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Prague has become one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. The combination of great sights and low prices makes it a very great place for a vacation. You can find cheap hotels, cheap gourmet food and large beers.

The first historical building in Prague was the castle Prazsky Hrad. It was built in the 9th century. The castle sits on a hill high above the Vltava River.

A monastery, three churches and a palace is located behind the castle walls. In 1320 the city Hradcany was founded in one part of the castle’s outer courtyard.

The president seat has been located in the castle since 1918. There is changing of the Guard every hour in front of the castle. At noon it even includes fanfare.

The old part of Prague is called Stare Mesto. Centrally located in the area is Staromestske namesti (in English Old Town Square). A lot of historical buildings surround the square; a sight that can be compared with almost any other European city.

The first settlements started in the 10th century around the castle. From here it spread to the other side of the Vltava River. The main building point was around the square in the old town.

The Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and in 1490 the unusual astronomical clock was added. Today large groups crowd to watch the show with odd performers like a rooster, a turkey, apostles, the Death, the Greed and the Vanity.

The famous Charles Bridge is 520 meters long and built of sandstone blocks, which is said to be reinforced with a mixture of mortar and eggs. The bridge was built in 1357 and until 1741 was Charles Bridge is the only way to cross the Vltava.

Until 1683 the bridge was only decorated with a simple cross. Then the first statues were set up, and since a lot of other statues have followed; statues that gives the bridge its characteristic look.

The bridge is a popular place for tourists; and for artists and merchants who offer the wares to the tourists.

Even though Prague is more expensive than it used to be, it is still a great place for shopping. And it is not just wares from former East European countries that are for sale.

Since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 a lot has happened in Prague; both in terms of foreign and Czech products. Today all major American and Western European brands are represented in Prague. And you can easily spend a full day shopping in department stores and specialty shops in downtown Prague.

Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Prague on Miniferie Prag. Read more about the sights in Sevaerdigheder in Prag.