In 2024, European tourism reached unprecedented levels, with travelers spending over 3 billion nights in hotels and rentals across the EU—a 2.2% increase from the previous year, according to Eurostat. Visitors are flocking to historic cities and renowned landmarks, eager to experience Europe’s rich history. UN Tourism recorded 747 million arrivals in Europe in 2024. With such large crowds, it’s essential for travelers to be cautious with their spending, especially if something appears too enticing. The influx of tourists has led to the rise of businesses focused on quick profits, often prioritizing revenue over education.
Torture museums exemplify this trend—they are increasingly common in tourist-heavy areas. As a result, Rick Steves, a respected European travel expert, openly criticizes these establishments. He labels them as tourist traps that squander your money, pointing out that they typically consist of cleverly marketed but inauthentic or mass-produced displays.
Why torture museums aren’t worth your money
Many torture museums in Europe are quite disappointing. They consist of dimly lit rooms filled with cheap props and exaggerated displays that prioritize shock value over historical accuracy. For example, Prague’s Museum of Torture received only a 3.0 rating from over 200 reviews on TripAdvisor in 2024. Visitors frequently noted its brevity, lack of atmosphere, and insufficient content or presentation. Amsterdam’s Torture Museum fared even worse, with a 2.5 rating from over 700 reviews. Complaints centered on the limited number of exhibits and the absence of authentic information.
Many devices showcased in torture museums were not medieval inventions but were actually created or assembled in the 19th century. Research published by Medievalists.net indicates that the first known references to the iron maiden emerged during the Victorian era, when collectors and museum operators fabricated or altered objects to cater to public fascination with macabre history and Gothic spectacle. Today’s visitors often encounter replicas or fabrications rather than genuine medieval instruments of punishment. By avoiding these attractions, travelers can evade significant financial missteps during their journey.
How to find real history in Europe
For authentic European history without wasting money, travelers should bypass gimmicks and focus on genuine sites and museums. Rick Steves recommends attractions that are truly worthwhile, such as a gondola ride in Venice or a nighttime taxi tour in Paris. These experiences offer memorable moments and a deeper connection to the city’s history.
Freetour’s 2024 guide highlights iconic sites like the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, and Stonehenge in England. These locations provide genuine history, not just flashy displays. They offer expert-led tours, comprehensive educational information, and exhibits that genuinely explore the past. Depending on the location and time of year, visitors may find free entry or need to purchase a ticket for a guided tour. According to Wanted in Rome, the Colosseum alone attracted over 12 million visitors in 2023, offering an authentic glimpse into ancient Roman engineering.
Museums like the Louvre in Paris, the Vatican Museums, and Berlin’s Museum Island are rich with history. The Louvre houses over 35,000 works spanning various eras. The Vatican Museums and Museum Island excel at connecting their artifacts to broader narratives, and anyone can visit with a standard ticket.
