This gem of a city stands beside stalwarts such as Rome, Paris, and London. Visitors marvel at the spectacle of a 14th-century stone bridge, a hilltop castle and a lovely, lazy river – the Vltava – that inspired one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of 19th-century classical music. Prague's maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards are a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient buildings, unexpected gardens and old-fashioned cafes with hardly a tourist in sight. One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration.