Prague

Yes, Prague is very safe. Watch for pickpockets in Old Town Square, on Charles Bridge and on trams. The local currency is the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro: never change money on the street, use bank ATMs and always choose to be charged in korunas. For taxis, use an app.

April to June and September are the best months. Summer is warm but very crowded, and December brings the Christmas markets. Winter is cold, often below zero.

Czech. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger people; some older locals speak German. A "dobrý den" (good day) is always appreciated.

Three days is ideal for the castle, the Old Town and Malá Strana. With more time, add Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora or Karlovy Vary.

1. Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
2. Charles Bridge
3. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
4. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
5. Malá Strana
6. Wenceslas Square
7. Petřín Hill
8. Lennon Wall
9. Dancing House
10. Vyšehrad

Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the hourly show of the Astronomical Clock are free (climbing the tower is paid). The Prague Castle grounds and courtyards are free to walk; only the interiors are paid. Malá Strana, Wenceslas Square, the Lennon Wall, the Dancing House from outside, the gardens of Petřín Hill and the Vyšehrad fortress cost nothing.

The Jewish Museum, spread across several synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, is essential. Add the National Museum on Wenceslas Square, the Mucha Museum, the Museum of Communism, the Kafka Museum and the National Gallery's collections.

Czechs are reserved, with a dry sense of humour: they don't smile much at first, but they're helpful. Beer culture is serious and cheap. In restaurants, rounding up the bill by about 10% is customary.

Try svíčková (beef in cream sauce with dumplings), goulash with knedlíky, roast pork with sauerkraut and smažený sýr (fried cheese). Chlebíčky (open sandwiches) are a local snack; trdelník is for tourists. To drink, Czech beer such as Pilsner Urquell, and Becherovka.

The Old Town is the most central, at higher prices. Malá Strana, below the castle, is romantic and also pricey. Vinohrady is local, full of cafés and cheaper, a few tram stops from the centre.