Czech Republic

Prague

Prague looks medieval because it is. It largely escaped the bombing that flattened other European capitals, so what stands there now is the original rather than a reconstruction.

Find flightsBest time: May to June, or September

Statues and towers along Charles Bridge in early morning light — Prague

A short history

The Astronomical Clock has been running since 1410. Charles Bridge, lined with baroque statues, has crossed the Vltava since the fourteenth century. Prague Castle — the largest ancient castle complex in the world by area — has been a seat of power without interruption since the ninth century, through Bohemian kings, Habsburg emperors and now the Czech presidency. Very few European cities can show that much continuity in stone rather than in records.

Prague Castle above the red roofs and the Vltava river

Why travellers love it

It is among the most affordable and most walkable capitals in Europe, which makes it an unusually forgiving first European trip — the centre is compact enough that you can see most of it without ever getting into a car. The Gothic and Baroque look of the place is also remarkably complete.

Colourful baroque facades around the Old Town Square

Before you go

The Czech Republic is in the Schengen area; arrange a visa well ahead if your passport needs one. May to June and September avoid both the winter cold and the August peak. Go to Charles Bridge at sunrise rather than any other hour — by mid-morning it is shoulder to shoulder, and the same walk at six in the morning is nearly empty.

Highlights

Charles Bridge at sunrise
Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
The Astronomical Clock
A cruise on the Vltava

Complete your trip

Two things worth sorting before you fly.

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Flights to Prague

From Riyadh

Vienna, Austria

For six centuries Vienna was the seat of the Habsburgs, and the city was built to make that obvious. Schönbrunn alone has 1,441 rooms.