Worst Tourist Traps: 2006
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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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 Sun 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 Sun 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 Tue 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 Mon 11/06/2006
Portmerion Wales
Skip it unless it is spring when all flowers are in bloom.
JS
USA Fri 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 Wed 11/01/2006