12 Popular Destinations That Tourists Love but Locals Hate

Tourist hotspots often offer breathtaking sights, rich histories, and experiences worth bragging about, but while visitors snap selfies and rave about the local charm, the people there might be gritting their teeth. Overcrowding, skyrocketing prices, and a constant stream of lost tourists blocking sidewalks can turn paradise into a daily headache.

Let’s look at a dozen places where locals might be counting the days until the off-season.

Venice, Italy

A city floating on water seems like a fairy tale, but for Venetians, it’s a sinking reality. Millions of tourists flood the city every year, overwhelming the fragile infrastructure and driving up living costs. Small alleyways turn into shoulder-to-shoulder human traffic jams, and massive cruise ships tower over the city’s ancient skyline. Many locals have fled to the mainland, leaving behind a ghost town that feels more like a theme park than a place to call home.

Barcelona, Spain

Few cities can match the energy of Barcelona, but ask a local, and they might tell you that’s precisely the problem. The once-vibrant neighborhoods of El Born and Barceloneta now cater almost exclusively to visitors, with souvenir shops replacing family-run stores. Street performers and partygoers bring non-stop noise, and rents have soared so high that many lifelong residents have been priced out. In 2017, anti-tourist protests broke out; a sign that some locals had had enough.

Bali, Indonesia

Island life is supposed to be peaceful, but that’s hard to achieve when hordes of Instagram influencers are constantly staging photoshoots at sacred temples. The influx of tourism has led to overdevelopment, environmental damage, and rising property costs. Locals also struggle with waste management, as the island’s beaches often become littered with trash that isn’t theirs. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Canals, tulips, and quaint Dutch architecture make Amsterdam a traveler’s dream. However, for residents, the sheer volume of visitors has turned charming streets into a daily obstacle course. Drunken bachelor parties, clueless tourists wobbling on rental bikes, and an overwhelming demand for short-term rentals have frustrated many locals. The city even launched a campaign urging tourists to behave or, better yet, not come at all.

Paris, France

The City of Love might make tourists swoon, but it’s often the City of Long Lines and High Rents for Parisians. Crowds swarm the Eiffel Tower, making it impossible to enjoy a peaceful stroll, while cafés cater more to visitors than the locals who once gathered there. The rise of Airbnb has pushed rental prices through the roof, forcing many Parisians out of their neighborhoods. And don’t even get them started on the endless questions about where to find “authentic” baguettes.

Kyoto, Japan

Steeped in tradition and beauty, Kyoto should be a serene retreat. Instead, residents find themselves dodging selfie sticks and politely trying to explain that not every geisha is there for a photoshoot. Tourists often wander into restricted temple areas or disrupt sacred rituals without realizing it. Even the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, once a place of Zen-like peace, have become clogged with influencers posing for the perfect shot.

Prague, Czech Republic

Once a hidden European gem, Prague has become the go-to destination for budget travelers and rowdy pub crawlers. Historic streets now echo with the sound of wheeled suitcases and bar-hopping tourists rather than quiet conversations. Rising rents have forced many locals to move further out, leaving behind a city center that feels more like a weekend getaway than a community.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

“Game of Thrones” put this coastal gem on the map, but locals sometimes wish it hadn’t. Cruise ships unload thousands of passengers at once, creating a tidal wave of selfie-seekers all fighting for the same iconic shots. Historic walls built to withstand medieval sieges now battle mass tourism, and many residents say they feel like extras in a never-ending film set. In response, the city has imposed strict limits on visitors, hoping to bring back some balance.

Reykjavik, Iceland

What was once a quiet Nordic capital has become a stopover sensation. The Icelandic tourism boom has made it nearly impossible for locals to find affordable housing, with landlords favoring short-term vacation rentals over long-term tenants. Restaurants and shops that once served the community now cater to an international crowd, making it harder for Reykjavik residents to enjoy their city. And don’t mention the rising cost of beer; it’s enough to make any Icelander sigh.

Santorini, Greece

Whitewashed buildings and deep blue seas make Santorini look like a dream, but locals are dealing with a harsh reality. During peak season, the island receives more visitors than it can handle, with narrow streets clogged by cruise passengers and honeymooners.  Many locals prefer the quiet winters, when they can finally enjoy their island without feeling like background characters in someone else’s vacation.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Mystical and awe-inspiring, Machu Picchu is on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. Unfortunately, excessive tourism is causing actual harm to the ancient site. Foot traffic has led to erosion, forcing the government to impose strict visitor limits. Local communities in nearby Aguas Calientes have also felt the impact, with rising costs and an influx of short-term businesses that benefit tourists more than residents. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras beads, jazz music, and Creole cuisine make New Orleans a cultural powerhouse. Yet for locals, the never-ending party comes with serious downsides. Bourbon Street is a magnet for rowdy tourists, while short-term rentals have made it harder for residents to afford housing. And after one too many requests for “beignets and hurricanes,” some locals might roll their eyes and walk away.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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