If you’re hoping to spend next summer in Europe, regardless of where, you’re in luck–there’s just so much to do! Amongst the delightful sun, incredible food and friendly locals, there are a whole lot of cultural attractions to fill your itinerary with. However, you should be careful with how you spend your time and money, because a lot of the most famous attractions are, quite frankly, tourist traps. So, to ensure you spend your time in Europe wisely, you might want to avoid the following most overrated attractions that locals will avoid.
The Mona Lisa at The Louvre, Paris
While the Louvre is undeniably magnificent, the Mona Lisa tends to disappoint most visitors. Why? Well, not many people realise just how tiny the painting is, which is dwarfed even further by the crowd fighting for a glimpse. Worse still, the protective glass and barriers make it feel even more distant, leaving locals wondering why anyone would prioritise this over the museum’s vast and varied collection of masterpieces.
La Rambla, Barcelona
Even though La Rambla might be Barcelona’s most famous street, locals rarely go near it. Think of it like London’s Oxford Street or Leicester Square; it’s packed with overpriced eateries and persistent street performers and has little to offer beyond a touristy experience. Instead, we’d recommend heading to nearby neighbourhoods such as El Raval or Gràcia, both of which feel far more authentic and brimming with Catalan character.
Manneken Pis, Brussels
Next up, this tiny statue of a urinating boy attracts hordes of tourists in Brussels, but locals don’t quite get the fuss. Sure, it’s kind of quirky, but the size and simplicity leave many unimpressed. Furthermore, the surrounding area is filled with tacky souvenir shops which doesn’t help its charm.
The Colosseum, Rome
It might seem insane to visit Rome without checking out The Colosseum, but while it’s certainly an ancient wonder, the constant queues and pricey tickets turn many off. You’ll find that Rome’s residents often recommend exploring the city’s other ruins and lesser-known landmarks, which offer just as much history without the chaos.
Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
Berliners often see Checkpoint Charlie as a tourist trap rather than a meaningful historical site, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by souvenir stands and staged performances, it feels more commercial than educational. At the end of the day, the city’s museums provide a far more insightful look at the Cold War era.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
Even though the Leaning Tower is undoubtedly iconic, locals find the surrounding experience underwhelming. The area is teeming with vendors and crowds posing for the same clichéd photos, and anyway–Pisa has plenty of other beautiful spots that are often overlooked.
Venice’s Gondola Rides
Unless you’re ready to spend a fortune, we wouldn’t recommend the Gondola rides in Venice. Yes, they’re iconic, but they come with a hefty price tag and an overly commercial feel. Rather than wasting your time and money on this, Venetians suggest taking the Vaporetto (water bus) instead, which offers a much more affordable and authentic way to see the city’s canals.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
If you’re staying in the UK for a more local vacation, think carefully about whether you really want to invest money and time into visiting Stonehenge. Obviously, it’s a prehistoric marvel, but the viewing experience leaves much to be desired. You’re kept at a distance from the stones, and the atmosphere can feel sterile. If you do plan on visiting, you should check it out during a Summer or Winter solstice when the stones are less restricted and the vibe is less touristy.
Santorini’s Sunset at Oia
Anyone who has visited Santorini can vouch for its sunsets being stunning, but the overcrowding at Oia tends to spoil the magic. Locals often head to quieter spots on the island to soak in the view, leaving the bustling crowds behind. It’s a classic case of too much hype for too little space.
The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
Over in Denmark, Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue sits perched on a rock, and it baffles most visitors–but not in a good way. Locals find it amusing that the city’s vibrant culture and architecture are overlooked in favour of this modest figure. Ultimately, it’s an underwhelming focal point in an otherwise dynamic city.
The Spanish Steps, Rome
A staircase is still just a staircase, no matter how famous, and, therefore, locals often bypass the Spanish Steps, which are more crowded than captivating. The surrounding area, full of charming streets and squares, is far more rewarding to explore, so if you do plan on visiting the Spanish Steps, don’t hype it up or you’ll undoubtedly be underwhelmed.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
While poignant and important, Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House can feel overly commercialised and exhausting with its long queues and limited space. Amsterdammers tend to recommend other museums in the city that provide a broader understanding of its wartime history. If you insist on visiting this attraction, be prepared to have to book weeks in advance.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
As with other attractions on this list, you might deem it to be mad to visit Paris without checking out The Eiffel Tower. However, this attraction dominates the Paris skyline, so you’re not going to miss it, and the queues, cost, and commercial atmosphere overshadow the experience of directly visiting the tower. Just check out the view from Montmartre or the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont instead, rather than paying through the nose for a disappointing experience.
Prague’s Astronomical Clock
People flock to see the hourly show at Prague’s Astronomical Clock every day, but it’s a classic example of style over substance. Unsurprisingly, locals will actively avoid the crush of tourists gathering for this brief, underwhelming spectacle; they’ll no doubt tell you to explore the city’s stunning architecture instead.
The Acropolis, Athens
Yes, The Acropolis is undeniably grand, but the crowds and scorching Athens heat can be more off-putting than you’d expect. Sure, go ahead and visit it in the off-season, but personally, we’d recommend exploring other ancient ruins nearby, which offer a more relaxed experience.
The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
If you find yourself visiting Vatican City, keep in mind that, while the Sistine Chapel is breathtaking, the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds can ruin the moment. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you to focus on seeing the Vatican Museums’ other sections, which are equally impressive and much less stressful.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Believe it or not, local Icelanders often suggest skipping The Blue Lagoon, despite it being the country’s most famous attraction. Why? Well, it’s overpriced and overrun, unlike the rest of the country’s natural hot springs, which provide a far more authentic and peaceful experience.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls
We’re not going to claim that Dubrovnik’s Old Town isn’t beautiful, but the cruise ship crowds make it feel stifling. Because of this, locals frequently skip the main walls, suggesting visitors wander the quieter parts of the city for a more genuine experience. We’d recommend the same!
The London Eye, London
Ending on a more local note, The London Eye offers great views, but the cost and queues don’t appeal to locals in the slightest. Like, come on–London has so many free viewpoints like Primrose Hill or Greenwich Park, all of which deliver equally stunning panoramas without the hassle and cost of being stuck on a ferris wheel.
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