While European travel to the U.S. is on a decline—down 17% for Western European visitors as of March 2025, according to the U.S. Travel Association—the reverse isn’t true. A May 2025 study by Allianz Partners Vacation Confidence Index found that four in ten Americans plan to vacation this year, despite 51% feeling they can’t afford it. An Allianz Partners release via PR Newswire estimates a 10% rise in American travel to Europe for summer 2025. If you’re contemplating a European trip this year, note that at least two of the top ten European destinations for Americans may have tourist attractions you’d be better off skipping.
A March 2025 Radical Storage report highlighted several popular tourist spots that are little more than tourist traps. A list of the top five most disappointing attractions includes one located in Europe’s worst pickpocketing country, while others suffer from issues related to time, customer service, cost, and overcrowding, making visits a chore rather than a pleasure.
Here’s why you should skip the Trevi Fountain in Rome
According to January 2025 data from Statista, Americans were the top visitors to Italy in 2023, with 1.7 million travelers. TurismoRome reported 22 million visitors in 2024, a 5.63% increase. The BBC noted the fountain attracted 10,000 to 12,000 tourists daily until a new queuing rule was introduced in 2024 to manage the crowd. The fountain was identified in a March 2025 Radical Storage survey as a disappointment. Nearly a quarter of respondents had a negative experience, with 17% citing crowds and mobility issues. Frequent maintenance closures for calcium and mold removal didn’t help its reputation, nor did the prevalence of pickpockets. Consider skipping it if you dislike crowds and long lines. Instead, explore this affordable Italian destination with excellent food and coastal views.
Time Out Market in Lisbon, Portugal isn’t worth the time
Time Out Magazine transitioned from promoting unique attractions globally to curating their own, starting with Time Out Market Liboa in Lisbon, Portugal, in May 2014. The media company later opened more food halls in 11 additional cities, with plans for more in Europe, Canada, and the Middle East. The goal is to unite each city’s culinary talents to offer unique food and drink experiences. However, according to a Radical Storage survey, 28.4% of visitors felt the Lisbon food hall didn’t live up to the hype, with 18.4% citing overcrowding as a major issue. Despite this, Tripadvisor rates it 4.3 out of five, thanks to the food and scenery. However, reviewers noted long wait times and high prices, making it a destination you might want to avoid.
Don’t get bogged down in Siam Park
Siam Park in Spain has been crowned the world’s best waterpark by Tripadvisor for ten consecutive years starting in 2014. Yet, an October 2024 Tripadvisor review highlighted issues like limited seating and hour-long ride queues. A heatwave in August 2024, as reported by Euronews, made these conditions even more uncomfortable. The Radical Storage survey found 31.2% of reviews expressed negative experiences, mentioning inaccessibility, poor customer service, and body shaming issues. Tickets costing over $50 USD per adult underscore why wasting time is a travel mistake to avoid.
The Széchenyi Baths and Pool in Budapest is a hot mess
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Pool in Budapest, established in 1913, is powered by hot springs believed to offer therapeutic benefits. In 2024, the baths attracted 1.7 million visitors and generated $37.3 million in revenue. A three-year renovation started in 2024 aims to address issues like outdated infrastructure. However, a Radical Storage survey found 37.2% of reviews were negative, citing inaccessibility and overcrowding. A June 2025 Tripadvisor review called it a disaster due to lack of sunbeds and queues, while an October 2024 review mentioned hygiene issues.
Here’s why 49.4% of visitors say Alton Towers is overrated
Alton Towers, once a property of the British aristocracy, became a theme park on April 4, 1980. Despite being a tourist draw for 45 years, a Radical Storage survey showed 49.4% of visitors were disappointed. The survey indicated 18% called out poor value for money. A 2024 Reddit thread highlighted high costs, with one user spending £900 (~$1,216 USD) for fast-track access for five people. Complaints included expensive food and unkempt conditions, as noted in an April 2024 Tripadvisor review.
