Things to see in Prague

The pinnacle of art nouveau architecture in Prague, Obecní Dùm has been fully restored to the glory of its original form. Antonin Balsánek and Osvald Polívka were its main designers, although a large number of major Czech artists made contributions during its construction. The most spectacular of the public areas is the Lord Mayor's Room, which features murals by Alphonse Mucha. The restaurant, café and the Amerikanský bar were also the work of Polívka. The centrepiece of the building is the Smetana Hall, home of the Prague Symphony Orchestra and one of the major venues for concerts during the Prague Spring Festival. Guided tours are essential for visitors looking to get a proper overview.

The 12th-century Old Town Square is a significant and splendid focal point for tourists in Prague. In summer, tables spill out from the restaurants, while in December the square hosts the city's largest Christmas Market. All of the palaces, churches and houses around the square are of major historical interest, such as the gothic Staroměstská Radnice (Old Town Hall) and the Kinský Palace (the seat of the National Gallery). The turret of Tower Hill boasts the world-famous Astronomical Clock, which tolls hourly over the multi-coloured architectural facades. Just off the square, to the east, is the superb gothic Týnem Chrám (Týn Church), where the tomb of the astronomer Tycho Brahe is found.

Prague’s ancient history lines the streets, with Gothic spires, baroque houses and medieval streets galore. Yet its most current chapters are no less fascinating or turbulent. The more recent Museum of Communism marks and explains events that occurred here under the totalitarian regime that lasted from the February coup in 1948 to its collapse in November 1989. The theme of the museum is "Communism - the Dream, the Reality, and the Nightmare", and visitors will be treated to a fully immersive experience that even includes an Interrogation Room. The museum is guaranteed to provide a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on Prague.

Despite its name, Wenceslas Square is really a long boulevard. In 1989, it became the focal point for the remarkable demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution. Today, the square is a bustling thoroughfare presenting the best and worst of post-Communist Prague - from fashionable stores to a rather seedy nightlife. Nothing remains of the square's earliest buildings, although examples of architectural styles from the last 150 years line its frontage. The lower portion is pedestrianised and contains many of Prague's largest stores. There are numerous splendid art deco arcades with winding passages (developed in the 1920s).