The eiffel tower at night when it's all lit up is MAGICAL. Also we did a river cruise around golden hour and seeing the eiffel tour at that time was so beautiful.
The Colosseum is amazing. Sometimes when you go to a famous place that you've seen in textbooks, you get that sense of "Holy cow, it's the REAL THING and I'm REALLY HERE!" The Colosseum did that for me. It's an incredible feeling to see history alive in front of you.
I'm not sure if others would consider this a tourist trap but Sagrada Familia is definitely worth seeing. After seeing a bunch of different cathedrals around Europe I was skeptical about seeing another one, but Sagrada Familia is so unique. I could spend hours looking at the different scenes depicted both inside and outside the cathedral. I can't wait to see it again once it's finished!
@@jimbrennan1181 Last time I went they had been removed out of the men's bathroom on the main level. Maybe they still exist elsewhere because the place is huge.
@@JustinCase780 Thanks, and you are correct! I only found one, and it was not in the toilette, it was in a hallway near the kitchen. I had a feeling that there had been a lot more previously but I also wasn't sure if I was just missing them.
The Alhambra. One of the best tourist sights in Spain. What's good is how well executed the Nasrid Palace tour times are. By forcing everyone to book early limited time tickets, you actually don't feel overwhelmed by crowds. Also, Granada is way more than just the Alhambra. Spend at least 4 days there to see everything else the city has to offer.
I just realised I've been to most of these 'Tourist Traps'. I've enjoyed seeing them all. Heading off to Europe again in a couple of weeks and finishing up in Athens. Informative video as always Mark.
I've done many of these "tourist traps" and most all are worth it one time during a trip. Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, Hofbräuhaus, Tower of London, Marienplatz etc. Some though, like Collosseum and Pantheon in Rome, I could happily see over and over. Never tire of anything in Rome.
There is a reason they are tourist traps - they are worth it! As you said - at least once! Love all of those places you mentioned. I would add Manneken Pis as well - yes, you only need to see it once, but it is worth it. Central Park or Times Square as well - it is electric. Central Park is an oasis of calm in a hectic city and worth a walk around to get some zen :)
Venice is insane during the summer. But it is just incredible. Stunning. Nothing like it in the world. I agree with him about the Beefeater tour. Really, really cool.
The royal mile in Edinburgh up to the castle. It is very much a tourist trap. But there is good food and fun shops and bagpipes and haggis neeps and taters and well to me it’s worth it.
Spent a night in Pisa on the way to Rome, so I took an early morning walk to see the tower before catching the train. Honestly thought it was really cool. Definitely worth it if you don’t have to go too far out of your way.
The Hofbräuhaus definitely attracts many tourists. But I must say, the prices in the Hofbräuhaus are within the normal price range in Munich and the food is good quality. So I'm not sure, if it's really a “tourist trap”. Even I - born and raised in Munich - go there from time to time.
In Rome, having a drink or even food while sitting across from the Pantheon, and, taking in the historical ambiance of Caffe Antica Greco with a 9 Euro coffee drink- both worth every penny.
I never realized how lucky I was when I went to the Louvre. There was almost nobody in the room when I saw the Mona Lisa, so I was able to get as close as was allowed.
I don't know whether it's considered a tourist trap, but since you are mentioning the view and surroundings; one of my most memorable experiences I had when I was in Vienna, was having a piece of Sachertorte and a cup of tea at the terrace of legendary Hotel Sacher. An old dream came true! 🙂
The Palace of Versailles was worth every bit of its €20 price tag. I recommend booking in advance, and going in the summer. I was there in November, and by the time I was done inside, there wasn't time to check out the gardens and grounds before dark. 100% would go again.
I definitely enjoyed visiting Stonehenge. I recommend a tour that includes visiting the inner circle if you can. You have to plan way ahead as they are very limited and only available before opening or after closing. The tour I was on was an all-day thing, but only the first part was Stonehenge, then we drove on to our next stop.
I went to Athens in February last year. Sunny, 20 degrees celsius. 0 queue to access the Acropolis and about 50 people on top of the Acropolis. It was great!
GREAT video with lots of great information. I totally agree with you on ALL of these. If I were to add one to this list, I'd add the Sistine Chapel. I mean, yes, it's a masterpiece and yes, it's beautiful but is it worth the hours and hours of touring the Vatican museum and then the packed crowd in the chapel and they, how much of it do you really see when you're staring up at the ceiling and the guards are constantly shushing you.
Yes. The Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum were definitely a suboptimal experience. Guide cracking the whip the entire time. No stopping at anything. Hall of Maps? More like Hall of Covid! What a sea of people. Next time, will go on our own with an audioguide, and plan on spending most of the day.
Definitely going to check out Krakow's main square in August. Will try to see the Da Vinci painting in Krakow. Also going to make the day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Will also check out regional museums in Katowice and Wroclaw.
We've been to almost all of those sights & loved every one! The tip is to get going early. We were 2 of 4 people when taking pics of Mona Lisa. We are also all about the backroads & getting off the beaten track. It's all good!
A tourist trap that is worth it is Park Guell in Barcelona. It is a whole park with Gaudi (architect of the Sagrada Familia) design and the best part is you can snake around up to the top of the mountain it's on and see the whole city laid before you. Best views ive ever had in a city. But definitely plan getting your tickets, they only let so many in at a time.
Been to most of these & agree that they are worth visiting at least once. Santorini is gorgeous (spent a day). Stonehenge was a few hours, then we went on to Salisbury & Bath. Louvre has so many wonderful works besides Mona Lisa & Musee d'Orsay is fantastic, especially if you like Impressionists & Post Impressionists. Some other European tourist traps - Leaning of Tower of Pisa (great for a photo, visit cathedral next door), Trevi Fountain in Rome, Las Ramblas in Barcelona - all incredibly crowded. Love your channel!
I really liked Versailles. I thought that was worth seeing. I walked to the Eiffel tower last year but didn't pay to go in. The Tower of London was really good. The Temple Bar is brilliant!! Love Ireland
Don't know if it qualifies as a tourist trap, but the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. You only need to go once, but it's well worth it. Afternoon Tea in London, boat ride on the Thames. I agree with what you included as well. Santorini is on my list.
@@theunraveler I'm so sorry! They are released on Tuesday at a certain time there (you have to do the math and figure out what time it is where you live)--it happened to be 1am here, but if you get on your computer at exactly that time 6 weeks before you're going to be there, you'll get tickets. It's amazing how fast they sell out. I missed the Van Gogh museum for the same reason. Didn't book ahead. :( I hope you get to go back to see it. It's heart wrenching but well worth seeing. Make sure you do something fun after going there. ;)
In addition to Bath, taking a full day for Stonehenge is worth it if you add Avebury and Solsbury Hill etc. Do a tour of all of the local prehistoric sites.
the beefeater tour was fantastic! They are very knowledgeable and also interest people themselves (they are all former military service people) that have to have certain achievements to be considered for the job. Plus, the tour of London has so much to see.
My wife and I have done the Hofbrauhaus and Temple Bar and some other tourist traps when we've traveled but we mixed in some off the beaten path stuff too. The point of travel is to see what others have seen and experience them in your own way. Would we do Temple Bar if we want back to Dublin again? Nope, but we can say we did and at least know that it wasn't something we wanted to to do again. If someone does those tourist trap-ish places and loves them, then good for them. Travel should make you happy, and not be used as some form of world traveler street cred to display on IG.
Thanks for the Beefeater Tour tip! Heading to London in 3 weeks and was debating how to see the Tower of London. Will book the tour after your recommendation!
don't get discouraged from going to any touristy place. you never know when or if you'll be back at all. I'm so glad we went to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, palace of Versailles. I was almost discouraged because of watching so many videos that considered those places "tourist traps"
Definitely Stonehenge. I would also recommend 221 B Baker Street. Going there was one of the best decisions I made when I visited England. I’ve never been fond of tourist traps, but going to 221 B Baker Street was an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to return and take my sister.
Wonderful true video. Most of these "Tourist Traps" I have been to and thoroughly enjoyed. Totally agree that these are worth seeing. I crossed into East Berlin when the wall was up, guns and guards....Scary though at that time.
Hallstatt. GORGEOUS, but overcrowded with tourists during the day. The restaurants along the water provide excellent views but not so good food. The salt mine tour there is worth it, at least once.
My sister in law and I had a saying regarding overpriced food in touristy areas. (Allowing for inflation because it was $4 when we started) "Shut up and eat your $15 hot dog." even if they don't sell hot dogs, that's just our saying. When you're in Piazza San Marco and a coffee and tiramisu is $30 ... you're in Piazza San Marco! "Shut up and eat your $4 hot dog." When you're in Sky Garden or Galata Tower and your Coke costs you $20 "shut up and eat your $4 hot dog" - you're there for the view!
Wollers World: Can you recommend a Santorini or Mykonos alternative? I would say the Roman Forum (several times) and the Colosseum tour at least once. When you are IN there, you get a scope of how big it really is! The tower of London tour is worth EVERY penny!!! Your guides (the Beefeaters) are retired soldiers and they are excellent! Next time I'm there I'm going again. The Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace BUT go to Whitehall where they are lined up, being inspected, the band forming up and then marching out. THAT is truly cool but a lot of people don't know about that part. The Mona Lisa for me was disappointing BUT the Louvre has so much more to offer, even in that gallery. If I were planning a trip to Paris though I would go off season. The Eiffel Tower is very cool!
Two in Rome that are definitely worth it: 1. Apertivi in the evening in front of the Pantheon. It's expensive (something like $50 or $60 for two in winter--a meal of appetizers and drinks) but worth it to watch life go by on that piazza. 2. The Sistine Chapel. I've been several times and it just amazes me every time. The Pieta in St. Peter's is also heartbreakingly beautiful even if the rest of St. Peter's leaves me a bit flat.
Yeah, the Acropolis, Santorini, the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, the beerhall in Munich, and the tour of the Tower of London were all worth it. I would add the Alhambra, the ruins of Delphi, and Pompeii. Amazing places to visit, even if they are busy. I still think about those trips to this day. And yeah, I overpaid for some food at a restaurant in Nyhavn Copenhagen just to enjoy the views and people watching on a summer evening. No regrets!
Wolter the best time to visit Acropolis Parthenon, is late February - early March. Half the ticket price, not hot at all (waer a jacket pls) and on a sunny day its majestic!
I’d personally skip Checkpoint Charlie and only visit it if it’s part of a larger itinerary walking tour. La Sagrada Familia on the other hand is absolutely worth a visit!
As our June European adventure nears we have several of these on our itinerary, knowing they are must do's at least one time. The Beefeater tour is one that I had not considered so may find time for it the week we are in London.
Tip for the gondola drive: share with it someone. At least when we were there on our honeymoon (2018) they wouldnt let you share it with other people outside of your circle. So before booking a ride we found another family and asked them if they want to go together as if we were together. It was much cheaper and we also got couple of photos and had a lovely time.
My list of Tourist Traps that are worth at least one visit: 1. Big Ben - London 🇬🇧 2. Schonbrunn Palace - Vienna 🇦🇹 3. Parliament Building - Budapest 🇭🇺 4. Times Square - New York 🇺🇲 5. Taksim Square - Istanbul 🇹🇷 6. Any IKEA store - Sweden 🇸🇪 7. The Black Taxi Tours - Belfast 🇬🇧 8. Shibuya Crossing - Tokyo 🇯🇵 9. Disney World - Orlando 🇺🇲 10. Niagara Falls - Ontario 🇨🇦 11. Berghain (if you can get in) - Berlin 🇩🇪 12. Bike Tours - Amsterdam 🇳🇱 13. Tenerife - Canary Islands 🇪🇸 14. Pasteis de Belem - Lisbon 🇵🇹 15. TukTuk or Bike Rides Through the Busy Streets - Bangkok 🇹🇭 16. Japanese Curry Restaurants - Tokyo 🇯🇵 17. Palace of Culture - Warsaw 🇵🇱 18. Royal Mile - Edinburgh 🏴 19. Cologne Cathedral - Koln 🇩🇪 20. Marienplatz - Munchen 🇩🇪 21. Anywhere in Salzburg - 🇦🇹 22. State Opera - Vienna 🇦🇹 23. Old Town Square - Prague 🇨🇿 24. East Side Gallery - Berlin 🇩🇪 25. Sistine Chapel - The Vatican 🇻🇦 26. Park Guell - Barcelona 🇪🇸 27. The Swiss Alps - Switzerland 🇨🇭 28. Petite France - Strasbourg 🇫🇷 29. Duomo di Milano - Milan 🇮🇹 30. Montmartre - Paris 🇫🇷 31. Blue Lagoon on Comino Island - Malta 🇲🇹
Yes, I’ve been to Harrod’s twice. Tourist trap? Maybe, but fabulous and yes, we did purchase items. I have been to many of the “tourist traps” you have mentioned, but the Louvre in Paris still eludes me. We missed it on our first trip, and it was closed on Tuesday on our second trip. One day I will have a selfie with the Mona Lisa. 🙏
I'm going to Santorini this July for Akrotiri alone. It's worth persevering with the throngs of tourists to see one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
I agree - some of those "tourist traps" really are something you should at least see once. Neuschwanstein falls into this for me. Not really a repeat place but it's neat to see it and take the whirlwind tour. You've mentioned before that hey, if it's something YOU want to see, then see it! It's your trip! Thr HB Haus is fun- gives you thay stereotypical beerhall experience but yes! We're fans of Augustiner Keller, too.
I really like the perspective of this video. Sometimes tourist traps are that for a reason. And well, if you're visiting you are a tourist! Glad you mentioned Santorini because I have wanted to go there for a long time and have always wondered if it would still be a good experience with the crowds. I'm not sure I agree about the Mona Lisa or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but I also say that from the perspective of someone who has seen them and doesn't need to see them again. Maybe I would feel differently if I'd never seen them.
I just arrived yesterday from my Germany trip and I agree with you on the Hofbrauhaus. You have to go there at least once. I loved the atmosphere, the band and the Ein Maas Dunkel Riedle beer (I probably got the name all wrong 😆) which was a 1 L dark beer that has a lemonade flavor. I really enjoyed it. Just a heads up for everyone else, Mark mentions the Pergamonmuseum and it was most likely opened at the time of him filming it, but it's currently closed for 2-3 years for restoration...that and the Deutsche Museum which had all the historical artifacts of German history were closed for the same reason when I was there which was disappointing, but a good excuse for me to go back to Berlin some day.
I love ferris wheels so you can bet I have been on the London Eye at least 3 times and I would go again. When in Istanbul, go to a dinner show / cruise. Most of them have great dance shows (support my fellow dancers :-) ) Or just see the show at Hodjapasha.
worth it tourist trap in budapest is on the buda side the hilton hotel has the white raven skybar i live here and i did it once last week cuz we had guests from canada and i highly recommend it cuz it has the best view panoramic of the whole city both sides of he river. I highly recommend it! make reservations thats what we did for drinks well worth it i promise
I remember going to Venice and wanting to ride the Gondolas. Then I got off the tourist bus and the smell nearly overwhelmed and I even saw raw sewage in the water. I was like yep thats a big nope for me. If I get tipped into that water our poor boat captain will never be seen again. Venice was so wild. Ill never forget the smell of fresh baked pastries, sewage and mildew. As for other Tourist traps I loved the Castles. I went to the Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle in Austria and they were amazing. The Eagles Nest was a wild place too. You can see multiple countries from its viewpoint. Its breathtaking and sinister all at the same time.
For those visiting Stonehenge, just spend an hour there and then spend the rest of the day in the neighbouring city of Salisbury (nearest city to Stonehenge in fact), which is much closer than Bath and also very stunning in its own way.
My picks for good tourist traps that you’ll love Ice Bar in Stockholm ABBA Museum in Stockholm Madame Tussaud’s London Rock Circus in London The part of the Eisbach River in the English Garden where the people surf (Munich) Mozart’s Birthplace Museum in Salzburg Mannekin Pis in Brussels (I have never been in Belgium)
Blessed to say I’ve been to/done all of these. Travel Hack for Stonehenge: Go during any equinox. Due to religious rights they allow the local pagans to do their rituals inside the Stones at sunrise for an hour or 2. It was an incredible experience that I would do again. You don’t have to partake in the ritual you can frolick freely in and around the stones. It’s Incredible to see the sheer size of them
whenever you're visting italy, go see the leaning tower of pisa. the city centre might be a bit generic, but it's stll nice for when you wanna walk around. the leaning tower is still the only attraction, but there is also a ot of beaches in the neigbourhood(if you enjoy the beach or sunbathing) i would still advice you to consider pisa for your itinary
Hey Wolters - you have the Pisa Tower on the picture, but didn't talk about it - we saw it with my wife and like it - definitely I will never visit the Stonehedge - doesn't look like a place I will want to visit - another thing is that not everyone have the chance to go more than once in their lives to the same place - specially if we livecin another continent - I consider that my wife and I had been very lucky to visit Spain - France 23 years ago - last year we got the chance to come back to Europe and visited Italy - we loved it - and yes if any one goes to París definitely needs to see the Ifel Tower and not only be there go all the way up - highly recommended, also see the Monalisa - its really small and little disapointed, but is worth it, but enjoy as much as you can the museum, and enjoy everything you can when you are there - there I mean anywhere you go - you know why? You never know if you will ever going to come back to that place
Santorinin - go to Akrotiri, so worth it. Temple Bar has Hadley's where you can get Welsh pasties and you are close to the Irish Whisky Museum. The Parthenon - start off by going to the top of nearby Philipoppus Hill, then go to the upper, backside entrance to the Acropolis. For fun, do Lycabetus Hill, and the stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held and stand on the podiums. Pisa - everyone thinks it is just the Leaning Tower, but in the same area is a wonderful church and baptistry, and parts of the old city walls and gates. If you walk some you can walk on part of the old city walls, and see the remains of the old fort. You can spend most of a day there and if you are in Florence (Firenze) it is an easy train ride away. nDitto Bologna.
Stonehenge is absolutely amazing! As for the main square - depends on which city we are talking about. I would never eat at London’s Leicester Square for example! (Especially when Chinatown with far better food is literally one block north.)
The eiffel tower at night when it's all lit up is MAGICAL. Also we did a river cruise around golden hour and seeing the eiffel tour at that time was so beautiful.
Indeed it is magical
is it true you're not allowed to photograph it t night?
@@crazyj902-topic2 ??? You can see it from everywhere in the city, how could they forbid that?
@@fruzsimih7214 just something ive heard
Im a tourist so Im going to ALL the tourist traps. Except the crappy restaurants.
so, no tourist craps.
Visit the trap, then go at least two or three blocks away before considering where to eat!
The Tower of London was a highlight for me when I visited London. The Beefeater tour was fantastic.
Agree 100%.
The locking up ceremony at around 9pm is only a pound, booked in advance. Well worth doing.
The Colosseum and Arch de Triumphe are huge tourist traps worth seeing.
Defo the Colosseum! Get goosebumps everytime I am in Rome
The Colosseum is amazing. Sometimes when you go to a famous place that you've seen in textbooks, you get that sense of "Holy cow, it's the REAL THING and I'm REALLY HERE!" The Colosseum did that for me. It's an incredible feeling to see history alive in front of you.
Colosseum is great from the outside but the inside is pretty meh. The Forum is infinitely better
@@theslugboiii5969next time we’ll put up some nice Hollywood decos
I'm not sure if others would consider this a tourist trap but Sagrada Familia is definitely worth seeing. After seeing a bunch of different cathedrals around Europe I was skeptical about seeing another one, but Sagrada Familia is so unique. I could spend hours looking at the different scenes depicted both inside and outside the cathedral. I can't wait to see it again once it's finished!
Well yes, but when will it be finished...?
I’ve never understood the hate that a lot of tourist traps get. Most of them are worth a visit at least once!
Swiss Alps - Jungfrau, Zermatt, etc. Touristy, yes, breathtaking, also yes
When we went to Munich, we chose Hofbrauhaus because they were the only place that had live bands on a Monday. 100% worth it!
Did you check out the vomitorium?
@@jimbrennan1181 nope
agreed!
@@jimbrennan1181 Last time I went they had been removed out of the men's bathroom on the main level. Maybe they still exist elsewhere because the place is huge.
@@JustinCase780 Thanks, and you are correct! I only found one, and it was not in the toilette, it was in a hallway near the kitchen. I had a feeling that there had been a lot more previously but I also wasn't sure if I was just missing them.
The Alhambra. One of the best tourist sights in Spain. What's good is how well executed the Nasrid Palace tour times are. By forcing everyone to book early limited time tickets, you actually don't feel overwhelmed by crowds. Also, Granada is way more than just the Alhambra. Spend at least 4 days there to see everything else the city has to offer.
The Hofbrauhaus's Music is best and also though food so good and Agustiner. Eiffel Tower so worth it to go up.
My daughter and I had an absolute blast and one of the best nights of our vacation at Temple Bar!!!!
I just realised I've been to most of these 'Tourist Traps'. I've enjoyed seeing them all. Heading off to Europe again in a couple of weeks and finishing up in Athens. Informative video as always Mark.
Wieliczka salt mines outside Kraków. Not cheap, full of tourists, but a must see!
The Louvre is HUGE with so much to see! It's only that one room with the Mona Lisa that is crowded. Definitely go!
Mona Lisa? Head to the basement in the same wing of the Louvre and you'll see art you've never heard of before👍❤
You can also just turn in any direction from the Mona Lisa lol
I skipped the Louvre and went instead to Musee de l’orangerie to see Monets water lilies. I will never forget it.
@@CapnCody1622
I would agree I spent the whole day there and saw art and sculptures that we’re just stunning
Your profile picture perfectly explains your comment.
Yeah, some friends told me the rest of the Louvre has amazing art and isn't crowded, very worth a visit.
I've done many of these "tourist traps" and most all are worth it one time during a trip. Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, Hofbräuhaus, Tower of London, Marienplatz etc. Some though, like Collosseum and Pantheon in Rome, I could happily see over and over. Never tire of anything in Rome.
There is a reason they are tourist traps - they are worth it! As you said - at least once! Love all of those places you mentioned. I would add Manneken Pis as well - yes, you only need to see it once, but it is worth it. Central Park or Times Square as well - it is electric. Central Park is an oasis of calm in a hectic city and worth a walk around to get some zen :)
Tourist traps mainly cause people try to live through the lives others lived.
Venice is insane during the summer. But it is just incredible. Stunning. Nothing like it in the world. I agree with him about the Beefeater tour. Really, really cool.
The royal mile in Edinburgh up to the castle. It is very much a tourist trap. But there is good food and fun shops and bagpipes and haggis neeps and taters and well to me it’s worth it.
Agreed.
Just got back from there myself. Loved it!
Yep, go to Stirling Castle instead
Thanks, headed there next month.
Tatties, not taters 😉
Spent a night in Pisa on the way to Rome, so I took an early morning walk to see the tower before catching the train. Honestly thought it was really cool. Definitely worth it if you don’t have to go too far out of your way.
The Hofbräuhaus definitely attracts many tourists. But I must say, the prices in the Hofbräuhaus are within the normal price range in Munich and the food is good quality. So I'm not sure, if it's really a “tourist trap”.
Even I - born and raised in Munich - go there from time to time.
I agree. Schöne Grüße aus Erding!
Maybe not tourist trap, I agree. But it is a tourist hub.
In Rome, having a drink or even food while sitting across from the Pantheon, and, taking in the historical ambiance of Caffe Antica Greco with a 9 Euro coffee drink- both worth every penny.
I never realized how lucky I was when I went to the Louvre. There was almost nobody in the room when I saw the Mona Lisa, so I was able to get as close as was allowed.
I don't know whether it's considered a tourist trap, but since you are mentioning the view and surroundings; one of my most memorable experiences I had when I was in Vienna, was having a piece of Sachertorte and a cup of tea at the terrace of legendary Hotel Sacher. An old dream came true! 🙂
Sitting behind the Eiffel Tower with a picnic as the sun goes down. What's not to like? I've been to Paris many many times and I do it every time.
Yeah, the Eifel Tower is quite impressive. So much bigger and grand in person than in photos
Love it 🥰 I enjoyed most of the tourist trap you have mentioned and to be honest … I had a great time !!!!
The Palace of Versailles was worth every bit of its €20 price tag. I recommend booking in advance, and going in the summer. I was there in November, and by the time I was done inside, there wasn't time to check out the gardens and grounds before dark. 100% would go again.
I definitely enjoyed visiting Stonehenge. I recommend a tour that includes visiting the inner circle if you can. You have to plan way ahead as they are very limited and only available before opening or after closing. The tour I was on was an all-day thing, but only the first part was Stonehenge, then we drove on to our next stop.
I like your video's. In my opinion is this one of the best! Thanks!
As always, great video Mark. Thanks for sharing your travel wisdom.
Just went to rome and went to almost all the tourist traps....love it planning going to more tourists traps in the future 😂
details?
Because you are a tourist 😂
I went to Athens in February last year. Sunny, 20 degrees celsius. 0 queue to access the Acropolis and about 50 people on top of the Acropolis. It was great!
I’m a Londoner and 100% agree with the Tower of London tour. It’s the only paid attraction in London that’s really worth the money.
GREAT video with lots of great information. I totally agree with you on ALL of these. If I were to add one to this list, I'd add the Sistine Chapel. I mean, yes, it's a masterpiece and yes, it's beautiful but is it worth the hours and hours of touring the Vatican museum and then the packed crowd in the chapel and they, how much of it do you really see when you're staring up at the ceiling and the guards are constantly shushing you.
Yes. The Sistine Chapel and Vatican museum were definitely a suboptimal experience. Guide cracking the whip the entire time. No stopping at anything. Hall of Maps? More like Hall of Covid! What a sea of people. Next time, will go on our own with an audioguide, and plan on spending most of the day.
My friend was proposed to in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Christmas season in 2022 at night. Beautiful picture
Definitely going to check out Krakow's main square in August. Will try to see the Da Vinci painting in Krakow. Also going to make the day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Will also check out regional museums in Katowice and Wroclaw.
Great video. It’s good to be reminded that some tourist traps are worth seeing. I’ve seen many on your list and agree….once is all you need
We've been to almost all of those sights & loved every one! The tip is to get going early. We were 2 of 4 people when taking pics of Mona Lisa. We are also all about the backroads & getting off the beaten track. It's all good!
Thank you for mentioning the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, it's small but well worth it. We forget what that used to be like for people.
A tourist trap that is worth it is Park Guell in Barcelona. It is a whole park with Gaudi (architect of the Sagrada Familia) design and the best part is you can snake around up to the top of the mountain it's on and see the whole city laid before you. Best views ive ever had in a city. But definitely plan getting your tickets, they only let so many in at a time.
Been to most of these & agree that they are worth visiting at least once. Santorini is gorgeous (spent a day). Stonehenge was a few hours, then we went on to Salisbury & Bath. Louvre has so many wonderful works besides Mona Lisa & Musee d'Orsay is fantastic, especially if you like Impressionists & Post Impressionists. Some other European tourist traps - Leaning of Tower of Pisa (great for a photo, visit cathedral next door), Trevi Fountain in Rome, Las Ramblas in Barcelona - all incredibly crowded. Love your channel!
Château de Versailles, Vernazza and the Shambles
Great video!
I did Bath last week on my Vacation. It's great.
I really liked Versailles. I thought that was worth seeing. I walked to the Eiffel tower last year but didn't pay to go in. The Tower of London was really good. The Temple Bar is brilliant!! Love Ireland
This is such a creative idea for a video!! Great stuff!
Don't know if it qualifies as a tourist trap, but the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. You only need to go once, but it's well worth it. Afternoon Tea in London, boat ride on the Thames. I agree with what you included as well. Santorini is on my list.
Anne Frank House is the only thing in Amsterdam I have good memories of!
Agreed, my mistake was not pre-book the tickets so I couldn’t get into Anne Frank House
@@theunraveler I'm so sorry! They are released on Tuesday at a certain time there (you have to do the math and figure out what time it is where you live)--it happened to be 1am here, but if you get on your computer at exactly that time 6 weeks before you're going to be there, you'll get tickets. It's amazing how fast they sell out. I missed the Van Gogh museum for the same reason. Didn't book ahead. :( I hope you get to go back to see it. It's heart wrenching but well worth seeing. Make sure you do something fun after going there. ;)
@@sunflowerfields4409 there’s too many fun things to do in Amsterdam
@@theunraveler I totally agree! I will have to go back.
Another one I will say is the clock tower in Prague. It is super touristy and packed, but a must visit.
Stonehenge is worth it ! I flew
all the way from Austin Texas ! My word ! It’s worth it .
Budget tip!
Acropolis and Pantheon and a lot of State owned Greek museum are free for the last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days).
In addition to Bath, taking a full day for Stonehenge is worth it if you add Avebury and Solsbury Hill etc. Do a tour of all of the local prehistoric sites.
Yes to adding Avebury to Stonehenge.
the beefeater tour was fantastic! They are very knowledgeable and also interest people themselves (they are all former military service people) that have to have certain achievements to be considered for the job. Plus, the tour of London has so much to see.
If you can do a gondola ride as part of a small group tour, definently do it while in Venice. I was there a couple weeks ago. I'll never forget it
Great video, we will be in Greece next week, first time for us we will be doing all the touristy stuff.
Get a car and take a drive up to Delphi and Meteora if you have time. Both are magical and I've been to almost every place on this list.
My wife and I have done the Hofbrauhaus and Temple Bar and some other tourist traps when we've traveled but we mixed in some off the beaten path stuff too. The point of travel is to see what others have seen and experience them in your own way. Would we do Temple Bar if we want back to Dublin again? Nope, but we can say we did and at least know that it wasn't something we wanted to to do again. If someone does those tourist trap-ish places and loves them, then good for them. Travel should make you happy, and not be used as some form of world traveler street cred to display on IG.
Thanks for the Beefeater Tour tip! Heading to London in 3 weeks and was debating how to see the Tower of London. Will book the tour after your recommendation!
Hey Mark, awesome video
I think you should visit the Magritte Museum and the neighboring Royal Art Museum i Brussels. And have a beer or two at Delirium Cafe
Hello Mark Wolters of Wolters World, I like your videos!
don't get discouraged from going to any touristy place. you never know when or if you'll be back at all. I'm so glad we went to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, palace of Versailles. I was almost discouraged because of watching so many videos that considered those places "tourist traps"
Been to them all except Stonehenge! 😂 Have an awesome time in Greece. My happy place.
Stonehenge looks better on tv .i did get a nice jar of strawberries jam
Definitely Stonehenge. I would also recommend 221 B Baker Street. Going there was one of the best decisions I made when I visited England. I’ve never been fond of tourist traps, but going to 221 B Baker Street was an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to return and take my sister.
Wonderful true video. Most of these "Tourist Traps" I have been to and thoroughly enjoyed. Totally agree that these are worth seeing. I crossed into East Berlin when the wall was up, guns and guards....Scary though at that time.
Hallstatt. GORGEOUS, but overcrowded with tourists during the day. The restaurants along the water provide excellent views but not so good food.
The salt mine tour there is worth it, at least once.
My sister in law and I had a saying regarding overpriced food in touristy areas. (Allowing for inflation because it was $4 when we started) "Shut up and eat your $15 hot dog." even if they don't sell hot dogs, that's just our saying. When you're in Piazza San Marco and a coffee and tiramisu is $30 ... you're in Piazza San Marco! "Shut up and eat your $4 hot dog." When you're in Sky Garden or Galata Tower and your Coke costs you $20 "shut up and eat your $4 hot dog" - you're there for the view!
Hahaha! Piazza San Marco - "Shut up and drink your €13 beer"
Ha, I love it!
That is GREAT!!!
Wollers World: Can you recommend a Santorini or Mykonos alternative?
I would say the Roman Forum (several times) and the Colosseum tour at least once. When you are IN there, you get a scope of how big it really is!
The tower of London tour is worth EVERY penny!!! Your guides (the Beefeaters) are retired soldiers and they are excellent! Next time I'm there I'm going again.
The Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace BUT go to Whitehall where they are lined up, being inspected, the band forming up and then marching out. THAT is truly cool but a lot of people don't know about that part.
The Mona Lisa for me was disappointing BUT the Louvre has so much more to offer, even in that gallery. If I were planning a trip to Paris though I would go off season.
The Eiffel Tower is very cool!
Good take , I wouldn’t go out of my way for Stonehenge
Two in Rome that are definitely worth it: 1. Apertivi in the evening in front of the Pantheon. It's expensive (something like $50 or $60 for two in winter--a meal of appetizers and drinks) but worth it to watch life go by on that piazza. 2. The Sistine Chapel. I've been several times and it just amazes me every time. The Pieta in St. Peter's is also heartbreakingly beautiful even if the rest of St. Peter's leaves me a bit flat.
The Pantheon is my gellato area but to each their own.
Augustine Brew … so cool 🍺
Yeah, the Acropolis, Santorini, the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, the beerhall in Munich, and the tour of the Tower of London were all worth it. I would add the Alhambra, the ruins of Delphi, and Pompeii. Amazing places to visit, even if they are busy. I still think about those trips to this day. And yeah, I overpaid for some food at a restaurant in Nyhavn Copenhagen just to enjoy the views and people watching on a summer evening. No regrets!
Wolter the best time to visit Acropolis Parthenon, is late February - early March. Half the ticket price, not hot at all (waer a jacket pls) and on a sunny day its majestic!
Santa Village in Rovaniemi. Finland. definitelly worth going in the wintertime
I’d personally skip Checkpoint Charlie and only visit it if it’s part of a larger itinerary walking tour.
La Sagrada Familia on the other hand is absolutely worth a visit!
As our June European adventure nears we have several of these on our itinerary, knowing they are must do's at least one time. The Beefeater tour is one that I had not considered so may find time for it the week we are in London.
Tip for the gondola drive: share with it someone. At least when we were there on our honeymoon (2018) they wouldnt let you share it with other people outside of your circle. So before booking a ride we found another family and asked them if they want to go together as if we were together. It was much cheaper and we also got couple of photos and had a lovely time.
My list of Tourist Traps that are worth at least one visit:
1. Big Ben - London 🇬🇧
2. Schonbrunn Palace - Vienna 🇦🇹
3. Parliament Building - Budapest 🇭🇺
4. Times Square - New York 🇺🇲
5. Taksim Square - Istanbul 🇹🇷
6. Any IKEA store - Sweden 🇸🇪
7. The Black Taxi Tours - Belfast 🇬🇧
8. Shibuya Crossing - Tokyo 🇯🇵
9. Disney World - Orlando 🇺🇲
10. Niagara Falls - Ontario 🇨🇦
11. Berghain (if you can get in) - Berlin 🇩🇪
12. Bike Tours - Amsterdam 🇳🇱
13. Tenerife - Canary Islands 🇪🇸
14. Pasteis de Belem - Lisbon 🇵🇹
15. TukTuk or Bike Rides Through the Busy Streets - Bangkok 🇹🇭
16. Japanese Curry Restaurants - Tokyo 🇯🇵
17. Palace of Culture - Warsaw 🇵🇱
18. Royal Mile - Edinburgh 🏴
19. Cologne Cathedral - Koln 🇩🇪
20. Marienplatz - Munchen 🇩🇪
21. Anywhere in Salzburg - 🇦🇹
22. State Opera - Vienna 🇦🇹
23. Old Town Square - Prague 🇨🇿
24. East Side Gallery - Berlin 🇩🇪
25. Sistine Chapel - The Vatican 🇻🇦
26. Park Guell - Barcelona 🇪🇸
27. The Swiss Alps - Switzerland 🇨🇭
28. Petite France - Strasbourg 🇫🇷
29. Duomo di Milano - Milan 🇮🇹
30. Montmartre - Paris 🇫🇷
31. Blue Lagoon on Comino Island - Malta 🇲🇹
Thats a great list!
Yes, I’ve been to Harrod’s twice. Tourist trap? Maybe, but fabulous and yes, we did purchase items. I have been to many of the “tourist traps” you have mentioned, but the Louvre in Paris still eludes me. We missed it on our first trip, and it was closed on Tuesday on our second trip. One day I will have a selfie with the Mona Lisa. 🙏
I'm going to Santorini this July for Akrotiri alone. It's worth persevering with the throngs of tourists to see one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
Nice video Sir:): I am jonesing to go to some of my favorite traps in Germany to include the Hofbrauhaus in Munich:).
The London Eye
I agree - some of those "tourist traps" really are something you should at least see once. Neuschwanstein falls into this for me. Not really a repeat place but it's neat to see it and take the whirlwind tour. You've mentioned before that hey, if it's something YOU want to see, then see it! It's your trip!
Thr HB Haus is fun- gives you thay stereotypical beerhall experience but yes! We're fans of Augustiner Keller, too.
I really like the perspective of this video. Sometimes tourist traps are that for a reason. And well, if you're visiting you are a tourist! Glad you mentioned Santorini because I have wanted to go there for a long time and have always wondered if it would still be a good experience with the crowds. I'm not sure I agree about the Mona Lisa or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but I also say that from the perspective of someone who has seen them and doesn't need to see them again. Maybe I would feel differently if I'd never seen them.
I just arrived yesterday from my Germany trip and I agree with you on the Hofbrauhaus. You have to go there at least once. I loved the atmosphere, the band and the Ein Maas Dunkel Riedle beer (I probably got the name all wrong 😆) which was a 1 L dark beer that has a lemonade flavor. I really enjoyed it.
Just a heads up for everyone else, Mark mentions the Pergamonmuseum and it was most likely opened at the time of him filming it, but it's currently closed for 2-3 years for restoration...that and the Deutsche Museum which had all the historical artifacts of German history were closed for the same reason when I was there which was disappointing, but a good excuse for me to go back to Berlin some day.
I love ferris wheels so you can bet I have been on the London Eye at least 3 times and I would go again.
When in Istanbul, go to a dinner show / cruise. Most of them have great dance shows (support my fellow dancers :-) ) Or just see the show at Hodjapasha.
The boats in Retiro are totally worth it for a one-time, afternoon activity in Madrid!
The Colleseum. It's packed, hard to get a ticket and crumbling on the inside. But it's worth seeing once
worth it tourist trap in budapest is on the buda side the hilton hotel has the white raven skybar i live here and i did it once last week cuz we had guests from canada and i highly recommend it cuz it has the best view panoramic of the whole city both sides of he river. I highly recommend it! make reservations thats what we did for drinks well worth it i promise
I remember going to Venice and wanting to ride the Gondolas. Then I got off the tourist bus and the smell nearly overwhelmed and I even saw raw sewage in the water. I was like yep thats a big nope for me. If I get tipped into that water our poor boat captain will never be seen again. Venice was so wild. Ill never forget the smell of fresh baked pastries, sewage and mildew. As for other Tourist traps I loved the Castles. I went to the Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle in Austria and they were amazing. The Eagles Nest was a wild place too. You can see multiple countries from its viewpoint. Its breathtaking and sinister all at the same time.
The two times I've been to Venice, I've been absolutely enchanted, but all of that water definitely does result in a certain smell. XD
Hofbrauhaus was fun, but definitely didn't think the beer was great. Then went to Augustiner am Dom for dinner and was soooo much better.
For those visiting Stonehenge, just spend an hour there and then spend the rest of the day in the neighbouring city of Salisbury (nearest city to Stonehenge in fact), which is much closer than Bath and also very stunning in its own way.
Places are tourist "traps" for a reason. I learned to see all the popular stuff; it's popular for a reason, usually a good one.
Tower of London tour 👍
My picks for good tourist traps that you’ll love
Ice Bar in Stockholm
ABBA Museum in Stockholm
Madame Tussaud’s London
Rock Circus in London
The part of the Eisbach River in the English Garden where the people surf (Munich)
Mozart’s Birthplace Museum in Salzburg
Mannekin Pis in Brussels (I have never been in Belgium)
I took a Gondola ride, and I will do it again next time I visit Venice. It's completely worth it.
Blessed to say I’ve been to/done all of these.
Travel Hack for Stonehenge: Go during any equinox. Due to religious rights they allow the local pagans to do their rituals inside the Stones at sunrise for an hour or 2. It was an incredible experience that I would do again. You don’t have to partake in the ritual you can frolick freely in and around the stones. It’s Incredible to see the sheer size of them
whenever you're visting italy, go see the leaning tower of pisa.
the city centre might be a bit generic, but it's stll nice for when you wanna walk around.
the leaning tower is still the only attraction, but there is also a ot of beaches in the neigbourhood(if you enjoy the beach or sunbathing)
i would still advice you to consider pisa for your itinary
Hey Wolters - you have the Pisa Tower on the picture, but didn't talk about it - we saw it with my wife and like it - definitely I will never visit the Stonehedge - doesn't look like a place I will want to visit - another thing is that not everyone have the chance to go more than once in their lives to the same place - specially if we livecin another continent - I consider that my wife and I had been very lucky to visit Spain - France 23 years ago - last year we got the chance to come back to Europe and visited Italy - we loved it - and yes if any one goes to París definitely needs to see the Ifel Tower and not only be there go all the way up - highly recommended, also see the Monalisa - its really small and little disapointed, but is worth it, but enjoy as much as you can the museum, and enjoy everything you can when you are there - there I mean anywhere you go - you know why? You never know if you will ever going to come back to that place
Santorinin - go to Akrotiri, so worth it. Temple Bar has Hadley's where you can get Welsh pasties and you are close to the Irish Whisky Museum. The Parthenon - start off by going to the top of nearby Philipoppus Hill, then go to the upper, backside entrance to the Acropolis. For fun, do Lycabetus Hill, and the stadium where the 1896 Olympics were held and stand on the podiums. Pisa - everyone thinks it is just the Leaning Tower, but in the same area is a wonderful church and baptistry, and parts of the old city walls and gates. If you walk some you can walk on part of the old city walls, and see the remains of the old fort. You can spend most of a day there and if you are in Florence (Firenze) it is an easy train ride away. nDitto Bologna.
Stonehenge is absolutely amazing!
As for the main square - depends on which city we are talking about. I would never eat at London’s Leicester Square for example! (Especially when Chinatown with far better food is literally one block north.)