Many Brits will be thinking about a European city break as the weather begins to warm up, and the Czech Republic is a country that many will turn to. By staying in Prague, holidaymakers can bask in the glory of one of the continent’s most fascinating cities, and one that boasts thousands of years of history.

What is so special about the Czech capital?

Well, despite its origins stretching back some 1,100 years, it is only since the 1980s and the early 1990s and the collapse of communism that brought Prague within easy reach. Since then, the city has established itself as one of the world’s leading city break destinations – 4.1 million people travelled there last year – the vast majority of whom stayed in Prague hotels.

The advent of cheap flights carriers has also made getting to Prague easier, and airlines serving the Czech capital operate from a number of regional airports including East Midlands, Norwich and Cardiff. With the city just a few hours away, it’s easy to see why it has become so popular among Brits – from groups on stag weekends to couples; Prague has proven to have something for everyone.

Its nightlife has clearly been a huge draw. The promise of cheap, world-class Czech beer is a good enough reason to visit Prague in itself for a number of people, and the table service you receive in bars and restaurants means no long queues at the bar. There is a bar or club in the Czech capital to suit every taste – whether you’re a serious clubber or someone who likes to dance to some cheesy classics.

Eating out in Prague

Don’t head straight out drinking though – you wouldn’t want to miss Prague’s super restaurants, would you? To many, the capital is known as ‘the city of a hundred spires’, but to the gastronomes among us it is also known as ‘the city of a thousand restaurants’.

Menus in Prague’s eateries are usually provided in Czech, English and German, and the country as a whole takes special pride in its meat dishes. Pork is arguably the most popular meat, closely followed by chicken and beef. Due to the country’s landlocked position, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that fish is something of a rarity – although fresh trout and carp is widely available if you stay in hotels in Prague during Christmas.

One of the most popular elements of Czech cuisine is knedliky, which consists of boiled and sliced dumplings. Wheat or potato-based, these are often served with meals in Prague restaurants. When you find an eatery that takes your fancy, perhaps try roast pork with dumplings and Sauerkraut or marinated beef sirloin, both of which are widely available.

Sightseeing & Attractions

While that’s your evening out sorted, what are you going to do during the day? Well, you certainly won’t be stuck for choices. Much of Prague’s capital is on UNESCO‘s list of World Heritage Sites, and there are two iconic landmarks that immediately spring to mind – one of which is the grand, imposing Prague Castle.

Arguably the most important structure in the history of the Czech Republic, Prague’s castle dominates the city’s skyline. It is certainly a sight to be behold – according to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the largest ancient castle in the world at 570 metres long and approximately 130 metres wide. Over the years Roman Emperors, Kings of Bohemia and presidents of both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have all resided here, with the castle’s history dating right the way back to the ninth century.

Boasting just about every architectural style of the last millennium, the castle certainly isn’t a stand-alone building. Within its walls are the Gothic St Vitrus’s Cathedral, the medieval cottages of Golden Lane and the much-visited National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art. Due to the castle’s size, visitors are recommended to devote at least half a day to exploring it and, for a fuller picture of its history, you can visit the nearby Old Royal Palace, home of the permanent Story of Prague Castle Exhibition.

If the castle is Prague’s most famous structure, then Charles Bridge most come a pretty close second. Despite being only a fraction of the size, the bridge, which crosses the River Vltava, is well known among tourists around the world. What makes it so famous? Well, between the beginning of the 15th century and as recently as 1841, it was the most important river crossing in the Czech capital. Resting on 16 arches, the bridge is flanked by two impressive towers, and the one located on the Old Town side is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of civil gothic-style buildings.

Charles Bridge is adorned with baroque statues along each of sides, and the most famous is that of St John of Nepomuk, a celebrated local martyr who was thrown to his death from the bridge during reign of Wenceslas IV. The bridge differs greatly depending on when you visit. If you go during the day, for example, the likelihood is that you’ll have to share it with large number of other tourists.

Making Prague your next City Break

While you may have to sacrifice some personal space, you can be sure of an excellent atmosphere, with the bridge also being occupied by street entertainers and local artists. It’s always nice to sit down and watch a master at work, and some of the best come out as the sun begins its descent. This is arguably the best time to visit Charles Bridge and certainly when it looks its most romantic – and whether or not you can make the most of it will depend on who you’ve travelled to Prague with!

With a range of Prague hotels to choose from and an all-encompassing nightlife to enjoy, not to mention a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, the Czech capital really does have something for everyone. When will you organise a visit to see the city in all its glory for yourself?