15 Tourist Traps You’ll Wish You Had Avoided
Famous landmarks and popular attractions beckon us with promises of unforgettable experiences and Instagram-worthy moments. But let’s face it, not every hyped-up destination lives up to its reputation.
In fact, some can leave you feeling more frustrated than fulfilled, wondering why you bothered to fight the crowds and empty your wallet. Here are 15 tourist traps you’ll wish you had avoided.
Overcrowded Chaos at Times Square (New York City, USA)
Picture this: You’ve finally made it to the Big Apple, ready to soak in the neon glow of Times Square. Instead, you find yourself drowning in a sea of selfie sticks and costumed characters demanding cash for photos.
With over 360,000 pedestrians squeezing through daily, it’s less “Crossroads of the World” and more “Human Sardine Can.”
The Hollywood Walk of Fame (Los Angeles, USA)
Hollywood – where dreams come true and sidewalks are apparently paved with stars. But the reality? It’s more like a 1.3-mile stretch of gum-stained concrete, peppered with faded names and surrounded by tacky souvenir shops.
The Walk of Fame attracts a mind-boggling 10 million visitors annually, yet it’s been crowned the “worst tourist attraction in the world” in multiple surveys.
Inflated Prices at Eiffel Tower Souvenir Stalls (Paris, France)
You’ve climbed 674 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower (or cheated and taken the elevator), and now you’re ready to commemorate the experience with a tiny metal replica. But hold onto your beret – that 3-inch tower could set you back €10 or more.
Street vendors might offer “bargains” like “5 = 1€,” but beware – it’s often a bait-and-switch tactic. In reality, you’re likely to pay €5 for a single trinket.
Leaning Tower of Pisa’s Crowded Poses (Pisa, Italy)
You’ve seen the photos – tourists pretending to hold up or push over the famous leaning tower. It looks fun, right? Well, prepare for the reality: hundreds of people jostling for the same shot, often waiting hours for their turn.
The tower itself only allows 45 people inside every 15 minutes, leading to massive queues.
Tourist-Focused Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco, USA)
Once a bustling hub for the city’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf has transformed into a neon-lit tourist mecca that locals avoid like week-old chowder. Despite attracting 12 million visitors annually, it’s been dubbed “the most universally derided neighborhood in all of San Francisco” by SFGate.
Expect overpriced seafood, tacky souvenir shops, and aggressive seagulls eyeing your food. Perhaps stick to Ghirardelli Square for your chocolate fix and explore the city’s more authentic neighborhoods.
The Great Wall Cable Cars (China)
You’ve trekked all the way to China to see one of the world’s most impressive structures, only to find yourself crammed into a tiny cable car for a quick, overpriced ride. The Mutianyu cable cars do provide amazing views, but you have to pay a steep price (financially and experientially).
A round-trip ticket will set you back about 140 yuan ($19), and you’ll likely spend more time queuing than actually enjoying the ride. For a more authentic experience, consider hiking a less touristy section like Jinshanling, where you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Overpriced Gondola Rides (Venice, Italy)
Picture this: you’re in Venice, ready for that romantic gondola ride you’ve always dreamed of. Then reality hits – it’s going to cost you a small fortune for a brief float through crowded canals.
As of 2024, official rates start at a whopping €80 ($95) for a 30-minute ride, jumping to €100 ($120) after 7 pm. For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider taking a traghetto (a larger gondola that acts as a ferry) across the Grand Canal.
Questionable Camel Rides at Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
The allure of riding a camel in front of the pyramids is strong, but beware – this is prime territory for scams and animal welfare concerns. Tourists often report being pressured into overpriced rides, with initial quotes of around 200 Egyptian pounds ($13) ballooning to much more once you’re atop the camel.
There are also serious concerns about the treatment of these animals, as many work long hours in harsh conditions. Instead of supporting this practice, consider admiring the pyramids on foot or booking through a reputable tour company that prioritizes animal welfare.
Commercialized Floating Markets (Thailand)
Once a charming glimpse into local life, many of Thailand’s floating markets have devolved into tourist traps. The famous Damnoen Saduak market, about 100 km southwest of Bangkok, is particularly notorious.
Boat rides can cost upwards of 2,000 baht ($60) for a brief tour, and you’ll be constantly pressured to buy overpriced souvenirs. For a more genuine experience, seek out lesser-known markets like Tha Kha, where you can still see locals going about their daily business.
Restrictive Crowds at Stonehenge (England)
Stonehenge might be one of England’s most iconic sights, but the reality of visiting can be far from magical. With over 1.6 million visitors annually, you’ll likely find yourself shuffling along a rope-lined path, straining to see the stones over the heads of fellow tourists
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or exploring lesser-known prehistoric sites like Avebury, where you can actually walk among the stones.
Overpriced Niagara Falls Souvenir Shops (Canada/USA)
You’ve just witnessed the awe-inspiring power of Niagara Falls, and now you’re ready to commemorate the experience with a tiny plastic waterfall that plays “O Canada” when you shake it. But hold onto your wallet – those kitschy souvenirs come with a hefty price tag.
One Reddit user recounted spending $40 at a Burger King near the falls for what would typically cost $10 back home.
The Chaos Around the Mona Lisa in the Louvre (Paris, France)
The Mona Lisa – that enigmatic smile that’s launched a thousand selfie sticks. But brace yourself for a reality check: your intimate moment with Lisa might be more like a mosh pit at a rock concert.
You’ll likely spend more time queueing than actually viewing the painting. Once you finally reach the front, you’ll have about 60 seconds to snap a photo from 15 feet away before being ushered along
Aggressive Timeshare Pitches at Disney Resorts (Worldwide)
Mickey Mouse might be all smiles, but those timeshare salespeople can be more persistent than a kid begging for one more ride on Space Mountain. Despite Disney Vacation Club (DVC) trying to renounce hard-sell style tactics, many visitors still feel the pressures.
According to an article by Finmasters, 58% of timeshare owners buy timeshares after just one presentation. If you do attend a presentation for the freebies, steel yourself for a potentially long and pushy experience – and remember, “no” is a complete sentence, even in the Happiest Place on Earth.
Packed Santorini Sunset Spots in Oia (Greece)
Picture this: a romantic sunset over the Aegean Sea, just you and your loved one… and about 18,000 of your closest friends. According to Reuters, national tourism revenues in Santorini rose by 16% in the first five months of 2024.
The result? A sea of selfie sticks and elbows that would make a Tokyo subway look spacious. For a more serene experience, consider alternative spots like Imerovigli or Firostefani, or book a sunset cruise.
Hidden Costs Around “Free Shows” in the Vegas Strip (USA)
Vegas, baby! The lights, the glamour, the… unexpected charges on your bill? While Sin City is famous for its “free” entertainment, those comps often come with strings attached.
Many casinos have introduced sneaky fees like “Concession and Franchise Fees” (CNF) of 3-5% on your bill, often without any explanation. So before you celebrate hitting the jackpot, double-check your bill – what happens in Vegas might stay on your credit card statement for longer than you’d like.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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