A seasoned traveler and frequent flyer has issued a caution against visiting three destinations where locals have animosity towards tourists and food prices are exorbitant.
Francis Hellyer, the CEO of tickadoo, who boasts of having visited every corner of Europe twice, has strong opinions on what he considers to be overrated cities to avoid. He singled out three iconic cities that draw millions of tourists annually as places to steer clear of due to high prices and unwelcoming locals.
In an interview with the Mirror, Francis expressed his disdain for Paris, citing exorbitant prices for mediocre coffee, crowded tourist spots, and unpleasant experiences with the locals. His sentiments are shared by many visitors, as evidenced by Paris receiving a record 48.7 million tourists in 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 47.5 million in 2023.
The Japanese, in particular, have a challenging relationship with Paris, experiencing what is known as Paris Syndrome, a severe culture shock resulting from unrealistic expectations fueled by media depictions. Disillusioned by the city’s realities, such as less-than-polite service and unclean streets, some tourists find themselves in distress.
Critics of Venice have likened the city in summer to a theme park overrun by pigeons, with tourists engaging in inappropriate behavior. A social media page named ‘Venice is not Disneyland’ highlights the misbehavior of both tourists and locals, aiming to address the issues faced by the city.
Amsterdam, according to Francis, is synonymous with rowdy stag dos and overpriced snacks. Despite being a popular destination with outstanding attractions, including museums and scenic canals, Amsterdam has faced criticism from locals for attracting disruptive visitors, leading to measures to curb undesirable behavior.
In an effort to combat overtourism, Amsterdam’s city council implemented bans on cruise ships in the city center and launched digital campaigns targeting specific demographics to deter visitors seeking drug and alcohol experiences. The city has also taken steps to discourage disrespectful behavior, such as photographing sex workers in the Red Light District.
For tourists in Amsterdam, the cost of a portion of chips ranges from €3.50 to €6.50, as reported by Amsterdam Tips.
While Francis may not have a favorable opinion of certain European cities, there are others he enjoys.