12 European Getaways I Regret Visiting + 5 More That Did Not Deserve The Hype
Ever saved up for that dream European vacation only to feel completely underwhelmed when you got there? You’re not alone. I’ve had my fair share of travel letdowns—those moments where the reality didn’t match the postcard-perfect photos or glowing travel blogs.
After years of exploring cities, coastlines, and countryside across the continent, I’ve learned that not every famous spot deserves a spot on your itinerary. Some were overcrowded, others overpriced, and a few just didn’t have that spark.
Here’s my honest take on the places that left me second-guessing my travel choices—and what I wish I’d known before going.
1. Mykonos, Greece
The dreamy white-washed paradise I’d seen on Instagram turned out to be a nightmare for my wallet. Mykonos charged €20 for basic cocktails and €100 for beach chairs!
Everywhere I turned, crowds of influencers posed for photos while locals seemed tired of tourists. Save yourself the disappointment and visit lesser-known Greek islands instead.
2. Hallstatt, Austria
Picture-perfect from a distance but utterly chaotic up close. Tour buses arrive hourly, disgorging hundreds of visitors into streets barely wide enough for two people to walk side by side.
Hallstatt’s charm disappears when you’re shuffling through crowds just to glimpse the lake. Local residents display signs begging for privacy as tourists peer into their windows for the perfect shot.
3. Venice, Italy
Narrow alleyways packed with sweaty tourists and souvenir shops selling identical plastic gondolas – not exactly romantic. Venice feels more like a sinking theme park than a living city.
The famous canals often smell unpleasant in summer, and prices are astronomical. Most shocking was watching locals being pushed out as their apartments transform into vacation rentals and hotels.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walking through medieval walls should feel magical, not like battling for space at a rock concert. Game of Thrones fame has transformed this coastal gem into a selfie backdrop where you’ll wait 30 minutes just to climb the stairs.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town now houses few actual residents, with most buildings converted to tourist accommodations. Even basic meals cost triple what you’d pay elsewhere in Croatia.
5. Santorini, Greece
Those famous blue dome photos? You’ll elbow through dozens of Instagram couples to glimpse them for three seconds. The reality behind those perfect sunset shots is hundreds of tourists crammed into tiny viewing spots.
Santorini’s prices are astronomical – €7 for a coffee! – and many restaurants serve mediocre food at premium rates. The island’s infrastructure struggles under tourism weight, with water shortages common.
6. Interlaken, Switzerland
Tour buses dominate this supposed nature paradise, and genuine wilderness feels miles away. Everything from hot chocolate to hiking maps comes with an eye-watering price tag that makes you question your life choices.
Interlaken markets itself as an outdoor adventure hub, but most activities feel commercialized and rushed. The town itself lacks charm, functioning mainly as a base for day-trippers who crowd the same photo spots.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Constant vigilance against pickpockets ruins the experience of admiring Gaudí’s architecture. You’ll spend more time clutching your belongings than enjoying the sights. Barcelona’s most famous spots have become selfie factories where tourists outnumber locals twenty to one.
La Rambla feels like a tourist conveyor belt, and Barceloneta Beach resembles a sardine can in summer. The city’s authentic character is increasingly hard to find.
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
Hiking between colorful villages sounds idyllic until you’re stuck in human traffic jams on narrow cliff paths. The famous trails feel more like crowded shopping malls than nature walks. Cinque Terre’s tiny villages weren’t built for today’s tourism numbers.
Finding accommodation is nearly impossible without booking months ahead, and trains between towns are packed to dangerous levels during peak season.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
Small town vibes with capital city prices left me constantly checking my dwindling bank account. A basic burger meal costs around $25, and hotel rooms rarely dip below $200 per night. Reykjavik itself offers limited attractions that can be seen in half a day.
The real Iceland magic happens hours away from the capital, making it feel more like an expensive layover than a destination. Most visitors quickly realize this and use it merely as a base.
10. Bruges, Belgium
Chocolate shops and waffle stands repeat every few steps in a strange tourist loop. The medieval center feels preserved not for historical value but as a shopping mall for visitors. Bruges empties dramatically after day-trippers leave, revealing how few locals actually live in the historic center.
While undeniably pretty, the city offers little beyond surface-level charm and becomes repetitive after a few hours of exploration.
11. Nice, France
Rocky beaches covered with rental chairs was my first disappointment upon arriving at this famous coastline. Forget soft sand between your toes – pack water shoes if you dare enter the water.
Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais is beautiful but lined with overpriced restaurants serving mediocre food to captive tourists. The city feels designed to extract maximum euros from visitors while providing minimum comfort or authenticity.
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canal views quickly lose their charm when you’re dodging drunk bachelor parties and bicycle traffic while paying premium prices for basic amenities. Amsterdam’s famous museums require booking weeks in advance, and you’ll stand in lines for hours even with tickets.
The Red Light District feels increasingly uncomfortable as a mix of gawking tourists and partying visitors create an atmosphere that’s neither fun nor culturally enlightening.
13. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Famous for that picture-perfect island with a church, the reality involves hundreds of tourists circling a lake that takes just an hour to walk around. The view is lovely for about five minutes. Lake Bled’s activities feel limited and overpriced.
The castle offers minimal historical context, and the famous cream cake is just… cake. Nearby natural attractions like Vintgar Gorge now require advance reservations due to overwhelming crowds.
14. Positano, Italy
Navigating endless stairs in sweltering heat quickly transforms from charming to exhausting. The famous colorful buildings look better in photos than when you’re dragging luggage up hundreds of steps.
Positano’s beaches are uncomfortably packed with rental chairs, leaving little public space. Restaurants charge astronomical prices for average food with million-dollar views. The entire experience feels designed for Instagram rather than actual enjoyment.
15. Copenhagen, Denmark
Spending a small fortune for small portions left me both hungry and broke after visiting this design-focused capital. The famous Nyhavn harbor looks exactly like the postcards – because it’s equally two-dimensional in experience.
Copenhagen’s celebrated restaurants require reservations months in advance, and the famous Little Mermaid statue is exactly that – little. The city’s cool factor seems more about aesthetics than substance.
16. Prague, Czech Republic
Tourist crowds transform the famous Charles Bridge into a slow-moving conveyor belt of selfie sticks and souvenir hawkers. The historic charm fades when you’re constantly navigating through tour groups.
Prague’s Old Town Square feels like a medieval theme park rather than a living city center. Beer is cheap, but authentic experiences are increasingly rare as businesses cater exclusively to tourists rather than locals.
17. Edinburgh, Scotland
Constant drizzle and gray skies dampen the experience of exploring this historic city, where attractions often feel dark and gloomy. The famous Royal Mile is essentially a tourist trap lined with identical souvenir shops.
Edinburgh Castle, while impressive from afar, offers limited interior access and feels overpriced for what you get. During festival season, the city becomes unbearably crowded, with accommodation prices tripling and simple restaurant meals requiring reservations days in advance.