Popular tourist destinations in Europe don’t always live up to expectations. Find out which 10 hyped destinations in Europe tourists consider overrated and what to consider when traveling in 2026
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Europe is rightfully considered the cradle of world culture – ancient amphitheaters, Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance masterpieces and legendary cities attract millions of travelers every year. However, not all popular tourist locations are able to live up to expectations.
The British publication The Telegraph has compiled an anti-rating of the most overrated tourist destinations in Europe – locations around which a loud marketing myth has been created, but real impressions often leave tourists with a feeling of disappointment.
We tell you which places, according to the authors, in 2026 it is better to avoid or at least not to overestimate their expectations.
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Juliet’s Balcony, Verona, Italy
The legendary “Juliet’s Balcony” – one of the most popular locations in Verona – tops the list. The problem is that this balcony has no real connection with Shakespeare. The writer never visited Verona, and the balcony itself appeared only in the 1930s as a tourist attraction.
The bronze statue of Juliet was installed even later – in the 1970s – solely to stimulate tourist traffic. In fact, this is an example of an artificially created tourist legend that attracts thousands of people every day, but rarely evokes real emotions.
Moreover, from January 6, 2026, you will have to pay to visit this location – 12 euros for an entrance ticket to the museum inside the building.
Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom
Despite its loud name, Leicester Square is often perceived as a space overloaded with tourists without much cultural value. Queues, street entertainers, advertisements and overpriced establishments make this square more a symbol of mass tourism than authentic London.
A list of unique experiences that can only be obtained in Europe at the link.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Perfect Instagram photos create the illusion of a unique natural wonder. In reality, the Blue Lagoon is an artificial geothermal resort, where there are always a lot of people, and the entrance fees can significantly hit the traveler’s budget.
Blarney Stone, Ireland
The tradition of kissing the stone for the “gift of eloquence” looks romantic only in photos. In reality, tourists are waiting for long lines, questionable hygiene and quick disappointment.
Reeperbahn, Hamburg, Germany
The famous “entertainment street” often does not meet the expectations of those seeking cultural impressions. Instead, tourists are faced with noise, chaos and a rather aggressive nightlife atmosphere.
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“The Boy Who Pees”, Brussels, Belgium
One of the smallest monuments in Europe is surprising not so much for its symbolism as for the scale of disappointment. Many tourists expect to see something grand, but instead find a small statue surrounded by crowds.
“Mona Lisa”, Paris, France
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece undoubtedly has enormous historical value. However, the reality at the Louvre is crowds, security, distance and a few seconds for a photo, which leaves little room for aesthetic perception.
Gondola ride in Venice, Italy
The romance of Venice is often shattered by high prices and crowded canals. For many tourists, a gondola ride becomes an expensive attraction without the expected “wow effect”.
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The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark
Another example of a location that does not meet expectations. The statue is much smaller than it seems in the photo, and there is a constant stream of tourists around.
John O’Groats, Scotland
Often referred to as the “edge of Britain,” this place is actually more of a symbolic point than a fascinating tourist destination. Many travelers admit they expected much more.
What does this mean for tourists in practice?
Popularity does not always equal quality of impressions. When planning a trip to Europe in 2026, it is worth paying attention not only to the tops from social networks, but also to less hyped, but authentic places that are able to give real emotions.
In the world of mass tourism, loud popularity is increasingly turning out to be an illusion, behind which queues, inflated prices and disappointments are hidden. Travel to Europe in 2026 should be planned consciously – looking not for hyped “must sees”, but for places that have preserved their authenticity and are able to give real emotions. They are the ones that most often leave the warmest memories.
When planning a trip to Europe in your own car or rented transport, it is important to remember: the international insurance certificate “Green Card” is mandatory in most European countries, because it:
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Apply for a “Green Card” in advance – this is peace of mind, legal entry and confidence on the road, regardless of whether you are going to Italy, France, Germany or the Scandinavian countries.
Don’t put it off until the last moment – check the requirements of the destination country and apply for a “Green Card” online before departure to avoid fines, delays at the border and unforeseen travel costs.
Reminder! If the usual tourist destinations no longer inspire you, it’s time to discover Europe without crowds, inflated prices and template routes. In 2026, there are cities on the map of the continent that give vivid impressions, the atmosphere of real Europe, incredible architecture, nature and new emotions. Read here which underrated European cities you should add to your travel list now.
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Frequantly
asked questions
Why do popular tourist destinations often disappoint?
Many locations become famous thanks to marketing, social media and mass tourism. In reality, tourists are waiting for crowds, inflated prices and a minimum of authentic experiences.
Does this mean that these places are not worth visiting at all?
Not necessarily. But it is worth lowering your expectations or considering alternative, less hyped locations nearby, which often turn out to be more interesting.
How to better plan your trip to Europe in 2026?
Experts advise avoiding peak seasons, exploring non-touristy areas and taking care of insurance coverage in advance – especially if the trip involves driving.