Four and a half hours away by train or car, Prague is just about doable as a weekend trip from Berlin. The medieval city centre of the Czech capital is stunning. Unscathed during the second world war, the old town is an enchanting maze of cobblestone alleys under the shadow of an ancient castle. Even with hordes of tourists, sights such as the Old Town Square remain breathtaking. The three innermost city districts – Malá Strana, Staré Mìsto, and Nové Mìsto – provide far more top attractions than you need to keep busy for a weekend. Must-sees include the Old Town Square (Staromestske nam), Prague Castle (www.hrad.cz), and the Mucha Museum (www.mucha.cz). The amount of tourists can get suffocating at times, so Easter, Christmas, May and June are best avoided. In July and August, when many Czechs go on holiday, the city empties of people who actually live here, which gives it a certain Disneyworld feel, but at least it means the throngs have more breathing room. Winter is probably the best time to visit – yes, it’s cold, but so is Berlin, and Prague looks beautiful in the snow. In the past few years, Prague has gone from a destination especially loved by backpackers and stag partiers to a rather more upscale destination (not that the backpackers or stag parties have gone away). Beer and accommodation remain very cheap, but food is dearer than many expect, especially in the more touristy zones, where international cuisine (some of it quite good) and trendy cafes are elbowing out more traditional fare.