These 17 European Tourist Traps Are Not Worth the Hype

Europe is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes, making it a dream destination for travelers. But not all well-known places give you the experience you’re hoping for. Some famous attractions can be too crowded, too expensive, and too commercialized, which can leave you disappointed. To make sure your trip to Europe is amazing, here are some common tourist traps you should try to avoid.

Oktoberfest, Munich

Oktoberfest in Munich has become a massive event known worldwide, but the reality can be a letdown. The crowds are overwhelming, and everything is overpriced. What was once a local festival became a commercialized extravaganza, losing much of its authentic Bavarian charm.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those landmarks that looks amazing in pictures, but the reality is that it can be a bit disappointing. The area around the tower is always jam-packed with people, all trying to get that same cheesy “holding up the tower” photo. Plus, there’s not much else to see or do in the city. You’ll probably spend more time dodging selfie sticks than actually enjoying the view.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s breathtaking views and sunsets are iconic, but the island is now overrun with tourists. The narrow streets are always packed, and prices for food and accommodation have skyrocketed. The sheer number of visitors has eroded the peaceful, romantic vibe that Santorini was once known for.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a picture-perfect village that has become too popular for its own good. The influx of tourists, especially day-trippers, has turned this serene town into a crowded hotspot. It’s hard to enjoy the beautiful scenery when you’re jostling for space with hundreds of other visitors.

The Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks, but many visitors find it underwhelming. It’s small and often surrounded by crowds, making it hard to get a good look. The statue doesn’t match the effort it takes to see it, leading to many disappointed tourists.

The Palace Of Versailles, France

Versailles is undeniably huge, but the experience can be marred by the long lines and packed rooms. The sheer number of visitors makes it hard to appreciate the palace’s beauty and history. Many people leave feeling rushed and unable to fully take in the splendor of this historic site.

The Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris

Seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre is often more frustrating than fulfilling. The painting is small, and the room is always packed with people trying to snap a quick photo. The brief, distant view can leave you feeling that the experience wasn’t even worth the hype and you should have gone somewhere else instead.

Gondola Rides In Venice, Italy

Riding in an overpriced gondola with a gondolier dressed in a stereotypical Italian outfit is one of the most clichéd and touristy things you can do in Venice. And just wait until they start singing—that’ll cost you extra. You’d be better off exploring the charming backstreets or enjoying a quiet café by the canal.

The Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle is often marketed as Dracula’s Castle, but there is no evidence of it having any connection to the real Dracula; the main fact that draws tourists. The castle is crowded and filled with kitschy souvenirs. Many visitors leave feeling that the visit was more of a tourist gimmick than an authentic historical experience.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa, but it’s become very commercialized and expensive. The crowds can make it feel more like a theme park than a natural wonder. The high prices and long lines take away from the relaxing experience many hope for.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s old town is stunning, but the massive influx of tourists, especially after “Game of Thrones,” has made it incredibly crowded. The narrow streets are packed, and prices have soared. The charm of this historic city can be hard to appreciate amid the throngs of visitors.

Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Las Ramblas is a well-known street in Barcelona, but it’s often filled with overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s also notorious for pickpockets. The area can feel chaotic and less genuine, making it more of a hassle than a highlight of the city. There are many other places to visit in Barcelona, but Las Ramblas is definitely not worth it.

Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Temple Bar is famous for its nightlife, but it’s become a tourist trap with high prices and crowded pubs. The area is always noisy and expensive, lacking the authentic Irish pub atmosphere. Many visitors find it overrated and overpriced, detracting from the true Dublin experience.

Stonehenge, UK

Stonehenge is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK, owing to its fascinating history. But, the landmark is not as attractive as it was before. It is filled with hoards of tourists wanting to take a photo with the structure. On top of that, the expensive entrance fee is not worth the long waiting lines.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos used to be a peaceful island with beautiful beaches and quaint villages, but it’s now swamped with tourists. The nightlife is lively, but the island has lost some of its charm. Everything is super expensive, and you can barely find a quiet spot without bumping into partygoers. If you’re looking for a traditional Greek experience, this might not be the place for you anymore.

The Spanish Steps, Rome

Although the Spanish Steps are an iconic location and a beautiful sight to behold, they tend to be overcrowded. Moreover, there is very little to do here besides snapping pictures. Strict regulations also prevent visitors from eating or sitting on the steps, and failure to comply may lead to a fine ranging from 250 to 400 euros. So unless you fancy looking at some old steps, avoid this place.

Torture Museums Of Tuscany, Italy

If you’re visiting Tuscany, don’t waste your time and money at its many torture museums. These museums are all around various towns and don’t offer much in terms of history. Honestly, if you visit one, you’ve seen them all and don’t need to go to any other. There’s so much more to this beautiful region than these gimmicky attractions.

This article was inspired by Business Insider and Yahoo News and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.