Prague: where every pint tells a story and every cobblestone is ready for your catwalk. History never looked so hip.

Destination highlights

• Two words: Pivo and Trdelník. Priorities, we've got 'em.

• A walkable wonderland (from ancient bridges to hidden courtyards)

• Home to the Astronomical Clock Tower (that's actually what it's called, we're not just bragging)

• It's got a whopper of a castle - the biggest in the world, to be exact

What are the best sights to see in Prague?

Get ready to fill your camera roll, because Prague's attractions are like a 'best of' album for European landmarks.

• Prague Castle - it's not just any castle; it's a record-holder for the world's BIGGEST ancient castle. Inside its walls, history hasn't just been made - it's been lived. Mic drop.

• Charles Bridge - it's like stepping onto the set of a historical epic. Famed saints watch from above while you stroll between the Old Town and Lesser Town. Go at dawn, and the sunrise is on the house.

• Old Town Square - your watch is irrelevant here, because time stands still (except for the Astronomical Clock). Street performers, markets, and the most gorgeous blend of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic buildings will keep you company here.

• The Lennon Wall - once a symbol of rebellion, now a technicolour dream of art and messages of peace. The Beatles would be proud.

• Letná Park - beer garden with a view? Check. Panoramic sights of the Vltava River? Check. A place to rest those tired-from-sightseeing feet? Checkmate.

What are the top hotels in Prague?

Thought we were all about that beach? Well, sure. But we can do cobbled charm and city chic too. Here are the top spots to hang your hat in Prague:

• Grand Hotel International - swanky rooms, private gardens and a rooftop bar with killer views. What more could you want?!

• Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square - right near Wenceslas Square (naturally), with modern rooms and the most delish daily brekkie.

• Hotel Elite Prague - 'elite' in the name? We love the confidence. Expect a cracking location close to all the touristy bits and bobs, comfy rooms and a super-suave lobby bar.

• Grandior Hotel Prague - within walking distance of all the major hotspots, decked out with its own bar and bistro - and they serve up breakfast omelettes with all the trimmings. Bosh.

• Grand Majestic Plaza Hotel - just a 10-min stroll from the centre with cosy suites, an on-site restaurant and a modern cocktail bar

🏘️ Prague Neighbourhoods

Prague's divided into numbered districts, but even though it's just a number – each area also has its own personality. Here's the lowdown on where to base yourself:

Prague City Centre (Prague 1) The big one – Old Town, New Town, Lesser Town and the Castle District all rolled into one. This is where you'll find Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle and most of the major sights. Priciest area to stay but unbeatable for first-timers who want everything on the doorstep. Expect cobblestones, crowds, and that fairytale Prague vibe.

Prague 2 – Vinohrady & Nové Město Just southeast of the centre, Vinohrady is where the cool kids hang out. Tree-lined streets, gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings, brilliant restaurants and bars, and way fewer tourists. Easy tram ride to the sights but feels like a proper neighbourhood. Great for couples and foodies.

Prague 3 – Žižkov The scruffier, edgier sibling to Vinohrady. Famous for having more pubs per capita than anywhere in Prague (which is saying something). The TV Tower with its crawling baby sculptures is bizarre but brilliant. Budget-friendly, authentic, and very local. Good for groups and nightlife lovers.

Prague 5 – Smíchov On the west bank of the Vltava, Smíchov's a mix of old and new with a big shopping centre, cinema complexes, and some lovely riverside spots. Well-connected by metro and handy for day trips heading west. Solid mid-range option with good transport links.

Prague 6 – Dejvice Northwest of the centre, near the airport. Leafy, residential, and home to embassies and students. Not the most exciting area for tourists but good value and quiet. Handy if you've got an early flight.

Prague 7 – Holešovice The up-and-coming hipster district. Former industrial area now packed with galleries, craft breweries, street art and the famous Cross Club. Letná Park's beer garden has the best views in the city. Great for culture vultures and anyone who likes their cities a bit rough around the edges.

Prague 10 – Vršovice Further out but increasingly popular with locals priced out of Vinohrady. Authentic neighbourhood feel, good Czech pubs, and the Bohemian vibe without the tourist markup. You'll need to tram it into the centre but that's half the fun.

🚆 Day Trips from Prague

Prague's perfectly placed for exploring more of Bohemia, and the train connections are brilliant. Here are the best escapes:

• Český Krumlov 🏰 About 3 hours south, this UNESCO-listed town is like stepping into a fairytale. A massive castle towers over a gorgeous medieval old town wrapped in a loop of the Vltava River. It's touristy but absolutely worth it – go midweek if you can. The castle gardens and tower views are stunning.

• Kutná Hora & the Bone Church 💀 Just an hour east by train, this former silver-mining town has two must-sees: the spectacular Gothic St. Barbara's Cathedral and the utterly bizarre Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), where a chandelier made of human bones hangs from the ceiling. It's creepy, fascinating, and genuinely unlike anywhere else.

• Karlovy Vary ♨️ Two hours west, this elegant spa town looks like something from a Wes Anderson film – pastel-coloured buildings, ornate colonnades, and hot springs you can drink from (they taste... medicinal). Famous for its film festival, Moser crystal, and Becherovka herbal liqueur. Proper fancy day out.

• Pilsen 🍺 The birthplace of pilsner lager – need we say more? Tour the Pilsner Urquell brewery, taste beer straight from the barrel in the underground cellars, then explore the town's massive central square. About 90 minutes by train, perfect for beer lovers.

• Karlštejn Castle 🏰 Only 40 minutes from Prague, this Disney-esque Gothic castle perched on a hilltop was built to protect the crown jewels. The village below is cute for a wander, and the forested walk up to the castle is lovely. Closed Mondays.

• Terezín 🕯️ A sobering but important day trip. This former WWII concentration camp and Jewish ghetto is about an hour north of Prague. The museum and memorials tell the stories of those imprisoned here. A moving experience that deserves proper time and respect.

🛍️ Shopping in Prague

Forget the tourist tat around Old Town Square – Prague's got some proper shopping if you know where to look.

What to Buy

• 🍺 Czech beer and Becherovka – The obvious choice, but there's a reason. Stock up at supermarkets where prices are hilariously cheap

• 💎 Bohemian crystal and glass – World-famous for a reason. Moser is the fancy stuff, but there are quality pieces at all price points

• 🧸 Wooden toys and marionettes – Prague has a long tradition of puppet theatre, and the handcrafted marionettes make brilliant souvenirs

• 🍪 Spa wafers (Lázeňské oplatky) – These thin waffle biscuits from the spa towns come in gorgeous retro tins

• 📚 Vintage posters and prints – Hunt for communist-era propaganda posters and Art Nouveau prints in the antique shops

Where to Shop

• The Havelské Tržiště (Havel's Market) near Old Town Square has been running since medieval times – good for fruit, flowers, and local souvenirs without the crazy markup.

• For high street stuff, hit Na Příkopě and Wenceslas Square – all the usual suspects plus Czech brands. The Palladium shopping centre near Republic Square is massive if you need a one-stop-shop.

• For something cooler, head to Holešovice or Vinohrady neighbourhoods for indie boutiques, vintage shops, and local designers. Much more interesting than the tourist areas.

🎉 Party Guide

Prague's nightlife is legendary – cheap drinks, late hours, and everything from ancient beer halls to pumping clubs. Here's where to head:

• Classic Beer Halls Start like a local at a traditional hospoda (pub). U Zlatého Tygra (The Golden Tiger) is a Prague institution – Václav Havel used to drink here. Lokál does the freshest unpasteurised Pilsner in town. U Fleků has been brewing its own dark beer since 1499 – touristy but iconic.

• Cocktail Bars Hemingway Bar in Old Town does award-winning cocktails in a refined setting – try the absinthe menu if you're brave. Anonymous Bar has staff in Guy Fawkes masks and a speakeasy vibe. Bar and Books is all leather armchairs and cigars.

• Clubs & Late Night Karlovy Lázně near Charles Bridge claims to be Central Europe's biggest club – five floors, each with different music. Touristy but fun for a big night. Roxy in an old cinema is better for alternative and electronic. Cross Club in Holešovice is the maddest club you'll ever see – industrial art installation meets techno venue.

• Beer Gardens In summer, the rooftop beer garden at Letná Park has the best views of the city. Riegrovy Sady is another brilliant park beer garden popular with locals. Grab a plastic cup of Gambrinus and watch the sunset.

• Live Music & Jazz Jazz Dock is a floating jazz club on the Vltava – proper sophisticated. Lucerna Music Bar in the beautiful Lucerna Palace hosts everything from indie to 80s/90s nights.

Top Tips Pace yourself – beer's cheap and strong, and they'll keep bringing them until you put a coaster on top of your glass (the international "I'm done" signal). Most clubs don't get going until after midnight. Taxis from the centre can be dodgy – use Bolt or walk.