Tourism can be a fantastic way to experience new cultures, foods, and sights. However, in some cities, the influx of visitors can be overwhelming, and the behaviour of some tourists can turn what should be a pleasant experience into an annoying one. These are the 18 cities to avoid if you don’t want annoying tourists.
Paris
Condor Ferries reports that “Paris brings in over 30 million tourists a year.” Many come to soak in the culture of this romantic city, while some visitors give Paris a bad reputation. Foreigners here often crowd popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, making it hard for others to enjoy these landmarks.
Venice
Venice is a beautiful, romantic city built on canals, but the charm can quickly fade when faced with the reality of tourist behaviour. The narrow streets and bridges get clogged with visitors who seem to forget that people live and work there—and foreigners often feed pigeons despite the ban, leading to even more birds swarming public spaces.
New York City
Known for its hustle and bustle anyway, visitors to New York City can sometimes take that one step further in frustrating ways. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the city and often stop in the middle of busy pavements to check maps or take photos, creating pedestrian traffic jams.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city with stunning architecture and beaches, but the influx of travellers can be a headache. Locals often complain about loud and disruptive behaviour, particularly from young travellers enjoying the nightlife. The popularity of attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell means they are often packed, and the historic areas can feel more like a tourist trap than a living city.
Rome
Another famous European city where tourists can get annoying is Rome. Its rich history and iconic landmarks attract millions of people, but not all of them are respectful of the city’s heritage. The Colosseum and Vatican City are frequently packed with tourists, many of whom engage in behaviour that is frowned upon, such as climbing on ancient structures or taking inappropriate photos. Street vendors and selfie-stick sellers also cater to the constant stream of visitors.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks, but popular areas like Khao San Road are notorious for loud, drunk foreigners who can be disrespectful to the local culture and traditions. While constant bargaining in markets is a local norm, those looking for the best deal often take it to extremes.
Amsterdam
The relaxed vibe and scenic canals of Amsterdam attract visitors from around the world, but not all people who travel there are well-behaved. The Red Light District and coffee shops can draw a rowdy crowd, leading to noise and disruption in residential areas, and some treat the city as a playground.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a city that blends the ultramodern with traditional culture, making it a magnet for tourists. However, the massive number of visitors can lead to frustration, especially in popular districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Non-locals often have a hard time navigating the city’s complex public transportation system, resulting in congestion, too.
Prague
The fairy-tale architecture and historic charm of Prague make it a top destination, but the city’s popularity comes with downsides. The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are often so crowded that it’s hard to move, let alone enjoy the scenery, and pub crawls and party tourism have also become an issue.
Las Vegas
While it’s obvious that Las Vegas is built for tourists, with its flashy casinos, shows, and nightlife, some behaviours can be grating even in a city known for its excess. Drunkenness and rowdiness are common, particularly on the Strip, where visitors often disregard basic decorum.
London
London is a city that blends history with modernity, attracting millions of foreigners each year. However, the actions of some visitors can be particularly annoying, especially around the city’s famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, which are often packed. Tourists frequently block sidewalks and streets to take photos and ignore the rules about touching the Royal Guard’s horses.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s stunning Old Town, featured in popular TV shows and movies, has brought an influx of travellers that sometimes overwhelms the small city. The narrow streets and historic sites are often packed, making it hard to appreciate the beauty and history, not to mention the daily arrival of cruise ships.
Phuket
It might be a tropical paradise, but the actions of some non-locals can be anything but serene in Phuket. The island’s beaches and nightlife attract a party crowd that can be loud and disrespectful. Overcrowding is a significant issue, especially during peak season, making it hard to find a quiet spot on the beach.
Santorini
Santorini’s breathtaking views and romantic sunsets make it a top destination, but the island struggles with overtourism. During the high season, the small towns are overwhelmed, making navigating the narrow streets and enjoying the sights difficult. Cruise ships contribute significantly to the problem, with thousands of passengers descending on the island daily.
Honolulu
With its beautiful beaches and tropical weather, Honolulu is a dream destination for many, but the city can also be a hotspot for annoying behaviour. Waikiki Beach is often packed with visitors, making it hard to find a spot to relax, and these tourists sometimes disregard local customs and traditions, which can be frustrating for residents.
Berlin
Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a popular destination, but the influx of people wanting to experience it can lead to issues. Popular areas like Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate are often crowded, making it hard to enjoy the city’s attractions.
Kyoto
The actions of some non-locals in Kyoto, known for its beautiful temples and traditional culture, can be particularly irritating. Many visitors crowd the popular sites, making it difficult to appreciate their beauty and serenity—and some tourists disregard the rules, such as taking photos in restricted areas.
Cancun
One final place which sees a lot of problematic visitors is Cancun: a top destination for beach lovers and party-goers, but the behaviour of some can be off-putting. The city’s nightlife attracts a crowd that can be loud and disruptive, especially in hotel zones, and overcrowded beaches and environmental damage caused by those who don’t respect the natural beauty can be significant issues.
