There are no direct flights to Prague from the U.S., but British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, Air France, and Singapore Airlines all offer service via other European cities. Prices vary widely according to the season. No visa is required, but your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after arrival. For a schedule of cultural events, pick up a copy of the excellent English-language Prague Post, or visit www.pis.cz/npis/a/index.html.

“Prague will not let us go. This dear mother has claws.” Thus did a young lawyer named Franz Kafka describe the city he haunted for nearly 41 years.