17 European Tourist Traps You Must Avoid on Your Next Adventure

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Planning a trip to Europe? Europe attracts over 700 million annual visitors and has many culturally rich destinations. But far too many travelers get ripped off by overpriced attractions, overcrowded landmarks, and gimmicks that aren’t worth it.

Here’s a list of 17 tourist traps to avoid when traveling to Europe and some savvy alternatives you can visit instead.

Avoid Rome’s Tourist Restaurants

European Tourist Traps You Must Avoid on Your Next Adventure — Image Credits: Banzy2019/pixabay

Near the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, some restaurants almost double the price for very mediocre pasta and pizza.

All of a sudden, you need €20 for a simple Margherita! What you want to do, though, is actually to eat at authentic trattorias in areas like Trastevere, where the food is much better and half the price.

Say No to London Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, a chaotic roundabout surrounded by generic shops, is promoted as a must-see spot. Change it for Covent Garden or Soho for the boutiques and street buskers galore.

Skip Venice’s Gondola Rides

In Venice, you’ll pay €80–€100 for a 30-minute gondola ride and be stuck in a long queue. Although travel by Vaporetto (water bus) costs €7.50 per ride, it provides the same beautiful canal views for much less.

Prowl Eiffel Tower Street Vendors of Paris

Anyone wanting to take a picture with the Eiffel Tower in the background will immediately be attacked by aggressive souvenir hawkers in the area surrounding the Eiffel Tower.

Many of these items are vastly overpriced and poorly made—like miniature towers. Don’t forget the street markets, particularly authentic Parisian ones like March Bastille.

Don’t Fall for the Leaning Tower of Pisa Scam

Another popular spot is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Nonetheless, it is surrounded by tourist traps, such as overpriced gelato and mediocre souvenirs. When you go, visit for the day and spend more time in nearby Florence to experience a better culture.

Rethink A Day at Prague’s Astronomical Clock

The clock is beautiful, but standing in crowded Old Town Square waiting for the hourly “show” often disappoints. Visit Vyšehrad Fortress instead: off the beaten track, with history and views.

Avoid the Canal Cruises with Dinner in Amsterdam

Canal cruise dinners in Amsterdam can be overpriced at €90 per person. Canals are also best explored from the water; you can do a simple €20 daytime canal ride for a better experience, but it leaves more money to be spent in the historic Jordaan district.

Skip Athens’s Overpriced Acropolis “Tours”

With many operators, a private Acropolis tour can cost upwards of €100. A €20 entrance ticket is necessary, and a guide for dummies is available to help you.

Don’t Go to Santorini’s Expensive Sunset Spots

Santorini sunsets are beautiful, but popular places such as Oia cost upwards of €30 for a cocktail. Pyrgos is a lesser-known village that provides the same view minus the people and prices.

Don’t overpay at Barcelona’s La Rambla

Due to La Rambla Street’s tourist-heavy nature, you will find overpriced restaurants and pickpockets. However, stroll through El Gothic Quarter or El Born for an authentic Catalan experience and good local dining.

Breakfast by the Trevi Fountain

It will cost you triple the price to have breakfast looking at the Trevi Fountain. Pick a café in a neighboring street and go to the fountain early in the morning before the masses.

Stay away from Florence’s Leather Markets

Many of Florence’s street markets sell “genuine” leather goods that are fake. If you’re looking for authentic Italian leather, for example, at a reasonable price, a good store to go to is Scuola del Cuoio.

Skip Munich’s Oktoberfest, even on Odd days

Oktoberfest is packed with tourists, overpriced beer, and overpriced accommodation prices. Unless you are there for Crucifixion and Resurrection, skip the big beer festivals and gander at Starkbierzeit in March for a more Bavarian, though a bit less crowded, good time.

If you hate crowds, don’t get stuck in Dubrovnik

The worst crowds for Game of Thrones are in Croatia on July 7. Fans come to see the filming locations in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Instead, take the ferry to Lokrum Island, which is nearby, for beaches, serene landscapes, and historic ruins for a quieter experience.

Avoid Swiss “Chocolate Factory Tours”

Some overly touristy Swiss chocolate “factories” charge high entry fees to see their production line. However, after authentic chocolate shopping, skip these and head straight to local confectioneries like Läderach in Zurich or Geneva.

Bypass Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie Circus

Upgraded in fake military actors and overpriced museums, Checkpoint Charlie was once a historic Cold War site. Instead, go to the Berlin Wall Memorial for a better but more authentic glimpse at Germany’s history.

Rethink the London Eye

With ticket prices near £30 per person, the London Eye provides a view of the city, but it doesn’t come without its disadvantages: long lines and high ticket prices. For a free skyline view, try Primrose Hill, the Sky Garden.

Avoiding these tourist traps will make your European adventure more authentic, enjoyable, and budget-friendly. Slow down and uncover hidden ‘gems’ to create meaningful and memorable experiences.

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