Construction projects across Prague’s historic center are proving a pain for tourists and locals alike who say the clumps of dirt, building supplies and equipment block popular sites and make it difficult to move around one of Europe’s most visited cities.

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Heading down Národní to the Charles Bridge or going for a beer near the Vltava river now looks more like a vast construction site where tourists need to look out for more than the cobble-stone streets and baroque spires.

“It’s their first time here too, [they’ve] never seen it and now it’s torn up,” said Sherryl, a tourist visiting from the United States with her friends.

A major source of the disruption are upgrades to the public transport system. The central tram route delivering travelers to the heart of the city near the Národní Divadlo stop has been shuttered for weeks.

The disruption has taken a heavy toll on surrounding businesses like Aggeo, an Italian grocery store along the corridor. Its manager, Irena Kumpová, noted a sharp drop in foot traffic from travelers and regular local customers, who stroll by the National Theater on their way to gaze at the artist David Černý’s famous Kafka head.

“I’d rather stay closed… it’s a catastrophe,” remarked Kumpová.

Photo: Bilyana Spasova

With tourism growing every year in Prague, the widespread construction is making its mark this summer. So far this year, 1.7 million people have visited Prague, marking the strongest start in 15 years, according to Prague City Tourism and the Czech Statistical Office.

Tram services are suspended through the city center, clogging the streets and forcing many to find another way to work or home. For businesses that rely on heavy foot traffic during the busiest months of the year, that means less earnings.

“I have a table outside, but mainly just to signal to people that we’re open, but no one sits there right now,” said Kumpová.

The reconstruction is part of Prague’s broader effort to modernize its transport network, including long-term investments such as the future tram connection to Wenceslas Square and the expansion of Metro Line D as the city seeks to expand public transport.

Photo: Bilyana Spasova

Not everybody minds the disruption. The loud machines, dusty air, and obstructed sidewalks offer a certain charm for some who view the construction as part of the sightseeing experience.

“Despite the construction, it’s still beautiful,” said Raluca Costachescu, a traveler from Romania.

Written by: Mae Bryant, Bilyana Spasova, Milica Petrušová,
Zuzana Kormančíková, Zhanna Bekiryan

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