37 Overrated Tourist Attractions in Europe

01 The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)

Let's face it — You're not going to miss the Eiffel Tower if you cross it off your to-do list. That's because you can see it from just about anywhere in Paris. To be honest, some of the views you get of the Eiffel Tower from spots like Sacre Coeur or Montparnasse are more spectacular than you'd get from standing right next to the tower itself.

And if you're thinking about going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, you may want to think twice. The lines are massive, so you can count on waiting an hour or so for the elevator. Once you're on the observation platform, you'll realize two things:

1. All your photos will be packed with people you don't know since it's so crowded and,
2. None of your photos will actually have the Eiffel Tower in them.

02 The Mona Lisa (Paris, France)

Your first big surprise on entering the room dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa will be how tiny the painting actually is. Your second surprise will be how big the crowd is that's separating you from poor Mona. Sure, you could wait and push and sidle your way up to the painting itself — but you'll get a couple of seconds there before the security guards tell you to move on, not even long enough to get a selfie.

Go ahead and visit the Louvre, where the Mona Lisa resides — after all, it's one of the top museums in the world. Just spend your time enjoying all the other art to be seen.

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03 Gondola Rides (Venice, Italy)

If your goal in visiting Venice is to look as touristy as you can (and wind up on other people's Instagram feeds with the label #tourist), then go ahead and take a gondola ride.

Or you can trust us and avoid the gondola altogether. It's not as romantic as it sounds, anyway — not with all the other tourists pointing at you as your gondolier weaves through the crowded canals, trying to avoid the rest of the boat traffic. Instead, enjoy the romance inherent in Venice by strolling through the streets, and check out other islands by taking a quick boat taxi, just like the locals. You'll thank us once you realize how much money you've saved (those gondola rides are expensive!).

04 The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)

The best photo of the Leaning Tower isn't actually the selfie you'll take of yourself pretending to hold the tower up and keep it from falling. It's the photo of dozens of other tourists in the same pose as far as the eye can see.

It's not worth the trip to Pisa for one clichéd photo of a surprisingly small tower. Instead, spend your time enjoying the wonderful art, food, and scenery of Italy elsewhere.

05 The Little Mermaid Statue (Copenhagen, Denmark)

There are plenty of good reasons to go to Copenhagen — but this statue isn't one of them. Its name is accurate: this is indeed a very, very "little" statue, and you'll have a tough time squeezing past the other tourists to snap that mandatory photo.

Instead, head to the city's famed Tivoli Gardens, one of the few tourist attractions where you'll find as many locals as visitors. You can always warble a verse or two of "Part of Your World" as you hoist a Danish beer to pay tribute to the little mermaid herself.

06 The Red Light District (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Yes, you can pay money to watch people have sex on stage in Amsterdam's notorious red-light district. But you're going to spend a lot of money for the, um, privilege — plus you're going to feel uncomfortably sleazy and end up bored, as most onlookers report the sex shows as being robotic and dull. Better to spend your time and money elsewhere in this lovely city (where, yes, you can buy legal weed at hundreds of coffee houses).

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07 The Mannekin Pis Statue (Brussels, Belgium)

Brussels is not much of a tourist town. Maybe that's why so many tourists flock to this fountain that features a little boy peeing into it. Don't worry — the Mannekin Pis is a statue, not a real live boy. But it's still about as exciting as you're probably imagining right now. If you happen to be in Brussels, focus on enjoying the amazing beer, delicious chocolates, and French fries that the region is known for instead.

08 The Blarney Stone (Blarney, Ireland)

If you tend to have stage fright, the idea of the Blarney Stone may sound appealing. After all, if you kiss this stone, you'll end up having the famous Irish "gift of gab." However, Blarney Castle is way off the beaten path, so you'll travel quite a way just to get the chance to lean over backward and stretch to kiss what appears to be a random stone. If the difficulties of getting there aren't offputting enough, the locals are said to coat the stone in some unpleasant substances just to have fun with the tourists.

09 Checkpoint Charlie (Berlin, Germany)

During the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was an intimidating spot, as it marked the moment you left the safety of West Berlin and stepped into Soviet-controlled East Berlin. Now, though, it's just, well, a shed. And it's not even the real Checkpoint Charlie guard shack; it's a replica. Better to spend your time exploring the murals on the remains of the Berlin Wall.

10 The Moulin Rouge (Paris, France)

The movie was great. The Broadway show was great. And back in its heyday, surely the nightclub known as the Moulin Rouge was also worth visiting. But those days were decades ago. Now, the Moulin Rouge is a bit tacky and definitely overpriced. Weigh for yourself whether it's worth the trek across Paris just to get a snapshot of the iconic windmill (which is "moulin" in French). And then spend your time exploring Montmartre or another delightful neighborhood in the city.

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11 The Temple Bar (Dublin, Ireland)

This venerable bar has been around for a couple of hundred years, but for the last decade or so, its primary purpose has been to pull beer for tourists. If you want to go drinking in Dublin, you certainly won't be alone — but you can choose from dozens of pubs (even on the same street!) where you don't have to fight your way through tourists.

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12 The Spanish Steps (Rome, Italy)

If you're looking to get in your 10,000 steps, Rome is filled with amazing attractions that take you back in history (not to mention yummy food around every corner). There's no real reason that you have to waste those steps on the Spanish Steps. Yes, it's the longest and widest stairway in Europe. But maybe, instead, you should climb some steps that take you somewhere you actually want to go.

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13 The Astronomical Clock (Prague, Czech Republic)

This mechanical clock must have been incredibly impressive to the people of its day back when it was created in the 15th century. But 600 years later, it feels a little musty and even a little Disneyland. The real issue for many is that pickpockets all know the plaza in front of the clock will be packed with tourists, all of them with their eyes glued on the clock and none of them paying attention to their backpacks or back pockets.

15 The Hofbräuhaus (Munich, Germany)

The beer is good; there's no denying that. But the Hofbräuhaus is essentially a giant warehouse filled with tourists tossing back pint after pint. The only atmosphere comes courtesy of the impressively strong barmaids delivering a dozen steins of beer in one go. You can find great beer everywhere in Germany, so enjoy exploring some of the smaller bars in towns and villages throughout Bavaria.

16 Monastiraki Market (Athens, Greece)

Of course, you're going to go to the Acropolis, the cradle of European civilization, when you visit Athens. That doesn't mean, though, that you have to stop at nearby Monastiraki Market to buy tacky souvenirs. You can find T-shirts elsewhere in Athens, and better food as well.

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17 Buckingham Palace's guard change (London, England)

The pomp and circumstance of the guard change at Buckingham Palace are indeed a spectacle, but it's one that attracts throngs of tourists, all jostling for a view of the action. If you're keen on avoiding the crush while still soaking in British tradition, consider the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. It's a lesser-known but equally historic ritual that offers a more intimate glimpse into the UK's rich heritage, minus the elbowing crowds.

18 The Royal Mile (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is steeped in history and charm, but during peak tourist season, it can feel more like a medieval-themed carnival than a historic thoroughfare. For those looking to escape the throngs and discover a more tranquil side of Edinburgh, Dean Village and the Water of Leith Walkway offer serene beauty and a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Here, the only crowd you'll encounter is the occasional duck family paddling by.

19 La Croisette (Cannes, France)

Cannes' La Croisette promenade is famed for its film festival glamour, but on a regular day, it can feel like any crowded beachfront. For a true escape, the Île Sainte-Marguerite is just a short boat ride away, offering unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil beaches where the only stars are in the sky.

20 The Guinness Storehouse (Dublin, Ireland)

Dublin's Guinness Storehouse might be a pilgrimage site for stout lovers, but its popularity can lead to crowded conditions that might water down your experience. For an alternative taste of Irish spirit, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. offers a more intimate setting to learn about whiskey's rich history and enjoy a tipple or two. Plus, you'll escape the throngs of tourists, making for a smoother experience all around.

21 The Colosseum's interior during peak hours (Rome, Italy)

Rome wasn't built in a day, but it might take a day to get through the line at the Colosseum during peak hours. Instead of spending your Roman holiday in queue, the Baths of Caracalla offer a majestic glimpse into ancient Roman life without the wait. These grand ruins are often overlooked, meaning you can explore at leisure, imagining the echoes of gladiators past without a tourist in sight.

22 The Van Gogh Museum during weekends (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Vincent's swirling stars might lose their luster when viewed shoulder-to-shoulder with weekend crowds at the Van Gogh Museum. For a more serene art experience, the Rembrandt House Museum invites you into the world of another Dutch master, offering a window into Rembrandt's life and works in a setting that feels more like a home than a hall of fame.

23 Little Venice (Mykonos, Greece)

While the sunset in Little Venice competes for the world's most Instagrammable moment, the competition for a spot to actually enjoy this spectacle can be fierce. For those seeking sunset serenity, the Armenistis Lighthouse stands as a beacon of tranquility, offering breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea without the battle for elbow room. Here, the sunset is yours and yours alone to enjoy.

24 The Berlin Wall Memorial during the day (Berlin, Germany)

The Berlin Wall Memorial offers a poignant slice of history, but its significance can be hard to digest amidst the daytime crowds. For a more reflective experience, the East Side Gallery awaits with its kaleidoscope of murals painted on the remnants of the Wall. Visiting at dawn or dusk not only offers softer light for viewing these powerful artworks but also a moment of peace to truly contemplate their meaning.

25 Park Guell (Barcelona, Spain)

Gaudi's Park Guell is a wonderland of whimsical design, but the wonder can wane when faced with long lines and entry fees. For a free and equally enchanting experience, Parc de la Ciutadella offers lush greenery, a stunning fountain, and plenty of space to lounge. It's a verdant escape in the heart of Barcelona, where the only thing whimsical will be your daydreams, undisturbed by the masses.

26 The Heineken Experience (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

The Heineken Experience offers a glossy look at one of the world's most famous beers, but it can feel more like an advertisement than an adventure. For a taste of Amsterdam's local flavor, the Jordaan district's cozy bars and cafes serve up craft beers and stories in equal measure, inviting you to sip and savor the city's true spirit.

27 St. Mark's Square (Venice, Italy)

Sipping a coffee in St. Mark's Square might seem quintessentially Venetian until you see the bill. For a more authentic and less costly experience, the Cannaregio district offers charming cafes where you can enjoy your espresso like a local, watching the world go by without the tourist markup. It's a taste of the real Venice, one sip at a time.

28 Montmartre (Paris, France)

Montmartre's bohemian allure is undeniable, but the charm can be hard to find among the throngs of tourists. For a quieter slice of Parisian life, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers rolling hills, winding paths, and secret grottoes, all within the city limits. It's a place where the spirit of Paris lingers in the air, inviting you to wander and wonder in peace.

29 Puerta del Sol (Madrid, Spain)

Madrid's Puerta del Sol is a bustling hub of activity, but its frenetic energy can be overwhelming. For a moment of calm in the capital, the Templo de Debod offers an ancient Egyptian temple set in a serene park, providing a peaceful pause and a reminder that Madrid, like the temple, has stood the test of time.

30 Grand Bazaar (Istanbul, Turkey)

If you're dreaming of a shopping spree in Istanbul that feels both authentic and bargain-filled, the Grand Bazaar might not be your best bet. Despite its fame and the allure of endless stalls, the reality is a maze of overpriced goods and the same "special price" promised to every tourist. For a more genuine and less wallet-draining experience, venture outside the Bazaar's confines. The surrounding neighborhoods offer the same products at more reasonable prices, in settings where you can enjoy the true atmosphere of Turkish commerce. Plus, you'll escape the relentless sales pitches that have made the Grand Bazaar as much a trial as a treat.

31 Jet d'Eau (Geneva, Switzerland)

Geneva's Jet d'Eau is a towering testament to the city's engineering prowess, but it's essentially just a very high fountain. For those seeking more than a misting, Geneva's Old Town beckons with its maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards, offering a deeper dive into the city's heart and history.

32 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Milan, Italy)

Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II dazzles with its glass dome and luxury shops, but the experience can feel more like a mall than a monument. For a less commercial and more cultural outing, the Brera District's art galleries, boutiques, and cafes offer a slice of Milanese life that's as rich and varied as any Renaissance painting.

33 Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (Lyon, France)

Lyon's Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière dominates the city's skyline, but its interior can sometimes disappoint. Instead, the Parc de la Tête d'Or invites you to roam its expansive grounds, where the beauty of nature and the serenity of the lake offer a divine experience without the need for stained glass.