12 Overrated Touristic Destinations You Won’t Want to Return To

Some places have a unique power over us and can charm us with their delicious cuisine, hospitable people, and unique vibe. On the other hand, some places have been devised to push tourists to pay all their money without offering any enriching experience. We often refer to these as ‘tourist traps.’

Unfortunately, we often realize we have fallen victim to a tourist trap when it’s too late. This is why we decided to create this article. Knowing which places to avoid will help you keep your holiday regret-free. Here are 12 overrated tourist destinations you should delete from your bucket list.

Pisa, Italy

There are so many charming destinations in Italy! The choices are endless, from the university city of Bologna to the beautiful Sassi district in Matera and the charming hills of the Langhe region. Yet, despite its fame, Pisa is not on this list for us. Apart from the famous Leaning Tower and the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli, this city has nothing to offer tourists.

Times Square, USA

You’ve probably seen it a million times on TV and in travel magazines. We can assure you that this is more than enough. While it may have been charming a few decades ago, Times Square is still a massive tourist trap and no longer represents the most authentic NYC vibe. Here, you will only find massive crowds of tourists and crazy prices nobody can afford.

The Taj Mahal, India

Probably the most famous mausoleum in Asia, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most famous love symbols in the world. Yet, just like Times Square, if you truly want to see the most authentic Indian culture, you should try to avoid this place. Thousands of tourists crowd this site daily, making it impossible for you to truly enjoy the experience. Luckily, India has plenty of other fascinating destinations for you to choose from.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Despite having some of the best beaches in the world, Los Cabos lacks the truly Mexican culture most tourists crave on a trip to this country. You will likely find more foreigners than locals, meaning nothing differs from this area to other luxury destinations worldwide. It is ideal for those wanting to stay in a five-star resort without ever exploring the outside, but it is terrible for those wanting to learn more about Mexican culture.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Here is another incredibly popular site that has been destroyed by mass tourism. Today, it’s impossible to enjoy this area due to the thousands of people visiting this site daily and the insisting guides trying to convince you to buy their gadgets. If you’re interested in Middle Eastern culture, opt for countries with fewer tourists, such as Oman or Jordan.

Bali, Indonesia

While some people keep claiming that Bali has a unique soul worth visiting, the truth is that this area has become so popular among content creators and influencers that it has lost most of its authenticity. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the most authentic Indonesian culture, opt for other locations, such as the islands of Sumba and Belitung.

Machu Picchu, Peru

While Machu Picchu remains on most travelers’ bucket lists, the many tourists who visit this site every year have ruined Machu Picchu, causing irrevocable damage. Taking a proper picture of this site has become impossible, as plenty of tourists will crowd your shot. Because of this, it will also be incredibly hard to get a truly transformative experience here, as you will constantly have to deal with tourists.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is the ideal place for those wanting to enjoy opulent holidays. However, it has nothing to offer people interested in a country’s soul, people, culture, and traditions. Because of this lack of authenticity, people heading here are often disappointed, not to mention the incredibly high prices you must pay for all basic services. On top of this, the country has relatively conservative laws prohibiting public displays of affection and enforcing modest clothing.

Santorini, Greece

While Santorini remains the romantic island per excellence, there are way better choices for those wanting to enjoy a secluded getaway with their spouse. Places like Folegandros, Koufonisia, and Amorgos are home to stunning beaches and lovely hotels, providing every couple with a unique experience away from the many tourists heading to Greece yearly to celebrate their love.

Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Of course, Niagara Falls is a unique marvel of nature, yet we’ve managed to destroy its magic, allowing thousands of tourists to access this site every day. While the waterfalls remain stunning, the surrounding area seems like a gigantic tourist trap. With casinos, plenty of souvenir shops, and all sorts of tourist attractions, this will give you the feeling of being in a parallel reality where nothing seems real.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen has become particularly popular in recent years when several world-renowned influencers have posted pictures of themselves surrounded by the beautiful blue architecture typical of this city. While the town remains stunning, Chefchaouen has lots of authenticity, and you will only find foreigners here. If you truly want to taste the authentic Moroccan lifestyle, oft for its spiritual capital, Fez.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Despite Amsterdam being a magnificent city, thanks to its beautiful canals, ancient houses, and unique culture, tourists are ruining this once-picturesque place. The Dutch capital is particularly renowned for having extremely liberal laws, meaning that most tourists heading here do so to party hard rather than try to learn about the Dutch unique tradition and culture.