The Prague travel guide

Prague's old town is the prettiest in Central Europe and the most walkable. The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall has been running since 1410 and chimes on the hour with a procession of the Twelve Apostles. The Old Town Square holds the twin Gothic spires of the Týn Church and the Baroque St Nicholas. Charles Bridge, the 14th-century pedestrian bridge across the Vltava, lines its 30 statues of saints across a 520-metre span. The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) holds the Old-New Synagogue (the oldest still-active synagogue in Europe), the Pinkas Memorial and the Old Jewish Cemetery's 12,000-stone graveyard.

Across the river, Prague Castle sits on the hill above the Lesser Town and was the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors and Czechoslovak presidents. Castle complex tickets cover St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica and Golden Lane. Circuit A is the full visit, Circuits B and C are partial. Book a timed entry to bypass the 20 to 30 minute peak-summer queue at the cathedral. Prague attraction tickets also cover the Strahov Library (two baroque ceilings, 200,000 volumes), the Lobkowicz Palace (private collection with Beethoven and Bruegel) and the Petřín Tower funicular ride.