Where to stay

As the current capital of Bohemia and the Czech Republic, and the former capital of the Holy Roman Empire and communist-ruled Czechoslovakia, Prague's cityscape is as eclectic as it gets. For epic views across the river to the city's sea of spires and gothic and baroque buildings, find a hotel in the Malá Strana (Lesser Town), right below lofty Prague Castle. Your views will take in Staré Město (Old Town) on the other side of the river, with its historic towers, palaces, bridges and museums. The Old Town and fascinating Josefov (Jewish Quarter) are part of the Prague 1 district. In the Nové Město (New Town), but still east of the river, is the futuristic-looking Dancing House, a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. There is no shortage of hotels in the New Town, but booking ahead is recommended in all of the Prague City Center.

Wenceslas Square in the Nové Město (New Town) has legendary nightlife. Close to Prague's main train station and serviced by trams that run 24/7, the New Town is a very popular place to stay. Not just for beer-loving tourists, but also for young people from all over northern Europe, who book cheap flights to Prague to hold their pre-wedding parties. Those wishing to stay in the Prague City Center on the weekend should always book their trip early for this reason alone. The New Town hotels in and around Republic Square are slightly quieter than the ones close to Wenceslas Square, but are still surrounded by bars and cafés. For a touch of romance, find a Staré Město (Old Town) or Nové Město (New Town) hotel with a rooftop terrace offering views of the Hradčany, the city's 9th-century Castle District with the illuminated Prague Castle. There are also great accommodations below the castle in the Malá Strana (Lesser Town), which has cozy taverns and wine bars as well as hidden basement bars in cellars.