Don't Waste Your Time on These 12 Tourist Traps in Europe
Manneken Pis, Brussels
The reaction of most people to the famous pissing boy of Brussels is, “But he’s so small!” And indeed he is.
Although there is something very entertaining about watching people gather to marvel at and take photos of a peeing statue that occasionally gets mysteriously dressed up in various outfits, it is hard not to feel disappointed when you finally see the statue that all the fuss is about. This is certainly a tourist trap to avoid.
Café Central, Vienna
Can there really be anything truly Venetian about a place packed with tourists? There are far better ways to explore Vienna tourism. While it is admittedly soaked in history, with a beautiful interior of marble pillars and chandeliers, none of the patrons here are likely to speak a word of German.
Don’t be surprised if you have to line up just to get in the door. You will also pay for the privilege of sipping coffee in the cafe where Trotsky used to play chess — you will find much friendlier prices in Vienna’s many other cafes.
Looking to get away with your special someone? These vacation ideas for couples are the perfect blend of romance and intrigue, promising a great trip.
Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
Berlin is one of the hippest, coolest cities in Europe. Except, that is, for Checkpoint Charlie.
While the history of the location is an interesting insight into life behind the Berlin Wall, the Checkpoint Charlie of today is a laughable attempt at squeezing money out of tourists. Men in fake army uniforms posing for photos (for a fee of course) seems to somehow debase the historical importance of the site, and disrespect the conflicts that arose there.
