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: With its iconic architecture and fascinating history on display wherever you turn, Prague has long been one of Europe’s most popular destinations for cultural excursions. Bridging various Central and Eastern European cultures and traditions, Prague is renowned as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and a great place to spend a weekend or longer break admiring the sights.

Prague Castle itself is unsurprisingly the city’s best known landmark and most visited attraction, so it’s a good idea to head there early in the day to beat the crowds. You’ll need to spend at least several hours exploring this magnificent building to gain a full appreciation, and depending on the time of day you visit, you could also witness the popular ceremony of the changing of the guard or enjoy a classical music concert with the spectacular backdrop of Prague’s old city centre.

Close to the castle on Castle Hill is the similarly eye-catching St Vitus Cathedral, with many distinctive touches in its Gothic architecture including a rose window and stained glass installations. As with Prague Castle, the cathedral also houses several notable artworks that make it even more essential as a tourist stop, and the free entry means everyone who visits Prague should be compelled to pay a visit.

Down in the city proper, it’s hard to walk down Prague’s old streets without coming across a notable landmark, such as Charles Bridge which crosses the Vlatva River and features food stalls and entertainments to make this historical icon more than just a simple crossing. The Old Town Square is another popular stop with tourists and locals alike, and despite changes in ownership of cafes and restaurants around the square, its appearance has remained relatively unchanged throughout the centuries – particularly with regard to its famous Astronomical Clock, which still contains parts today that date back to its original construction in the 15th century.

Spending a day or two walking around Old Town Prague can be time well spent, with this region housing such notable buildings as the Municipal House – popular for its Art Nouveau design – and artefacts of Prague’s Jewish heritage, such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and other buildings in the Jewish Quarter itself. Heading to New Town Prague, the Jerusalem Synagogue is another must-see attraction due to its strikingly colourful façade, before moving on to see the even more curious Dancing Building that simulates movement – a hit with adults and children alike on holidays in Prague.