A tourist trap is a place that attracts tourists from all over the world, are more crowded than expected and services are too expensive than normal. "Crowds of tourists will pour into the courtyard, where you can see the statue of Juliet and the balcony that's alleged to be one of the scenes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. "Bottom of the list, without a doubt, is the Champs-Elysées," said stylist, Celine. According to Irish tradition, kissing the Blarney Stone will endow you with the gift of gab and possibly flattery as well. So, to avoid falling victim to plots and schemes that are solely geared towards gullible travellers, take note of our list of the 9 Worst Tourist Traps in Iceland before setting out on your holiday. Tourists worldwide come here to celebrate the world’s brightest stars. Moreover, pesky “tour guides” trying to hustle for your cash can be a bit of an annoyance. Don’t get us wrong though, if you can beat the crowds, then seeing the city from 86 stories up is certainly an experience. No matter who you are or where you live in the world, there are certain travel destinations that virtually every person on Earth wants to visit.Some of them are, of course, worth the expense and the time. 2. Every day about 5,000 people flock to the Egyptian desert to see the Pyramids. Though these spots might seem iconic, they're not necessarily all they're cut out to be, according to locals living in the respective areas; many of them simply aren't worth the money, the time, or the energy. Read more: 19 trending destinations you should visit in 2019, according to Airbnb. Since we’re a top-notch travel site we figured it was time to do a worst tourist traps in the world post. MORE : Flight attendants share their worst, weirdest encounters in … Situated in the middle of the largest metropolitan area on Earth, most of central Tokyo is nothing but crowds and concrete. Tourist traps in Europe are everywhere and even some of the greatest bucket-list destinations like Paris or Venice are huge European tourist traps. Kate H. Knapp See recent posts by Kate H. Knapp. Sometimes, we may not want to admit it but we're not necessarily that interested in the culture or history behind a given attraction; we're just visiting because everyone else does — others are just downright crowded, tacky, boring, or cliché. Expect to be surrounded by buskers as you search for your favorite celeb's star and get jostled by other tourists, with just a picture of some dirty pavement to show for it. It's exactly the way it was left by its owner after he died in 1837. A better option is to reserve your tickets about 2 months in advance and try to witness the Ceremony of the Keys. Every year, no matter the season, New York City attracts millions of tourists from around the world. Your best bet is to go during one of the services. According to a new ranking of worst and best values among the world's top tourist attractions — and, in some cases, traps — the Burj Khalifa comes in near No. You’ll get a much better view of the skyline as well as an appreciation for why it’s come to be known as the City of a Thousand Spires. However, there are some destinations that endure in popularity, despite the fact that these are the worst places to travel and often leave lots to be desired. Often attractions are marketed inaccurately or over exaggerated to the extreme, making it enormously difficult to tell the good from the bad. In this post, I reveal my personal Top 10 of the worst tourist traps in the world and where to go instead… The World’s Worst Tourist Traps. Now it is sort of like a red light district Disneyland. ", "Do not go to the London Eye! if ( localStorage.getItem(skinItemId ) ) { Lined with souvenir shops, the highlight here is a statue of Bruce Lee in action. Although it is often referred to as the “best shopping street in China,” do not be led astray by empty words. _g1.classList.remove('lazyload'); - See 4,672 traveler reviews, 3,940 candid photos, and great deals for Shanghai, China, at Tripadvisor. It’s the biggest frying pan in Iowa and apparently, that's enough. Essentially nothing more than an intersection overloading your senses with neon advertisements, this trap has one of the world’s most densely packed sidewalks. Back in 2008, I was really eager to see Northern Europe, so my parents booked a 12-day cruise with a famous Italian line. ", "Drottninggatan is Stockholm's main shopping street according to many travel guides," said information analyst, David, "but it's terrible. See you at the line to get in. Your second best option is to make your way farther south to Saqqara and check out the Step Pyramid, which is a little bit more off the beaten path. The Empire State Building looks great on the outside and the view from inside is pretty nice too, but the struggle to get there through around 86 crowded … ", Marina Sands Bay is a spot to avoid, according to Chee Seng: "There are more tourists than locals here and the food court is too expensive. A lot of Dutch people have tulips and other bulbs in their gardens. Now, you get to see more people than beer (no joke). Unless you’re a die-hard fan, it’s probably best to skip this one. In Iowa, we found an enormous garden gnome, an even bigger bull and a popcorn ball that will give you nightmares, but we settled on this frying pan for the least interesting tourist trap because of its humility. Although it markets itself as a tourist attraction, there isn’t much to see or do here apart from buying some overpriced fish. 1... for disappointment. What's a visit to New York City if you did not walk across Times Square? For every genuine thrill, there’s also a … The place is dirty, overcrowded, and costs the city a lot of money, as the chewing gum and love-locks need to be removed regularly. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Prague’s cobblestone streets are jam-packed with tourists flocking to see medieval Old Town. It’s the tourist capital of America, and one day there is enough to see why. The cheapest tour of Elvis’s former home is going to cost you about $30, which is already pushing the envelope. 9 of the world’s worst tourist traps (and how to avoid them) Travel Trip Planning. tourist spots across the country have become legendary landmarks that everyone should see, others are just disappointing tourist traps. Author has 86 answers and 6M answer views I think that, in general, cruises are the worst tourist traps in the world. These are the 16 worldwide tourist attractions locals say you should skip. It's just lots of weird shops full of souvenirs. Tourists stick love notes to the walls with chewing gum and stand in line to grope the Juliet statue's right breast, which is supposed to bring good luck in love. It’s filled with peddlers, vendors, mascots, and tourists. Save your time, money, and sanity by skipping these 50 tourist traps. Fake online reviews and sponsored content have only made this harder in more recent years. Here are the most overrated attractions to avoid. Jan 24, 2010 ... and crystal water…boxed in by some of the world’s most tasteless tourist infrastructure. However, some just aren't worth the effort, time, or money. When planning out your travels, make sure to avoid some of the worst tourist traps out there. These are heavily advertised, overpriced and are always crowded. Unless you are absolutely in love with Disney and you have never been to an amusement park before, you may leave Disney World feeling a little cheated. Every year this heavily advertised tourist trap draws in thousands of visitors to see a couple fake mannequins. Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox! Tulips and other bulbs are a pretty run-of-the-mill sight for the Dutch, so we 're not going to want to queue for hours to see some flowers. The famous Crown Jewels are the highlight of the trip, but keep in mind you’ll probably spend most of your time standing in line to barely catch a glimpse. https://www.insider.com/16-tourist-traps-that-locals-actually-hate Of course, the smell of rotting sewage may not be very appetizing, but we can at least assure you of the solitude. ", Financial analyst Lillian said: "Tourists in New York love to stop in the middle of Times Square and look at the neon signs. 20 tourist traps in Europe to avoid — and where to go instead; The 21 most overrated travel destinations around the world; Disappointing photos that show what 17 popular tourist attractions look like in real life; The one 'tourist trap' that's actually worth visiting in every state Find out which ones are best avoided. Get it now on Libro.fm using the button below. Use this Iceland travel guide to help you avoid the most notorious Iceland tourist traps. If you’re the adventurous type, you can try crossing to the other side of the Yamuna River to get the big picture through your camera lens. 3. Top 10 Worst Tourist Traps In The World. One day in Orlando is also enough to see that not all attractions are created equal. _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-inverted-source'); For every awesome themed land and museum, there’s also an awful, trashy tourist trap. Copyright © 2011 - 2019 List25 LLC. Supposedly a prime snorkeling location, don’t let the brochures fool you. via www.pattayatalk.com. If it’s always been your dream though, this is certainly a nice way to see the city. ", "Maid Cafés — no one would want seriously to eat there, the food is anything but appetizing," explained senior editor, Rina. But the strange proportions of the statue have not made it a favorite among locals.". These, on the other hand, are in a category all their own. 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"When you say you're from the Netherlands, everyone thinks you're from Amsterdam. Prater station is also infamous for brawling and is known as a hub for drug-dealing. Because of these travelling features, many people have a loathing for these things. ", "Thailand has such beautiful beaches, but Pattaya isn't one," said senior banking associate, Aunyawee. World travelers, what are some of the worst tourist traps you have encountered? ", According to a musician, Tamás, travelers looking to avoid the tourist scene in Budapest should skip the entire Gozsdu Udvar courtyard: "Many of my friends avoid the area. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. This place has some of the nicest beaches in the world suffocated by some of the most extreme tourist infrastructure you’ve ever seen. "And the Shibuya intersection — it's just a crossroad. Top 25 Worst World Tourist Traps. This restaurant and souvenir shop on India's famous Golden Triangle route is the worst tourist trap I've ever come across! Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road): Fourth Worst Tourist Trap in the World. Constructed in 2004, this tourist trap was built with visitors from the Chinese mainland in mind. The view of the harbor isn’t that great either as it’s blocked by several large cement factories. famesy, 1 year ago 0 8 min read 204 . Tourist traps generally transform a place from being a tourist's delight to become a traveler's ordeal. A true tourist trap is a seemingly can’t … 38073. It's better to walk along the canal, on the Seine, in the Marais district, or around Montorgeuil. These tourist traps are so hilariously awful that they are regularly called the worst tourist traps in America. However, you can fall victim to things that are too touristy. There are many iconic sights around the world people long to visit at least once in their lifetime. } ", "There's a shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, called Myeong-Dong," said student, In-Ho. _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-inverted-img'); It's packed with tourists, oversized billboards, and subpar restaurants and bars. Stonehenge, England Like Wall Drug, South of the Border was designed to trap tourists (and their money), but it doesn't have Wall Drug’s history. This tourist trap is not only shoddy, but offensive. Then there’s this place off three well-trodden highways in South Carolina, which makes Wall Drug look like the epitome of taste and subtlety. According to locals, it's the worst tourist trap in the entire city. ", "If you want a great view, check out Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, which sits atop the Walkie-Talkie building. What most people don’t know is that Hollywood Boulevard is a signature tourist trap in California. ", Director of international partnerships at Business Insider UK, Dina, said: "Picadilly Circus is the equivalent of Times Square in New York City. You will find little peace and quiet in this cathedral. All Rights Reserved. ", "The Ferris Wheel in the Vienna Prater looks nice but it's actually very slow and not very high up," said editor at Business Insider Deutschland, Valentina. There are too many tourists, the restaurants are overpriced, the shops are overrated, and it's definitely not the prettiest street in the city. Here are the 15 Worst Tourist Traps in the World. ", "We discussed this for the Netherlands and we unanimously agreed on the De Keukenhof flower show," said editors at Business Insider Nederland. _g1.setAttribute('srcset', _g1.getAttribute('data-srcset')); By Jillian Quint | Jul. You have numerous options that are all much better than Cancun, two of which would be Isla Holbox and Celestun. As with several other places on this list, going during the early morning hours may offer an escape from the relentless crowds. Patpong was at one point an infamous red light district in Bangkok, where all sort of illegal things went on. List25® is a registered trademark. Although some of these spots are worse than others, and a few of them are certainly worth seeing in spite of the downsides (just consider yourself warned), these are still widely considered to be the 25 Worst Tourist Traps In The World. No offence, Heineken – but the Heineken Experience is one of the major tourist traps in Amsterdam. Times Square. Also, parking and waiting in line at customs can be quite a hassle these days. The Tower of London. ", "Locals avoid Casa di Giulietta and rightly so," said lawyer, Veronica. ", "Amsterdam is very popular with tourists to the point where it's pretty overrun," said marketing manager, Michelle. That said, sometimes, when traveling, we may actually be going to see attractions purely as it's what other tourists do when they're in the region and as it's almost a rite of passage for anyone who's really exploring a place properly. He crops up on the curriculum in Czech schools but only very briefly," said data analyst, Anezka. Although for centuries it had been closed to outsiders, the Emperor of China’s Palace consists of over 1,000 buildings and has made its way to the top of the “most popular tourist destinations list.” Heck, even Starbucks has set up shop within its walls. There's also Hongdae and underground shopping mall COEX. Amsterdam is actually a pretty dirty, overcrowded city — admittedly, there are some nice sights but to be honest, it's not all that special. } catch(e) {}. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. 8 Tourist Traps You Can Totally Skip. The tour through the brewery used to be fun before it got discovered by literally the whole world. For similar reasons to the Willis Tower in Chicago (#14), the Empire State Building can sometimes be more of a struggle than the view is worth. July 12, 2016. List25 A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. "There are lots of other places in Vienna with better views. Tourist traps. According to a survey by Stasher ranking the world's worst tourist traps, the Hollywood Walk of Fame landed at a well-deserved spot right at the very bottom. For those with any travelling experience, they have been exposed or even bought into these things. "No one living in Paris would go there willingly — well, not unless they were in a yellow vest! Although it’s possible to get away from the crowd by opting to take a camel ride or even an aerial tour via helicopter, to get a close look, your only choice is to join the crowd. Entertainment. This 1,000-year-old tower was originally constructed to keep people in, although these days it seems to be doing the opposite. 25 Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Every day about 5,000 people flock to the Egyptian desert to see the Pyramids. Top 25 Worst World Tourist Traps . Formerly known as the Sears Tower, lines to reach the top of this Windy City attraction can be brutally long, and once you reach the top, you’re going to have to make good use of those elbows to snap a picture. Matt Scott. It’s a shame considering several other authentic World War II sites, including Churchill’s actual bunker, are just around the corner. The natural wonder is obscured by ugly skyscrapers, depressing casinos and throngs of poncho-clad tourists. Its miraculous such poor architecture could last for so long, but is that really worth dealing with the crowds? Tourist traps. Some are blatant attempts to make money, others are plain weird, but either way, they should be avoided at all costs. For those with any travelling experience, they have been exposed or even bought into these things. There are just far too many tourists in De Keukenhof. Although some of these spots are worse than others, and a few of them are certainly worth seeing in spite of the downsides (just consider yourself warned), these are still widely considered to be the 25 Worst Tourist Traps In The World. ... Of all the breathtaking waterfalls in the world, this is not the one to visit. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Did you really see Paris without strolling along the Champs-Élysées? The most iconic part of this street is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some parts are worth seeing, though. Don’t be a hapless tourist. Apart from the crowds, the price can be a bit overwhelming especially for the snacks and food. The 13 worst tourism traps in the world. Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are all much nicer - and they also have great canals and attractions. For the latest fashion trends and technology, there's also Gangnam — yes, where the song Gangnam Style comes from. SmarterTravel. More often than not you feel like more was taken from you than received. Just a few tourist shops hawking trashy souvenirs and other tourists wearing that same look of surprise and frustration as you. Believe me, I’ve been there. Constructed in 2004, this tourist trap was built with visitors from the Chinese mainland in mind. Worst Tourist Traps: 10 Of The World's Most Stressful Destinations (And How To Avoid Them) 04/30/2013 01:48pm EDT. It doesn’t need to be the biggest frying pan in the world. Maybe its due to the fact that dry land isn’t as common in Venice, but whatever the reason, St. Marks Square tends to be constantly overcrowded, pigeons included. Nobody likes a tourist trap. Of course, the smell of rotting sewage may not be very appetizing, but we can at least assure you of the solitude. The Taj Mahal. To avoid lines, arrive about 30 minutes before it opens and try to hit the big sites first. Source: Link. List25.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program It has zero 'old world' charm. katehknapp@gmail.com. Most tourist traps ramp themselves up to be fun, but fall just short of "meh." It's overpriced and the queue is long," said senior news editor, Kieran, at Business Insider UK. Tourism makes up five percent of the economy of the entire world, so it’s obviously something to be taken seriously. While the waterfalls themselves are stunning, much of the beauty is inevitably lost to the crowds as hundreds of tourists make their way through the jungle from their respective cruise ships. In the daytime, it's overloaded with Instagrammers and tourists with Louis Vuitton shopping bags; by night, it's actually a bit dangerous. since, “No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention”. Others gave more general advice, pointing out tourist trap schemes that pop up all over the world. A lot of tourists come to Prague just to learn about Kafka, but there are actually a considerable number of Czechs who know nothing about him — he was German-speaking and never wrote in Czech. _g1.setAttribute('src', _g1.getAttribute('data-src') ); If so, be prepared to part with 15 euros for a chance to wait in a long line leading to the top of the tower, look out, and then go back down again. 1, 2015. THE most-hyped tourist attractions can often end up being really disappointing. Ask any New Yorker about Times Square, and they will most likely tell you to avoid the area at all costs. As a result of being overrun by zealous tourists, it’s no longer possible to be as close (with regular admission), but if you’re a history buff, it may just be worth it. If you ever plan on making the trip out here, remember to bring your binoculars. It’s no secret, India is crowded, and if you think the Taj Mahal is any exception, then you should really consider tempering your optimism. Home > Entertainment > Top 25 Worst World Tourist Traps. 1. If you really want to learn more about Dutch beers visit one of the small breweries. Don’t go to this iconic building if you’re looking for serenity. In addition, the Prater Entrée (the square in front of the Ferris wheel) is considered a complete architectural sin. Sure, some are obvious to point out, but a couple places are in there you might get mad at or nod and go, “yeah, that place sucks.” This was one blog … If you’re the adventurous type, you can try crossing to the other side of the Yamuna River to get the big picture through your camera lens. Account active The water is a lot murkier and fishless than advertised. 10 Empire State Building. Advertising doesn't really impress us New Yorkers; we aim to get from A to B at an average speed of thirty kilometers per hour if we have to cross Times Square. Or, for something very different, there's the Sir John Soane's Museum in Bloomsbury, an eccentric townhouse full of art and artifacts. Once considered to be a romantic getaway, the commercialization and rapid growth of the touristy infrastructure, particularly on the Canadian side, has led many to question how badly they really want to see the falls. Consistently this intensely promoted tourist trap attracts a large number of travellers to see a couple of fake mannequins. "We locals don't like Pattaya very much but, for some reason, many tourists choose this city when they're taking beach vacations in Thailand. Nothing. The forty minute ride can cost you up to $110. 10 incredible places around the world where visitors are forbidden, 19 trending destinations you should visit in 2019, according to Airbnb, These are the 21 best cities in the world to find a job. If you’ve done any traveling at all, then chances are you’re familiar with heavily advertised, overpriced, and ridiculously crowded tourist traps. "Anything to do with Kafka. "It's just packed with tourists in Spring.". Business Insider rounded up a list of the top 16 worldwide tourist attractions to avoid at all costs, according to locals. Plus, the feeling of being stressed out afterward is never fun. From the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House, there are many iconic sights around the world people long to visit at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, you’ll spend a lot of your time dodging crowds. "Koreans might possibly like to go shopping there and sometimes do, but it's so overcrowded with tourists. and if you think the Taj Mahal is any exception, then you should really consider tempering your optimism. Tourist traps are called traps for a reason! It is a disgrace considering a few other real World War II destinations, including Churchill’s genuine shelter, are practically around the corner. Try to check out the suburbs of Ogikubo and Asagaya or the countryside of Yamanashi. try { It may seem romantic, but be warned – this ride is a real wallet buster. Everybody falls prey to a tourist trap occasionally, myself included. If you can get past all the crowds and find a good spot though, the harbor front view itself is amazing. Some less busy alternatives with traditional Korean products and street food include Insa-Dong and Ikseon-Dong. var _g1; Tourist traps, are, by definition, created with the intention of luring in hapless tourists. 15 Patpong. Sure, it’s historical, but that history has been somewhat replaced by ubiquitous brands. Although the history behind it can be quite fascinating to a history buff, consider how much you are willing to wait in a long line to lock lips with something that is covered in the saliva of the millions who came before you. "The Ferris wheel doesn't have a good view of London's skyline and it's a tasteless advertising opportunity — its full title is now 'The Coca-Cola London Eye'. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The editorial team at Business Insider South Africa agree that the Nelson Mandela statue outside of Sandton City's mall isn't one of Johannesburg's best features: "Sandton City is a large shopping center and has a few popular restaurants and shops. To break free of the crowd, consider crossing the Vltava River to one of the many parks on the opposite shore.