Tourist Traps to Avoid in Popular Destinations

Every popular destination has them—those overhyped, overpriced, overcrowded attractions that leave you wondering, Why did I even bother? Tourist traps promise unforgettable experiences but often deliver long lines, sky-high prices, and underwhelming sights.

But here’s the thing: avoiding tourist traps doesn’t mean skipping famous landmarks. It just means being smart about where you go, when you go, and what you do instead. Let’s break down some of the biggest travel letdowns—and how to experience these destinations without the hassle.

Paris: The Eiffel Tower Summit

The Trap:

Yes, the Eiffel Tower is iconic, but paying a hefty fee to squeeze into an overcrowded elevator just to spend 30 minutes at the top? Not worth it. Long lines, overpriced tickets, and the fact that you can’t see the Eiffel Tower from the Eiffel Tower make this one a classic letdown.

What to Do Instead:

Head to Montparnasse Tower or Sacre-Cœur in Montmartre for stunning panoramic views—with the Eiffel Tower in your shot. Or, grab a picnic and admire the tower from Champ de Mars or the Trocadéro Gardens, where you can appreciate it in full without spending a dime.

Rome: The Trevi Fountain at Midday

The Trap:

It’s one of the most famous fountains in the world, but visiting during peak hours means battling massive crowds just to toss in a coin and snap a rushed photo. Pickpockets thrive in the chaos, and good luck getting a moment of peace.

What to Do Instead:

Go at sunrise. The early morning light makes the fountain even more magical, and you’ll actually get to enjoy it without hundreds of selfie sticks blocking your view. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, check out Fontana dell’Acqua Paola—just as beautiful, with a fraction of the tourists.

New York City: Times Square Dining

The Trap:

Times Square is dazzling at night, but eating at one of its tourist-filled chain restaurants? A guaranteed waste of money. Overpriced food, mediocre quality, and the kind of atmosphere that screams tourist trap.

What to Do Instead:

Walk a few blocks. Neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen, West Village, and East Village have incredible food at reasonable prices. Want a classic New York slice? Skip the chains and try Joe’s Pizza or Prince Street Pizza instead.

Bangkok: Floating Markets Near the City

The Trap:

The floating markets close to Bangkok (like Damnoen Saduak) are heavily commercialized, with vendors catering mostly to tourists instead of locals. Expect inflated prices, aggressive sales tactics, and a staged experience.

What to Do Instead:

For a more authentic experience, visit Amphawa Floating Market, which is smaller, more local, and much less crowded. If you really want to see how traditional floating markets operate, head to Tha Kha Market, where farmers still trade from boats like they’ve done for centuries.

Venice: Gondola Rides in the Grand Canal

The Trap:

Yes, a gondola ride sounds romantic, but at €80–100 for 30 minutes, it’s more of a tourist tax than a must-do. The Grand Canal is often busy with motorboats and other gondolas, making the experience less peaceful than expected.

What to Do Instead:

Take a traghetto—a shared gondola used by locals to cross the Grand Canal—for just a couple of euros. If you’re set on a gondola ride, opt for a quieter side canal in Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for a more intimate (and less chaotic) experience.

London: Madame Tussauds

The Trap:

Paying over £30 to see wax figures of celebrities? Unless you have a deep love for life-sized sculptures of famous people, this is a pricey way to kill time. The long lines and underwhelming experience make it one of London’s biggest tourist traps.

What to Do Instead:

Use that money for something more unique—like exploring Sir John Soane’s Museum, a hidden gem filled with fascinating art and artifacts, or taking a free walking tour to uncover London’s history and secrets.

Dubai: The “Desert Safari” Experience

The Trap:

Many desert safari tours pack dozens of tourists into 4x4s for a rushed, bumpy ride over the dunes, followed by a generic buffet dinner and a belly dance performance in a crowded camp. It’s more of a mass-production tourist factory than a true desert adventure.

What to Do Instead:

For a real desert experience, book with a company that offers smaller, eco-friendly tours. Try a private or small-group sunset safari, or spend the night at a desert retreat for a more peaceful and authentic experience.

How to Spot (and Avoid) a Tourist Trap Anywhere

Not traveling to these specific places? No worries—tourist traps follow similar patterns worldwide. Here’s how to avoid them:

If it’s on every “must-do” list but locals avoid it, be skeptical.
If it has an entry fee but no real cultural or historical value, skip it.
If restaurants have someone outside trying to pull you in, keep walking.
If an experience seems staged or overly commercialized, find an alternative.
If prices seem absurdly high compared to local standards, it’s probably a ripoff.

Some iconic attractions are worth the crowds and costs—like the Colosseum or the Louvre—but for everything else, there’s usually a better, more authentic way to experience a destination.

So next time you travel, think like a local, do a little extra research, and seek out the hidden gems. Your experience will be richer (and your wallet will thank you).