12 Tourist Traps in Europe That Locals Say to Avoid
12 Tourist Traps in Europe That Locals Say to Avoid
Traveling to Europe is exciting with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultures. But, let’s be honest, some spots are just tourist traps. These are places that might look great in photos but might not give you the best experience or value for your money. We’ve gathered a list of such places all over Europe where you might want to think twice before visiting. Local folks often suggest skipping these to find more authentic and enjoyable alternatives.
1. The Mona Lisa queue in Paris
Visiting the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa is a dream for many. However, the reality is hours of waiting, thanks to the incredibly long queues. Once you get your turn, you might just get a few seconds in front of the painting, with a crowd pushing from all sides. Instead, consider exploring other parts of the Louvre, which houses thousands of less crowded but equally fascinating artworks.
2. Eating near Piazza San Marco in Venice
It might seem tempting to grab a bite with the view of Piazza San Marco, but the restaurants in this area are often overpriced and the food quality does not match the cost. You can enjoy much better Italian cuisine by walking a few streets away, where food is delicious, authentic, and more budget-friendly.
3. Buying souvenirs on La Rambla in Barcelona
La Rambla is popular among tourists but known for overpriced souvenirs that are not always authentic. For a better shopping experience, check out local markets or smaller shops in the city where you can find unique and genuine local crafts that are worth every penny.
4. London’s Leicester Square restaurants
While Leicester Square is right in the heart of London, the restaurants here can be quite expensive and not necessarily the best representation of what British food has to offer. Explore other neighborhoods for more delicious and reasonably priced meals.
5. Prague’s Old Town food stalls
The food stalls in Prague’s Old Town are convenient, but you’ll often find that they’re selling generic snacks at a high markup. Just a little off the beaten path, there are countless eateries offering delicious Czech cuisine at much better prices.
6. Rome’s Trevi Fountain cafés
While enjoying a coffee near the stunning Trevi Fountain sounds ideal, the cafés nearby will charge a premium just for the location. Try wandering through the side streets to discover charming spots where locals enjoy their espresso at fair prices.
7. Amsterdam canal boat “dinner cruises”
The idea of dining on a boat while cruising through Amsterdam’s canals sounds magical, but these dinner cruises can often be overpriced for what they offer. You might find that enjoying a meal on solid ground and taking a regular canal tour can be more satisfying and economical.
8. Santorini sunset crowds in Oia
Oia is famous for its sunsets, but the experience can be less than peaceful with the massive crowds. Consider watching the sunset from less crowded spots on the island for a more serene experience.
9. Swiss mountain “viewpoints” that cost extra
In Switzerland, certain mountain viewpoints are behind paywalls. While the views are beautiful, there are plenty of stunning vistas accessible for free. A little hiking can lead to equally breathtaking views without the extra cost.
10. Berlin Checkpoint Charlie photo ops
Checkpoint Charlie is a significant historical site in Berlin, but today it’s often crowded with tourists and surrounded by gimmicky attractions. For a more authentic historical experience in Berlin, consider visiting less commercialized sites.
11. Overpriced gelato in Florence
Florence has some of the best gelato in Italy, but be wary of gelaterias near major tourist spots as they tend to overcharge. Wander a bit further into the city to find where locals go for their gelato fix at reasonable prices.
12. Tourist bars in Dublin’s Temple Bar district
Temple Bar is famous, but it’s also one of the most expensive places to drink in Dublin. For a more local pub experience, try other areas of the city where drinks are more affordable and the atmosphere is just as lively.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.