The Most Overhyped Tourist Spots in Europe That You Should Avoid, Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 23, 2025

When traveling to other continents, such as Europe, it often means immersing yourself within historical, cultural, and picturesque surroundings. But not all tourist spots deliver. There are some locations that could be filled with tourists, overpriced, and offer little that is uniquely revealing or indicative of the local culture. Such locations are often referred to as ‘naff’ sites among travelers, and if you’re planning a trip to the European continent in 2026, the list of overrated locations that The Telegraph has complied and put together must be avoided.

Juliet’s Balcony in Verona: A Shakespearean Letdown
When you think of Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you might imagine romantic scenes and tragic love stories. Unfortunately, the famous Juliet balcony, one of the city’s top tourist draws, doesn’t live up to the fantasy. While many flock to the spot to channel their inner Romeo and Juliet, the truth is the balcony has no direct connection to the beloved play—it was built more than 300 years after Shakespeare’s death. As the Telegraph’s travel team notes, it’s simply “a balcony like any other,” with no real cultural significance.

The €12 entrance fee to access the balcony is often criticized, especially when you consider the minimal payoff: a brief photo op with little historical value. If you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan, you may still feel compelled to visit, but for most travelers, it’s a classic example of a “naff” attraction—overhyped, overpriced, and lacking in depth. Skip this tourist trap and explore Verona’s beautiful streets, Roman arena, and stunning views, which offer a far richer experience of the city.

Leicester Square, London: A Stressful, Overcrowded Hub
London’s Leicester Square might seem like an essential stop on a trip to the UK’s capital, but it is arguably one of the most stressful places in the city. Famous for its theaters, restaurants, and cinemas, Leicester Square attracts large crowds year-round, making it a challenging spot to navigate, especially during peak times. The Telegraph’s Rob Crossan describes it as “Las Vegas… if it was run by Michael O’Leary,” a nod to the chaotic and commercialized atmosphere that feels more like an airport lounge than a vibrant city hub.

While the square is home to some of London’s most iconic theaters and film premieres, it offers little in terms of local culture or a sense of London’s true spirit. Visitors may find themselves overwhelmed by the crowds and the commercialization of the area. Instead of spending time in Leicester Square, explore quieter, more charming areas of London, such as Covent Garden, Notting Hill, or the South Bank, which offer a more authentic and enjoyable experience.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland: A Crowded Tourist Pool
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is often marketed as a dreamy, otherworldly spa experience, but the reality is less glamorous than the brochures suggest. Once a geothermal power plant waste lagoon, the Blue Lagoon has been transformed into a popular spa, attracting thousands of tourists each year. While the milky blue waters and natural silica are enticing at first glance, many visitors find the experience to be underwhelming.

The Telegraph’s Rob Crossan describes the Blue Lagoon as having “the ambience of an airport lounge dipped in grimy water,” not quite the serene spa escape many travelers envision. The crowded atmosphere, combined with steep entry fees and limited relaxation areas, can make it feel less like a peaceful retreat and more like a “human soup” as he calls it. If you’re seeking an authentic Icelandic wellness experience, skip the Blue Lagoon and explore smaller, less commercialized hot springs in more remote areas of the country, such as the Secret Lagoon or natural geothermal pools around Reykjavik.

Why These “Naff” Attractions Hurt the Travel Experience
Tourist attractions like the Juliet balcony, Leicester Square, and the Blue Lagoon, while popular, offer little in terms of cultural immersion or meaningful travel experiences. The oversaturation of these spots often leads to overcrowding, overpriced entry fees, and an overall sense of disappointment for travelers who expect more from their journey.

What makes these attractions “naff” is that they are often geared towards mass tourism, offering little beyond a snapshot for social media or a quick stop on a sightseeing checklist. They lack authenticity, often fail to reflect the true spirit of a destination, and can leave travelers feeling disconnected from the local culture.

How to Avoid the “Naff” Spots and Find Hidden Gems
Instead of following the crowds to overhyped tourist spots, opt for a more authentic and immersive travel experience by exploring lesser-known gems that truly capture the essence of a destination. In Verona, skip the Juliet balcony and head to the beautiful medieval town center, where you can stroll through cobblestone streets and discover hidden cafes and artisan shops. In London, wander through historic neighborhoods like Soho or visit the quirky markets of Camden Town, which offer a unique, vibrant glimpse of the city’s eclectic culture.

In Iceland, venture outside the popular tourist spots and explore the country’s natural wonders, such as the hot springs in the Reykjadalur Valley or the lesser-known Laugarvatn Fontana. These less commercialized destinations will provide a deeper connection to the place and offer a more relaxed and enjoyable experience without the overwhelming crowds.

The Future of Travel: Moving Away from Mass Tourism
As travelers continue to seek more authentic and meaningful experiences, the demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique cultural encounters will likely rise. The growing interest in sustainable and responsible tourism is helping to shift the focus away from mass-market attractions and towards local experiences that benefit both visitors and host communities. This shift allows travelers to engage with destinations on a deeper level, exploring hidden gems that offer true cultural value, rather than simply ticking off checklist items.

In the coming years, we can expect more travelers to embrace alternative ways of experiencing cities and countries, choosing to visit places that tell a richer, more personal story. As this trend continues to evolve, destinations will need to balance tourism growth with the preservation of their cultural heritage and local communities.

Skip the Tourist Traps for Authentic Experiences

Though there are some popular destinations that make for a interesting visit in terms of their history, there are many popular destinations which fail to deliver a genuine and interesting travel and holiday experience. Right from the Juliet balcony in Italy, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, there are many popular destinations that leave the visitor disappointed and remote. To experience a more genuine and interesting travel and holiday experience in the year 2026, it is important that you venture off the beaten path.