I came back from my first trip to Prague a few days ago. It was my first time in the city, even though it is not so far away from Italy. I went between Christmas and New Year’s, and it was freezing cold, but somehow, the crisp winter air made the city feel even more magical. Prague, with its fairy-tale architecture and cobblestone streets, seemed like something straight out of a storybook. Every corner revealed a new charm, from the towering spires of the Old Town to the colorful facades of the Lesser Town, all dusted with a light layer of winter frost. What made it more magical were the Christmas markets around the city, with the constant smell of mulled wine and the carols playing in the background.
Prague is a very tourist city, especially during this season. I felt it especially during my visit at St. Vitus Cathedral, inside the complex of Prague’s castle. I managed to capture a photo where the interior looks empty, but in reality, there was the longest queue I have ever seen to enter a church. Inside it was nearly impossible to walk or enjoy a proper tour because of the crowds. A sacred, centuries-old space, now bustling like a busy street market. It made me pause and think about overtourism.
Of course, as I was in one of the most important European cities in December, I didn’t expect it to be easy to go around. However, t was difficult to find a ‘not tourist’ corner, a place where locals went about their everyday lives undisturbed. Even the quieter streets seemed to be filled with tourists. It made me think about the paradox of travel: the desire to explore and experience beautiful places, and the unintended impact of so many people doing exactly the same thing. How much can a city absorb before its charm starts to strain under the weight of its own popularity?
Overtourism doesn’t affect Prague alone, but many cities around the world. As a traveler myself, it will be interesting to see what approaches will be adopted in the future to protect these unique places. In the meantime, perhaps we can start with ourselves (even me) by trying to avoid overly popular destinations or peak periods, even when the desire to explore is strong. A small step toward traveling more consciously and respecting the cities we love so much.
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