Overlooked scenes from Prague’s busy summers

At certain times of year, the center of Prague belongs just as much to tourists as it does to locals.

While coming to enjoy the sights and attractions, visitors alter their surroundings in ways that often go unnoticed but which can have a profound effect on the character of the city. Shifting the lens from the landmarks down to the sidewalks and shops around them reveals the regularly over-looked elements of Prague’s tourist boom.

Almost 8 million tourists visited Prague last year. 2018 looks set to be even busier still. But how many people can the city´s Old Town accommodate before the experience is ruined for everyone?

Garbagemen taking a short break during their working time. Prague visitors are significantly responsible for all the litter left in the streets.

Absinthe. Originally from France and Switzerland, it has somehow made its way all over Prague’s souvenir shops. And tourists seem to love it.

Fighting his way through crowds of tourists has become just another part of this local man’s day.

Among all the trash thrown away in Prague city center’s streets, cigarettes and plastic spoons (given with the local Trdelnik) are the most common to be found.

Some come for the scenery, others just to drink. This visitor didn’t even make it to his hotel last night.

These women are using fur from dead animals in order to amuse tourists. This practice should end by the end of January when a new Czech legislation will prohibited furry farms in the country and every farm must end their activities

Bird owner waiting for tourists to approach and touch his dyed animals – and pay for this entertainment.

Once romantic; now trash. There is only so much space on Prague´s iconic monuments for couples’ love locks, so police have taken to occasionally chopping them off.

Tourist taking advantage of the John Lennon wall to let everyone know she was in Prague in 2018.