Europe is a huge bundle of expectations for tourists. But today some of the highly recommended destinations fail to live up to the hype, mostly due to overcrowding and the difficulty of taking a decent photograph without being photobombed by tourists. Here are the top ten overrated places usually included in Europe tour packages, and a clever substitute for each –
This 30min ride on the giant Ferris wheel costs about $25 and quite some waiting time. Instead one can catch London’s panoramic skylines from the Sky Garden’s observation deck or see as far as Wembley stadium, from the viewing level of Switch House at Tate Modern.
If you can let go of the cliché “hold the tower” picture, you can save up on an arduous journey and instead enjoy the rich ancient Lucca for its shopping, cycling and the famous sculpture of Volto Santo.
Despite the admission fee, tourists are only allowed to view the single circle of giant stones from a distance whereas at the Avebury henge, tourists can touch and walk around the whole town full of similar stones for free. Exploring Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow further increase the impact here.
For a true Parisian dose of gothic architecture without the overcrowding typical to Notre Dame, try the nearby suburb of Saint-Denis. Set against a grim backstory, the basilica is the first gothic church featuring some of the earliest stained glasses of its kind.
Overcrowded, hot, expensive and constantly under renovations, the trip to the Colosseum may not feel as grand as expected. However, a complete, calm, stunning and cheaper trip would be to the Roman Arena of Pula in Croatia. It is the only complete amphitheatre left.
Like many places to visit in Europe, Germany’s financial centre Frankfurt, is largely buildings and offices. Instead one can explore more of the humble Hamburg in the north for its local cuisines, boutique shopping and boat rides on the Elbe.
Far from the city without proper public transport, touring this castle in and out can take up an entire day, for only a photo-op of the beautiful exterior. Instead the neighbouring castle of Hohenschwangau housing generations of the royal families can be toured at the same time or exclusively. Then the prior castle’s picture is in the bag too! Extensive palace interiors in Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo styles can also be enjoyed within the city at The Residenz.
The best thing about the German parliament is the glass dome for a panoramic view of the city. This is far better achieved at the Panoramapunkt which is at a greater height and without the long queues.
Known for its tradition of kissing the stone for eloquence, the chances of catching a bug from it are obviously more. The long, tiring and steep climb up the castle in a long queue can be skipped for exploring the 60 acres of children-friendly, lush Blarney castle gardens, arboretums, avenues and waterways.
A great city to live in, Zurich doesn’t quite engage tourists as compared to Lucerne with its mounts, meadows, concerts, the Picasso Collection and medieval architecture.
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