One of Europe's most popular city break destinations, hire a car at the airport and make the most of Prague's gothic charm and pocket-friendly price tag.
"A glittering jewel of art and architecture, ours is a city of romance, mystery and jaw-dropping beauty. Every street is steeped in history and when it comes to nightlife, we know how to party."
Prague's spires, steeples and cathedrals are a magical sight. However, the onslaught of mass tourism - not to mention chaotic stag and hen parties - means you rarely get to enjoy them in peace.
Inviting. Aside from the main attractions and tourist crowds, there's something worth seeing down every one of Prague's warren-like cobbled streets, making sightseeing here more like treasure hunting.
The good folk of Prague are less gregarious than the locals in other European cities, so don't take it personally if they don't talk your ear off.
Varied. Summer temperatures hit 35°C, while in winter that plummets to -15°C with often heavy snowfall.
Give your heart something to worry about with local street-food favourite smazak. Think cheese in a breadcrumb jacket, deep-fried and served with tartare sauce.
A statue of the country's patron saint 'Good King Wenceslas', of Christmas carol fame, can be found in Wenceslas Square. Legend says he will spring to life if Prague is in grave danger.
Superstition says that if you rub the bronze plaque below the statue of St John Nepomuk on Charles Bridge you will return to the city.
For over a thousand years, Prague has set itself apart from any other city in any other place. This Golden City which is both ancient and youthful stands as a living monument to unconquerable spirit." - Barak Obama
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1. Charles Bridge
Cross the Vltava under the impassive gaze of 60 baroque statues. Visit at dawn before the crowds descend.
There is a large underground car park below Palach Square, a ten-minute walk from the bridge.
2. The Czech Museum of Fine Arts
An impressive collection of 20th-century Czech art, housed in an attractive gothic building.
Parking is available along Husova Street; the museum is at numbers 19-21.
3. NoFranz Kafka Museum
Pay highbrow homage to Prague's most celebrated author. Explore his relationship with the city through his letters and literary works.
Metered parking is available on Cihelna Street; the museum is at number 2b.
4. Lucerna Palace
The beating heart of Prague's cultural life, the palace and arcade are home to one of the city's best concert halls, a cinema, live music bar, boutiques and restaurants, for when you want to feed your belly as well as your mind.
Parking is available on Jungmanova, a five-minute walk from the palace. Pay and display is in operation between 8am-6pm on weekdays - meters accept both Czech and Euro coins. Parking here is free at all other times.
5. Prague Castle
The gardens are one of the best places in the city for a wander. They're beautiful, they're free and you get a great view of the city.
There is on-street parking at Prague Castle tram stop (served by tram numbers 22 and 23). Pay at a nearby meter.
1. Vysocina region
Give the grey matter a rest and head for the hills. The central Czech region's countryside is stunning and punctuated by interesting little towns that are often overlooked in favour of their tourist-magnet neighbour.
Take the D1/E50 and follow signs for D1/E50/E65/E55/Ceske Budejovice/Brno. The region's capital, Jihlava, is just over 80 miles from Prague.
2. Karlstejn Castle
Leave your car in the pretty village of Karlstejn and take the train to this hilltop fortress founded by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to house royal treasures.
A 50-minute drive from Prague, head south on Strakonick˝ merging with K Barrandovu. Turn right at K Austisu (signposted for Reporyje/Orech) and follow signs to Karlstejn.
3. Novosedly Vineyards
Take a horseback ride through the tranquil vineyards, sample local cheeses, tour a 19th-century cellar and pick up some wine to take home.
Take the D1/E50 (following signs for Ceske Budejovice/Brno) and merge with Route 52/Videnska towards Mikulov/Znojmo/Wien. The journey should take around two and a half hours.
4. Pec pod Snezkou Ski Resort
This mountain resort has slopes for both beginner and intermediate skiers, there's also a snowboarding scene for gnarly types. Visiting in summer? Check out the hiking and mountain bike trails.
To reach the slopes, follow the E67 towards Wroclaw/Hradec Kralove, turn left at Route 33/Route 77/E67 and follow signs to Pec pod Snezkou.
" The city can be difficult to drive in because it has so many one-way streets, but mostly because Czech drivers are competitive and always in a rush. Be confident and, if you are not, pretend! Czech law states that you must have a zero blood alcohol level when driving, so resist the temptation to enjoy a glass of Bohemian beer before getting behind the wheel. "
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