Prague feels like it’s at the very centre of Europe. The Czech Republic’s storied history is largely down to its shared borders with Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. This means you can explore not just Prague itself but turn your stay into the ultimate European road trip, or just head across the border on a whim.

There are some key driving differences to bear in mind here, most notably that you’ll be on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking on the left. Watch out for both trams and buses in the city – they, like pedestrians, have right of way. You’ll also have to drive with dipped headlights on during the day. The maximum speed limit in the town is 50km/h (31mph), and once out on the motorways there’s a top speed of 130km/h (80mph). Some of these are toll roads and to use them you’ll need to display a ‘vignette’ sticker – our staff can advise on where to get them.

Traffic can get busy during peak times, but you can also bypass much of the centre if you’d prefer by using the E50 or E65, which together form a near ring-road around Prague. The same E50 will take you east to Brno, the pretty capital of Moravia, and then follows the E462 to Ostrava. Another possible day trip is a drive to Cesky Krumlov, a few hours away via Route 3. It is also situated along the Vltava River and feels like a place out of time, right down its incredible Baroque theatre.

There are numerous options for parking, if your hotel doesn’t have facilities or you want to fully explore the city. If staying on the outskirts, there are park-and-ride schemes in operation, in addition to numerous underground carparks. Just avoid parking in areas with a solid blue line, as these are reserved for residents.

It might not have the sprawl of Paris, but there’s no doubt that compact Prague punches above its weight, with a skyline and bridges equal to the City of Light. Move between Gothic churches and vibrant beerhalls (as long as you’ve parked up for the night), tour the dazzling castle and cross the iconic Charles Bridge. At the right place, at the right time, it feels like there’s magic in the air…

Bridge to history

It’s one of the first ports of call for many visitor entering Prague – the Charles Bridge. As a result, it’s rarely without a crowd, although it’s much quieter if you visit out of season. Even better, you may even get it to yourself at dusk or at dawn – with the added possibility of an enchanting sky to further enhance your experience.

This bridge over the Vltava has been in place since 1390, replacing an earlier 12^th century one that collapsed during a flood. Carts and then cars used the bridge too, although it was pedestrianised in the mid-20^th century. It’s dotted with remarkable monuments – squeeze past the buskers and traders to get a better look at the crucifix, which dates from 1657. Two others to watch out for – the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, and the Bearded Man, once used a marker of potential floods.

Medieval might

The core of medieval buildings in the “City of a Hundred Spires” have survived centuries of intrigue and warfare and their beautiful edifices tell old tales which will have you rapt. Prague Castle isn’t quite as it was when it was first built as a simple fort in the 9^th century. Subsequent rulers and monarchs adapted it, built to their own tastes and in some cases reconstructed it entirely. Today its main aesthetics are those installed by Empress Maria Theresa in the 18^th century, which are classical in style and a perfect fit for the vast castle and grounds.

There’s a similar tale of architectural hotchpotch at the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral, which took 600-years to build. The outside is a masterpiece of the Gothic, the interior a grab-bag of Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and more. There’s so much to see here, from tombs to chapels, stained glass windows to a wonderful 14^th century mosaic. Better yet, you can purchase a ticket which gets you access to both the cathedral and castle for a reduced rate.

In the heart of things

You’re within minutes of many of the main sights if you head to the Old Town Hall, a bold 1338 building that continues the theme of architectural melange. Crowds come for the astronomical clock that sits on the Gothic tower, with Death himself marking time and the 12 apostles appearing on the hour. Eat close by at one of the many traditional restaurants that are seemingly set in aspic. Einstein and Kafka were regulars at Café Louvre, a place in the grand European tradition of cafes. Rack of wild boar comes with rosehip sauce, beef broth is bolstered with a liver dumpling, while Czech classics like goulash and pork tenderloin get a good outing.

Whether you want to eat in the city or find that perfect place away from the tourists, Prague car hire is your best option in Bohemia.