Explore Spots Off the Beaten Path
Pushy guides, pickpockets, and lackluster views easily turn those tourism dreams into a nightmare. At the end of the day, there’s nothing inherently wrong with indulging in popular attractions—but if crowds and high prices aren’t your thing, we’ve got you covered.
Photo by Kevin Rajaram on Unsplash
1. Hollywood Boulevard (Los Angeles, USA)
As if Los Angeles wasn’t expensive enough, neighboring areas by the Walk of Fame charge an arm and a leg for food, drinks, and entertainment. We know it’s cool to see your favorite actor’s star but it’s ultimately not worth the crowds or prices.
2. The Blue Lagoon (Grindavik, Iceland)
Gone are the days of affordable Icelandic tourism—today’s crowds continue to flock to these blue waters and have since driven up the cost. Though it’s still an idyllic place for the Northern Lights, Iceland has so much more to offer.
Photo by Tucker Monticelli on Unsplash
3. Las Ramblas (Barcelona, Spain)
You’ve likely seen this street’s beauty in photographs, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth the trip. To go in person is to rub shoulders with nearly every other tourist there. Not only that but you’ll easily encounter overpriced, inauthentic food and plenty of pickpockets.
Nikos Roussos on Wikimedia Commons
4. The Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
There’s no denying the splendor of that white marble and all those inlaid gems—it’s an impressive testament to man’s architectural abilities! However, it’s important to remember all the downsides, such as pushy tourist guides and overcrowding. The atmosphere isn’t exactly for everyone.
5. Checkpoint Charlie (Berlin, Germany)
It’s strange to envision such a landmark surrounded by souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants, but here we are. Guides still provide a decent breakdown of its history but the significance is practically overrun with today’s tourists.
6. Stonehenge (Salisbury, UK)
Stonehenge isn’t like the photos you often see—no, it’s usually overcrowded and can cost a small fortune to see. Though it’s an impressive piece of history, there’s certainly a catch to visit it up close, and not everyone thinks the price tag is worth it.
7. Times Square (New York, USA)
All those lights, all that color (and all those people)! Times Square is no stranger to crowds of both tourists and pedestrians, making it a nightmare to navigate. Though it’s fun to see in person, spending the day there isn’t worth it.
8. Louvre Museum (Paris, France)
We know, we know—say it ain’t so. It seems unfathomable to turn your nose at Mona Lisa, but that’s exactly where every tourist goes. The museum pulls several million visitors each year and quickly sours any dreams of a peaceful day.
9. Guinness Storehouse (Dublin, Ireland)
You’re in Ireland, of course you have to grab a pint. That’s all well and good but you may want to avoid getting it here, one of the world’s biggest tourist traps. Many locals still swear by it but some passersby don’t appreciate the steep prices. Then again, you are in Dublin.
10. Livraria Lello (Porto, Portugal)
There’s truly nothing like browsing a bookstore—literature lovers often spend an entire day among the classics. But the mood’s easily ruined when you’re crammed in among tourists. It might still be worth it for some to visit such a gorgeous shop, but others won’t risk the claustrophobia.
If you want to skip the touristy stuff, these countries luckily have all sorts of other sights and locations to offer!
1. Amoeba Music (Los Angeles, USA)
A dream come true for collectors and tourists alike—feast your eyes on the world’s largest record store. It’s a place to get good and lost in, offering plenty of room to mosey around and thousands of vinyl records. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still a rad spot to see.
2. Golden Circle Tour (Reykjavik, Iceland)
Iceland’s home to several iconic landmarks, so why not tour them properly? A trip around the Golden Circle only takes a couple of hours but you’ll be among national parks, geysers, and waterfalls. It’s the perfect way to explore Mother Nature’s bounty.
3. Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Barcelona, Spain)
Don’t let the fact that it’s technically unfinished stop you from visiting. It’s a church hundreds of years in the making with at least ten more to go, but tourists still have plenty to soak in. Stunning statues and Gothic architecture make it a journey to remember.
4. Wild Elephant Village (Munnar, India)
Who doesn’t love elephants? They’re intelligent, beautiful animals just looking for a little foliage…and maybe a friend. Go make their acquaintance on Munnar’s tour (though we don’t actually recommend petting them)! If you don’t see any roaming around at least you’ll spot some nice waterfalls.
5. Cycle Route (Allgäu, Germany)
If you love cheese and cycling, the Allgäu trails are for you. The trails aren’t overrun with tourists either, leaving you to bike your way to multiple dairies. However, if you’re not up for any legendary soft cheeses you can still take in the breathtaking views each trail offers.
6. Regent’s Canal (King’s Cross, UK)
Stretch your legs on the pier or plop down in a swan-shaped boat—either way, you’ll experience a great day by the water. Should you plan to make the nine-mile journey by foot, make sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes.
7. Tenement Museum (New York, USA)
Why suffer in Mona Lisa’s moshpit when you could properly explore history elsewhere? Visit this museum and step into the historically recreated homes of NYC’s immigrants and refugees. It’s an amazing way to bridge the gap between our world and theirs.
Jay manday on Wikimedia Commons
8. Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris, France)
Parisians have slowly picked up the pieces after 2019’s devastating fire ripped through these historical halls. But it’s on track to reopen in December 2024, which means a proper trip is in order. You’ll want to prepare for any large crowds but it’ll be worth it to experience the city’s resilience.
9. Aran Islands (Galway Bay, Ireland)
Ireland’s hailed for way more than Guinness—ride bikes, walk trails, or scuba dive in the Aran Islands for a real taste of the land! If you’re lucky you might just pick a handful of wildflowers among the otters.
10. Quinta do Crasto Vineyard (Douro Valley, Portugal)
Commonly known as one of the world’s best vineyards, this 135-hectare estate has everything from stunning views and delectable wine to guided tours that bring you along its history. Make a day of it to reap all the benefits.
