14 Overrated European Spots That Might Be Too Risky for Tourists
Millions of travelers dream about Europe, but not every place lives up to the hype. There are some places that look like postcards, but have hidden pitfalls that can ruin the experience. If throngs of visitors, inflated prices, or maybe even safety issues are what’s not appealing, you might wish you had chosen something else.
Every traveler has their own preferences, but it’s good to know what you’re signing up for. Some places may look cool on Instagram, but they aren’t always fun or safe to experience in person. Let’s take a look at some of these famous European locations that may not be worth the gamble.
Venice, Italy
Of course, the canals of Venice are iconic, but have you ever tried to get around the city in peak season? It’s like bumper cars but with gondolas and foot traffic. The city has now resorted to imposing entry fees on day trippers because overcrowding has become such a problem. Then add in sky-high prices for basic meals and trinkets and the whole thing can feel more frustrating than magical.
Paris, France
Paris is a beautiful city, but pick-pockets are a problem in The City of Light – especially around places like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. Fake petitions and overpriced taxi rides are particularly rampant in Paris, which was ranked among Europe’s top cities for tourist scams in a 2023 survey. If you’re determined to go, being aware and choosing less crowded neighborhoods can save your trip.
Santorini, Greece
Photos of Santorini’s white-washed buildings against a backdrop of blue seas are stunning but in real life? You’ll be elbow to elbow with tourists trying to get the same shot. The popularity of the island has stretched the island’s infrastructure to the limit, with expensive accommodation and long waits for services. With that said, if you want to take things down a notch then neighboring islands like Naxos might be a safer option.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dodging bicycles and crowds of tourists in the city center can quickly wear out Amsterdam’s charm. Even the local government has launched campaigns discouraging certain types of visitors, such as those who come for its world-famous red light district. It’s a compact, crowded space, and a day of sightseeing can be overwhelming.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has become a victim of its own success. Protests have been held by residents against over-tourism, and some neighborhoods now restrict short-term rentals. Of course, there are also cultural highlights, but beyond that, there’s the growing tension between the locals and the visitors, which is likely to make you feel less than welcome.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik might be on your bucket list if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones. However, its fame has transformed this medieval city into a swarm of cruise ship passengers. There are crowded streets and overpriced souvenirs, not much room to absorb the actual history. Croatia’s lesser-known coastal towns are worth exploring if you’re looking for a quiet alternative.
Rome, Italy
Every turn in Rome is full of history, and it has crowds like a dam breaking and some of Europe’s longest ticket lines. The Colosseum and Vatican City are awe-inspiring but buying a guidebook won’t prepare you for the disappointment of spending hours in line under the burning sun. The aggressive street vendors don’t even give an alluring vibe to get started.
Prague, Czech Republic
Charles Bridge can feel less than enchanting when you get stuck in a bottleneck there. There’s no denying the city’s charm, but the Old Town can feel like a tourist trap, with overpriced everything and menus that are mostly for tourists, not locals. You should venture to less touristy areas in order to have a more authentic Czech experience.
Athens, Greece
History is rich in Athens but it seems modern-day problems overshadow its ancient wonders. There is chaotic traffic, unreliable public transport, and it’s a headache to get around the city. The Acropolis is magnificent, but it’s so crowded with tourists that you can’t really appreciate the grandeur of the place.
Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is not exactly a tourist magnet. It lacks the charm of nearby cities like Bruges or Ghent, many travelers will find. There is little to do beyond the famous Atomium and Manneken Pis, and you won’t want to stay longer than a day.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s natural beauty is the gateway to Reykjavik, but the city itself is often overlooked. Even a generously equipped travel budget doesn’t stretch far when it comes to expensive accommodations, meals, and tours. Reykjavik feels like an unnecessary stopover for many, with the real gems outside of the city.
Monaco
Luxury and Monaco are synonymous, but you’re not likely to have your heart filled unless you’re a billionaire. Its opulence can feel exclusionary because the tiny city-state is essentially a playground for the ultra-wealthy. Nice is nearby, and although the vibe is a bit similar, the sticker shock is much more inclusive.
Hallstatt, Austria
The postcard-perfect scenery has made Hallstatt famous on its own. The tiny village of 800 people is overwhelmed daily by tour buses. In fact, authorities have recently restricted the influx of visitors. It’s the classic case of a place where too much attention makes it lose its charm.
The French Riviera
The French Riviera seems to be all glamour, but the reality is crowded beaches, expensive meals, and a ‘seen it all before’ vibe. There are traffic jams rather than tranquility unless you’re visiting during the off-season. If you want a Mediterranean escape, Corsica or the Spanish Costa Brava are less touristy alternatives.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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