During the past few decades the Czech Republic has slowly been emerging as a popular tourist destination, favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture and charm rather than pizzazz and parties.

However, most visitors still tend to explore no farther than the capital, Prague. Fewer than 10 percent of tourists venture into the countryside, which means they are missing out on a treat. Prague, westernised and cosmopolitan, is a beautiful city of spires and a visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Leave the city behind and visitors will find a magnificent undulating landscape of mountains and plains, forests and farmland.

The Czech Republic is divided into two geographic and cultural sections, Bohemia and Moravia. Bohemian spa towns and laid-back Moravian wine villages seem to be in a time warp, welcoming visitors as though they are living museums of a refined and relaxed rural lifestyle. There are more than 100 castles dotted around the countryside, ranging from forbidding fortresses to elegant chateaux, all open to the public.

The Czech countryside is also a major drawcard for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers, with hundreds of kilometres of marked trails networking the landscape.

The Castle District (Hradèany)

Address: Prague

Admission: Full ticket: 350 Kc (adults), 175 Kc (concessions); includes the Old Royal Palace, the permanent exhibition, the Basilica of St George, Convent of St George - National Gallery and the Golden Lane/Daliborka Tower. Individual tickets also available Interiors, daily 9am to 6pm (4pm in winter). Castle grounds, daily 5am to midnight (April to October) and 6am to 11pm (November to March). Gardens closed in winter. The changing of the guards ceremony takes place every hour, but the flag ceremony is only at 12pm

The Castle District stretches across the top of the hill overlooking the city and incorporates the best churches and museums in Prague set around three courtyards, immaculate gardens, fortifications and state apartments. The dominant feature is St Vitus Cathedral occupying most of the third courtyard. The Castle was founded in the 9th century and is still the official residence of the president. The Old Royal Palace was home to the Kings of Bohemia from the 11th to the 17th centuries. The Royal Apartments and Vladislav Hall, where Bohemian knights once jousted, kings were throned and presidents are sworn into office, can be visited, as well as the little chapel next door. Next to the red façade of the Romanesque Basilica of St George, lies the Benedictine Convent, housing the National Gallery's remarkable collection of old Bohemian art. Behind the gallery is the picturesque cobbled alley known as Golden Lane, a row of 16th-century tradesmen's cottages, brightly coloured and built into the fortifications. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard on the hour every hour, with the fanfare and flag ceremony included at noon.

St Vitus Cathedral

Address: Castle District (Hradèany) Prague

Admission: Entrance is free. A ticket for the crypt and main altar is 100 Kc Daily 9am to 5pm (April to October), 9am to 4pm (November to March)

Situated within the Castle Complex, the spires of St Vitus Cathedral, an elegant but domineering French Gothic structure, soar above the ramparts. It is the county's largest church containing numerous side chapels, frescoes, tombstones and beautiful stained glass windows and it literally sparkles with all the finery inside. The most ornate chapel contains the tomb of St Wenceslas, the 'Good King Wenceslas' of the Christmas carol, which has become something of a pilgrimage site. The Coronation Chamber houses the Bohemian Crown Jewels and the Crypt is where most of the Kings and Queens of Bohemia have their final place of rest. The southern entrance to the cathedral, the Golden Gate, is decorated with a richly gilded coloured mosaic representing the Last Judgement, dated from 1370, and it is one of the artistic treasures found in the Castle District. It is possible to climb the 287 steps of the tower for magnificent views over the city.

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)

Address: Prague

The pedestrian Charles Bridge serves as the focal point for tourists and is the most photographed feature of the city. Construction began in 1357 replacing the earlier Judith Bridge of which the only remaining part is one of the towers at the Malá Strana gate that can be climbed for a view of the city. Up until 1841 this was the only bridge in the city. Throngs of people pick their way through the happy congestion caused by buskers, artists and musicians lining the bridge, positioned between the saintly sandstone statues that make this the most picturesque and lively of attractions.

Old Town Square (Staromstské Námestí)

Address: Staré Msto Prague

Admission: Town Hall tour 50 Kc, concessions available Town Hall tower open Monday 11am to 6pm; Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, closing an hour earlier in winter

The heart of the old city and the market place since the 11th century, the Old Town Square is Prague's prettiest and most lively square with historical facades and a cobbled surface. It still hosts a variety of markets, especially the yearly Christmas market which is enchanting. In the centre is the odd Art Nouveau monument to the religious reformer, Jan Hus, a national symbol for the Czech people. The Old Town Hall features an ornate Gothic Astronomical clock showing three different times, in front of which throngs of people gather on the hour to watch the brief mechanical performance of apostles, Christ, a skeleton and a rooster. Tourists can climb the tower for a behind the scenes look at the mechanics as well as a view from the top. On opposite sides of the square are two magnificent churches: Prague's greatest Baroque building, St Nicholas, with its distinctly visible dome, and the more striking Týn Church, a fabulous Gothic structure with its twin spires a noticeable feature on the Prague skyline.

The Jewish Museum

Address: U Staré školy 1 Prague

Admission: 300Kc (adults), 200Kc (children 6-15) Daily except Saturday from 9am to 6pm (April to October), 9am to 4.30pm (November to March). Jewish Cemetery opens Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm

Telephone: 221 711 511

The Jewish Museum is the largest and most authentic of its kind in Central Europe with one of the most extensive collections of Judaic art in the world. Situated in the old Jewish Quarter, exhibitions are spread over a variety of buildings and synagogues, including the Maisel, Spanish, Klausen and Pinkas Synagogues, the Ceremonial Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Robert Guttmann Gallery and the Education and Culture Centre. The origins of the collection are astonishing in their atrociousness. Objects from 153 Jewish communities throughout Bohemia and Moravia were brought to Prague by the Nazis in 1942, to be used in a planned 'museum of an extinct people' after their extermination programme was complete. The Pinkas Synagogue was turned into a Jewish memorial after the Second World War and its walls are covered with the names of the Czech victims, the communities they belonged to and the camps in which they perished. The Old Jewish Cemetery is a significant sight with over 12,000 tombstones visible, but the number of people buried here is much greater due to the earth layering system carried out to create space. The oldest tombstone dates back to 1439. Together with the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest surviving example of the medieval twin nave style, the cemetery is one of the most important historic sites in the Jewish Quarter.

Vyšehrad

Address: V Pevnosti 159/5b, Prague 2 Prague

Admission: Vysehrad Gallery: 10 Kc; the Brick Gate: 10 Kc; Casemate: 30 Kc. Concessions available. Entrance to the grounds is free Daily 9.30am to 6pm (April to October), 9.30am to 5pm (November to March)

Telephone: 241 410 247 or 241 410 348

Vyaehrad, a hill fort perched on a rock above the river, is an inseparable part of the city skyline. The twin spires of the Neo-Gothic Saints Peter and Paul Church are visible from afar and the façade has beautiful carvings. No other site has as much distinction attached to it. Behind the church is the Slavin Cemetery where many distinguished Czech artists, scientists and academics are buried. From the battlements the view of the Vltava valley is superb.

Ceský Krumlov

Address: Prague

This small medieval town in Southern Bohemia is one of the most picturesque in the country, nestled in the S-bend of the River Vltava and dominated by the fairytale Chateau on the ridge overlooking the town. Its appearance has remained unchanged since the 18th century and it is a delight to wander through the traffic-free old town with its cobbled lanes, ramshackle red-tiled roofs and lopsided colourful houses providing many picture postcard opportunities. The Castle on the hill, greatly enriched by the Italian Renaissance style, has fine views of the town setting with covered walkways, courtyards and terraced gardens where theatre and music productions are held. Since the town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the summer months have become somewhat crowded. It is no longer a sleepy secret but a buzzing tourist haven.

Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad)

Address: Prague

The town of Karlovy Vary, also known as Karlsbad, is the Queen of the Czech republic's many spa resort towns. It is a pretty Victorian place with elegant boulevards, elaborate colonnades and brightly coloured buildings lining the picturesque river valley, and the surrounding forested hillsides are a peaceful and therapeutic place in which to walk. The main focus of the town is health, and at the centre of attention are the 12 hot springs containing a mineral content rich in restorative and healing properties. The mineral drinking fountains in the colonnades were once the haunt of the European aristocracy, and today the local people gather to fill their quaint little drinking cups, sipping and strolling in the fresh air, encouraging the water to work its magic on their digestive tracts or metabolic disorders. If that doesn't work the locally made Becherovka liqueur is hailed as the 13th spring. Although most of the spa pools and sanatoriums are reserved for people undergoing treatment, visitors can still swim in the heated pool above the Thermal Sanatorium. There is plenty of excellent accommodation, unique souvenirs from the area and a myriad of relaxing opportunities to be found.

Kutna Hora

Address: Prague

In the 14th century Kutna Hora was the second biggest town in Bohemia after Prague due to the discovery of silver. Today visitors come to appreciate the history of a once booming town where the Royal Mint was founded, and to marvel at the architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its greatest monument is the exquisite church of Santa Barbara, built to rival Prague's St Vitus Cathedral, a pinnacled Gothic achievement financed by the miners and dedicated to their patron saint Barbara. Among the town's many churches and attractions is the Hrádek Mining Museum, popular for its medieval mineshaft tours. The bizarre but fascinating Gothic ossuary, decorated with the bones of about 40,000 people and arranged into shapes, notably chandeliers, a coat of arms and pyramids, is a macabre attraction.

Museum of Communism (Muzeum Komunismu)

Address: Na Pøíkopì 10 Prague

Admission: Adults: CZK180; Concessions available Daily from 9am to 9pm including holidays, except 24 December

Telephone: 224 212 966

Ironically located next door to a casino and above a McDonald's, the Museum of Communism is dedicated to presenting an account of the post World War II Communist regime in Czechoslovakia and Prague in particular. It offers an eye-opening look at life behind the Iron Curtain and leading visitors through the life of the Czech people during the times of the Soviet Union. With genuine artefacts on display, informative text, multimedia presentations and even a reconstructed classroom, the museum makes sure the memory is kept alive of what it brands 'Communism - the Dream, the Reality, and the Nightmare'.

Prague Astronomical Clock

Address: Old Town City Hall Prague

This medieval astronomical clock, also known as the Prague Orloj, is mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town City Hall and is popular with tourists eager to watch the clock's show every hour. It comprises three main components, namely the astronomical dial, which represents the position of the sun and the moon in the sky, 'The Walk of the Apostles' showing moving sculptures, and a calendar dial with medallions representing the 12 months. The show begins with Death, represented by a skeleton, pulling the bell cord with one hand while holding a Clessidra (hourglass) in the other. The Apostles then come out of the windows in a procession and return back inside. Once the windows close, a cockerel flaps and crows in an alcove followed by the chimes of the hour. The parody is accompanied by the Turk shaking his head, the Miser watching his bag and Vanity admiring himself in a mirror and makes a wonderful spectacle for visitors to Prague.

Miluniæ and Gehry's Dancing House

Address: Rašínovo nábøeží 80 Prague

This unique building is so famous it even had a coin issued with its likeness printed on it, celebrating ten years of architecture in the Czech Republic. Designed by Croatian-born Czech architect Vlado Miluniæ together with Canadian architect Frank Gehry, it was orginally named `Fred and Ginger`, reflecting a woman and man (Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair) dancing together. The building was designed in 1992 and completed in 1996.Construction is from 99 concrete panels each of different shape and dimension, each therefore requiring a unique wooden form.

Petrin Observation Tower

Address: Mala Strana, Prague 5 Prague

Admission: 60 CZK (adult), 40 CZK (child) January to March: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm; April: daily 10am to 7pm; May to September: daily 10am to 10pm; October: daily 10am to 6pm; November to December: Weekends and Christmas holidays 10am to 5pm

Telephone: 257 320 112

A small version of Paris's Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Observation Tower may not sound tall at 197 feet tall (60 metres) but don't forget that it stands aloft Petrin Hill overlooking the whole of Prague. With breathtaking views, it is well worth the climb of 299 steps and on a clear day it is possible to see Snezka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic.

Petrin Hill

Address: Lesser Town, Prague 1 Prague

PetYín Hill offers many attractions for children and adults alike. To start, the funicular ride up the hill is fun for kids, and when they get there, a climb up the miniature Eiffel-like TV tower is also exciting. Kids love finding each other in the bludištì (mirror maze) hall, and pony rides on the hill are also a popular activity. The observatory is a fascinating attraction for older kids.

Prague Toy Museum

Address: Jiøská 4, Prague 1 Prague

Admission: 60 CZK (adult), 30 CZK (child) 9.30am to 5.30pm

Housed in the Prague Castle, the Toy Museum is a wonderful attraction for kids. There are displays of playthings from across the globe, some of the artefacts dating as far back as ancient Greece. The museum's Barbie collection is a favourite for little girls.

Traffic Rules Playground Prosek

Address: Litvínovská 500, Prosek, Prague 9 Prague

Admission: 10 CZK for an adult with a child Monday to Friday; 10am to 7pm (June to August), 1pm to 6pm (April, May, September & October)

The modern Dopravni Hriste (Traffic Rules Playground) is an exciting attraction for kids in Prague. The playground features mini roads, with traffic lights and stop streets, which can be explored on bikes and automated scooters or in fun, child-size cars. This playground offers a great learning experience for kids of all ages.

Bellevue

Address: Smetanova nábrezi 18, Stare Mesto Prague

Food Type: International

Visitors who enjoy the finer things in life will revel in Prague's premier restaurant, the Bellevue. Every dish on the menu is a masterpiece of modern Czech cuisine, which can be enjoyed together with a stunning view of Prague's castle and piano playing in the classically elegant surroundings. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Francouzská Restaurant Municipal House

Address: Námìstí Republiky 5 Prague

Food Type: French

The beauty of the French Restaurant inside the famous art nouveau Municipal House building will take your breath away with the light of ten crystal chandeliers shimmering in the mirrors and embellishing the wall panelling. Although the name suggests French cuisine, the fare includes international and Czech specialities as good as the décor. A dazzling dining experience is guaranteed.

U Fleku

Address: Kremencova 11 Prague

Food Type: Gastropubs

The world's oldest pub and brewery and Prague's most famous tavern, U Fleku has been in the heart of Prague for 500 years and offers the chance to soak up some history along with the tasty brew and hearty Czech meals on offer. Tours of the brewery are available, and there is often cabaret entertainment. Those wanting to dine should make a reservation. Recommended are the house goulash and beer-flavoured cheese on toast. Open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Buffalo Bill's

Address: Vodickova 9, Stare Mesto Prague

Food Type: Tex-Mex

Even in Eastern Europe it is easy to eat western, and Prague's premiere place to indulge in some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine in a fun Wild West atmosphere is Buffalo Bill's cellar cantina near Wenceslas Square. The fact that it is always full testifies to the success of the food and atmosphere, which is enhanced with country music and American cowboy memorabilia. Margaritas top the house cocktail list, and burritos, tacos and fajitas abound. Open daily from 12pm to midnight.

King Solomon Strictly Kosher Restaurant

Address: Siroká 8 Prague

Food Type: Kosher

One of Prague's only truly Kosher restaurants, King Solomon runs under the supervision of the Orthodox Council of Kaschrus with dining hours that strictly adhere to the Sabbath. With 12 booths huddled under an industrial-looking atrium, this restaurant is not big on ambience, but the authentic Kosher food is a must. Diners can choose from a variety of fresh vegetable and meat dishes such as vegetable béchamel and stuffed roast quail. Selections of Israeli, American, and Moravian kosher wines are on offer and the restaurant prides itself on a Frankovka red from the Aaron Günsberger Moravian cellars in Rakvice. Open Sunday to Thursday for lunch and dinner. Friday dinners and Saturday lunch by arrangement only. Bookings advisable.

La Provence

Address: Stupartská 9 Prague

Food Type: French

This French country cellar-cum-urban kitsch eatery is popular with locals and, despite its crowded and cramped atmosphere diners are still able to have conversations without too much eavesdropping. Dishes include an array of French Provençal dishes and other favourites such as escargots, Caesar and Niçoise salads and some of the spiciest scampi in Prague. Upstairs, the Parisian Brasserie offers traditional French classics. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

U Vejvodu

Address: Jilská 4, Prague 1 Prague

Food Type: Gastropubs

This traditional beer hall is a great place for late pub eats and even later beers. With a restaurant downstairs and a pub on the second floor balcony, the whole plays hums well into the night. Traditional Czech food is available on an extensive menu but most come for the renowned beer which can be a meal in itself.

Rybi Trh

Address: Týnský dvùr 5, 110 00 Praha 1 Prague

Food Type: Seafood

Regarded as the best fish restaurant in the city, it refers to itself, perhaps more aptly, as a fish market. Fishermen's catches of the day are displayed in the centre of the venue where patrons can choose their favourite seafood. Diners are encouraged to specify just how they like their favourite selections prepared although a expert team of waiters have excellent recommendations.

Radostfx

Address: Bìlehradská 120 00 Praha 2 Prague

Food Type: Vegetarian

This is vegetarian dining with an edge. Diners can enjoy a café, lounge and restaurant, all of which are decorated in a modern cavernous style. An adjacent art gallery for local artists and a late night club further let diners know they are in the trendiest of vegetarian restaurants. The food is a bit less exciting than the ambiance but that doesn't stop a loyal patronage.

La Degustation

Address: Hastalská 18 Prague

Food Type: International

Located in the Old Town quarter, this is arguably one of Prague's best eateries. The dining room is minimalistic yet three different seven-course meals await you with the onus on diners sampling both food and wine. The Boheme Bourgoisie menu provides a spin on classic European food, while the Boheme Traditionnelle draws inspiration from old Czech cookbooks and raises the bar on the level of classic Czech cuisine. It is a bit pricey, but well worth it! Open Monday to Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sundays. Reservations essential.