Traveling to someplace you’ve never been is fantastic until you get sucked into tourist traps. First-time visitors can rarely tell if they’re being duped or not until they're back home, so we've compiled a list of some of the most common tourist traps in Europe.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer’s personal beliefs.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Croatia
Lined with tiny cafes with not-so-delicious foods, narrow streets, and tons of tourist crowds, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is hardly the promising destination it seems. Tourists rarely have a chance to explore its landmarks, with overbooked tours that ruin the experience.
Tourist Trap Italian eateries
Most Italian eateries near mainstream attractions like the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are purposely overpriced to attract unsuspecting tourists. You’re better off getting food from other eateries farther from these attractions.
Spanish noon-time lunch
Exhausted tourists are often lured into eating food in Spanish eateries around noon. It’s best to avoid such eateries because locals eat lunch between 2:30 and 4:00 PM, and these eateries serve overpriced stale food to tourists.
Popular Greek islands
While visiting Mykonos and Santorini is tempting, these Greek islands attract most tourists, so everything is overpriced and crowded. It’s better to see other, more underrated Greek islands like Syfnos, Paros, and Aegina.
Bran Castle, Romania
The Dracula Castle is one of the most sought-after destinations, especially for literature buffs. Yet, it’s better to visit other castles in Transylvania; Bran Castle is overcrowded, incredibly expensive, and looks almost exactly like the rest.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland is lined with hot springs, so restricting yourself to the Blue Lagoon isn’t a great idea. The Blue Lagoon charges roughly 40-60 euros for a single visit and surcharges essential services, including food and towels.
Venice, Italy
Most tourists dream of visiting the City of Water, but skimming through Venice and exploring other Italian gems is better. Venetian eateries are overhyped and expensive, and basic activities, including gondola rides, are overcrowded and overpriced.
Paella for dinner
The biggest tourist trap in Spanish eateries is eating paella for dinner. Paella is typically served and eaten during lunchtime, so tourists are not only eating overpriced paella but also stale leftovers from lunch.
Pisa, Italy
Although most tourists flock to Pisa to take creative selfies in front of the Leaning Tower, there isn’t much to do beyond this. Most attractions in Pisa are mundane, overpriced, and lined with annoying street vendors.
Menus with photos
Eateries with menus with photos of the food are typically considered red flags by locals because they strictly cater to foreigners. These eateries offer overhyped and stereotypical food at a high price, so it’s better to go somewhere more local.
Monastiraki Market, Athens
This shopping hub near the Acropolis attracts thousands of tourists, but it’s only lined with costly stores offering tacky souvenirs. The market is a nightmare for claustrophobics and a prime spot for pickpocketing.
Getting cabs in Budapest
You should never hail a cab in Budapest because most cabbies charge extra when they see foreigners. Some cab drivers also go off-track, leading to confusion and the risk of being hurt. It’s better to get a local ridesharing app like Bolt.
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This article was inspired by BuzzFeed and first appeared on Spatula Desserts.
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