Read for yourself—there might be a surprise or two waiting for you.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Almost everyone wants to know: how much does the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually lean? Even getting to the tower is a struggle. Nothing but crowds and jostling across the “Campo dei Miracoli.” Only 40 people are allowed to climb the tower every half hour. If you manage to get through the line of people, you can finally enter—for an entrance fee of 15 euros per person. The question is: is it worth the effort?
St. Mark’s Square in Venice
This square is above all one thing: overcrowded and overpriced. If you want to avoid crowds, there are countless beautiful and, above all, quieter places in Venice. For example, the bell tower on San Giorgio Maggiore, Taverna al Remer, the Church of San Pantalon, the island of San Michele, and many more.
Westminster Abbey in London
Admission to Westminster Abbey costs a hefty 16 pounds (21 euros) per person. A small tip: after 5:00 p.m., entry is free. Alternatively, there are numerous other museums in London, such as the National Gallery and Tate Modern, which offer just as much and are free of charge.
Eiffel Tower in Paris
It’s the city’s landmark and attracts millions of tourists every year. You’ll need to plan plenty of time for this attraction: endless stairs, crowds, and souvenir shops. After this test of patience, the overpriced tickets are the final straw.
Editorial tips: be cautious here too
Overpriced food?
Who doesn’t know the feeling? You’re strolling through the historic old town and suddenly your stomach starts to growl. The lovely atmosphere draws you straight into a fancy restaurant. Beware: especially in tourist areas, food is often vastly overpriced.
Our tip: eat off the beaten path in side streets. There you’ll find restaurants that aren’t geared toward tourists and offer local cuisine at fair prices.
Many restaurants also lure tourists with unbeatable cheap offers: when it’s time to pay, they engage guests in intense conversation so they don’t check their change. Always count your change. Otherwise, you might leave the restaurant full—but a few bills poorer.
Fair taxi fares
Fixed prices aren’t always cheaper than metered fares. At the airport, choose a registered taxi company so you don’t fall into a tourist trap right upon arrival. In a city, it’s generally advisable to have the hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you.
The wrong exchange rate?
Our recommendation: only exchange your money at banks and reputable exchange offices where you receive a receipt and can check everything calmly. This way, you avoid being tricked with false exchange rates or counterfeit bills.
The temple trick
One of the most common scams in Southeast Asia is offering tourists guided temple tours at suspiciously low prices. But instead of the agreed-upon temples or tours, tourists are taken to shops where they’re expected to buy jewelry, carpets, souvenirs, etc. So try to book tours through reputable providers or travel agencies.
