Things to see in Prague

The construction of Prague's most famous and photographed location began in 1357, as part of Charles IV's monumental building programme. The bridge replaced the earlier Judita Bridge, a remnant of which is the plainer of the two towers on the Malá Strana gate. The bridge itself is rather drab and it is the later statues (Jesuit additions during the Counter-Reformation), which flank the bridge, that have made it so visually stunning. The first of these (the Crucifixion) was erected in 1657, the latest not until 1928. Fully pedestrianised, this bridge is a tourist focal point, and a sunset stroll here over the rolling Vltava is one of Prague’s quintessential experiences.

This intimate museum is devoted exclusively to the work of the renowned art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. Czech Republic’s answer to Toulouse Lautrec, Mucha is most famous for the posters he designed for theatre productions starring the great fin-de-siècle actress Sarah Bernhardt, and these posters, on exhibit here, epitomise the art nouveau aesthetic. The collection includes phenomenal paintings, posters, sketches, statues and photographs by the artist, and also features Mucha's lesser-known works celebrating pan-Slavism, as well as a recreation of his Paris studio. Guided tours are available and there’s a pleasant terrace café worth visiting.

Národní Muzeum (National Museum) stands at the top of Wenceslas Square. Founded in 1818, it houses the country's oldest and largest collection of antiquities. Although the collections (dedicated to palaeontology, geology, zoology and anthropology) are primarily of interest to specialists, the building itself warrants a visit. It is built on the site of the former Horse Gate, so named because Wenceslas Square once served as the main Prague horse market. Constructed in the neo-Renaissance style, the building’s impressive facade leads into an equally dramatic grand entrance hall with sweeping staircase and intricate stonework. A striking celebration of the history of the former Czechoslovakia.

Prague Castle, perched on the ridge of the Hradcany, dominates Prague's skyline. Entering under the Battling Titan statues, the sheer size of the complex (with three courtyards, fortifications and gardens, almost a small town in its own right) is immediately striking. Given the wealth of architecture, state apartments, churches, galleries and gardens, it is impossible to see everything in a single day. Individual attractions within the complex include the Cathedral of St Vitus, the castle’s oldest and most important site; the Old Royal Palace, former residence of Bohemian kings; Strahov Monestary; the Royal Garden; and Golden Lane.