Mixed experience in Czech Republic — beautiful but overhyped

Czech Republic is undeniably beautiful. Charles Bridge and the area around Kutná Hora have a visual quality that photographs don't capture fully. I enjoyed smažený sýr and appreciated affordable by Western European standards. That's all real.

But Prague Old Town overwhelmed with tourists was more of a problem than I expected based on reviews I'd read. It coloured parts of the trip in ways I hadn't prepared for. I'd still go back, but I'd approach certain aspects differently. A 4 feels generous on a bad day but fair overall.