Four and a half hours away by train or car, Prague is just barely doable as a weekend trip from Berlin. The Czech capital is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason: the medieval city centre is stunning. Unscathed during World War II, the Old Town is an enchanting maze of cobblestone alleys under the shadow of an ancient castle. However heavily touristed, sights such as the Old Town Square remain breathtaking. The three innermost city districts--Malá Strana, Staré Město, and Nové Město—all of which are easily walkable, provide far more top attractions than you need to keep busy for a weekend. The crush of tourists does get truly suffocating at times, though, 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 there, which gives it a certain Disneyworld feel but at least means the tourist throngs have more breathing room than in June. 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 beloved of backpackers and stag parties 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.