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Magical, golden, and steeped in mystique, “The City of a Hundred Spires’ is one of my favourite European capitals. Prague lays on a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, from Gothic, Renaissance and baroque to neoclassical and cubist. Unshackled from the claws of Communism, the capital of the Czech Republic’s rock-solid status as a powerhouse tourist destination continues to shine.  

Prague’s cultural appeal and fairytale architecture undeniably remains the biggest crowd-puller. Free of traffic and surrounded with spectacular historic buildings, Old Town Square would have to rank as one of Europe’s finest public spaces. The medieval square has played host to some remarkable moments in history including Hitler’s arrival address and the announcement of the communist takeover. The delightful Old Town Hall was first built in 1338 and features a variety of architectural gems from over the centuries. The soaring tower will give you the best panoramic view across the city.  

Old Town Square. Photo / Supplied

At the base of the tower, be sure to admire the colourful, curious and highly complex Astronomical Clock. Constructed in the 15th century, it is one of the oldest functional astronomical clocks in the world. The clock has been modified, destroyed, and repaired many times since its creation in 1380.  In addition to telling the time, it also can also tell the date, as well as the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac Constellations. The clock depicts the sun revolving around Prague (When astronomers later discovered that our globe actually revolves around the sun, thanks to Coperincus, Prague’s rulers refused to have the clock changed. So it remains an Earth-centred view of the universe). Every hour on the hour, a procession of 12 wooden apostles emerges from the trap doors to march in another hour, culminating with a crowing golden rooster. The procession begins with the grim reaper ringing a bell and reversing an hourglass, symbolising the limited time of life. 75% of the clock’s parts are the originals from the 1300s. It is medieval theatre at its finest. 

Astronomical Clock in Prague. Photo / Mike Yardley 

Charles Bridge would have to be a leading contender for the world’s most photogenic bridge. Built for Prague’s much-loved King Charles IV in 1357, the bridge is festooned in sculptures. Most of the statues pay homage to the greatest saints, including John the Baptist, Joseph, Christopher and Francis of Assisi. But unless you time it right, trying to encapsulate the gracious glory of this bridge is mission impossible given the swarming crowds that pack it out across the day. Get here by 7am to enjoy the bridge in relatively unpeopled solitude. By 8am, she is busy and crowded.   

Havelsky Market is one of Prague’s oldest surviving markets and is hugely popular with tourists. Traditionally a fruit and vegetable market, most of the fresh produce has been squeezed out by the demand for hand-made marionettes. Puppet theatre has a rich history in Bohemia, and Prague still has a vibrant puppet-making cottage industry. This market is definitely the place to buy one. Nearby, the National Marionette Theatre presents regular child-pleasing puppet shows and explains the history and development of these puppets over the centuries. Definitely take a stroll around Wenceslas Square, the city’s new beating heart. Flanked with a vibrant boulevard, it’s home to a swag of swanky hotels, restaurants and cafes, plus the State Opera, National Museum and the main train station. 

Prague’s history began with the Castle, founded in the 9th century high above the Vltava River. Spanning seven rugby fields in size, it’s the largest ancient castle in the world. The sprawling complex of churches, chapels, halls and towers has remained the seat of power for Czech rulers over the centuries, from the powerful Habsburgs and Nazi invaders to today’s president. Needless to say, exploring the castle can be an endurance test. Grab a guided tour. Changing of the Guard also takes place at the main gate every hour. (The main parade is staged at noon.) The starring attractions within the castle district are St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. 

Changing of the guard at Prague Castle. Photo / Mike Yardley 

The latter was the home of six centuries of kings, with a trove of artworks and royal furnishings on show. Beneath the magnificently vaulted ceilings of the palace, Vaclav Havel was sworn in as the democratically elected Czech leader, following communism’s collapse in 1990. This Christian bastion of Bohemia, is exemplified in the Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas. He was later canonised, and St. Wenceslas is buried here. Occasionally, on state anniversaries, the saint’s skull is put on public display.  

The insta-friendly Nerudova Street is Prague’s famously steep, narrow thoroughfare that leads up to the castle, and is named after Prague’s famous short-story writer, Jan Neruda. Until the introduction of house numbers in 1770, the city’s dwellings were distinguished by signs. Nerudova’s houses have a splendid selection of these, featuring symbols, emblems and heraldic beasts. They are fascinating to peruse, as each sign indicates the profession of the occupant in 1770. As you head out of the castle district, don’t miss the Golden Lane, a slinky cobblestoned alley lined with small colourful houses that were built in the 16th century and occupied until WWII. The street used to be called Goldsmiths Lane as it served as the dwelling of Goldsmiths. Today the houses have permanent exhibitions showcasing life on the lane since the 1500s. 

A perennial insta-star from Prague is the John Lennon wall is arguably one of the most Instagram famous spots in Prague. During the Communist era, John Lennon’s “Make Love Not War” slogan was especially popular among the Communist opposition. After his death in 1980, a Czech artist decided to pay his respects by making graffiti dedicated to John Lennon. Many locals supported his initiative by adding quotes from his songs and sharing their hopes for peace. The John Lennon wall has been a pivotal part of the political protests against the Communist regime and the oppression of freedom of speech. 

John Lennon Wall. Photo / Supplied

It's fair to say that Prague’s plethora of quirky and eccentric museums scratch every itch, from steampunk and alchemy to magicians. Then there is the Sex Machines Museum. Near the Old Town Square, this museum is choc-full of sexual devices and contraptions all designed to make the pleasures of the flesh a little more mechanical. If that all sounds rather impersonal, rest assured, the museum has been kind enough to wrap a flexible dummy around each gadget to further demonstrate its use. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to sex machines. 

Prague has a very sweet tooth, and their patisseries are a do-not-miss cultural experience. Here’s my favourite sweet treats. Try a Buchty – a soft, pillowy yeast bun, filled with jam, poppy seeds, or a sweet cheese. They are nostalgic comfort food for the locals. I adore Medovník – a traditional Czech honey cake, made with thin layers of honey-infused dough separated by a creamy caramel or condensed milk filling. Yum! Then there’s Větrník – a traditional Czech pastry similar to a cream puff but larger and more decadent. It’s essentially a choux pastry filled with a rich combination of vanilla and caramel whipped cream, then topped with a glossy caramel glaze. It’s a staple in Prague’s best patisseries. Sample a slice of Bublanina – a traditional Czech sponge cake infused with seasonal fruits like cherries or plums in its airy batter.  

Treats galore in the Chimney Cone Shop. Photo / Mike Yardley 

Finally, despite being Hungarian in origin, Prague has elevated the Trdelník onto the highest pedestal. This cinnamon-sugar-coated pastry is also known as Chimney Cake. The dough is wrapped around a cylinder-shaped spit and cooked until the exterior is crispy, while the inside is perfectly soft. While still warm, it’s then doused in sugar, cinnamon and nuts. The cylindrical pastry also serves as a cone, so why not go the whole hog and top your cone with a scoop or two of ice cream, coated in more nuts! Delicious!! 

I recently visited Prague as part of Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour. Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity to the fore, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and those priceless encounters with the locals. Plus, you’ll have plenty of flexitime for your own personal discoveries. Call 0800 484 333, visit  or see your local Travel Agent. 

Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard on ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB at 11.20am on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.