17 of Europe’s Most Overrated Tourist Traps – And Where To Go Instead
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A city’s charm is often found in its quiet corners, local cafes, and routes less traveled. From the quaint, romantic alleys of Paris to the breathtaking terrains of Iceland, the continent draws an international audience to its varied must-see attractions.
However, beneath its enchanting allure, Europe has numerous tourist traps—spots infamous for overwhelming crowds, steep prices, and underwhelming experiences.
Avoiding overrated tourist traps will open your itinerary to a world of hidden gems, bringing you a deeper, more meaningful connection to European history, culture, cuisine, and customs.
We encourage you to find your path less trodden for a richer experience abroad. Happy travels!
The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)
The Eiffel Tower, arguably Paris‘ most iconic landmark, is a tourist trap for several reasons.
Hefty weight times detract from the experience, especially for travelers with limited time. Additionally, the cost of admission to take the lift to the top doesn’t always justify the value as visitors strain to see from the crowded viewing platforms.
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For similar views, take a ride on the Ballon de Paris Generali or climb to the top of the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre.
Read also: Tourist Traps to Avoid Around the World
The Wall Museum – Checkpoint Charlie (Berlin, Germany)
More photo-op than a rehabbed historical landmark, The Checkpoint Charlie Museum sits at what was once a crossing point between East and West Berlin.
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A quintessential tourist trap, the museum falls short of its historical significance with no clear route or chronological order. Critics cite underwhelming exhibits and high admission fees as reasons why Checkpoint Charlie fails to provide a solid account of Cold War tensions.
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The London Eye (London, England)
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The panoramic views from the top of the Millennium Wheel, or London Eye, are stunning, and similar or better vantage points can be found in other parts of the city.
Stroll through the glass-enclosed Sky Garden for equally impressive views and a taste of modern British cuisine.
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Blarney Stone (Cork, Ireland)
Irish legend has it that the gift of gab will grace your lips after kissing this limestone ruin. However, Blarney Stone is as infamous for its germs as it is for the luck it bestows.
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If you’re after capturing the essence of Ireland’s natural beauty, take a hike in the Wicklow Mountains instead.
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Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy)
Don’t bother competing with the throngs of tourists tossing coins into this 18th-century fountain in Rome.
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It’s nearly impossible to capture the magic of this spot during the day, so visit the Villa Borghese gardens for a serene daytime escape and opt to experience the Trevi Fountain at night.
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Mona Lisa at The Louvre (Paris, France)
Famously smaller than expected and permanently sequestered by a crowd, the Mona Lisa often falls short of expectations.
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Visiting the less-frequented Musée d’Orsay promises a less-congested experience where visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs.
Read also: Iconic Landmarks in Europe
Leicester Square (London, England)
Known for its high prices and tacky, tourist-targeted shops, Leicester Square is an area most locals try to avoid. While the gardens are beautiful and free to stroll, they are the only reason to visit.
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For an even better experience, head to nearby Covent Garden or the touristy Southbank, where one can find higher-quality eateries and entertainment, like the National Theatre.
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La Rambla (Barcelona, Spain)
Barcelona locals do their best to avoid this busy street, jammed with tourists and petty thieves. Many tourists visit La Rambla to explore its fresh flower stalls and La Boqueria market.
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However, wandering through the nearby Gothic Quarter offers a more genuine impression of the city.
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Torture Museum (Krakow, Poland)
If the macabre tickles you and cheesiness isn’t a deterrent, Krakow’s Museum Tortur may be for you. The museum is small, and many consider it a tourist trap, given how quickly it takes to see all three exhibits.
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Alternatively, Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum provides visitors with a poignant, genuine, and thought-provoking look into Krakow’s history.
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The Little Mermaid Statue (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Small and underwhelming, Edvard Eriksen’s Little Mermaid statue, inspired by the 19th-century fairytale, leaves tourists wondering why they went to see it in the first place.
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The rustic charm of Freetown Christiania is not a tourist trap and gives visitors a far more unique Danish experience.
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Blue Lagoon (Grindavík, Iceland)
Famous for its geothermal spa waters, visitors should prepare for crowds of tourists and high entry fees.
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One of the most photographed locations in the world, with over 803,000 location-tagged posts on Instagram, the Blue Lagoon is hardly a relaxing retreat. Given its popularity, tourists find it impossible to unwind and fully enjoy the mineral-rich waters.
Read also: Awesome Wellness Retreats in Europe
The Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
Big crowds, chronic pickpockets, and pushy street vendors can easily overshadow this magnificent historic bridge.
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Tourists searching for quieter walks and serene views should head to the Vyšehrad citadel, a 10th-century fortress that is free to visit.
Read also: European Cities With Rich Cultural Heritage
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)
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You can’t get more cliché than a photo op in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Instead, tourists should explore the less crowded and scenic town of Lucca nearby.
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Miniatur Wunderland (Hamburg, Germany)
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The world’s largest model railway exhibit is no small feat but is often avoided due to overcrowding.
Hamburg’s National Gallery Museum, or Hamburger Bahnhof, is an excellent alternative. Housing one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary art, this museum is anything but ordinary.
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La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)
Gaudi’s masterpiece in Barcelona is undoubtedly beautiful – but it is swarming with tourists.
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Discover less-visited but equally impressive modernist works dotting the Eixample district, like the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casa Batlló, or the Barcelona Cathedral.
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Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England)
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Stonehenge may be shrouded in mystery, but this prehistoric monument in the English countryside is often considered a tourist trap.
Many visitors have described it as overrated, expensive, and limiting. Given that it is now cordoned off to the public, many tourists describe the Neolithic stone circle as challenging to see and too distant to experience.
Instead, visit Avebury, a lesser-known but equally compelling ancient stone circle.
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Manneken Pis (Brussels, Belgium)
At just under two feet, this tiny statue has a larger-than-life background. However, many visitors consider Manneken Pis a tourist trap, usually surrounded by tourists and overwhelmed with pickpockets.
Despite being a physical manifestation of Brussels‘ quirky spirit, Manneken Pis is an easy skip. Instead, check out the picturesque Brussels Park to soak up the city’s edgy vibe in more laid-back surroundings.
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Though tourist traps are universal, with a bit of research and some savvy traveling tips, you can avoid these overhyped snares. Seek out local experiences beyond the beaten path, visit attractions at off-peak times to avoid crowds, and always look for financial and cultural value.
Read also: Underrated European Cities
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Amanda Fayer is a professional foodie, travel enthusiast, expert sleuth, content strategist, and journalistically-trained copywriter, in that order. She’s also one of the few native New Yorkers to realize life exists outside Gotham. You can now find her living in the nation’s capital.
