Unlike much of Central Europe, Prague was left virtually untouched by the destruction of WWII and is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prague instantly captivates visitors with its meandering river, hilly landscapes and splendid Gothic, baroque and Renaissance architecture. The city is also a renowned cultural centre, with some of the best theatres, galleries and museums this side of Paris.

See

• Prague Castle – Undoubtedly Prague’s most iconic attraction, this sprawling palace complex sits atop one of the city’s hills. Dating back to 870 AD, the castle has been renovated and rebuilt multiple times, resulting in a stunning mix of architectural styles.
• Charles Bridge – Built in 1357, this was the only bridge in Prague until the mid 19th century. Now restricted to pedestrian traffic, it is often crowded with buskers and artists.
• Loreta – An extravagant Baroque convent that houses an amazing treasury of monstrances and other liturgical items.
• Old Town Square – The heart of medieval Prague, this square is surrounded by magnificent architecture including the Gothic Tyn Church, baroque St Nicholas’s Church and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, which tracks the positions of the sun and moon and features an hourly show of clockwork figures.
• Wenceslas Square – Dominated by the neoclassical National Museum, Wenceslas Square is nearly always filled with people and is particularly lively at night.

Experience

• A night at the Opera – Prague’s State Opera is one of Europe’s most highly regarded opera and ballet companies. Watching a performance in their exquisite neo-rococo theatre is an essential part of any visit to Prague.
• Climb St Vitus Cathedral – Part of the Prague Castle complex, this fabulous Gothic cathedral is the largest church in the Czech Republic. Visitors who tackle the gruelling climb up its narrow staircase are rewarded with a spectacular view over the city’s rooftops.
• Josefov – Prague’s former Jewish quarter is home to Franz Kafka’s birthplace and is the source of the city’s most famous legend: the Golem of Prague.

Secrets of the city

• Petrin Tower – Bearing a strong resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Tower was built in 1891 and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The structure offers some of the best views in Prague, with the advantage of being far easier to climb than St Vitus Cathedral!
• Vysehrad – Located a little way out of the city centre, Vysehrad Castle is often overlooked in favour of its showier sibling Prague Castle. But this glorious 10th-century building boasts a fascinating history as well as breathtaking vistas of the Vltava Valley.