For decades, Prague was something of a mystery to those in the United States and, for that matter, those in western Europe. This Old World city lost some of its luster during the Cold War era, becoming a rather mysterious place. We learned of some of its charms through its expatriate artists. Filmmakers like Milos Forman and writers like Milan Kundera gave us a sense that there was more to Prague than what we saw on occasional bursts of grainy news footage, but exploration was limited.

Today, things are different. Prague is open and has established itself as a world-class travel destination. There are a variety of amazing Prague tourist sites that magnetically draw people from all over the world to the Czech Republic.

You can stand in the middle of Wenceslas Square, looking up at the big statue of King Wenceslas on horseback. In the heart of Prague, you’ll be standing on an area originally built at the behest of King Charles in the fourteenth century, surrounded in all directions by Prague tourist sites of historical significance. It’s an amazing feeling to be in surrounded by so many centuries of history in all directions.

Speaking of King Charles, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to one of the most famous Prague tourist sites–the Charles Bridge. Built in 1357, it’s a massive pedestrian bridge and is widely considered one of the most romantic strolls in the world. Artists sketch the bridge and the view from it as couples walk arm in arm across the stone structure that has allowed millions to cross the river over the centuries. It’s an unforgettable experience in a truly unforgettable city.

While Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge may be old, they don’t compare to another one of the top Prague tourist sites – the famed Prague Castle. The first stones of this truly massive structure were placed on the ground in 880! Over the years, it has grown in size and has been remodeled and reinvented. One thing has remained constant, however – its significance. It now serves as a Presidential home base. Before that it was the seat of emperors, kings, princes and bishops. The amazing history of Prague is laid wide open to everyone willing to make a trip to this fairly tale structure. If you want to capture the historical essence of Prague, the castle is a great place to start.

These three examples are only a few of the many features of Prague that attract countless visitors to the city. There is fascinating history in every direction, making Prague a true one-of-a-kind destination. If you’re trying to choose a spot for your next vacation, keep the many great Prague tourist sites in the forefront of your mind.