Worst tourist traps

When you think of San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf comes to mind. New York? Times Square. Egypt? Why, the pyramids, of course.

All of the above tend to show up on any list of the world’s most famous destinations. If you’re really looking to have a satisfying vacation, however, some of these iconic locales are places you actually might want to avoid.

Fame, after all, is a double-edged sword. Once an attraction is on the “must-see” list, people tend to flock there in overwhelming numbers, effectively ruining the experience for all concerned.

Forbes Traveler has taken a look at some of the “World’s Top Tourist Traps,” giving more than a few an emphatic thumbs-down.

Here are some of the places they suggest you leave to the masses:

The Pyramids at Giza, Egypt

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Forbidden City, Beijing

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Notre Dame, Paris

Times Square, New York

Capri, Italy

Mykonos, Greece

Sultanhamet, Istanbul

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Downtown Cancun, Mexico

Piccadilly Circus, London

To find out why you might want to take a pass on these attractions, and to get tips on where to go instead, visit Forbes Traveler.

Sponsored list:

• Hotel offers under $99 (feed)

Advertisement