Don’t waste your time standing in line for hours to see these overrated European sights. From the Mona Lisa to Big Ben, there are plenty of other great things to see and do while you’re on vacation. Save yourself some time and money by avoiding these Six Most Overrated European Sightseeing spots. You won’t be disappointed!
The Eiffel Tower- It’s just a big metal structure. You can see it from the ground and get the same experience.
For many, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes a classic European sightseeing experience. After all, what better way to capture the beauty of Europe than a towering metal structure? But it’s easy to become overrated – after all, you can see it from the ground and get a similar experience. The Eiffel Tower can easily blend into the skyline’s endless sea of buildings, but it sure does make for an impressive photo ops!
Big Ben- It’s a clock. A really big clock. That’s it.
Big Ben has been said to be one of the most overrated sightseeing stops on a European vacation. It’s just a big clock- yet Britons stand by it proudly. But despite it being a simple timepiece, there’s something quite majestic about the 186 year-old edifice with its great bell and tall spire. Even if you weren’t already interested in architecture or history, stepping inside this grand structure might just make you an unexpected fan of the famous British landmark.
Stonehenge- Yes, the rocks are old, but they’re just rocks. There’s not much to see here.
Overrated is putting it lightly when it comes to Stonehenge. Sure, the rocks are old and have an interesting history. But that’s about all that can be said for this European sightseeing site. No doubt tourists flock to see this ancient wonder, but all they’re seeing is a bunch of rocks arranged in a circle with no clear explanation as to why or how it got there. In essence, you’d be much better off finding something else to do than waiting in line – no matter how long – for something that just isn’t worth your time!
The Coliseum- It’s in ruins and there’s not much left to see of it anyways.
Overrated European Sightseeing? Been there, seen that. Spend more time visiting the ruins of the historic Coliseum. Wander through the pieces casually, feeling the thousands of years of history sculpted into the stones and marble – until you remember, that’s right – it’s in ruins and there’s not much left to see now. Regardless, you can still appreciate the significance and importance of one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks.
Venice- Yes, it’s pretty, but it smells like sewage and you’ll be constantly dodging tourists while you try to enjoy yourself
Overrated European sightseeing? That’s got to be Venice. Sure, it has its charms – if you can ignore the smell of sewage wafting down the canals and balance your way along the cobblestone streets filled with thousands of tourists…you might even luck out with a local who’ll show you the real side of what Venice has to offer. But good luck actually finding time to take in all the sights with droves of people blocking your views! Now – don’t get me wrong – these are not relationships that need fixing; they just require a little finesse to navigate around. The locals understand this so they’ll be more than happy to give you advice on how to make the most out of your visit and whisk away the usual tourist experience.
6 Paris- It may be the city of love, but it’s also crowded, dirty, and overpriced
Overrated European sightseeing? They don’t come much more overrated than Paris. Sure, it may be the “City of Love”, but if you ask any long-term locals there, they’ll tell you that love is often hard to come by when stuck in a city with unbearable crowds, pervasive dirt and grime, and prices that will have you weeping tears of sorrow. At first glance, its romantic features around every corner seem almost enough to make up for these flaws…but try living there for extended periods of time! Even the most lovesick couples will start to pine for an escape from the hourly onslaught of tourists. For the full experience – probably best saved as an occasional weekend holiday.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Six popular tourist destinations that are overhyped and not worth your time or money. If you’re looking for a truly unique and authentic experience on your next trip to Europe, ETIAS has got you covered. With the ETIAS visa waiver program, travelers can easily and affordably visit any of the Schengen countries without all the hassle. So ditch the big tour groups and check out some of Europe’s hidden gems with ETIAS today!
