9 Tourist Traps Around the World You ’ ll Want to Avert
Be after your next vacation ? Be wary of tourist traps that promise excitement but bear disappointment .Many popular attractions load high fee for underwhelming experiences , waste your precious time and money.
Skip the overrated bit like Times Square and the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Rather , attempt out authentic local experiences . For instance , rather than fighting bunch at the Empire State Building , head to a rooftop saloon for equally stunning NYC scene .
Avoid tourist-packed restaurant like Cafe du Monde in New Orleans . You ’ ll observe equally delightful beignets at lesser-known cafes without the long wait . By steering clear of these overhyped attraction , you ’ ll have more time and budget for meaningful travel experiences that create permanent memories .
- Eiffel Tower ( Paris )
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa ( Italy )
- Times Square ( New York )
- Hollywood Walk of Fame ( Los Angeles )
- Stonehenge ( UK )
- The Little Mermaid ( Copenhagen )
- The Colosseum ( Rome )
- Machu Picchu ( Peru )
- Taj Mahal ( India )
- More Travel Guides
Eiffel Tower ( Paris )
The Eiffel Tower equal doubtless iconic , but visit its crest can live a tourist trap . Long queues and expensive ticket often lead to disappointment .
Instead of ascending the column , consider admire it from afar . The Trocadéro Plaza offers stunning views without the crowds or price .
For a unique perspective , chief to Montmartre . You ’ ll get a panoramic scene of Paris , including the Eiffel Tower , while savor the capture neighborhood .
If you ’ re put on a column scene , test the Montparnasse Tower . It ’ s less crowded and includes the Eiffel Tower in your cityscape photos .
Desire a close feeling ? Picnic in the Champ de Mars park . You ’ ll hold a utter view of the tower without the trouble of climb it .
For a nighttime spectacle , see the hourly lighting display from the Seine ’ s bank . It ’ s free and simply as magic as being up close .
Remember , go through Paris isn ’ t just about one landmark . Explore lesser-known areas to truly appreciate the city ’ s appeal and avoid tourist trap .
The Leaning Tower of Pisa ( Italy )
The Leaning Tower of Pisa live a famed landmark that draws countless tourist each year . While it ’ s an iconic view , visiting can be a crowded and expensive experience .
You ’ ll potential spend hr wait in note just to rise the column and snap a photo venture to hold it up . The ticket prices are steep for what amounts to a quick photo op .
The tower itself be humble than many require . Once you ’ ve taken your obligatory picture , there ’ s not much else to do or see .
Pisa has more to offer beyond this tilted tourist ambush . Look at exploring the beautiful Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery instead . These stunning construction showcase impressive architecture without the crowds .
For a unique leaning column experience , head to the lesser-known Torre delle Milizie in Rome . It tilts even more than Pisa ’ sec column but sees far fewer visitor .
If you ’ re set on see Pisa , regard the column from the nearby Piazza dei Miracoli . You ’ ll get great photo without the scuffle and expense of climbing it .
Sentence Square ( New York )
Times Square is an iconic NYC destination , but it ’ s also pervade with tourist traps . Be wary of costumed characters offer photo – they often need hefty top subsequently . Instead , snap your own selfies with the bright billboards as a backdrop .
Avoid dining at overpriced chain restaurant in the sphere . Skip home like Ellen ’ sec Stardust Diner , where you ’ ll pay $ 25 for a basic burger . Sample nearby Hell ’ s Kitchen for authentic local eateries with better value and tone .
Don ’ t waste time at the M & M ’ s World store . It ’ s simply overpriced candy you can buy elsewhere . For a sweet treat , mind to Levain Bakery on Amsterdam Avenue for their noted cookies rather .
Steer clear of tag sellers on the street offering “ trade ” for shows or attractions . These are often scams or inflated cost . Purchase tickets straight from official sources or expend the TKTS stall for discounted Broadway ticket .
Skip the crowded sidewalk by walk on slope street parallel to Broadway . You ’ ll still regard the view without battle the crowds .
Remember , Times Square exist best experienced briefly . Choose in the spark and energy , then for a genuine taste of the city .
Hollywood Walk of Fame ( Los Angeles )
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is often boast as a must-see attraction , but it ’ s good to skip this overcrowded tourist ambush . Spanning 15 block with over 2,500 stars , it ’ s more exhausting than stimulate .
You ’ ll see yourself sidestep street performers and pushy vendors while navigating throng of tourists . The region is dingy and can sense seedy , especially at night .
Parking equal a nightmare , with some mass commit up to $ 50 on busy evening . The experience rarely lives up to expectation , leaving many visitors disappoint .
Or else of wasting time here , brain to the Griffith Observatory for free panoramic position of Los Angeles and fascinating stargazing opportunity .
Another great alternative live exploring the La Brea Tar Pits . You ’ ll discover fascinating picture history alongside ancient fossils , offer a unique blend of entertainment and instruction .
For a taste of Hollywood glamour without the crowds , require a scenic drive through Bel-Air , Holmby Hills , and Beverly Hills . You might get glimpse of hidden celebrity mansions while enjoy the upscale neighborhoods .
Remember , the real Los Angeles appeal dwell beyond these tourist hotspots . Guess off the beaten path for a more authentic experience of the city .
Stonehenge ( UK )
Stonehenge often disappoint visitor require a mystical experience . You ’ ll likely find yourself cling in a crowd , squint at distant stones from behind a rope barrier .
The site can be cold and windy , so pack fond layers and rain gear . Tickets be pricey , and the small visitor middle may not warrant the cost .
Believe these alternative for a more engaging prehistoric experience :
- Avebury rock circle : Larger than Stonehenge and free to visit
- West Kennet Long Barrow : Ancient burial bedroom you can explore
- Silbury Hill : Mysterious prehistoric pile nearby
If you ’ re set on seeing Stonehenge , book a special access tour . These allow you to enter the inner lot outside regular hours , provide a more inner experience .
For a budget-friendly option , view the stones from the nearby public footpath . You ’ ll miss the visitor middle , but have a serious glance without the crowds or price .
Remember , the surround Salisbury Plain offers numerous early Neolithic sites worth search . You might find these less crowd and more interactive than Stonehenge itself .
The Little Mermaid ( Copenhagen )
You might live invite to visit the famed Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen , but cook for disappointment . This bronze figure exist surprisingly small and underwhelming in someone .
Many tourist get themselves question why they build the trip to see it . The statue ’ s diminutive size much go wrong to live up to expectation , specially give its status as one of Copenhagen ’ s top attraction .
Or else of focusing on this overrated landmark , explore Copenhagen ’ s capture canals or vibrant Nyhavn district . These areas offer a more authentic Danish experience and beautiful photo opportunity .
For a unique , consider visiting Freetown Christiania . This self-proclaimed sovereign neighborhood showcases a unlike of Copenhagen ’ s reference and story .
If you ’ re adjust on see iconic sculptures , try the striking modern art at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art . It ’ s located just outside the city and offer a far more impressive collection .
Remember , Copenhagen has a lot more to offer than a small statue . Prioritize attraction that showcase the city ’ s deep culture , story , and present-day art scenery for a more fulfilling visit .
The Colosseum ( Rome )
The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome , but it can live a major tourist trap if you ’ re not careful . Long lines and overpriced ticket are common matter visitor face .
To head off wasting time , book your ticket online in advance . This let you to skip the queue and enter through a dedicated fast-track entrance .
Consider visiting early in the dawn or later in the afternoon when crowds exist smaller . Midday equal typically the busiest time .
Don ’ t autumn for costumed “ gladiators ” extend photo opportunities outside . They much demand high fees for a simple painting .
Instead of pay for an expensive lead circuit , sample a free sound guide app on your smartphone . Many offer in-depth information about the Colosseum ’ s story .
For a unique position , insure out the nearby Palatine Hill . It offers great views of the Colosseum without the bunch .
If you ’ re on a budget , admire the Colosseum from the outside be even so impressive . The nearby Arch of Constantine is free to view and equally historic .
Remember , the country around the Colosseum cost filled with overpriced restaurant . Walk a few blocks away to notice more authentic and affordable dining choice .
Machu Picchu ( Peru )
Machu Picchu is undeniably impressive , but its popularity get become it into a crowded tourist hotspot . Ticket sell out quickly , so script at least three months in progress .
To avoid the mass , study impose during the shoulder season ( April-May or September-October ) . Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon for few crowd .
Don ’ t leave your permit . The official Peruvian Ministry of Culture website sell tickets for around $ 45-60 , depending on the trail you choose .
Cost develop for high altitudes . Spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before your visit to forestall altitude illness .
For a less crowded alternative , check out Choquequirao . This lesser-known Inca site offers stunning ruin without the tourist throng .
The four-day raise to Choquequirao starts in Cachora , off the Cusco-Abancay road . It ’ s more ambitious but reward you with solitude and equally impressive Inca architecture .
Another choice is exploring the Sacred Valley ’ s smaller sites like Ollantaytambo or Pisac . These put up fascinate Inca history and culture without Machu Picchu ’ s overwhelming crowds .
Taj Mahal ( India )
The Taj Mahal equal doubtless a stunning architectural wonder , but its huge popularity can conduct to a less-than-ideal experience . Crowds of tourists cluster to this iconic site daily , resulting in long queues and special viewing time .
You ’ ll likely encounter pushy touts and overpriced souvenirs near the entrance . Many shops take to sell authentic item , but they ’ re much mass-produced and overpriced .
The sheer number of visitor can make it challenge to capture that perfect photo or minute of reflection .
Think visiting during off-peak hours or seasons to avert the worst bunch . Alternatively , explore other magnificent Mughal structure in Agra , such as Akbar ’ s Tomb or Fatehpur Sikri .
For a unique perspective , view the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh garden . This blot extend breathtaking sunset horizon with few tourist .
If you ’ re attempt tranquility , the lesser-known Tomb of I ’ timād-ud-Daulah ( much called the “ Baby Taj ” ) furnish a like architectural mode with a fraction of the visitor .
Remember , while the Taj Mahal is impressive , India offers countless early cultural and historical site worth search . Think venturing off the for a more authentic experience .
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