Latest news with #touristtrap
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The worst tourist trap in the world
In every country, tourists eagerly gather at the most popular and talked-about spots , hoping it lives up to their expectations. Though at times, travellers may find themselves disappointed - charged premium prices and squashed shoulder-to-shoulder with others all aiming to chase the same sought-after attraction. Now, the very worst tourist trap in the world has been revealed, in research by Nomad eSIM. There's not one, but two places that tie as the top spots to avoid when travelling – and both are in the United States. Fisherman's Wharf, located in San Francisco, and Wall Drug, in South Dakota, scored the worst in Nomad's analysis. The company looked at thousands of reviews for attractions in 50 popular destinations around the world and tracked mentions of 'tourist trap'. Both Fisherman's Wharf and Wall Drug have 1,000 reviews labelling them as 'tourist traps'. Wall Drug attracts around 2 million tourists each year and started out as a small pharmacy in 1931. Now, it is known worldwide for being a quirky roadside attraction spreading across 76,000sq feet. Visitors can enjoy coffee for five cents, fresh donuts and an old-timey photo studio, as well as over 300 pieces of Western art. However, not everyone is impressed with its offerings and the attraction has received more than 1,000 reviews labelling it a 'tourist trap,' according to Nomad. One slammed it for being 'very crammed and tacky' while another swiped 'you will be ripped off by every store owner in town'. Fisherman's Wharf ties with Wall Drug as one of the worst tourist traps. The historic waterfront spot brings in around 12 million tourists a year who visit for the seafood restaurants, sea lions and souvenir shops. However, many leave disappointed and underwhelmed. According to Nomad, some visitors described the location as 'dirty, run down and overcrowded' and commented 'only worth it to see the seals.' Spain's Las Ramblas, a promenade that runs for more than a kilometre through central Barcelona, placed second in the 'tourist trap' rankings with 826 reviews. The attraction is packed with shops, eateries, and attractions and while some travellers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming. Known for pickpocketing, the area is often packed with crowds some visitors find that it's 'one of the most overrated roads in the world', and one even went as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'. Dublin's Temple Bar was listed third, despite being renowned for its lively nightlife and traditional Irish pub s. The Irish icon saw 'tourist trap' mentioned a whopping 687 times. Complaints about Temple Bar range from how dirty it is to the sky-high prices, with one reviewer describing it as 'overcrowded, overpriced and overrated'. Temple Bar was closely followed by Checkpoint Charlie, in Germany, which had 681 reviews dubbing it a 'tourist trap'. The famous Cold War-era border crossing in Germany features plenty of souvenir stalls and draws in plenty of visitors. But it doesn't always impress and according to Nomad, one traveller said: 'For somewhere with so much historical importance, it has become a cheap and nasty tourist spot'. While the Royal Mile in Edinburgh placed five in the 'tourist trap' rankings with 539 reviews. Stretching 1.81km, the cobbled road links Edinburgh Castle the Palace of Holyroodhouse. However, one visitor to the Scottish capital expressed disappointment: 'Bring back the days when locals could live and work in the area without locusts like plagues of tourists!'.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Dublin's Temple Bar named as third-worst tourist trap in the world
It's where visitors end up battling crowds to order pints of Guinness for €10 (£8.65) – and now it's been named one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. Temple Bar in Dublin, renowned for its lively nightlife and traditional Irish pubs, has been given the dubious honour of ranking third in a round-up of global tourist traps. In research by Nomad eSim, reviews of the area were analysed to see how many times the negative term was used. The Irish icon saw 'tourist trap' mentioned a whopping 687 times. Complaints about Temple Bar range from how dirty it is to the sky-high prices, with one reviewer describing it as 'overcrowded, overpriced and overrated'. One user on Instagram wrote that they 'can't believe it only came third'. Dublin's nightlife hotspot was only beaten by Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and Las Ramblas in Barcelona, coming in first and second place respectively. The US attraction is located in the Californian city's northern waterfront, and attracts millions of visitors each year with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and sea lion sightings. But many are left underwhelmed. Comments brand the area 'dirty, run down and overcrowded', and point out it's 'only worth it to see the seals'. 1,000 reviews used the term 'tourist trap'. Spain's Las Ramblas, a promenade that runs for more than a kilometre through central Barcelona, is packed with shops, eateries, and attractions. While some travelers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming. The area is often packed with crowds and is known for pickpocketing. Visitors find that it's 'one of the most overrated roads in the world', and some even go as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'. However, someone cheekily wrote on social media: 'La Rambla isn't a tourist trap, it's there to keep the tourists away from the good places and for that I salute it.' It was listed as a tourist trap in 826 reviews. Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Cold War-era border crossing in Germany, and the historic and bustling Royal Mile in Edinburgh, round out the top five. One review of the Scottish capital expressed disappointment: 'Bring back the days when locals could live and work in the area without locusts like plagues of tourists!'. Europe's most popular cities are being overrun this summer, as record-breaking tourist numbers turn once-scenic streets into overcrowded, chaotic hotspots. Videos show locals and visitors alike struggling to navigate packed squares, endless queues, and overwhelming crowds across Greece and Italy - as selfie-hunting holidaymakers ignore mounting anti-tourism protests. In the Italian capital of Rome, tourists are crammed shoulder-to-shoulder as they try to take in the city's famous architecture, with one likening the experience to being 'part of one big sweaty herd.' Meanwhile, in Athens, known for its ancient ruins and historic streets, the crowds are so dense that visitors can barely squeeze past each other.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
Why I love the European hotspot named the continent's worst tourist trap
IT'S NO secret that Barcelona in Spain is often in the headlines for having heaps of tourists. Yet, there is a reason why so many people travel to the Spanish city each year. 9 9 The entire city is accessible, with good metro links and flat walking. There is a wealth of cultural and historical attractions - and that's not to mention the iconic architecture. However, one spot in the city has now been named the continent's worst tourist trap - the famous Las Ramblas. According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews. Nomad commented: "While some travelers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming. "The area is often packed with crowds and is known for pickpocketing. "[S]ome even go as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'." But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins. In the Middle Ages, Las Ramblas was actually an open sewer and then in the 15th century the city planned to expand and the sewer was diverted. As a result, the area became a pedestrian street that quickly became the city's cultural centre with multiple churches and markets popping up. Spanish city with £15 flights from the UK First of all, make sure you start at Plaça Catalunya - this is close to the start of Las Ramblas and if you explore from here you'll head down to the harbour, rather than uphill. In total the road is 1.5km - which could take you as little as 20minutes. However, I would allow over an hour to slowly amble down the street and if you want to eat or explore shops and sellers, make sure to allow even more time. Starting at the upper section from Placa Catalunya, you will walk through the part known as 'Rambla de Canaletes'. Here you will see Font De Canaletes with Font de Canaletes - a fountain rumoured to possess powers that make you fall in love with Barcelona. The central stretch - also known as 'Bird Street' - was used to home bird sellers, with cages hung on the trees. Then the lower section, is where you will see flower stalls and head towards the Christopher Columbus Monument. As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands. 9 9 The small shop features shelves upon shelves of sheet music and music centric books. Whilst not the biggest shop, visitors often remark it's cosy vintage vibe - and I couldn't agree more. Even if you aren't a musician, it is well worth exploring. Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets. Whilst not the cheapest of places to grab food in the city, definitely don't miss it. The market boasts so much fresh food including fruit and olives, as well as some local dishes. Wandering around the market and exploring is amazing, but I actually found it super useful to explore the map of all 330 stalls on the market's website. Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona. 9 9 Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there. This Gothic building marks one of Antoni Gaudi's first notable designs and is a seven-story palace built between 1886 and 1890. It is particularly special in my opinion because it features a more dark design, rather than colourful tiles incorporated in his other buildings and destinations across the city. Cross over Las Ramblas again and head to Plaça Reial - a plaza full of restaurants and some of the city's most famous nightclubs. Not one for clubbing, I thoroughly enjoyed just looking at the architecture with stunning neoclassical buildings surrounding the square - the middle fountain is even designed by Gaudi as well. As you then head to the Christopher Columbus Monument, you will pass street vendors and many people dressed as statues. They provide the perfect photo opportunity and are just fun to watch for a few minutes. 9 9 If you do take pictures make sure to leave some coins for the performers. All the vendors along Las Ramblas are polite and some are even very talented (I still regret not getting a caricature portrait of myself)! When you finally reach the waterfront - take in the view as it is simply stunning. If you're not done with exploring, at this end of Las Ramblas there are quite a few museums to investigate including the wax museum and a maritime museum. I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore. But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture. Top holiday trends for 2025 Detour Destinations – visiting other hotspots near the main destination. Goods Getaways – holidaying specifically to buy a viral product. All Inclusive Eras – a rise in Gen Z looking for all-inclusive trips. Hotel Restaurant Renaissance – travellers booking hotel restaurants more often. JOMO Travel – doing less on holiday, and loving it. The Phenomena-List – travelling to see natural wonders. Set-Jetting – trips that take in famous sights from TV or movies. One-Click Trips – shoppable travel storefronts curated by social media curators. Another Spanish city has been nicknamed the 'Cuba of Europe' with Havana-like streets and a James Bond beach. Plus, another Spanish city rarely visited by Brits has been named the top destination this year with new train routes and world-famous cider.
