Prague is ruined by tourists

Prague castle at sunset, seen from the Charles Bridge. I'm neither first nor last tourist to take this picture.

(Of course it is not actually ruined. Proceed to read this completely).

Hordes of barbaria tourists overwhelm cities like Venice, Dubrovnik and Prague. year after year, and there's a reason for that (or, countless reasons). The three places, and many others, are fascinating and beautiful, each with their own unique character. In each of them I have, however, felt the need to contemplate whether there are too many of us visitors - I am, naturally, aware that I myself am part of the problem.

When is somewhere ruined by tourists? The best answer I can think of is: when the presence of  unsustainable numbers of tourists destroys what originally drew them there. For example, the charm of Prague is, well, that it's Prague: a unique, incredibly beautiful historical city (and, of course, Czech beer). Prague is not an outdoor exhibition of old architecture, but a living city with its citizens. However, it may cease to be that, if tourists displace the actual inhabitants, and it seems to me that, at least in some parts of Prague, this may be happening.

Charles Bridge. Not the rush hour.

For example, in the triangle bordered by Old Town Square, Josefov and Charles bridge, there is no other activity than tourism-related services: there are no groceries or things that local inhabitants need for their daily lives. Only tourist-oriented restaurants, shops selling Chinese-made plastic poop souvenirs, 24-hour Thai massage parlours, and absinthe bars.

The tourist hordes have almost completely displaced the local citizens from one of the beloved symbols of the city, the Charles Bridge. Inhabitants of Prague tend to avoid it and take a detour over Manes Bridge or Legionary Bridge instead. Charles Bridge is often so congested by tourists that it literally is difficult to cross, and there is a very real danger of being accidentally whacked by someone's seflie stick (seriously, leave them home and use, for example, a stretched-out arm instead).

As stated, I am part of the problem, and I don't want to urge anyone to avoid Prague or even Charles Bridge (hey, look at the picture on top of this post). However, if you can help it, visit the city at some other time than late July or early August, because then everyone else is there, too.

I visited Prague in July and August 2018, and previously twice on the 20th Century.