I have always had a romantic notion about Prague and wanted to visit it, can you recommend it I don t want to go and be disappointed.

Asks atwood2

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A. It is doubtful that you'll be disappointed. Prague is one of the finest looking cities in Europe. It boasts fantastic architecture in a haphazard mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque and Art Nouveau styles.

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The city is split up into unique sections or quarters that are representative of the communities or trades that operate within them. Split in half by the River Vltava, Prague has a left bank which is incredibly steep and home to the Mala Strana or Little Quarter which is made up of very narrow streets that accommodate diplomatic and ministerial buildings. The left bank is also home to the Hradcany (Castle Quarter) and is very popular with tourists as the cathedral, castle and aristocratic palaces are all located here.

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Over the river onto the Right Bank, you come across the Stare Mesto (Old Town), Josefov (Jewish Quarter) and the Nove Mesto (New Quarter).

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Q. What would you recommend visiting

A. It is very enjoyable to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere in this old city. However, some sights are definitely not to be missed, and include:

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Star� Mesto - Most parts of the Old Town date back to the 13th century and is one of the busiest places in Prague as it is here that you'll find all the restaurants, shops, markets and pubs. It is linked to the Mala Strana (Little Quarter) by the Charles Bridge. One of the main attractions in the Old Town is Staromestsk� n�mest�, a fantastic square in the heart of the city that dates back to the 11th century. The Tyn Church is not far away and is an incredibly impressive building; it has huge twin towers and was completed in 1471.

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Josefov (Jewish Quarter) - has the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe.

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Charles Bridge -� is one of Prague's most famous monuments, best visited at night when it is floodlit. It is lined by statues erected during the Counter Reformation, and seen today as great pieces of Jesuit propaganda.

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Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas Square) - fantastic historical venue.

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Petrin Hill�- is a great touristy day out and reached by the funicular railway. You can visit a miniature Eiffel Tower and the Bludiste (mirror maze).

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Obecn� dum - a cultural centre that is home to one of the last remaining cafes of the caf� culture, celebrated here at the turn of the 20th century. A fantastic Art Nouveau building, painted by Czech artists.

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Q. When is the best time to visit

A. The weather and crowds are best in May, June and September (July and August are incredibly busy). It is also good to visit when a festival is being celebrated. Paleni Carodejnic (Burning of the Witches) is celebrated on 30 April, a pre-Christian festival for warding off evil spirits. Today it is celebrated with all-night bonfire parties. The Prague Spring (Prazske jaro) Music Festival takes place in April and May and the Prague International Book Fair is also in May.

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Q. Can you recommend anywhere near Prague to visit for a day or two

A. If you visit Prague for the weekend you will not have time to visit the surrounding countryside as there is so much to do in the city, but if you're in the Czech Republic for some time, it is well worth your while journeying outside the capital. Some places worth visiting include:

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Krivoklat - If you have ever made the train journey from Colombo to Kandy in Sri Lanka, you'll know that the joy of reaching your destination is not matched by the incredible journey to it. The same can be said for the train journey to Krivoklat, it is spectacular and takes you up the wooded Berounka valley, with the train hemmed in by limestone cliffs. The village itself has an impressive 13th castle, churches and prison with torture chambers.

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Kutna Hora - located 65km from Prague it was once the second most important town (after Prague) in Bohemia because of the silver found beneath it. Today it is worth visiting for its medieval alleyways and huge cathedral.

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Karlovy Vary - is home to the oldest spa in Bohemia, with 12 world famous rejuvenating hot springs. It is a great place to visit to relax and recharge your batteries.

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Q. Do I need a visa to visit the Czech Republic

A. No, British passport holders can visit for 180 days without a visa.

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By Karen Anderson

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