Tourist traps can be one, some, or all of the following: outrageously expensive, hopelessly crowded, shamelessly tacky, and massively underwhelming. If you’re visiting Europe, which isn’t cheap, you might want to avoid some of its worst tourist traps to get more value out of your time and money.
We’ve rounded up these spots because, despite their popularity, they often leave visitors feeling more than a little underwhelmed. Whether it’s the inflated prices, the overwhelming crowds, or the sheer lack of authenticity, these places might not live up to the hype. So, if you’re planning a European adventure, consider giving these over-hyped destinations a miss—or at least, know what you’re getting into!
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
From afar, the city looks so pretty, and maybe it’s best to see it that way. Up close, it’s horrendously crowded with mediocre, touristy restaurants, tour agencies, and the tourists themselves armed with selfie sticks.
2. Heathrow Express, London
You do get a quicker trip to the airport, but you pay a lot more for it. Hotel staff or some good old googling will help you find a more affordable alternative that works just about as well.
3. Hallstatt, Austria
The online photos taken from the same two perspectives show you all you need to see. If you visit the actual town, you’ll find it mobbed with tourists, overflowing with cheap (as in quality, not price) souvenir shops, and lacking any actual Austrian authenticity.
4. Leicester Square, London
Locals advise that it’s a nice place to walk through bit a place you shouldn’t spend your money in. That’s because everything is overpriced, and the restaurants are horrible. Plus, you can find the equivalent of what is good for much less not far away.
5. Paris Restaurants Near Major Attractions
If it’s near something like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or the Louvre, just to name a few examples, skip it. You’ll be way overcharged for your meal, and there’s a pretty good chance it was frozen food just heated up.
6. The Mona Lisa, Paris
Speaking of the Louvre, you can make much better use of your time there by visiting the many other beautiful works exhibited there than by fighting your way through crowds to view this famous painting. It’s much smaller than you probably were expecting, and it doesn’t look any different from the countless photos you’ve seen of it.
7. Gondola Rides in Venice
First of all, the rides are very expensive. Second, the guides are dressed not as real Italians do but rather according to popular images of them. Finally, you have to pay extra for the guides to sing. It kind of kills the romance.
8. Manneken Pis, Brussels
It’s a tiny statue of a boy peeing. In a way, it’s kind of disturbing. Why does this attract throngs of people jockeying for a selfie?
9. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Really, what’s so special about this off-kilter building that is also underwhelmingly small? I guess the people willing to wait in line for hours for a tour know something everyone else doesn’t. Just see it and keep on walking.
10. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
By all means, go see it and take a picture. Just don’t waste precious time for the privilege of trekking to the top for views of the city. Tip: they don’t include the tower you came out to see.
11. Moulin Rouge, Paris
It’s not what it once was, which once upon a time was an iconic location. Now it’s just an overpriced attraction with long lines, and you’ll probably walk out feeling as though you’ve been had.
12. Oktoberfest, Munich
It’s fun to attend this historical festival for sure, and it’s free to get in. After that, nothing else is, and everything costs a lot. The bottom line is that unless you’re really into it, it just isn’t worth the hit to your wallet.
13. The Palace of Versailles, France
This is another of those places that’s better seen than entered. There’s a hefty cost just to get in, and then you have to pay extra for a tour. The restaurants also cost too much, and long lines are a feature with everything here.
14. The Colosseum, Rome
Seeing it from the outside is free, as is taking a picture. Settle for that unless you like being overcharged to go inside and be elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of other people.
15. Trevi Fountain, Rome
On the plus side, it’s free to visit this attraction. Now, here’s the downside: with more than 1,200 visitors a day, it’s the most-visited attraction in the world. Even worse are the local restaurants trying to lure you in for overpriced, mediocre food.
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Featured Image Credit: RossHelen/Shutterstock
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.