Worst Tourist Traps
Many places are actually fun to visit just to watch the miserable tourists who don't know there's a less congested, crowded, over-priced, and polluted alternative. Help us avoid the worst of Europe's tourist traps with your hard-earned experience.
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Rome Eating outside of the city
When in Rome do as the Romans, eat just outside of the city. Rick Steves offers suggestions to travel in the area just outside of Rome. People are nice and indigenous. Food is better and more affordable. Also watch out for the 64 bus in Rome. The note about pickpockets is accurate. Got me one. Rome was more fun because of previewing Rick's book.
Mike <email>
Missouri City , Texas USA 11/15/2008
Prague - tourist trap - Not!
Prague one big tourist trap??? The only "trap" is for those who want everything put in front of their faces. That can be said about anywhere.
It is expensive to stay & eat Prague's city center, but then again, it is expensive in most capital city centers, like Paris and London. The only way someone is "rushed" through the Jewish sites is if someone is visiting with a tour. I've been to all of the sites on my own & did them in one day without being rushed. The great thing is they can be covered all in one very reasonable price. Most all admission prices to sites are reasonable.
And there are plenty of reasonable places to stay and eat in Prague only a few minutes away from the center. Over the years friends and family have come with me to this beautiful city or I have helped them plan their trip to go on their own. The only folks I know that had a completely negative view are the same people that didn't put any effort into a planning process. My take on this is you get what you put into it.
Dfloyd
Sunnyvale, CA USA 11/13/2008
Remember Prague!
I'm so sorry to see Prague called a rip-off! We're living here temporarily (my husband is teaching one semester here) and we have found just the opposite to be true! With the exception of the Jewish Museum, entrance fees are quite inexpensive: rarely more than $10. If you step a block or two off the beaten tourist path, you'll find great food at good prices, cheap beer and friendly people! Today we wandered into a restaurant on a side street less than two blocks from Old Town Square. We enjoyed a hearty lunch for two, with three beers, for about $14. We just took the chance, which is the best way to figure it all out.
It has taken some adjustment to learn that things simply are not always as we expect, but that's part of the adventure. Market forces are a bit different here, so some things, like clothes, are really expensive. We've used Rick's guide so much the map has fallen out of the front of it, but have also poked around on our own. If you go only to the heavy tourist areas, you won't see much other than other tourists and the shops that cater to them. (They wouldn't be there if people didn't buy that stuff!)
We've used the two-blocks-off-the-path approach everywhere we've traveled and found some wonderful little surprises!
Myra
Athens, GA USA 11/12/2008
Europe in General
After reading a few of these comments I thought to myself where to begin, I myself work in Europe taking groups al over (for another company).
The thing that most forget when travelling abroad is what they are going away to gain/achieve out of there trip...
I know there are little ripoffs in Europe, as there is all over the world, sometimes keeping your common senses about you is all you need...
Love and ebrace the differences Europe has to offer you, do a bit of research of a few restaurants in a few areas which you intend to sight see, and go from there, try using a bit of local language is always a great icebreaker, and usually fun; know that in Italy 99.9% of all restaurants have free bread, eat away from main sights, where there isn't always an English menu (back to the adventure of travel).
Ask for recomendations from shop owners, cafes, or in supermarkets, they always know where to go for cheap, real local food!
That's all for know,
Have fun & remember, don't be a nieve traveller, be smart and embrace the differences!!!
Dave
Toronto, on CAN 11/11/2008
Prague: one big tourist trap
We'd heard the raves: inexpensive food, great castle, extensive synagogue history, unspoiled Europe. Well, whatever it used to be, it's now the worst blend of capitalist money-grubbing and communist insensitivity. The food costs the same as anywhere else. The castle is a rip-off (you won't know that the free part is the only worthwhile part until you've already paid). The 5-part Jewish museum moves you through so fast you won't get most of it, and what you get is not much. The street from the Gunpowder Tower over the bridge to St Nicholas church is one big line of tourists walking by kitchy shops. Forget Prague! Spend your time and money elsewhere.
David Spencer <email>
Portland, OR USA 11/09/2008
tourist trap
I don't know if Andech's Monastery was the worst tourist trap but it has become very commercialized. The food was also unappetizing. We did not stay. If you want a nice monastery to visit, go to Ettal and see the one there. We just got back from our trip to Germany (Oct 15th).
Marje Chavez
Sterling, VA USA 10/20/2008
Tourist Trap
If in Rome and you cross the bridge Ponte San Angelo from Castel Sant Angelo into the street directly ahead called Via Banco Di Spirito - avoid the first eating place on the right. Disappointing food at high price and I got a padded bill.
Noel Donagh <email>
Athlone, Ireland 10/13/2008
Defending the Paris Museum Pass
Delores wrote to say that this wasn't worth buying but it IS. I bought mine easily at a Metro stop, the one near the Musee d'Orsay, I believe. It got me easily into museums, past the lines, saving valuable time. It worked with all the museums I wanted to use it for. Yes, I think several floors of the Pompidou museum were closed when I was there but so what? I didn't really want to see the whole thing anyway. The pass saved me money and was a good buy!
Dorothy
New York, NY USA 10/08/2008
Dublin is a complete waste of time.
September 2008 - just returned from my 2nd trip to Ireland, but 1st to Dublin.
Dublin is essentially the same as any other large European city - dirty, smoke filled, and the relics of history ignored and encroached upon by the 21st century concrete jungle.
There is absolutely no reason to go to Dublin. Despite what Steve's writes, there are NO 3-diamond sites, and everything he recommends in his guide book (Ireland 2004) is a rip-off.
I'll be happy to provide more of my impressions if you'd like to email me at: dennisireland08 AT aol DOT com.
Dennis <email>
Denver, CO USA 10/02/2008
Louvre Audio guide
The new audioguide offered at the Louvre is a complete waste of money. It is not the cost, it is just the bad feeling you get when you know you have been "had". Very few and I mean very few paintings have audio explanations. You will be tempted to toss the useless guide down the marble stairs.
Dave Niven
St Albert, Ab Canada 09/20/2008
Versailles
We went to the Palace at Versailles outside of Paris thinking it would be a fun trip and not too expensive based on our guidebooks that were all published this year... WRONG!!! We were so upset to find that we had to pay almost twenty dollars to get in the palace and another 8 euros to get into the gardens. The info desk said they just doubled their prices this year. Sure the palace was interesting, but I didn't care because I was so upset about the price!
Tripp
La Grange, KY USA 09/15/2008
Finding local restaurants
One simple way to easily figure out wether a restaurant is a tourist trap, or a local eatery, is to simply look at the price of alcohol. Seriously, the locals do not pay more than 8-10 euros in Italy for a bottle of wine, or 1-2 euros in Prague for a beer. If the menu prices are higher than this, you can be sure the food will be over priced and no good.
Jared
Tacoma, WA USA 09/14/2008
Europe in General-You're Not in Kansas, LA, or New York Anymore
It is so interesting to read the variety of comments here. We are going back to Rome in February 09. We spent 2 days there in late March of 2000 as part of a Milan, Venice, Florence, Sienna, Rome trip. We went to Italy to experience the Italian way of life and to see some amazing sites. We were not disappointed. The only place we encountered hawkers was Florence on our way to the Academia. We simply ignored them. No biggie. We hit St. Peter's when the Pope was speaking to a huge crowd as part of recognizing some Spanish martyrs. We joined the crowd, saw the pope, met some wonderful Spanish pilgrims, and took the crowds in stride. Venice was beautiful. We ate street food that was amazing and splurged on some wonderful meals at places that were not listed in any guidebooks, including Rick's. Some were so so, but some were wonderful. Different people have different tastes (Do I really need to point that out?) so what I may think was a delicious meal may not be palatable to someone else. That is true anywhere.
We spent a week in Paris in November 2002 and absolutely loved it! Not one single person tried to sell us anything anywhere, not even by the Eiffel Tower. We used the museum pass and found it easy to purchase since we actually read Rick's recommendation for where to do so. It was well worth the money. Our only complaint in Paris, and it is minor, is that there were tourists from another country, not the USA, who toured in large groups and were very noisy and disrespectful in the cathedrals even when there were many signs in their native language asking for quiet.
My sense of some Americans we have met who have complained about their experiences in Europe is that they want things to be like they are at home. If you want to have the same sort of experience in Europe that you would have traveling in the US or where ever you are from you will definitely be disappointed and should probably stay home. If however, you are adventurous and open to new experiences and can have a sense of humor about differences and faux pas you will have a great experience! Whenever we travel we try to learn at least some basics of the native language before we go. We usually travel very inexpensively staying in hostels, YMCAs, B&B's and some pretty flea bag type hotels, some Rick recommendations, but we have also found great deals on very nice hotels. We've been to London, all over the English countryside, Paris, Normandy, the Loire river valley, Germany, Austria, southern Spain, the aforementioned Italy trip, another trip just to Venice for a week, Greece, and Israel. I've peed into a small hole in a floor and in a bathroom in Paris where I had a choice of closing the door and standing up or sitting and having the door wide open because the room was not big enough to sit and close the door. We've slept in lovely hotels and B&B's and have slept on bunk beds or futons on floors in halls. It is all part of the adventure and experience. I love Europe and all of the unique experiences it brings. Oh, and by the way, we are middle aged, not teenagers.
Melody
Centennial , CO USA 09/07/2008
Scotland - Uruquart Castle
There is no reason to pay to see Uruquart Castle on Loch Ness. They charge the current equivalent of $13/person to walk around a completely ruined castle. They won't even allow you to use the toilets in the "visitors center" until you've paid for a ticket. You can take very good photos from the car park and then move on. Spend your money to see Eilean Donan Castle instead, near the Isle of Skye. For $10/person you get to tour a fully restored castle (pretty much as it was in the 1300's) at your own pace. Scotland is expensive enough without getting ripped off on admission prices.
Linda
Aiken, SC USA 09/06/2008
Eating in Venice, Crowds in Rome
My comments on a number of the posts. There are wonderful restaurants in Venice, just not at the Rialto Bridge. One of the best we ate at was on a side street in Lido. We found that a good time for all of the Rome attractions was to get there about 30 minutes before opening. The self-guided tour of the Vatican Museum is worth the money. Also, go to the Vatican on a day when the Pope isn't blessing the crowd and it won't be as crowded. We used Rick Steves' guidebook all over Italy and for the most part he was right on the money. We saw a lot of things and had a great time!
Steve Galiette <email>
Missouri City, TX USA 08/20/2008
Rue Cler - Paris
We read that the Rue Cler market in the 7th Arrondissement in Paris was not to be missed. We stayed nearby, so we decided to check it out. The produce was way overpriced and the cafés were not very good. A small corner grocery store near it was a much better value and we found restaurants off of Rue Cler that were much better. The area seemed geared to tourists, not locals as we had read about before we arrived. Disappointing, to say the least.
Nancy Horisk-Sherr <email>
Hockessin, DE USA 08/07/2008
London:
London: Avoid "The Original Tour" company for double decker tour buses. Or purchase your tickets in advance. On the street level, there is feirce and unprofessional competition trying to sell tickets to these tour buses. We were harassed by 6 men all shouting and trying to say they have the better deal and used profanities towards us (with our children around and 30+ spectators in disbelief). Ended up having to call the police. They still swipped my credit card, even though I refused the transaction. Still working to resolve. Never did receive tickets or service.
Jade
Portland, Oregon USA 07/27/2008
Normandy Museums
I would not say that they are traps per se, but some of the smaller, almost road-stand type museums you will come across in Normandy are not worth the time or effort or money. You can see 99% of what they have in the smaller places at some of the larger ones. The one that comes to mind immediately is the one in Arromanches. Additionally, the displays are so cramped that it is difficult to really get a decent photo or to appreciate what it is that you are seeing. Pick a couple of larger museums and save time and money.
Pete <email>
Beacon, NY USA 07/21/2008
Crystal World (Kristallwelten), Innsbruck
Avoid Swarovski Crystal World (Kristallwelten) in Innsbruck. Unless you are into abstract art containing very few crystals, you will be sorely dissappointed. The opening display was straight out of the Herbie Hancock "Rockit" video. Strange. Plus it was really pricey. If you are in Innsbruck, Austria & want to see some beautiful Swarovski crystals your better bet is to see the Crystal Room in the Old City Square. It's free, takes ony 5 to 10 minutes to go through and it is stunning. No wierd crystal-less displays.
Lauren
Ft. Walton Bch, FL USA 07/11/2008
Rome-how to deal
If you want to avoid lines at the Coliseum just start your day at Palatino hill the same ticket gets you into both attractions and there is no line also the Palatino hill area gets hot in the afternoon so it is better to go there first.
If you want to see St Peter’s Basilica, go there first thing in the morning, there is no line and it is beautiful and peaceful and they open at 7am; then head over to the Vatican Museum line, skip the tours and get yourself a self-guided tour headset once inside. We found it easy to navigate the Vatican museum this way and we could linger where we wanted to. In the Sistine Chapel, there are benches around the edges, take a seat and look for a few minutes…if you hide towards the outside the guys won’t yell at you to move on and you can actually listen to the whole museum guide for the room.
Yes these places are tourist traps, but it you plan your day wisely you will enjoy your time much more!
Kristy
Tacoma, WA USA 06/27/2008
Rome not so bad.
Rome was not so bad, but you have to plan it right. We did take a tour of the Vatican, through Angel Tours. Ken was our guide, Scottish, so he spoke English. It was only 15 euro for students, and then the museum admission fee. We got to skip the line, which was nice on the hottest day thus far this year.
So, the Ancient Rome section - we got there at 9:00, skipped the Collosseum and went straight to the Palatine Hill ticket booth. No one was there, so bought our tickets and wandered there until lunch. Then we ate nasty tourist pizza and hit the collosseum, only waiting about 10 minutes in line to get through security. We had so much extra time that my husband watched the F1 race in a bar (air conditioned!). So, ignore the salesmen and gladiators, and plan your trip wisely.
The real rip-off in is the food. You have to eat, and it's all expensive!
Anna
Cincinnati, OH USA 06/26/2008
Morrocco Group guided tour
While in Cadiz, Spain we debated going to Tangier for the day on our own, with an individual guide or a group guided tour and opted for the group tour. It was nice to be met at the port and have transportation arranged but we walked through the streets and markets so fast there was no time to linger or shop for fear of being separated from the group. We did however spend an HOUR at two different shops of friends of the guide (from whom he must get a kick back) until there was a group mutiny and we moved on. Then we were driven outside the city for "views" where we stopped at a parking lot with 5 camels waiting for us to ride them once around the parking lot for a euro...another friend. We did have a nice lunch with several other tour groups but we were clearly a captive audience with little freedom to pursue our own interests. Glad we went and I think a guide is essential the first time but I would recommend going with a private guide so you could see what you want to see. Rick suggests being firm about what you want to do and it will take some very firm boundaries as the guides work with their merchant friends.
Laurie <email>
Portland, OR USA 06/24/2008
Restaurant add-ons
Beware of restaurant add-ons that aren't on the menu. We were asked if we would like garlic bread after ordering our inexpensive dinners in Chamonix, France. We said yes. How much extra could it cost? We should have asked. Two slices of bread each cost $6 extra each for $14 dinners (total $20 each). And the bread wasn't good compared to the rest of the dinner. It was obviously a tourist scam.
J. Sinclair
Vallejo, CA USA 06/19/2008
Venice restaurants (Reply)
How could you expect to trust anyone near the Rialto for a good meal unless it was a big restaurant? You can get a big hot dog and fries for $2 Euro just off the Rialto bridge. Nothing personal but really that is just stupid to travel to such a great place as Venice (which I use to live) and expect a good deal in the midle of it all and to expect it to be good. Have you ever heard of walking far far away from the main area to eat? This is not just Venice, but all places on planet earth have the same thing, ripping off people who think they know it all and believe what they read. Walk far far away and enjoy your next meal.
_______________________________________________
Venice restaurants
I wish I could find the receipt for this place in Venice. It is a small 6 table restaurant about 5 minutes from the Rialto and advertises "home cooking" and "reasonable rates". The menu in the window showed only the food prices which are reasonable. We asked for a half bottle of local wine (there was no wine list), that cost 16E, the bread was burned and hard (that's all we have) and cost 4E, the cover charge is 25% (that's what we charge)and when asked if I wanted ice cream or lemonchello for desert, I was charged 7E for lemonchello. Total bill for a small slab of lasanga 73E ($105).
Video
USA 06/12/2008
INFLATED EVERTHING
The 'mis-named' restaurants, B&B's, flea markets and the touts. Resturants could cost US$50 a person, and watch for B&B's who advertise there are central heating... all the perks. For flea markets and touts, always carry a lightweight and strong umbrella in your hand...In many places, a slight tapping of this can bring the price down from an inflated price of 500% to a measly 5%. The umbrella can be used as a weapon too... Take the shaving sets from the airplane's toiletry drawers...
06/11/2008
Paris Museum Pass
Don't waste your money on the Paris Museum Pass. We were there just 2 weeks ago, and using that pass caused us nothing but t-r-o-u-b-l-e! First, we had to visit FOUR offices inside the Louvre before we found one that would sell us the blasted pass (with waiting in line, this wasted nearly 1.5 hours of our valuable 4 days in Paris); then several of the musueums listed as accepting the pass are now NOT accepting the pass; some the musuems which say they close on Tuesdays have now switched to closing on Mondays (our pass was for Sunday and Monday); only two of the 6 floors in the Pompidou Center is open to pass holders - you must pay to gain access to the other floors; etc. AUGHHHHHHH! Such aggravation - the pass defintely did not pay for itself.
Dolores
USA 06/05/2008
Tourism
To quote the immortal genius of Clark Griswold in European vacation "Its a country, its not Wally World!" Traveling is about seeing other cultures and seeing how the locals do things. Just because a place may be lacking cheesy tours and cheap souvenier hawkers does not mean its depressing to everyone who visits!!
Tami Dunne <email>
Boulder, CO USA 05/19/2008
Choose Options other than Bedford, UK
We noticed on the Trip Advisor that some travels visiting the Bedford, Bedfordshire, UK area, had problems with the swan population and potential aviary rash infection. We didn't know that before we left but some other guests during our stay had the same problem. Unfortunately, the tourist opportunities in the Bedford area or surrounding area are minimal and generally to us it is a very depressing location. We noticed very few tourists around Bedford and after being there a few days we understood why. The people are friendly but the site seeing, restaurant, and visitor options left us anxious to move on. We were very disappointed in choosing it as a destination. We stayed on a narrow boat near Bedford and thought it would be a unique experience. However, it was extremely cramped even with two bedrooms and the bathrooms were tiny, and the maintenance of the units was quite disappointing. If you want to experience the English countryside we suggest some of the suggestions in Rick's guidebook by going further north around Stratford-Avon or west toward Bath. We particularly enjoyed these two areas and found many interesting historical sites and tourist opportunities. We have made several trips to England over that last seven years and the Bedford area was by far our most disappointing experience.
searay
snoqualmie, wa USA 05/17/2008
Religious Sites as Tourist Traps
Hmmm. I didn't find the comments about religious sites, possibly, in some cases, serving as "tourist traps," particularly offensive. I disagree, and agree with the fact that so much of Europe's greatest art is displayed in churches, and was even funded by the Catholic Church, which did help preserve so much of value through the Middle Ages...but I guess I can see, also, how some sites with no real artistic originality about them climb on board and try to portray themselves as more important, historically than they are. Provided it all goes to a worthwhile cause, though, I can live with that, once in a while. I just don't think anyone was challenging religious BELIEFS or the right to hold them. Churches ARE human institutions, and have, historically, been faced with greed and other base motives like all human institutions. Clearly, it is POSSIBLE for a religious site to be a tourist trap.
John
Chicago, IL USA 04/13/2008
Respect for others
In my view using this site to slam a religion is simply in poor taste--especially since people who travel often pride themselves on being open minded. To me it betrays a very superficial knowledge of history as well as a real arrogance in pretending to know the motivations of people who lived centuries ago. As a member of an "organized" religion
I can say that we were at least taught to respect the beliefs of others by
practicing common courtesy.
Anne
Winchester, VA USA 04/12/2008
Random Traps
Rome: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum. Cheap touristy crap for sale, vagrants, and scammers trying to to give you bracelets or do magic tricks. Take your photos, and leave immediately. Be careful of where you eat too- I ordered a pizza once and what was brought to me by the fat, rash owner of the place was a 3-day old pizza from his display case for 10 EUR.
Salzburg: Mozart Dinner Concert at St. Peter's Stiftskeller. Dainty, but well-performed classical music from a troupe of musicians dressed in period clothing. Food was forgettable and was like cafeteria food. Eat a nice local meal and attend one of the free concerts in town instead. The food will be 100 times better, and there is not an inferior musician to be found in Salzburg.
Bryan
Atlanta, GA USA 04/02/2008
London Theatre discount tickets
Unfortunately, I had a similar experience. And I had read Steves' advice to stick to the "official ticket centre" to avoid scams. But, well, I thought I could save a bit of money. I had ordered second category tickets but when I picked them up there were the worst seats in the house - the very last row. AND I had paid double the face value of the tickets. His argument was that the show was sold out and that was all there was to be had. After arguing he did give me a small refund in addition to the tickets. As it turned out, when we arrived at the theatre the show was anything but sold out and a friendly staff took pity on us and gave us MUCH better seats than our tickets would have allowed for.
Beatrix
Calgary, Canada 03/29/2008
Hawkers - Different Perspective
There's another way to look at all of the hawkers in Europe, however. They are largely immigrant groups (some are even refugees from war-torn nations) simply trying to get ahead. I'm not saying they're not annoying (they are) or that they're always scrupulous (they're not), BUT I am saying that if you want the real Europe, the Europe beyond the tourism, these immigrants trying to make a buck and leave poverty behind, in any they can, well...it's not always about us. These people have bigger problems than us being annoyed because they're ruining the vibe at Trevi Fountain. Like avoiding the police and trying score enough cash to eat. No disrespect intended to anyone on this board; just another perspective.
John <email>
Chicago, IL USA 03/28/2008
Hawkers
My husband, daughter and I went to Venice, Florence and Rome in July, 07. No tour, just "winged" it (altho we did have rooms booked). My main complaint was those annoying hawkers and sellers everywhere we went. Hands down, the worst places were at night by the Trevi Fountain (Rome) and St. Mark's Square (Venice). Every 15 seconds, someone came up to you with a rose, toy, etc. It really kills the mood! And, btw, the litter and filth at Trevi was beyond belief (even by a New Yorker's standard!)
Marianne
Long Island, NY USA 03/27/2008
Well, I visited Paris in the wintertime and the people selling the cheap Eiffel tower plastics got to be too much. And just because someone is complaining doesn't mean they won't visit again. I will definitely see Paris again, if possible, but I will wear headphones or something when around the Tower, for example. You just want to be left alone to appreciate the moment and these people keep at it, it was so annoying, I probably said NO a few times, and even after ignoring them they kept bugging me. I really think it shouldn't be permitted inside a certain radius around the Tower. I mean, they go as far as to touch you, it's like, "you don't want to buy this, well I'll make sure you don't have a pleasant experience."
Min
PR USA 03/08/2008
Marilynn, the board has many topics, this one is for rip-offs, or scams, I'm sure everyone here hasn't stopped traveling because of encountered annoyances. But, like I said, this is the section of the board to discuss these kind of topics.
I make the clarification, because having visited these boards for years, someone will always make a statement similar to yours once in a while. The same people complaining about certain things in this topic are raving about others in other topics of the board.
Min
PR USA 03/08/2008
Expectations of Americans
As if getting scammed and ripped off doesn't EVER happen in the United States! Some of the problems are simply ignorance of local customs. For instance, being charged for "bar snacks" is common practice in a lot of places. In Portugal if you don't want to pay for the nice tray of appetizers some restaurants place before you when you are seated, simply don't eat any of it or you've bought the whole thing! I learned that the hard way. Oh, well. No big deal and now I know! (And by the way, eating at the bar is often cheaper than taking a table.)
Learning a little of the language goes a long way as well. And finally, remember that when you gripe about all the tourists and tourist traps, that you are one of the tourists patronizing the tourist traps.
Sorrento and the Cinque Terre are great places to visit and Rome is a nut house, but a fabulous not-to-be-missed experience.
Marilynn
Willits, CA USA 02/26/2008
Failure to inquire before ordering or buying may make somthing expensive but not a rip off . accept some responsibility !!!
John Brangwin <email>
USA 02/24/2008
Tourist Traps
Pisa was OK: As we approached in our rental I said "Wouln't it be great if there was a parking lot and a gas station right near the Tower?" There was! We filled up parked, wandered into the piazza for 15 minutes, drove off again.
Worst rip-off: While walking back to our hotel one night in Florence we decided to stop at a small, nice-looking bar for a glass of wine. There were a couple of bowls of nibbles on the table, and we grabbed a handful. Our bill came: 2 glasses of wine plus bar snacks: 22 Euros! Moral: don't touch the snacks!
Iain
Napier, New Zealand 02/11/2008
Outside the Norm
The fact can’t be argued that certain places are tourist traps but does that mean they aren't worth seeing? So they sell Mozart garb in Salzburg, beer steins in Munich, and replicas of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. That's something most of us expect in addition to long lines at major attractions. Seems part of Rick's popularity hinged on a travel philosophy that was outside the norm. Sticking with that I’ve found visiting famous cities and sites in the winter is the best option. It might be cold but it's just you, the locals and a few tourists.
Mark <email>
Denver, CO USA 01/16/2008
Why Churches Beg
There is a simple reason for fees and admissions and such. When these churches were built, religion ruled daily life and entire communities supported those churches. Rich merchants gave huge sums of money to buy salvation. Kings and dukes and the like poured cash into churches to show how holy they were and to keep the Church at Rome happy.
Today , there is no such support. These enormous and exceedingly costly to maintain structures are on their own.They cannot support themselves on the backs of parishioners anymore and there are no more nobles to endow them.
Ever try to paint your house without buying the paint or paying somebody to do it?
Paul n Sara <email>
Newburyport, MA USA 01/04/2008
learn your history before complaining
those of you who have any basic knowledge about the history of the Catholic Church will know that churches have been hawking since the beginning of the religion. What do you think the selling of relics and the selling of indulgences were? Pilgrams used to go to various churches, and buy "relics" as a momento of their pilgrimage.
In fact, have y'all heard of the HOLY YEAR?? Origially the Church had one every 100 years. In 1450 there were so many pilgrims in Rome that the pope (Martin V) realized that Holy Years were hugge money makers, and so had them every 50 years. Now the Church has them every 25 years. How do you think Julius 2 and co built that Church? or any other church in Europe? It wasn't donations.
Americans are sometimes very ignorant about history and get angry when things in Europe aren't quaint and "european" as you want them.
GB <email>
Milan, USA 01/01/2008
Churches and $
Churches in Europe don't necessarily get government support or have had their support cut back, and when you have a vast, 1000-year-old building, the upkeep costs are tremendous. I've never visited a major church in the UK that didn't have scaffolding around it. One of them had a sign posted saying that it cost £2000 per day just to maintain the building. That's why they charge admission to people who aren't attending services.
Karen
Minneapolis, MN USA 12/14/2007
Don't skip Edinburgh
All of you who are troubled by Edinburgh need to get off the Royal Mile after you see the castle! Check out the Georgian House, the Royal Botanical Gardens, climb Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. If it's a downpour check out the Museum of Scotland. Wander through Stockbridge. Stroll along the Water of Leith. Tour the new Scottish Parliament. Lastly listen to some music and drink an ale at Sandy's Bells.
Pamela <email>
MADISON, WI USA 11/25/2007
Chuches and $
churches may have to collect $ to keep the place in good condition. You can give or not give. Its up to you.
John
Chicago, IL USA 11/18/2007
RE: Avoid Edinburgh Dungeon
I actually paid to go into the Edinburgh Dungeon and spent the entire time thinking to myself
"I paid HOW MUCH for this!?"
If you have the pass and it is free for you, go for it but only if you have some time to spare. It was kind of entertaining. (though poorly acted)
Other wise, skip it.
Meghan
Long Island, NY USA 11/17/2007
Guiness Brewery
Oh I know I'm going to make a lot of people angry with this post but I have to be honest.
I've been to the Guiness Brewery 3 times and I didn't even like it the first time! It was costly and boring to me. I don't particulary like Guiness
(everyone say "Why did you go then!" and i'll say "because I was with a group of people who wanted to go.)
so the end pay off of a free Guiness wasn't worth it for me. Plus, their was NOOOOO seating and we had to stand around.
However, I did enjoy the email kios in the lobby where I could send a photo of myself to my family and friends.
Meghan
Long Island, NY USA 11/17/2007
Re: Making money on religion
The churches could also have set up the gift shops in "self-defense". I've been in lovely medieval churches where tourists have been so eager to bring home remembrances of their visits that they have stolen hymnals, candles, and chipped off little pieces of pews and wall carvings. I'd rather see a cheap gift shop in the church foyer than souvenir-hunting vandalism.
Jackie Binstead
Philadelphia, PA USA 11/14/2007
Making money on religion
I wouldn't necessarily call it a tourist trap but did anyone else find it odd that a lot of the churches in Europe are unashamed about hawking crap to tourists? The Notre Dame has little tick tack machines throughout the church(which is still used for services) to buy guides or to buy 'commemorative coins', St Pauls Cathedral has a huge gift shop in the crypt below the church. I kept seeing things like this everywhere I went. I'm not a religious person otherwise I would have been more offended. It just further makes me believe that religion and churches are more interested in making money(and their tax free status) than they should be.
Dan
Sacramento, CA USA 10/30/2007
Amalfi Coast and Rome
I was distressed to read the negative comments about the Amalfi Coast and Rome. We just got back from there and had a wonderful time! Maybe it's because of what we were looking for? Sorrento made an excellent base (much nicer than what little we saw of Naples) for day-tripping and Capri was lovely - especially if you get away from the piazza during peak tourist hours. We hiked up to Villa Jovis, took the bus to Anacapri early in the morning and walked a lot of back/side streets. Positano was gorgeous - walked way up the hill to see the town and coast from above. Rome was amazing - an architectural/historical marvel around every corner. We met fun and interesting people from all over the world, over terrific meals and cocktails, and had very little trouble with panhandlers/hawkers. Just say no. We don't go on vacation to shop so didn't really look in the stores - too busy looking at the beautiful sites. I guess one person's heaven can be another person's dark place (don't ask me about Las Vegas!!!).
Kathy Benson
Minneapolis, MN USA 10/24/2007
Venice restaurants
I wish I could find the receipt for this place in Venice. It is a small 6 table restaurant about 5 minutes from the Rialto and advertises "home cooking" and "reasonable rates". The menu in the window showed only the food prices which are reasonable. We asked for a half bottle of local wine (there was no wine list), that cost 16E, the bread was burned and hard (that's all we have) and cost 4E, the cover charge is 25% (that's what we charge)and when asked if I wanted ice cream or lemonchello for desert, I was charged 7E for lemonchello. Total bill for a small slab of lasanga 73E ($105).
Mike Williams <email>
Tampa, Florid USA 10/18/2007
Budapest Metro
Sorry that you got caught. This topic has been widely discussed on numerous travel web sites. While it may be true that some ticket inspectors target tourists, we were in Budapest this past spring and watched them stopping almost everyone.
The day we arrived at the airport, we bought the tree day pass - it was immediate peace of mind. We were stopped three times during our three days and a simple glance at the pass was all it took.
It is my understanding from Budapest natives that the city started a concerted effort to enforce ticket regulations because the transit system was loosing alot of money from "freeloaders", mainly natives trying to beat the system.
Steve
Richmond, VA USA 10/17/2007
Budapest Metro - Beware
On leaving Budapest today our hotel clerk cautioned that we make sure to have valid metro (and tram)tickets because the Metro agents targeted tourists (tourists are easy prey due to language barriers and don't know legal rights in Hungary). Our Hungary guidebook had a similiar warning. We requested a ticket to the Keleti train station from the Metro ticket office window and paid our cash. When departing the Metro station at the train station, Metro agents were there stopping everyone with a suitcase including us. We were certain our tickets were valid but instead we were told we had only a section ticket (good for only three metro stops) and not a single ticket (good for all stop on a single metro line) so we were in violation. We tried to explain that the Metro ticket office had sold us the invalid ticket. The agent turned over the ticket to show us that we had the wrong ticket. Of course everything was in Hungarian and didn't mean squat to us. Botton line we were charged a 10,000 HUF ($56) fine before we were let on our way. Word to the wise don't trust the ticket agent to sell you the right ticket. This put a bad taste in our mouths on an otherwise great stay in Budapest.
Marco Tyler
Seattle, WA USA 09/17/2007
Avoid Sorrento & The Amalfi Coast...
...unless you must see Pompeii and Herculanum, which are both well worth the depressingly abundant tourist crowds. We stayed in Sorrento (Hotel Il Nido - very so so, crappy breakfast with low quality food) and were *not* impressed. After a heavenly week in Rome, pulling out the Naples train station and seeing where we were headed left both my husband and I with a very bad feeling. And we were right. Other than the day trips we took from Sorrento to Pompeii and Hercu., it is completely not worth it to go to Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, etc. Chock full of tourists and kitch and the same kind of crap you would buy in say, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. I kid you not! I would almost recommend making Pompeii a day-trip from Rome (using the high speed train to Naples), leaving early in the morning. You can still get back by early evening and see as much of Pompeii as humanly possibly in one day (it's huge.) On that note, Herculaneum is actually much better - less people and more to see. And if you're coming from Rome, closer to the Naples station. Rick's books are immensely popular and I think they're as good as they are bad. We will no longer rely on them as a guide for where to, as he seems to favor very, very touristy locations. The books seem to work well for a certain type of tourist, but if you are fairly well educated, sophisticated, maybe even speak a foreign language or have lived abroad... Rick's books are *not* written for you. There are some good tips in his books regarding certain transportation and how to avoid lines, etc. and we may continue to consult them for that but... not much else.
blacklightblue
San Francisco, CA USA 09/04/2007
Cartoon Museum in Brussels
This has hardly any of the great cartoon stuff that we were looking for from the Land of Tintin and Asterisk. There is a big gift store, which is pricey, but more appealing than the museum. All exhibits in the museum are in French, with no translations whatsoever. Even kids would enjoy a Disney store more.
Akanksha
Bombay, India 08/26/2007
Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
At the Dolmabahce palace, one has to see the palace in 'groups' which are formed by the administrators of the palace. It says 'guided tour' on the ticket, but there is almost nothing the guide will say except 'please hurry- please walk faster'.
After charging 20 euros, and waiting in a queue for about an hour, we were forced to rush our visit by the palace administration and had to see 60 rooms in 60 minutes. That's less than a minute a room- to read the literature, to see the paintings and furniture in the room and to take snaps(we paid extra for a camera).
The palace itself is nice, but the rush and the price make the experience highly avoidable.
Anthony
London, UK 08/26/2007
Texas Embassy
The Texas Embassy was great.We found a place to get a coke with refills.I was ready to sit and relax with a coke.The staff offered to look for a bottle opener with their logo .Only they were out .You cares if you are from Texas.We now plan on visiting the Embassy on every visit to London.
Jim
Kansas City, MO. USA 08/25/2007
London Theatre discount tickets
The tkts booth in the Square is apparently the official outlet and fairly straight. The others advertise half-price tickets but, in our experience, don't deliver anything like that level of discount. Our worst experience was with the booth in the Crest of London store run by ‘London Ticket Centre’. We paid 25 pounds each for 4 tickets and, on arriving at the theatre, found they'd given us 13.50 face-value tickets. When we went back to the booth, we finally got a refund but not before the operator had abused and sworn at us at length. Steer clear of this one and treat the claims of the others with a pinch of salt.
mica01
London, UK 08/20/2007
Fat Tire Tours
We took 2 Fat Tire tours- one was fabulous, one was less so.
The wine tasting was excellent- the wines, the guide, the tiny group. Would recommend in a heart beat. Felt it was a value for the money and being a newbie to wine, did not feel intimidated and the teacher went out of his way for everyone.
The Fat Tire office was Americans and very nice and helpful.
The Versailles bike tour was challenging- guide was great and Versailles nice, but HUGE, HUGE group, hard to ride a bike having to stop every 20 feet, get everyone's bike on and off the metro which was a process, stay together thru the city and the town, etc... Versailles was nice, but smaller tour area than I thought and I wanted a gift for my mom from the gift shop there but as we were in a group- we couldn't stop. Also it was POURING cold rain in June and we just had to keep on going- soaked and cold and cranky. On the metro/bus/walking, we could've dashed into a shop or bakery to wait out the rains.
The market in Versailles town was super and we bought a great picnic lunch. I can't say I really enjoyed the day though it had high points. Would have enjoyed the day taking a bus instead, I think.
So Fat Tire is good outfit- just ask questions about how many, what you will do, etc...
A
GA USA 08/15/2007
Jane Austen Museum in Bath, England
This place was an utter waste of time, very little that was even of historical significance related to Jane Austen. It was mostly comprised of clothes/items that had been used in modern-day movies of her books. I was quite bitter about spending the money/time there. By all means skip this place!
Tory <email>
cypress, tx USA 08/15/2007
complainers
i just want to say that it appears to me that all of you who complained either did not prepare or did not relax.i am a type a personality and returned from the venice,florence rome tour,used the rick steves books and found it all excellent.if you go during high season expect crowds.
steve dipiero
sma, gto mex 08/12/2007
Care for the animals on the farm.
This isn't a tourist trap, but more of a warning to those traveling to Killarney, specifically the Muckross Traditional Farms. The farm tour is composed of three working farms; small medium and large. The farm itself is a nice place to tour and I do recommend it, with a word of warning. The middle farm is usually where a few cats or kittens are kept. Cats are curious creatures and may try to follow you on your progression to the large farm. Please DO NOT allow the cats/kittens to follow you or otherwise accompany you to the large farm. While we were there we had the misfortune of witnessing a tragic scene. The large farm is where two gigantic (no I'm not exaggeration) Irish wolfhounds live. They, the dogs, WILL kill the cats/kittens, without doubt or hesitation. We inquired about these dogs and were told that the dogs have to be locked up anytime that the goats or sheep are moved on the large farm or the dogs would kill them as well. It was just a bit surreal to see small children playing with these dogs that were as tall as my chest (I'm 6'). Please mind the cats/kittens if you go there. Thank you.
Joshua Miller <email>
Rosamond, CA USA 07/31/2007
Bad guides begging at the Vatican and Coliseum
The guys standing outside the coliseum and the Vatican beg you to join their tours, avoid them. We heard bad stories about them at the coliseum, they seem cheap but the groups are big, they dont speak good english and some of them dont actually take you inside the coliseum. I actually saw them while I was inside and the guide was bad, our guide was much better. Then at the Vatican an english girl from "when in Rome tours" hounded us to join a tour, she wanted €40 euros per person, then she said we would have to stay in line and pay the ticket fee, then the cops came close and she left in a hurry and told us she would come back when the police went away. Can you imagine that, we still had her card but then threw it away. I think there are many gouge guides in Rome, so avoid them at all costs. The girl at the Vatican had a red umbrella, her friends had the same type.
Lawerance Cammps
USA 07/28/2007
Venice is a waste????????
I beg to differ! When I got off the train and onto the top of the first bridge in Venice my heart stopped! Okay, compare it to Disney if you want, because it was like a fairy tale! The whole time I was there I was surrounded by romance and tales of days gone by - is that not part of why we visit such places in Europe? To each his own I guess ;)
Sheryl
London, USA 07/26/2007
Venice = waste
Venice is a joke. Crowded and terribly expensive. Very poor value for your tourist dollar/Euro. I know, I know, it's been said 1,000 times. But now that I've finally been there it is 100% a trap. Disney should just buy the entire city and the theme park coupe would be complete.
Jeff
Chicago, IL USA 07/24/2007
Fat Tire is too crowded
I took the Fat Tire bike tour of Paris in June, and it was a huge tourist trap. There were 30 other tourists on my bike tour, and the guide was an American student who did not know French. It wasn't very authentic & wasn't worth my money.
Chelsea Profitt
San Diego, CA USA 07/20/2007
Vatican and Rome
While both St Peters and the Vatican museum can be completely overcrowded, there are ways to deal with it. Get to St Peters early in the morning (it opens at 7, iirc) and you will not have the massive crowds that roll up later in the day. Similarly, the huge morning lines for the Vatican museum seem to disappear by afternoon.
In general, my tactic in Rome is to visit the big tourist sites either early or late, and then use the middle of the day to get to places further afield that aren't overrun.
Colin
San Francisco, CA USA 07/20/2007
Fraud near Venice Lucia train station
Ristorante Roma near Venice Lucia train station overcharged us 114 Euros ($155 US) for a meal that should have been $30-40 US. We have filed a dispute claim with VISA. Stay clear of businesses near the train station and make sure you have a fixed price for what you purchase. Note that the money changer at this train station charges over 20% and use the ATM. Also sandwiches at the train station can have most most of the contents missing. Venice has degenerated into an overcrowded tourist trap. Go to the smaller, less discovered towns instead.
Joel Carlson <email>
Fox Island, WA USA 07/19/2007
skip the Vatican
The Vatican Museum and St. Peters are too crowded to even enjoy. Don't even go! We paid on July 2nd 2007 for a useless tour, the guy didn't speak English well, we left him the other 37 peoople and walked, or pushed our way through to see the Rafael rooms. The Sistine Chappel was so crowded, I thought I would pass out, you couldn't walk one step without pushing someone. Sienna's Basilica is much prettier. We wasted 3/4 of our one day in Rome in line, or pushing throught the Vatican
Deborah
tustin, cA USA 07/17/2007
Worst Tourist Traps
To identify where the worst tourist traps are in Europe are just look at Rick's books. If he advocates a place (e.g. Cinque Terra) stay clear. If he is luke warm or hostile, base yourself there - there won't be too many Americans! I am not blaming Rick--it is testament to the success of his books.
Donal O'Shea
San Jose, CA USA 07/14/2007
A line dividing Italy at Siena.
We traveled in Florence, Siena, Venice and Milan in 2004 and had a great time. It was very romantic and wonderful. This year we went to Rome and points more south.
I hate to express it, but Rome isn't a romantic city anymore, nor is it a walkable city if you want to walk arm in arm.
It is completely over run by people begging and trying to sell you stuff on the street and at the sights. We briefly visited in 2004, but it wasn't as bad as it was this time in Late June, 2007. You simply can't sit and relax and talk to your partner for more than three minutes before some one wants to "give" you a rose or sell you a little flying machine or a soap bubble maker, ignoring them didn't work. They stay till you tell them to go away. It was constant and distracting. I had beggers even jumping into pictures I wanted to take just so I'd pay them off to get out of the shot. If I changed position they would even follow to be in the way. I didn't pay them of course, but they were there and waiting in certain places. Rome eventually annoyed us and wore us down. Aside for a few shinning wonderful people we met that wanted to make our visit pleasent, mostly older Italian men, the rest of the Romans were petty, drunk, greedy and obnoxious. And just when you think they can't be more annoying, they do something that is.
ROME is a tourist trap. I think it would be great if tourists just boycotted the whole city for one year till it got cleaned up. You would think Prada and Monte Blanc would have an interest in this also with all the illegal counterfeits.
Never try to fly out of Naples!!!! Don't even consider it.
Including and South of Rome, you just never get to relax. You can't plan or trust or count on anything.
francis saffell <email>
Springfield , OR USA 07/12/2007
Tim
Why would anybody book a "Tour" of Murano and Burano when the vaporetto services both of the islands with regular schedules...just like the rest of Venice? Murano and Burano are both so small you could easily hop on the vaporetto and do your own little walk. Burano is especially tiny.
USA 07/11/2007
Walking tours of Florence
Don't book your tours through this company! They make their tours seem spectacular but in reality you can organize most of what they offer to do on your own without having to pay the hefty price. One of the staff members in the office is really negative and gives off an "I hate Americans attitude" as if to bother her while she is working. Not a very welcoming company
Tiffany
USA 07/06/2007
Venice day trip
A friend and I went to Venice last March...we decided to take the tour out to the two surrounding islands. I believe they were Murano and Burano (something along those lines). The tour begins in Venice, then you head directly out on the water to the first island. It's said to see the "local glass blowing", but we found it was more of a 'here's a guy blowing glass, now go upstairs and buy some' tour. Then we went to the next island to see how they make lace. Again, we were ushered into a building to purchase local merchandise. It seemed like the entire tour was more of a forced shopping trip than leisurely day trip. We were sent into these stores, and they would hound us and stare at us until we either left or purchased something.
In all honesty, unfortunately it was a complete waste of time.
Celeste
Regina, Canada 07/03/2007
Capri: not worth it.
My wife and I just returned from 18 days in Italy and had the time of our lives. However, we took a day trip to Capri from Sorrento one day and it was a total waste of time and money. I should have taken Rick's advice! But it's like, "Hey there's Capri. Shouldn't we see it? How can we be sure we'll ever be back here?" So we blew 50 euro on ferry transfers and got a hot, crowded, trouist infestation (albeit a beautiful one.) The views are stunning but no better than those along the Amalfi drive. If you must go to Capri then at least ask around for VillaVerde restaurant. It's at the top of the Funiculare. We had an amazing meal here.
John
Fort Worth, TX USA 06/04/2007
I stay at the Cinque Terre every year and love it. Except this year I happened to be there from April 25 to May 2 and it was horribly crowded and unpleasant. It turns out that the week I mentioned is a holiday for Italians; schools were out and the CT was packed with mostly teenagers. The trains were over-crowded, etc. It's really important to know when the holidays are and what that means to tourism.
Swan
USA 06/04/2007
Amalfi Town - skip it in summer
Disney World is cooler, fewer tourists, and you can actually ride on the public transportation after you buy the ticket. Not so here. We gave up trying to squeeze onto the bus to Ravello after 1 hour and took a $30 euro cab. This was a wasted day, better spent somewhere else on the coast. Ravello was the only saving grace.
L
Jacksonville, FL USA 05/31/2007
Cinque Terra
Can't disagree more with the comments below on Cinque Terra.
I loved the place !
Visited in May 07 - only stayed 1 night but wish I had stayed 2 nights. I stayed in Vernazza at one of the places mentioned in Rick's book.
It was a little crowded, but still very pretty, quaint and relaxing. Was much less crowded than the rest of Italy. I hope to go back again some day. I would highly recommend it. Beautiful scenary, beautiful atmosphere, relaxing......
USA 05/31/2007
Fetticini alfredo
FYI: That restaraunt that you went to where "Fetticini alfredo" was invented was probably a scam invented for American tourists as Fetticini alfredo is not an authentic Italian dish. If you go to any traditional restaurant in Italy and ask for Fetticini alfredo the waiter will ask you who Alfredo is.
Ed
USA 05/29/2007
London Dungeon sidenote
Yes, not the best choice UNLESS you are traveling with an antsy 11 or 12 year old! After 2 weeks of hot summer travel in Easter Europe, this activity on a short stop over in London was a cool and welcome change of pace for a hot, tired 12 yr old boy (they do throw in some history so not a total waste..the rest of our family just made the best of it). He was happy and we were able to carry on our sightseeing as usual with no complaints.
Nicole
Edmonds, WA USA 05/25/2007
Cinque Terra
Visit, April 2007.
Can't imagine what it would be like in high season.
Noisy,way too many people, capitalizing on Rick Steves - recommended restaurants, huge sign for one of the recommended restaurants when being herded down a very busy, noisy touristy road. Beautiful scenery, spoiled by the thousands of tourists. After reading the Rick Steves write up, our image was spoiled. Not quaint or quiet nor does one have to keep their voice down. Did not stay here, could hardly wait to get out.
Gail, Richard, Jo and Greg
Ottawa Ontario and Pittsfield Mass, Canada and USA 05/24/2007
Dali Universe, London
Art museums are one of the main reasons I travel. So when I heard of the Dali Universe gallery in London, I had to go. What a ripoff. I'd been in so-called art museums before only to find nothing but reproductions, lithographs, 'interpretations' of the artist's works, etc. So I asked the ticket taker right away if this was the case, and was told that all items inside were original works of art. What B.S.- It was all reproductions, prints, etc. and if there was anything original in there at all, it certainly wasn't of note, mostly pen and ink book illustrations. The one thing they did have was a lot of was disappointed art enthusiasts. To make the scam worse, you can pay an extra fee up front for the 'Picasso Annex' which is more of the same- reproductions, a couple of tapestries and ceramics. And you could walk right into this area without paying the extra as its entrance is unmanned. Complete waste of $30.00 CDN. If you're in a group and really want to see for yourself, send one person in as a scout and they'll verify that it is NOT WORTH IT!
If you like Dali or Picasso, head to Madrid or Figueres- you won't be disappointed:)
Mike <email>
Toronto, Ont Canada 05/24/2007
re:Madame Tussauds
I have to highly agree with you. the first time that i went there was in 97, and it was ok, but been back 2 times since and i think it gets smaller and smaller and you go thru quicker and quicker. I tell friends that are going to london, if you realy realy want to go, check it out, but you could do better things in london with the time and money you are going to waste at Madame Tuassauds.
George
Easton, PA USA 05/14/2007
blenheim palace
blenheim palace - near oxford
to see the grounds (gardens, outside of the palace etc) was around 7 pounds for a student.
for grounds + inside the palace = 13.5 pounds (nearly double the price)
the inside tour was short, and very limited. including only about 10 rooms in total, and photography was not allowed. they even told me i couldn't wear my backpack on my back, i had to carry it in my hand.
the outside of the palace, in contrast, was beautiful and vast. there are several nice walking paths, and a maze.
i recommend the outside package, but skip the interior tour. it's a waste of money
matthew boddy
waterloo, on USA 05/13/2007
N. Scotland
I agree that Stirling Castle is not to be missed. But what about the quiet towns and countryside of Northern Scotland? Drive up to the north coast, stop at Inverness (Shakespeare's MacBeth!) on the way, and enjoy some peace and quiet in the Orkney Islands! They are accessible by ferry. Certainly enough to see there--such as Skara Brae ruins and St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall--without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. I was there in 1994 on a July mission trip with my brother and absolutely fell in love with Orkney. The Orcadians themselves are terrific, warming, and hospitable.
Susie
MN USA 04/24/2007
Fetticini alfredo
Before we left for Rome a couple of friends talked about the Restaraunt Alfredo's. Where Fetticini Alfredo was invented. So we went our 2nd night in Rome. The Waiter, was very nice. The fetticini was very good, we had a pleasant evening. It was very expensive. We had better food and much lower prices all over Rome.
jeane
boston, ma USA 04/20/2007
worsst tourist trap
Harrys Bar in Venice!!
We thought we had to try it! Us and 5 other (tourists)couples in the entire place sat at tables looking at each other, drinking $18 bellinis!!
J Albright <email>
ocean city, md USA 04/19/2007
Bruges
In Bruges, friends & I purchased the 15 Euro, 5 visit combination ticket at around 2:00 p.m. on a recent Sunday. Considering the sep't enty fees, it seemed to be a deal and even though it was late in the day, based on all the museum signs we had 3 hours to see the 4 sites we wanted to see and each was within 5 mins of the other. We enjoyed the Groeninge Art Museum then headed for Groothuse (sp?). A small sign told us it is CLOSED for renovations until 2008 but no one told us when we purchased the combo ticket. Next to Notre Dame - very nice but we didn't need a ticket for that. Next we headed for the Memling Museum right across the street. What? The guard wouldn't let us in - no entry after 4:30 he said. We argued that the signs say the museums are open until 5 and none of the exterior signs said anything about last entry times. He pointed to an interior sign as proof of the entry time but you had to be in the entry way to see it. We were not allowed in and there is no refund. The best an administrator to tell us to do was to write for a refund.
Jana <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA 04/10/2007
Worst Tourist Traps
Just got back from Italy. The Colliseum: 20 minute wait (go in the morning). The Doges Palace at opening: no wait. The Vatican Museum: no wait but jammed inside. We walked past most exhibits but spent a lot of time in the Sistine Chapel - you can see everything else in any good US museum.
Venice was the most touristy, most expensive and worst food. But it's one of those 'you gotta go once' places. Rome was manic but a blast (Rick, you're right about using the taxis!), Florence was the best - you can walk everywhere, Pisa was cheesy but also 'you gotta go once' and Cinque Terre was relaxing! We did two of the village to village hikes - what gorgeous views!
Have fun!
Marie
USA 03/30/2007
Coliseum Tours
I can't agree about the Coliseum tours. I've done these twice and both times had an excellent tour. While the wait may not be two hours, the line is horrendously long and both times I've been, it was in the off season. Our group didn't wait for any official tour group.In fact, we didn't even see an offical group. One of the things I most enjoyed both times was the tour of the Forum. These actually lasted longer than the Coliseum tour and included loads of information that I didn't know. The first time we even got to have our picture made with the gladiators for free! Certainly not a deal breaker but we really laughed about how incredibly cheesy they are!
marhanal
USA 03/13/2007
Avoid Edinburgh Dungeon
Avoid the Edinburgh Dungeon at all costs! We didn't actually pay to get in to this since we had the Edinburgh pass, but it was truly, truly the most cheesy, vulgar tourist attraction I've ever visited! Don't waste the precious time you have in Edinburgh on this when there are much prettier things to see!
Brooke
Atlanta, GA USA 03/09/2007
Cinque Terre
I wouldn't really say the Cinque Terre is one of the worst tourist traps in Europe, but it is becoming increasingly busy. If you've never been, you should know that Rick is God in the Cinque Terre! When we visited in September of last year Rick Steves Guidebooks were everywhere. However our stay there was absolutely wonderful. The best part of our trip. But I wouldn't recommend arriving in the late summer without a room reservation. Arriving on a Monday instead of a weekend is not a bad idea too.
Ray Bartley <email>
St. Helens, OR USA 03/05/2007
Mid Day Venice
Rick is absolutely right....the cruise ships discharge floods of tourists who ovewhelm the primary sights from 10-4. On my second trip, I stayed across the Grand Canal, three minutes from the Guggenheim. I visited the Doge's Palace at opening and walked in with no lines (in June!) and had the run of the place. I returned after dark to enjoy the square and could sit where I wanted. Meanwhile, as the tour crowds swarmed the City during the day, I crossed back over the canal and leisurely enjoyed the Guggenheim, Accademia, churches, shops and dining in relative peace. By the way, 730 am on the Grand Canal, just as the boats are starting to get in position, is a perfect moment.
Steven J <email>
Seattle, Wa USA 02/21/2007
Texas Embassy in London
The Texas Embassy resttaurant in London, right off of Trafalgar Square just begs for us simple-minded country folk to walk in. My husband and I ate there and thought the restaurant would enjoy having some Texans in there, and also, possibly a discount with our TX driver's licenses. Anyways when we told the waitress we were from there...she just sighed and said we (texans) come in a lot. We definitely should have chosen somewhere else to eat. We shared a meal and spent about 50USD. Though the margaritas were top notch!
Karen
TX USA 02/13/2007
Re: Leaning Tower of Pisa
My husband and I really wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but didn't want to stay there. So we were traveling from Cinque Terra to Rome, and it was one of the stops on our train ride. So we literally got off the train, walked to the Leaning Tower, took our pictures, walked back and went the rest of the way to Rome. It was something that we didn't want to miss! The street vendors near the tower are merciless, though. I would definitely watch your pockets, too.
Amy
Clarksville, TN USA 02/11/2007
Whiskey Heritage Tour Edinburgh
While I loved Edinburgh and Scotland/England over all. This may have been the worst tourist attraction I have ever been to. For the equivalent of about $35 US dollars you did get a shot of Whiskey and a keep sake glass. Unfortunately you also get a long, boring, hot, tedious tour. Exhibits were laughable, actual cats and dogs were stuffed as part of some exhibits. Tour seam to be geared toward children, if your children enjoy whiskey? By the end of our tour 30 or so participant were laughing or angry. Even the tour guide looked embarrassed to continue her speeches. Her final quote sums it up “It’s not entertaining, it’s educational”.
Melissa <email>
San Jose , CA USA 02/09/2007
London Dungeon
We were so glad that we had read Rick's assessment of this attraction before we went to London. It's unlikely we would have chosen to go there anyway, but we were staying in nearby Bermondsey and walked past the teeming crowds of people queueing up to get in almost everyday. It was Easter holidays for the British kids and it looked like every kid in London had convinced his parents to take him there! We felt bad for them, knowing the high price they were going to pay and the long lines they'd wait in for not much of a thrill. Thanks for suffering through it, Rick, so we didn't have to!
joy
new port richey, fl USA 02/08/2007
Athens? Not a worst destination!
From Rick's heading of Worst Towns and Tourist Traps, "Athens, while worth visiting, is probably the most overrated city in Europe. A century ago Athens was a sleepy town of 8,000 people with a pile of ruins in its backyard. Today it's a giant mix of concrete, smog, noise, tourists, and 4 million Greeks. See the four major attractions (the Acropolis, the Agora, the Plaka, and the great National Archaeological Museum) and get out to the islands or countryside." I couldn't disagree more. When was the last time that he really visited Athens? Come on! Athens has a sparkling new metro, pedestrian walkways, and charming up-and-coming districts bustling with new restaurants and nightlife, not to mention all the great museums and historical sites. Sure glad we didn't listen to Rick's advice on this one.
Stephanie
Madrid, Spain 02/03/2007
The London Dungeon
avoid the London Dungeon..over priced cheesy..a waste of time. Really stay away!!
Katie <email>
Denver, co USA 02/01/2007
Pisa
Italy has so much to offer from great sights, amazing food and unbeatable fashion; however, the town of Pisa does not encompass any of these things. When traveling to Italy, if you have all the time in the world, then by all means go and see the infamous Leaning Tower. But, if like most people who want to see "real Italy" then skip this town altogether, for there are more gems of towns that have stunning churches, wonderful piazzas, and mouth-watering food.
Lucy
Chicago, IL USA 01/20/2007
Coloseum
My husband and I were in Rome last Spring and as soon as we got near to the Coloseum hawkers were trying to sell us tours for 20 Euros each. When we declined, they warned us that we would have to wait at least 2 hours to get in otherwise. We were approached with this 4 times before we even got to the entrance. Not only did we only wait in line for 20 minutes, the price for an offical tour was only slightly more than the entrance fee. We saved at least 10-15 Euros and our tour guide had precedence over the unoffical ones, so they were often waiting for our group to finish.
Tami
Canada 01/16/2007
Portmeirion
I have to disagree with the comments about Portmeirion - I loved the place, and really enjoyed walking through it. I don't know that I'd travel across the country to see it, but if you're anywhere in the vicinity, it's well worth a stop.
Mardee <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA 12/31/2006
Madame Tussauds, Scotland Castles
I know, you're thinking, not another rant about Madame Tussauds, but please take a moment to hear about what it's really like.. U wait in line 2.5 hours, get in the building, wait another 1.4 hours, get turned loose with the 300 ppl you've been in cramped quarters with into the "Posh Lounge", where ppl are literally pushing and shoving to get near the exhibits, wait longer to pose with or grope your favorite star, same for the next three rooms. Then you feel brave and decide on the haunted area, where people with cheezy outfits try to scare you. Uuuuuuhuh. You end up in another lineup, to get in a little clown car through a ride. The flashbulbs go off in your face, then you get spit out the other end into, you guessed it! A gift shop! As if my $50 CDN wasn't enough! SAVE YOUR MONEY!
And if you are ever in Scotland and want to see the castles, Stirling is much nicer then Edinburgh! Edinburgh has some fantastic views and of course, the military tattoo. But for more history and less of a "touristy" experience, go for Stirling.
Brandi
Prince George, BC Canada, WA USA 12/31/2006
London Theatre
The West End Theatre scene is one of London's greatest attractions and definitely worth checking out. Many shops throughout London (mostly Leicester Square and Piccadilly areas) will offer "discount tickets" to West End shows. Often times if you purchase tickets from such locations you will arrive at the theatre to find out that people with genuine tickets are in your seats. If you want theatre at a discount visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. TKTS offers discount tickets that you can be sure are legitimate. Only downside is that they may not have tickets to the more popular shows that sell out. Your best bet in that case is to go straight to the theatre box office.
Kristen <email>
Washington, D.C. USA 12/26/2006
Pickpocketing
Beware! I just returned from 18 days in Europe, and had only 1 bad experience- I was pickpocketed on a very crowded Rome subway (Line A). Talking to other travellers, I found out this happened to 2 others, on the same Rome subway. I had my wallet in my front pocket, and it was still taken. Thanks Rick- all my valuables were in my RS silk money belt.
Lance Laituri <email>
Cedarpines Park, CA USA 11/06/2006
Portmerion Wales
Skip it unless it is spring when all flowers are in bloom.
JS
USA 11/03/2006
Vienna: Mozart men
While in Vienna you will see many people dressed up like Mozart. AVOID THEM! They will spot that you're a tourist and hunt you down, trying to sell you overpriced tickets to not so nice concerts starring musicians who are overworked and exhausted. The Mozart men will tell you "its the last night! special deal! one night only! best seats in the house!" They are lying. Instead, take in the opera for the evening (standing room is only 2 Euro). A world class show for very cheap.
Cara B
(Currently living in Vienna), USA 11/01/2006