A well-traveled individual with extensive experience in jet-setting has advised against visiting certain destinations that are known for locals harboring animosity towards tourists and exorbitant food prices.
Francis Hellyer, the CEO of tickadoo, who claims to have visited every place twice and holds unconventional views on Europe’s top cities, singled out three popular destinations that he believes are overrated and best avoided due to the high influx of visitors each year.
According to Francis, places like Paris should be skipped unless one enjoys paying a hefty €15 for subpar coffee amidst crowds of selfie-stick-wielding tourists at iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower. He also mentioned the displeasure of locals towards visitors and the unpleasant ambiance of places like the metro and Gare du Nord in Paris.
Paris, despite being famously known as the City of Love, has left many tourists disappointed, with a record 48.7 million visitors in 2024 post-pandemic, surpassing the previous year’s 47.5 million count.
The phenomenon known as Paris Syndrome particularly affects Japanese tourists who have overly romanticized expectations and end up facing significant cultural shock due to the contrast with their idealized perceptions. The reality of Paris often falls short, leading to disappointment and psychological distress among some visitors.
In a similar vein, Venice in the summer has been likened to a tourist-filled Disneyland with an abundance of pigeons, as noted by Francis. Locals and a protest Instagram page called ‘Venice is not Disneyland’ have raised concerns over the inappropriate behavior of both tourists and residents, emphasizing the need to address such issues on social media platforms.
Francis also expressed his lack of enthusiasm for Amsterdam, describing it as a destination primarily known for stag dos and expensive chips. Despite its allure with world-class museums, green spaces, and serene waterways, Amsterdam has faced criticism from locals for its party-focused reputation, resulting in measures to curb rowdy behavior like public drinking and drug use.
Efforts to combat overtourism in Amsterdam included banning cruise ships from the city center during peak tourist months and launching campaigns to deter certain demographics from engaging in activities that contribute to the city’s negative image.
While some may share Francis’s sentiments towards Paris, Venice, and Amsterdam, there are undoubtedly European cities that he appreciates for their unique charm and appeal.