Prague

Prague came through the centuries remarkably intact, and the reward is one of Europe's best-preserved historic centers. Gothic spires, Baroque facades, and pastel townhouses crowd together above cobbled streets, all watched over by the vast hilltop castle. The Old Town Square, with its medieval astronomical clock, and the statue-lined Charles Bridge are the set pieces, best seen early before the day-trippers arrive.

The city rewards a wander in every direction. The Malá Strana district below the castle is a tangle of quiet lanes and hidden gardens, the Jewish Quarter holds centuries of poignant history, and a growing crop of modern cafés and craft breweries adds a contemporary layer. Czech beer culture is serious business here, and prices remain gentler than in Western Europe.

Spring and fall offer mild weather and lighter crowds. Winters get cold but turn magical around the Christmas markets, while summer is the peak season for both sunshine and tourists.