25 tourist traps that are still worth getting into (26 photos)

9 October 2024

There are many interesting places that are worth visiting while traveling. It is impossible to fly to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower or be in Rome and not throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. However, such attractions often become tourist traps. Expectations may not coincide with reality: queues, crowds, dirt, fabulous prices. Fortunately, sophisticated tourists are ready to share their experiences and impressions with us.

1. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

"I remember walking in and it took my breath away. It's a special place."

2. Hobbiton, New Zealand

"If you like Tolkien's works at all, then the opportunity to visit Hobbiton will make you very happy."

3. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

"The Roman Colosseum is amazing. We were able to see the lower levels as well."

"Be brave! Real adventures begin outside your comfort zone, so be prepared for discomfort... hitchhike, live in a tent, find accommodation using the CouchSurfing network, don't talk on the phone - choose real communication. Travel is the best teacher, and When you leave your comfort zone, learn new skills, see new places, encounter different opinions, you have a tremendous opportunity to grow,” says seasoned traveler Will Hutton.

4. Niagara Falls, USA

"Niagara Falls is a giant tourist trap, but it's still incredible. I loved the Maid of the Mist ferry ride."

5. Kyoto, Japan

"Kyoto is full of tourists, but it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world."

6. Excursions by bus

"Bus tours are a great way to get to know a new city. If the bus is double-decker, be sure to sit on the top floor near the window."

7. Venice, Italy

"Venice is amazing."

8. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

"It's a popular tourist site, and certainly impressive and iconic. You can skip the tour of the interior (which isn't much of anything special), but you'll get free admiration of the exterior architecture."

9. Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

"Much has been filmed and written about the Wadi Rum desert and the ancient city of Petra. Crowds of tourists flock here, but they do not distract from the breathtaking scenery."

10. Grand Canyon, USA

"The crowds here are crazy, especially on weekends and holidays, but once you get a little further down the trail the crowds become less crowded. I've also heard that the north slope is beautiful and much less popular, but it's a long drive."

11. Alcatraz, San Francisco, USA

"Worth seeing. Take a tour of the chambers and the island."

12. Machu Picchu, Peru

“If you decide to get to the place by bus, the trip will give you an adrenaline rush. Believe me, not a single photo can convey the beauty of this place.”

13. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

"Lots of tourists, no doubt. Stunning creations, no doubt."

14. Oktoberfest, Germany

“I thought it would be too expensive and not tasty, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. Everything was very authentic.”

15. Louvre and Versailles, Paris

"Plenty of people, but still amazing sights."

16. Cinque Terre, Italy

"Love at first sight".

17. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

"Bonus if you walk on it."

18. Pompeii, Italy

"Open-air museum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site."

19. Spice market in Istanbul, Türkiye

“This bazaar has a special atmosphere and the prices are quite reasonable.”

20. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

"The Trevi Fountain is mesmerizing and inspiring."

21. Basilica of Sacré-Coeur, Paris, France

“For a few euros you can climb the 300 steps to the observation deck. You will be treated to breathtaking views!”

22. Maldives

"There is nothing interesting here except resorts, palm trees, azure ocean and perfect white sand beaches. Absolute paradise."

23. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

"Yes, there are cheaper places. Yes, there are quieter places. I've been to many, but I would still come back here for the hundredth time."

24. Big Buddha, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

“I will never forget this day. I was scared to death when I saw the cable car with a transparent bottom. And even the cloudy weather did not spoil the impression.”

25. Golden Circle, Iceland

"An unforgettable adventure." The route starts in Reykjavik, passes through central Iceland and returns back to Reykjavik. The duration of the excursion is 8 hours.