Welcome to Prague, Central Europe's most exciting city.

  Since it opened up to tourists less than twenty years ago, Prague has fast become the most popular destination in Central and Eastern Europe, drawing visitors with its winning combination of glorious baroque architecture, winding medieval streets, and buzzing cultural life.

 Prague's history dates far back into the Middle Ages - the so-called New Town was in fact laid out in the 14th century - and an extraordinary amount of its medieval architecture has survived intact, not least the awe-inspiring Prague Castle, which has dominated the city center for over a millennium. Strolling through Prague's charming cobbled alleys, past the scores of exquisite churches for which Prague is known as the "City of 100 Spires", you'll be drawn into the city's ancient and richly cosmopolitan culture, which has inspired generations of artists, writers and musicians.

 Prague's cultural traditions are still very much alive today, as witnessed by the huge amount of live theatre and music performed daily, from superbly executed classics to cutting edge experimental art. Prague's gallery scene is also thriving, headed by the enthralling Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art, with its world-class collection of European and Czech art from the 20th century. Visitors will also be drawn to the city's numerous and fascinating museums, which include the recently opened Franz Kafka Museum, an absorbing and surreal monument to one of the city's greatest sons.

 And Prague truly lives up to its reputation as the ancient capital of Bohemia, with a bar and café scene that is unrivalled in Eastern Europe, offering not only traditional - and very cheap - pubs where you can sample the delights of the Czech Republic's world-famous breweries, but also an ever increasing number of ultra-fashionable cocktail bars and haute cuisine restaurants.

 In short, Prague offers more than enough to satisfy every taste and budget and, behind its delightfully laid-back exterior, the city has an electric urban culture that rewards nigh on endless exploration.