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Prague is an ancient and beautiful city. A rich collection of Gothic, baroque, and Renaissance architecture, it is the capital of the Czech Republic and for over a thousand years has stood at the intersection of Europe’s strategic connecting routes.
Often referred to as the City of a Hundred Spires because of its consistently beautiful churches and towers, it is the major commercial, industrial, and cultural centre of the Czech Republic. Prague has a reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe as unlike many of central Europe it was not seriously damaged in the Second World War. Since the ‘velvet revolution’ and the fall of Communism in 1989, Prague has become a major tourist attraction and one of the most visited cities in Europe.
The city is relatively compact and enjoys a high quality and inexpensive public transportation system. Much of the historical part of town is pedestrianised and indeed many of the most interesting sites can be reached on foot. Distances are small and often walking is by far the best way to see Prague and it’s likely you will discover many hidden gems for yourself.
Charles Bridge
Prague's splendour begins with the Charles Bridge, possibly the city's most famous landmark as well as its cultural soul. Constructed in 1357 for Czech King Charles IV this Gothic structure gently arching over the Vltava River is a pedestrian pleasure and is lined with artists, musicians and performers from all over the world carving out a simple living doing what they do best and loving Prague in the process. Visit one of the bridge towers for a fascinating view of the Old Town or come here in the early morning mist and enjoy an atmosphere drenched in hundreds of years of history.
The National Museum
Founded in 1818 and the largest museum in The Czech Republic, the National Museum houses over 14 million items in 10 buildings. The iconic neo-Renaissance main building damaged by Soviet machine-gun fire in the 1968 uprising is located at the top of Wenceslas Square. Its displays have since been modernised, with interactive exhibitions on new media now running alongside the older cases of fossils, stuffed animals and other exhibits. Enjoy free admission on the first Monday of every month.
Petrin Hill
Perfect for cool, quiet walks and postcard-perfect views of the city, Petrin Hill rises 130 metres above the left bank of the Vltava River. Once draped in vines, Petrin is almost entirely covered with parks and is one of Prague's largest green spaces. Take the funicular railway or brave the gradient and walk.
Stefanik Observatory to the south of the cable-car terminus is also worth a visit as is Petrin Tower, a 62m (203ft) copy of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1891 Prague Exposition. If you have the energy you can climb its 299 steps and take in sublime views of the central Bohemian woodlands.
Old Town Square
Step into the Old Town Square and step back in time, 600 or 700 years. It’s almost too beautiful to believe. Dating back to the late 12th century, the Old Town Square started life as the central marketplace and over the following centuries, many stunning Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings were built around the market, each sharing tales of tragedy and glory.
Most notable of which are the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock and the astounding St. Nicholas Church. Sit back, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere at one of the many pavement cafés surrounding the square.
Cresta Holidays offer weekend breaks to Prague from only £190. 
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