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Why?  Prague has come alive and undergone a modern renaissance as one of Europe's most desirable destinations, with its cobblestone streets and spires making for an outdoor museum, and its new galleries, clubs, restaurants, shops and cafes filled with enthusiastic young Czechs making the most of the 'new' Prague. A holiday in Prague is now a trendy experience with a traditional Czech flavour.

When?  Midsummer is high season for a holiday in Prague, but this has the disadvantage of bringing in thousands of visitors to bask in the sunny weather. The best time to travel to Prague is in spring (April/May) or autumn (September/October) when the crowds have thinned and the weather is still pleasant.

Who for?  Travel to Prague for a refreshing city break to experience a vibrant sojourn in one of Europe's great cities.

More Info:  All the tips and advice you need for a great holiday in Prague are contained in our Prague travel guide, which you can print out and take with you. The guide is updated regularly ensuring you have up-to-date information about the major attractions, events and even the best restaurants in this remarkable city.

Overview

The Czech Republic's capital and international showpiece, Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe. Its attraction lies in the physical beauty of the city with 600 years of architecture amazingly untouched by war. The centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it demands to be explored on foot, an entire outdoor museum of history and a haphazard mixture of splendid architecture.

In the 14th century Prague enjoyed a reputation of being one of the most important cities in Europe, but after the Second World War it disappeared completely behind the Iron Curtain. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution and the end of Communism, Prague has thrown off the years of repression with alacrity and is returning to its earlier grandeur, enticing tourists with its fairytale quality and romantic atmosphere. In recent years Prague has also become a popular weekend destination for stag and hen party groups, attracted by the lively nightlife, world-famous beer and low prices.

The historical centre of the city is compact and its attractions are all within easy reach. The core comprises the Castle District (Hradèany) west of the River Vltava, and the Old and New town (Staré Mesto and Nové Mesto) to the east, joined by the famous Charles Bridge. The Castle District situated on the hill overlooking the city incorporates the main attractions, including the Castle itself and the Cathedral. The Old Town is a maze of alleyways, cobbled streets and passages winding their way towards the beautiful Old Town Square, Staromestské Namestí. Josefov Ghetto, the old Jewish Quarter, is enclosed within the old town. The New Town, in contrast, is modern and has been laid out in wide boulevards, most famously Wenceslas Square, the fashionable shopping boulevard leading up to the foot of the grand National Gallery.

The city's cultural scene also features high on the list of things to do in Prague, with classical music concerts, opera and ballet, as well as the many art galleries around the city. It is constantly adding small new museums to its summertime list, often strange but curiously interesting. This beautiful city, a 'symphony in stone', built along the river and on the surrounding hills, has never ceased to capture the hearts and imagination of visitors, painters, photographers and poets.