Prague

Where the Vltava River meanders through the Bohemian plateau, nine centuries of architecture congregate under a skyline of spires - making short breaks to Prague like diving headfirst into history.

The last century wasn't kind to Prague but today, having emerged from four decades under the communist thumb, Czech Republic's sparkling capital is certifiably booming and blooming.

1100-year-old Prague Castle, resplendent on a hilltop in the Castle District, is the biggest draw for visitors on their first city breaks to Prague. Considered the largest ancient castle in the world, its vast grounds are also home to St Vitus' Cathedral and the Royal Palace.

Descending from this lofty lookout through the Lesser Quarter - chock-a-block with palaces, gardens and Baroque churches - you'll traverse statue-lined Charles Bridge into the Gothic Old Town. Its winding cobblestone lanes and courtyards are a treat to explore on foot during short breaks to Prague, with treasures hiding in every nook and cranny.

In neighbouring New Town ('new' meaning the 1300s), ponder the past in Wenceslas Square, site of three history-hewing riots and revolutions. It's worth leaving a little time on your itinerary on city breaks to Prague to visit the Jewish Quarter for its Old-New Synagogue, Jewish State Museum and remarkable Old Jewish Cemetery.

After a day soaking up the sights, there's nothing better than a beer in a traditional no-frills pub - the famous tipple is scrumptious and cheap. If you manage to get beyond the beer, you'll find you can also squeeze quite a lot of culture into short breaks to Prague. Classical and folk music, jazz clubs, nightclubs, theatre, ballet and opera are all very much on tap here too.