20. Eiffel Tower- Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is amazing, but going up it to get a view of Paris is not. When you want a view of Paris, you want the Eiffel Tower in it. Go up Tour Montparnasse, Arc de Triomphe, or Notre Dame.
19. Champs-Elysee- Paris, France
This is probably the most bias thing on my list because I hate shopping so much. There are beggars and pickpockets everywhere. I recommend seeing it from a bird’s eye view from the Arc de Triomphe then avoiding the actual street and exploring more of the real Paris.
18. Coliseum- Rome, Italy
I loved the Coliseum, but a lot of magic is lost when you see the stage and sound equipment from when they had a concert there. The dressed up gladiators who hustle you into taking pictures outside, the lines, and the endless throngs of people all contribute to the less than stellar experience.
17. Trevi Fountain- Rome, Italy
The Trevi Fountian is an iconic part of visiting Rome, but it is one of the places you are most likely to be pickpocketed. It is not the prettiest fountain in Rome in my opinion, but if you must, go throw your coin in, but just make sure it is not under construction.
16. Manneken Pis- Brussels, Belgium
This famous statue is small in stature and is easily missed. The town dresses the statue up in costumes. The little boy peeing is somewhat entertaining; however, the Manneken Pis in no great work of art or any reason to visit Brussels.
15. Vatican City- Rome, Italy
If you like long lines and being herded like cattle, the Vatican is for you. The Sistine Chapel is beautiful, but so are a lot of less crowded churches. Bring your best walking shoes along with a lot of snacks and patience if you decide to venture to this overrated part of Rome. Make sure you have your knees and shoulders covered or you will have waiting in line for no reason.
14. Stonehenge- England
People are not normally let in or close to the stones. Seeing the stones from twenty feet away is anti-climatic for most people. If you are determine to touch the rocks go to the Stonehenge Festival on the equinoxes or book a sunrise tour that advertises going amongst the stones. As someone who has been in the middle of the rocks at Stonehenge, I STRONGLY recommend it, but just going on a typical day and staying behind the rope is not bucket list worthy.
13. Notre Dame, Paris, France
Notre Dame is not the most exciting church. I have been in thousands of European churches and it does not even rank top fifteen. Head to Sainte Chapelle instead if you want to see an amazing Parisian church. The view from the top is worth the price.
12. Love Lock Bridge- Paris, France
There are Love Lock Bridges everywhere. Officials put glass panels over the locks on the famous bridge in Paris so it is now impossible to add your own lock. The locks actually collapsed one part of the bridge in 2015.
11. Blarney Stone- Ireland
The Blarney Stone is a small stone that you can’t even really see that you lean of the side of a castle to kiss. The castle is not one of the most impressive Irish castles, but the grounds at Blarney are beautiful. Explore the gardens, but avoid kissing the germy stone. People often say locals pee on it.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa- Italy
The Leaning Tower is the only interesting thing about Pisa and it is absurd to watch all the tourists taking pictures. It does lean, but not as much as you’d expect and it is smaller than you would think. I would say this is worth skipping.
9. Spanish Steps- Rome, Italy
The Spanish Steps are crowded and not that cool. There is barely anything to see and it is one of the most underwhelming things I have ever experienced. There is just so much to see in Rome that I’d hate to waste too much time here.
8. Venice, Italy
I never imagined that one of the most “romantic” cities in the world would smell this bad or would be this crowded. Venice is one giant tourist trap in my opinion. If you want to go, go during the offseason or go to the small islands outside Venice. Murano is known for glass blowing and Burano is known for its beautiful lace. Both islands have all the charm of Venice, with fewer tourists and less pollution and litter in their canals.
7. Mona Lisa- Paris France
You hear this over and over again, but the Mona Lisa is small, like real small. She may follow you with her eyes but you will have to push past hundreds to get close enough to see her.
6. The Louvre- Paris, France
The Louvre is overcrowded and a generally unenjoyably experience unless you are an art lover. There are so many smaller and less touristy museums in Europe.
5. Loch Ness, Scotland
Unless you are a firm believer in the Loch Ness Monster do not go. Scotland is so beautiful and Loch Ness is not the prettiest Loch and is not close to anywhere worth seeing. Skip it and go almost anywhere else to see a more beautiful less disappointing version of Scotland.
4. St. Patrick’s Day- Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is not Irish-like at all. The streets are packed with Australians and Americans. It is one giant drinking fest and is not even as festive as the celebration in Chicago.
3. Astronomical Clock, Prague
The clock is beautiful and worth it to see, but do not wait around for the show. It is not worth it and will surely disappoint. Watch out for pickpockets in this area.
2. Changing of the Guard- London, England
You can watch changing of the guard at Windsor Palace or in Madrid, Spain and it is more entertaining, shorter, and less crowded.
1. Temple Bar- Dublin, Ireland
There is nothing better than an authentic Irish pub. Temple Bar, a famous area along with a famous bar, has overpriced, touristy pubs that are filled with foreigners and do not feel authentic at all. Venture a little outside the city center or, better, to the countryside for a less pricey and more authentic experience.
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