Boasting a long and varied history, the former Eastern Bloc city of Prague is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, baroque churches and Gothic architecture. With such a rich heritage, it's perhaps not surprising that Prague is home to many museums, galleries and theatres, making it the perfect destination for culture enthusiasts.

Many of the most popular attractions in Prague are within a relatively short distance of each other, making it an inspired choice for short breaks. The tourism highlights are delightfully captivating and include the Charles Bridge, a Unesco-listed historic centre, the River Vltava, Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Astronomical Clock - but it's the bars, restaurants and street life that hold many of the charms of this enchanting destination.

Lined with pastel-coloured mansions and charming pavement cafes where you can enjoy a cool beer, Old Town Square is often filled with tourists, although it never manages to lose its unique charm and appeal. Here you'll find the famous St Nicholas Church, which has been described as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Leading from Old Town Square, the historic Charles Bridge was once the only way of crossing the mighty Vltava River to reach the imposing Prague Castle. 

This mighty 9th-century building has a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. Looming high over the city, Prague Castle is a stunning sight that shouldn't be missed. As well as this magnificent structure, Prague boasts many other wonderful places of historic value such as St Vitus Cathedral and Wenceslas Square. With so much history crammed into this beautiful city, it's no wonder it's now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

A number of festivals are held throughout the year in this most cultural of cities. During these times, hotels in Prague obviously get very busy, so it's best to book well in advance if your stay coincides with one of these celebrations. April 30 is the time for the traditional Witches' Night festival, while the month of May sees the Prague Spring Festival take place. 

The renowned Prague Proms are usually held throughout July and August. December is the time to come to experience the winter delights of the Prague Christmas Market. Why not visit Brno, which is just two hours south of Prague, for cheaper food and drink?

Compare the price of hotels in Prague using TravelSupermarket's tool and save money by booking in advance.

Prague hotels are located within the streets of the city centre and further afield in the outlying city areas. The main attractions are within walking distance of each other, so it's ideal to book your stay within a short distance of any of these attractions. 

In the areas around Old Town, on the eastern side of the river, you can choose from a large number of hotels, from budget hotels to top-class luxury hotels, with a few five-star hotels in the mix. Keep in mind that the streets and buildings in this area are packed in tight, though you might find a riverside hotel that will offer far-reaching views from its rooms. 

Hopping over the river, there are some hotels in the leafy and hilly areas around the castle - though you'll need to be fit if you plan on navigating these slopes on foot.

As the city has grown substantially as a tourist destination over recent years, many Prague hotels are owned by some of the world's most famous chains, including Clarion, Best Western, Crowne Plaza, NH Hotels, Kempinski and Holiday Inn. A number of these, as well as a selection of delightful local hotels and boutiques, are conveniently located near to the city centre where many places of historic interest can be discovered.

Hotels in Prague continue to offer good value stays, even if the destination isn't the excellent-value break it once was. Stag and hen parties and booming tourist numbers have pushed the prices upwards in Prague (known locally as Praha), but you can still find good value for money - and if you're not in town to celebrate someone's upcoming nuptials, it's easy to avoid the partying groups as they're usually holed up in bars sampling the famed Czech beers.

Top five attractions

Charles Bridge

An iconic structure spanning the width of the Vltava; it attracts heaps of camera-wielding tourists, plus street sellers and street artists who line the crossing. Stroll across in the early morning to enjoy the bridge at its quietest. 

Prague Castle 

Sitting high above the river and looking down on the ancient city, the castle is a huge complex of great historical importance. Arrive early or take a tour late in the day to avoid swarms of guided coach parties.

Opera in Prague

Visit any of the three main venues for opera in Prague - the Prague State Opera, the National Theatre and the Estates Theatre - to be stirred by a rousing opera at any time of the year.

St Nicholas Church 

This baroque church was built in the 18th century, though it has foundations dating back to the 1200s. The white façade, facing Old Town Square, attracts many a photographer. 

The Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj)

This amazing medieval clock, on the side of Old Town City Hall, has necks craning upwards every hour with a cute clockwork show.

Witches' Night festival; April: This offbeat event celebrates the end of winter with the burning of huge ragdoll witches in the streets.

Prague Proms; July-August: A highlight of the city's events calendar, this musical event revels in the smooth sounds of classical and jazz.

Prague Christmas Market; November-December: Prague really looks the part for Christmas, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings glistening in the frost. Wrap up warm to pick up bargains at this yearly yuletide event.