The 9 Worst Tourist Traps in Europe You Should Avoid

Planning a European getaway? Hold on to your euros! While the continent has amazing sights, some spots can leave you feeling more ripped off than enchanted.

You’ll want to avoid tourist traps that waste your time and money. The London Eye might sound cool, but it’s pricey and often has long lines. And Mini-Europe in Brussels? Those tiny models of landmarks just don’t measure up to the real deal.

Don’t worry, though – Europe still has tons of hidden gems waiting for you! Instead of battling crowds at overrated spots, why not check out the Sky Garden in London for awesome views without the wait? Or explore a charming small town off the beaten path? Your wallet (and Instagram feed) will thank you!

Worst Tourist Traps in Europe

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris

You’ve seen it in movies and postcards, but the Eiffel Tower experience might not live up to the hype. Sure, it’s an iconic symbol of Paris, but the long lines and hefty price tag can damage your visit.

Expect to wait hours just to ride the elevator up. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be squished with other tourists trying to snap photos. The views are nice, but you can’t actually see the tower itself—which is the point of visiting Paris, right?

The restaurants inside are another letdown. They’re overpriced and not that great. You’re paying for the location, not the food quality.

Instead, try these alternatives for awesome Eiffel Tower views:

• Trocadero Square – Free and perfect for photos
• Montparnasse Tower – Shorter lines; includes the tower in your pics
• Printemps department store rooftop – Free panoramic views

Pro tip: Pack a picnic and head to Champ de Mars Park. You’ll get great tower views without the crowds or cost. Bring a bottle of wine to make it extra French!

Remember, Paris has much more to offer than just one metal structure. Don’t waste your whole day there when you could be exploring charming neighborhoods or world-class museums instead.

2. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

You’ve seen it in countless photos – tourists pretending to prop up that iconic tilted tower. But is the Leaning Tower of Pisa worth the trip? Sadly, it often disappoints.

The tower itself is smaller than you might expect. At just 56 meters tall, it’s dwarfed by many modern buildings. And forget about climbing to the top for amazing views. The 294-step ascent is steep, narrow, and often crowded.

Once you arrive, prepare for tourist overload. The small area around the tower gets packed, especially in summer. You’ll find yourself jostling for space just to snap that cliche photo.

Speaking of photos, they rarely turn out as cool as you imagine. Getting the angle right is tricky; other tourists constantly photobomb your shots.

Don’t waste your precious Italy time here. Instead, head to nearby Lucca. This charming walled city offers:

• Beautiful medieval architecture
• Scenic bike rides along the city walls
• Far fewer crowds than Pisa
• Authentic Tuscan cuisine

Lucca gives you a taste of real Italian life without the tourist trap feel. You’ll create more meaningful memories there than at an overcrowded slanted tower.

See Related: Best Places to Visit in Italy

3. The London Eye, UK

You’ve probably seen pictures of that giant Ferris wheel on the Thames. The London Eye looks impressive, right? Well, it might not live up to the hype.

Sure, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of London. But you’ll also spend much of your day waiting in line. And those tickets? They’ll make your wallet cry.

Here’s the deal:

• Long queues (often 2-3 hours)
• Pricey tickets (£30+ per adult)
• Crowded pods
• Only 30 minutes in the air

Instead, why not try the Sky Garden? It’s a hidden gem that locals love. You’ll get amazing views without the crazy crowds or costs.

The Sky Garden offers:

• Free entry (book online in advance)
• 360-degree views of London
• Beautiful indoor gardens
• A bar and restaurant

You can even time your visit for sunset. Grab a drink, watch the city light up, and pat yourself on the back to avoid a tourist trap. Smart move!

4. La Rambla, Barcelona

You’ve probably heard of La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous pedestrian street. It’s a lively spot with street performers, cafes, and shops. But watch out – this popular area is also a magnet for pickpockets and tourist traps.

Those paella restaurants with big photos of food? Skip ’em. The paella is often overpriced and not very tasty. Instead, try a local spot like Amaya at the bottom of La Rambla for authentic Mediterranean and Basque cuisine.

Beware of people trying to lure you into the Museum of Erotics. It’s not worth your time or money. A better choice is Palau Güell, a lesser-known Gaudí masterpiece just around the corner.

Want to experience La Rambla without the crowds? Visit early in the morning. You can explore La Boqueria market before 11 AM and avoid the tourist rush.

For a more relaxed stroll, check out the nearby Gothic Quarter. Its winding medieval streets offer a glimpse of old Barcelona without the tourist chaos.

Don’t fall for the cava sangria pitchers on La Rambla—they’re often watered down. Try a glass at a local wine bar instead for the real deal.

Remember, the best experiences in Barcelona are often found by stepping off the beaten path. Keep your wits about you on La Rambla, but don’t let the tourist traps stop you from enjoying this iconic street.

5. The Little Mermaid Statue, Denmark

You’ve probably seen pictures of Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue. It’s on postcards, in guidebooks, and all over Instagram. But here’s a secret – it’s not worth the hype.

The statue is tiny – just 4 feet tall! You’ll have to elbow through crowds of tourists to catch a glimpse. And when you do, you might think, “Is that it?”

Don’t waste your time in lovely Copenhagen on this underwhelming attraction. There’s so much more to see and do in the Danish capital.

Instead of the Little Mermaid, check out these gems:

• Tivoli Gardens: A charming amusement park with rides and beautiful gardens
• Nyhavn: A colorful harbor area with great restaurants and boat tours
• Christiansborg Palace: Home of the Danish Parliament with stunning royal rooms

If you want to see mermaids, head to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Art Museum. It has beautiful mermaid sculptures without the crowds.

Remember, the best travel experiences often happen away from the big tourist spots. Wander Copenhagen’s cozy streets, chat with locals at a café, and make your own discoveries. You’ll have much more fun than staring at a tiny statue!

See Related: Top Places to Visit in Denmark

6. Santorini, Greece

Ah, Santorini – that picture-perfect Greek island you’ve seen plastered all over Instagram. But before you book your trip, let’s chat about avoiding the tourist traps.

First, skip the overcrowded towns of Oia and Fira during peak season. You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with selfie sticks and cruise ship crowds. Instead, try staying in quieter villages like Pyrgos or Megalochori for a more authentic experience.

Don’t fall for those overpriced caldera view restaurants either. Sure, the sunset is nice, but do you want to pay 30 euros for a mediocre moussaka? Head inland to local tavernas where the food is better and cheaper.

Speaking of food, steer clear of those “traditional Greek nights” with plate-smashing and ouzo-chugging. That’s about as Greek as a frozen pizza. Look for smaller festivals in villages away from tourist centers for local culture.

Here’s a quick list of Santorini tourist traps to avoid:

• Overpriced cable car rides
• Donkey rides up steep stairs (not great for animal welfare)
• Crowded sunset spots in Oia
• “Authentic” Greek pottery shops (most are mass-produced)

Instead, try these alternatives:

• Hike the caldera path for stunning views
• Visit a local winery for tastings
• Explore the ancient ruins of Akrotiri
• Take a cooking class with a Greek yiayia (grandmother)

Remember, Santorini isn’t found in gift shops or all-inclusive resorts. It’s in the hidden corners, local hangouts, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Happy exploring!

7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

You’ve probably seen pictures of this fairy-tale castle in the Bavarian Alps. It looks magical, right? Well, brace yourself for a reality check.

Neuschwanstein is a tourist magnet, drawing millions of visitors each year. That means long lines, crowded tours, and hefty ticket prices. It’s not exactly the peaceful mountain retreat you imagined.

Want to dodge the crowds? Book your tickets online way in advance. Or better yet, visit off-season in late fall or early spring. The views are still stunning, minus the summer hordes.

For a more authentic experience, skip the interior tour. Instead, hike up to Marienbrücke bridge for that postcard-perfect photo op. It’s free and offers the best views of the castle.

If you’re set on seeing a Bavarian palace, try Linderhof instead. It’s smaller but just as pretty and way less crowded. Plus, the gardens are gorgeous.

Remember, sometimes the best adventures happen when you veer off the beaten path. So ditch the tourist traps and explore the charming villages nearby. You might stumble upon a hidden gem that’s all your own.

8. Piazza San Marco, Venice

You’ve seen the pictures – Piazza San Marco is stunning. But beware, it’s also a prime spot for tourist traps. Those charming outdoor cafes with views of the basilica? They’ll cost you an arm and a leg for mediocre coffee and snacks.

Skip the overpriced sit-down spots. Instead, grab a quick espresso at a local bar for a fraction of the price. You’ll blend in with the Venetians and save your euros for gelato later.

Watch out for the “free” rose scam, too. Friendly folks may offer you flowers and then demand payment. A firm “no grazie” is your best defense.

Hungry? Don’t eat right on the square. Walk a few blocks away to find tastier, cheaper options where the locals dine. Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.

Visiting the basilica? Book ahead online to avoid long queues. Early morning or evening visits mean smaller crowds and better photo ops.

Tempted by a gondola ride from the nearby docks? You’ll pay top dollar there. Find a quieter canal for a more authentic (and affordable) experience.

Remember, Piazza San Marco is magical – just don’t let the magic trick you out of your travel budget!

See Related: Top Tourist Attractions in France

9. Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Romania

You’ve probably heard of Dracula’s Castle, right? Well, get ready for a bit of a letdown. Bran Castle in Romania is marketed as the home of the famous vampire, but it’s more hype than history.

The castle is pretty cool – a 14th-century fortress perched on a hilltop. But it has very little to do with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The author never even visited Romania!

Inside, you’ll find lots of tourists and not much vampire lore. The rooms are filled with furniture and art from Queen Marie of Romania. Nice, but not what you came for.

Tickets aren’t cheap, and the lines can be long. You might spend more time waiting than exploring. And forget about spooky vibes – it’s usually packed with people taking selfies.

Want a real taste of Transylvania? Skip Bran and head to Sighisoara instead. This colorful medieval town is the actual birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, Dracula’s inspiration. You’ll get authentic history without the touristy gimmicks.

Or try Corvin Castle in Hunedoara. It’s less crowded, more impressive, and has real connections to Vlad. Plus, its Gothic architecture is way spookier than Bran’s.

Remember, the best travel experiences often come from less hyped places. Don’t let Bran Castle suck the fun out of your Romanian adventure!