22 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community
Article created by: Oleg Tarasenko
Even in our crazy and constantly changing world, there is one constant thing – people’s passion for travel. Since the end of the pandemic, tourism, both domestic and international, has been growing for the third year in a row. No wonder – people want new experiences.
Today, almost the entire globe is available to travelers – the only question is money and the right choice of destination. Moreover, you may realize that some incredibly popular places of interest are actually greatly overrated. The corresponding online threads come to help tourists. Such, for example, as this thread in the AskReddit community.
More info: Reddit
Don’t go to England just to see Stonehenge. You will be bitterly disappointed. That being said, if you are in England, and you do want to see Stonehenge, spend time in Salisbury as well., enjoy the scenery on the way there and back. Spend time exploring the area around Waterloo station in London.
Be a traveler, not a tourist.
If you come to San Francisco, Pier 39 is a tourist trap. It’s just a long outdoor mall filled with useless tchotchkes. Instead, opt for the golden gate bridge, golden gate park, ocean beach, or one of our various arts and science museums.
I’ve traveled to over 30 countries and all 50 states. It’s less about a city and more about specific areas within one. You can find local chill areas anywhere just as you can tourist trap areas.
Example New Orleans: tourist trap – Bourbon Street. Local spots – magazine, garden district, Frenchman (though tourists are starting to find it).
Example Orlando: tourist trap- I drive, the parks, basically anywhere south of downtown. Local – milk district, Mills, winter Park, etc.
Example Dublin Ireland: tourist trap- Temple bar. Local- Stoneybatter, kilmainham, etc.
You get the point
I don’t think people understand what a “Tourist Trap” is. You can argue that Times Square is a tourist trap, but it’s ridiculous to say that the entire city is a trap. The London Eye could be a trap, but not London.
Magnolia Market in Waco, TX. It’s basically a giant gift shop for Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. Wife dragged me there and it was so busy you couldn’t even do anything. It sucked.
In Canada, the Capilano Bridge was rated as the country’s worst tourist trap. Private park in North Vancouver with a swaying drooping pedestrian bridge across a small canyon. $80 admission. There is a similar bridge for free on a public park nearby. For that price I’d rather visit the Peak-to-Peak gondola ride between mountain tops in Whistler.
Gatlinburg, TN.
That place is a tourist hell-hole. Good luck actually finding historical buildings and monuments.
Istanbul! As a woman alone is a complete nightmare, you will get harassed and stalked. If you’re a male alone you have 90% chances of being scammed.
Istanbul is amazing but not a place for solo travel! Beware and mind your surroundings. Trust no one.
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fran.
Thousands of better things to do in San Francisco than see this unremarkable stupid wharf of pointless shopping.
Edit: Fisherman’s Wharf not Pacific Wharf.
And yes the seals/sea lions are def it’s only saving grace
SF Giants game in SF.
You can tell who isn’t from the city because they are all heading to the store to buy hoodies and jackets half way through the game when the cold/fog/rain rolls in after it’s been warm and sunny all day.
