Europe is a destination filled with high expectations for tourists. However, some of the highly recommended spots often fall short of the hype, mainly due to overcrowding and the challenge of capturing a decent photograph without being photobombed by other tourists. Here are the top ten overrated places commonly included in Europe tour packages, along with alternative suggestions:
Crowded Places in Europe
# London Eye: Instead of the 30-minute ride on the giant Ferris wheel, which costs around $25 and involves considerable waiting time, consider enjoying London's panoramic skylines from the Sky Garden’s observation deck. Alternatively, experience a stunning view, including Wembley Stadium, from the viewing level of Switch House at Tate Modern.
# Leaning Tower of Pisa: If you can forego the cliché hold the tower photo, save yourself from a tedious journey and explore the rich ancient town of Lucca. Lucca offers a delightful experience with its shopping, cycling, and the famous sculpture of Volto Santo.
# Stonehenge: Instead of paying an admission fee to view the single circle of giant stones from a distance, visit Avebury henge. Here, you can touch and walk around a whole town filled with similar stones for free. Explore Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow for an enhanced experience.
# Notre Dame: For a true taste of Parisian gothic architecture without the usual overcrowding at Notre Dame, venture to the nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. The basilica in Saint-Denis, with its grim backstory, is the first gothic church featuring some of the earliest stained glass of its kind.
# The Colosseum: Skip the overcrowded, hot, and expensive trip to the Colosseum, which is often under renovations. Instead, opt for a complete, calm, and more affordable trip to the Roman Arena of Pula in Croatia, the only complete amphitheatre left.
# Frankfurt: Rather than exploring Frankfurt, primarily known for its buildings and offices, delve into the charms of Hamburg in the north. Discover local cuisines, boutique shopping, and enjoy boat rides on the Elbe.
# Neuschwanstein Castle: Avoid the hassle of traveling far from the city without proper public transport to tour Neuschwanstein Castle for just a photo of its exterior. Explore the neighboring Hohenschwangau Castle, which houses generations of royal families. You can tour both castles simultaneously or exclusively and enjoy extensive palace interiors in Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles within the city at The Residenz.
# Reichstag: Experience the best view of the city from the German parliament's glass dome without enduring long queues at the Panoramapunkt, which is at a greater height.
# Blarney Stone: Instead of participating in the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, which carries a higher risk of catching a bug, skip the long and tiring climb. Explore the 60 acres of children-friendly, lush Blarney Castle gardens, arboretums, avenues, and waterways.
# Zurich: While Zurich is a great city to live in, tourists might find Lucerne more engaging with its mountains, meadows, concerts, the Picasso Collection, and medieval architecture.