Smichov, just south of Mala Strana is one Prague's largest commercial areas. This area was once disregarded as an industrial zone, but these days it is a very popular haunt for the young, cool Czech crowd. Located in Prague 5 and with excellent public transport links, Smichov is approximately 5-10 minutes by metro to the city centre. Nearby Bertramka Village, which was Mozart's preferred Prague residence now holds concerts and houses Mozart Museum.
Getting Around:
The principle metro station is Andel on line B, and the area is served by trams 4,7,9,10 and 12 and several buses.
Places to visit:
The Lesser Town Waterworks Tower built in 1562 on the banks of the Vltava River is one of the oldest preserved monuments in this area.
The famous 17th century residence, Bertramka was rebuilt in the middle of the 18th century and its most famous residence was W.A. Mozart. Today, you can find the Mozart and Duseks museum. Concerts are held in the building and adjoining garden.
The Asian art collections of the National Gallery was built over the famous Gothic Cistercian Cloister which functioned as a burial ground for Czech Kings.
For more modern tastes, the Zlatŷ andél (Golden Angel) Centre, made of aluminium and glass by Jean Nouvelle between 1996-2000.
Nightlife:
Jet Set has a split level dance floor and is slick chic and well designed to entertain (and empty the pockets of) young Czechs and tourists. The menu has a Mediterranean influence.
Futurum is an ultra-modern conversion with eccentric lighting and exposed metal and brickwork. Often with live music nights showcasing new Czech talent, occasional festivals and DJ's. 80's and 90's night is on a Friday.
Gastronomy:
Smichov has a wealth of restaurants, to suit all budgets and tastes. Na Verandách is a brewery restaurant whose potent, unfiltered beer the Kvasničák and tasty noodles and gula attract tourists, hair of the dog drinkers and ladies who lunch.
Nagoya is the first, genuine Japanese restaurant in Prague- sushi, tempura, noodles, all are very well prepared and served.
Káva Káva Káva is surely the future of cafés in Prague, with free Internet for 15 minutes with a purchase. Reasonably priced Czech Mex make up the menu aswell as the standard cakes and bagels.
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