Prague

Old Town

The original settlement at Prague was based around the Charles Bridge and walled in for protection. Today these walls are long gone but there's still plenty to do in this Old Town area, with the Square and the Astronomical Clock providing the focal point. Prague is known as the city of spires and there are numerous lovely churches to visit here, as well as the Powder Gate at the bridge entrance which offers great views of the Old Town. There are lots of places to eat and drink whilst soaking up the historic surroundings and the nightlife here is excellent.

New Town

Wenceslas Square is the most popular part of Prague's New Town, with the National Museum close by. Charles Square is the more traditional centre of the area. There's an eclectic mix of architecture here with gothic and baroque influences as well as modern constructions like Gehry's Dancing House. The Church of Our Lady of The Snows is an unfinished masterpiece that glitters despite its tiny size. The National Theatre and the State Opera are both here too and seeing a show at either will really put the icing on your holiday!

Lesser Town

Nestled at the foot of the castle, the Lesser Town area is packed with yet more churches; go up Petrin Hill to get a great look at them all. The Wallenstein Palace is the highlight of this district. Some of the Italian-style grand buildings are used by the state, and the old Riding School houses part of the National Gallery art collection. The palace's garden and the chapel are also delightful. This area has long been popular for its nightlife too and there's plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings.

Jewish Quarter

Completely surrounded by the Old Town is the Jewish Quarter, which was formerly the ghetto where the Jews were forced to live. There are six synagogues here, each different in style. Looking for them all makes for a great way to tour this area. The Jewish Cemetery with gravestones piled up close together shows how cramped the ghetto would have been, and the Jewish Museum in the Old Jewish Town Hall offers more on the area's past.

Elsewhere...

Prague Castle occupies its own district and the impressive complex is definitely a highlight. The neighbourhood of Zizkov is making a name for itself as the top party destination in the city and Vinohrady is great if you want a more traditional area for an evening's entertainment. Prague actually has two castles, the second is Vysehrad Castle, and although it's a little further out it's worth a visit. You can even see the original statues from the Charles Bridge there.