Overrated, overpriced, and overcrowded — show of hands if you’ve fallen prey to a tourist trap on your adventures?
I remember how underwhelmed I felt when a tour bus dropped us off at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Five minutes in, I was ready to depart. I’m pretty sure the cheesy photo of me trying to hold up the tower with a bunch of strangers is still in a box in my basement somewhere.
Tourist traps exist just about everywhere you go, and chances are, the more popular the destination, the more likely you are to encounter one.
Here’s how to save your money, your time, and seek out authentic travel experiences on your next trip.
How To Spot Tourist Traps Before You Fall for Them
Not every attraction is necessarily a tourist trap.
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for a reason. However, that nearby cafe and shop selling Eiffel Tower ashtrays? Not so much.
As mass tourism took off in the 1920s, so did the tourist trap. Here’s how to spot tourist traps before you fall for them:
- Overpriced, staged attractions that offer a lackluster experience and little value
- Big crowds or attractions with expensive entry fees
- Restaurants with all-day menus in English — a sign they cater to tourists, not locals
- Someone pushing an experience on you
- Free shopping tours
- Someone outside an establishment, whether that’s a restaurant or a jewelry store, enticing you to come in
How To Find Authentic and Affordable Experiences
Whether it’s learning to bake croissants in a small workshop in Paris or horse riding with a Chilean cowboy in the foothills of the Andes, there are many ways to experience another country without falling for a tourist trap. The key is preparation.
Research before you go
Before you even land, do your research to source genuine recommendations on what to see and where to eat. Check Reddit for suggestions or post a question. TripAdvisor also posts reviews from real travelers.
Travel blogs can also be a good source of information from travelers who have been there. Or cast a net and ask friends who either live there or have been there for their suggestions on authentic experiences that won’t leave you feeling duped.
Ask locals where they eat and hang out
One of the best ways to find hidden gems on the road is to ask locals where they eat or where you should visit. This can be as simple as asking the barista at a local cafe or striking up a conversation with someone at a bar.
Another way to find out where the locals go is to read online publications such as Time Out, which covers where to eat and what to do everywhere from Boston to Barcelona to Bahrain.
Or simply walk around, and if a restaurant is bustling with locals, it’s probably authentic and worth the cost.
Walk a few blocks away from major landmarks
If you’re visiting a major city, bank on any restaurants, shops, and cafes costing more if they’re close to major attractions.
The solution? Walk a few blocks (or jump on a bus or subway) to a neighborhood where prices are cheaper and the food just as good, if not better.
Skip that touristy cafe close to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and make your way to the Latin Quarter or Le Marais instead. Wave goodbye to overpriced restaurants by the Colosseum and say ciao to a local trattoria or pizzeria.
RELATED: 13 Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Travel
Book local experiences through trusted platforms
Guided tours are a wonderful way to learn more about the culture and customs of a destination.
Before you book a tour, make sure it’s with a trusted company and you’re not trapped in a minibus going from shop to shop with a guide who is just spouting facts rather than engaging you in the experience.
Look for tours that have reviews, customer support, or the ability to cancel.
- Intrepid Urban Adventures offers day tours around the world, from exploring Bangkok's Temples to walking in Hamilton’s footsteps in New York City.
- Viator offers unique tours of many popular attractions — from Stonehenge to a Venetian gondola ride.
- Airbnb Experiences offer unique experiences hosted by locals that you may not find otherwise.
How To Save Money While Avoiding Tourist Traps
Here’s how to immerse yourself in a new place without being taken for a ride:
Avoid taxis near major tourist sites
While it’s not always the case, avoid taking taxis near major tourist sites so you’re less likely to be scammed or overcharged.
I remember one friend on his first visit to London getting into a cab with an unscrupulous driver who charged him £50 for a short trip.
Or, like me, you may get into a cab to be told that the landmark you want to visit is closed (spoiler: it wasn’t!) and the driver tries to take you to a jewelry store instead.
Instead, use a ride-share app, take public transport, or walk. Or at least walk to a less touristy area and flag a taxi from there.
Don’t rely solely on guidebooks for recommendations
There was a time when you could spot a traveler by their thick, dog-eared Lonely Planet guidebook, and you’d invariably see them at the same sights as you.
While guidebooks are usually well-written, researched, and give you a snapshot of your destination, they also typically contain information on touristy spots. Another pitfall is outdated information on restaurants and accommodation, depending on when the book was published.
Instead, combine guidebook recommendations with online searches or personal recommendations of what to see, where to eat, and what to avoid.
Places like Reddit or travel blogs can be a great source for reviews from other travelers or tips on which tourist traps to avoid.
Watch out for “free” offers that come with hidden costs
Be wary of free offers as they usually come with hidden costs.
A popular scam is a free bracelet from a street vendor, being handed a rose by a stranger, or what appears to be a monk putting a Buddhist bracelet on your wrist before asking for a donation or demanding payment for the item.
Don’t accept items that appear to be free. Or, if you do, give the item back and walk away.
Avoid souvenir shops near landmarks with inflated prices
Who among us hasn’t been seduced by the thought of owning an “I ❤️ NY” t-shirt? (Okay, so just me.)
While souvenirs remind us of memorable travel experiences, you could be paying top dollar for items near popular landmarks.
Before you buy, compare prices with different vendors, walk further away for a fairer price, and ask yourself, “Is this a good deal?”
If a place is known for a certain product, such as Turkish pottery, do some research to buy from a genuine craftsperson rather than a mass-produced plate at a touristy stall.
FAQs About Avoiding Tourist Traps
How can I tell if a restaurant is a tourist trap?
From Melbourne to Marrakesh, touristy restaurants exist just about anywhere travelers visit. Here are some signs that a restaurant is a tourist trap:
- Wait staff aren’t locals
- Hosts standing outside, stopping you and enticing you to come in
- Menus in English only or display pictures of food
- Menus in multiple languages
- Restaurants that are open all day
- Expensive prices
- Customers all appear to be tourists
What are the biggest tourist traps in major cities like Paris or New York?
Based on traveler reviews, some of the biggest tourist traps in major cities include these landmarks:
- Niagara Falls, Canada
- Times Square, New York City
- Eiffel Tower, Paris
- Pisa, Italy
- Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
- Taj Mahal, India
- Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
- Temple Bar, Dublin
Are all guided tours overpriced, or are there affordable alternatives?
Not all tours are overpriced, but if you want to look for affordable alternatives that meet your needs, you’ll need to do your research ahead of time. Look online for bespoke tours, online traveler recommendations, or advice from travel bloggers.
One of the most memorable tours I took was a free walking tour of New Orleans by a Ranger who brought the city to life.
Booking a tour off-peak could also save you money. Many cities have self-guided walking tours, and museums and galleries often offer free tours throughout the day.
TL;DR: Know How To Spot a Tourist Trap
Tourist traps can ruin your travel experience and budget. But you can spot them by doing your research in advance, asking locals for recommendations on where to eat, and choosing alternative experiences
Follow these tips and you’ll come home with memories instead of overpriced souvenirs for a more authentic and affordable trip.
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