Prague

Prague is the city of a hundred spires, and its historic centre has been on the UNESCO list since 1992. On its hill stands Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world, with St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane. Below it the Baroque quarter of Malá Strana runs down to Charles Bridge, begun in 1357 and lined with statues on both sides.

Across the river lies the Old Town and its great square, where the astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall has kept time since 1410, one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. For shopping there is Pařížská street with its couture houses, and the Palladium on Republic Square.

Prague is a city for walking, at its best early in the morning and in the evening when the bridges are lit. Wear comfortable shoes: the lanes are cobbled and the way up to the castle is steep.