i DO treasure, however, is that TESCO resides there, where I can buy fresh rohliky!!! One last matter to bother you with: What voltage adapter would I need to purchase prior to coming? do you happen to know? Dik! Naschle, Jana
Eso, i think that this site says it all about the 'largeness' of malls, etc...found while i was surfing web :roll: Thank you for your time to help and provide some tips... we'd love to hear some recommendations for 'famous' local fare around that area... I know that Andel metro is super close by, and we intend to get lost around Stare Mesto area (my favorite streets like the hidden ones.. Kozna, Melantrichova, etc...) Best wishes to you! Jana
