Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France London and Paris are among the most anxiety-inducing cities to visit, as revealed in a recent study. Coincidentally or not, they are also one of the most popular European destinations for American travelers. In 2024, the top six destinations for American travelers were all in Europe—the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands—according to Matt Philips, managing travel editor at Polarsteps, a travel app that tracked the journeys of over 10 million users last year. But can you imagine visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower? Or going to Barcelona for the first time and skipping the Sagrada Família? What about traveling to Rome but missing the Colosseum? "Major tourist destinations maintain their powerful draw as they often deliver a reliable, high-impact travel experience that justifies their reputation," says Brandon Shaw, COO and co-founder of The Tour Guy, a tour company specializing in curated small-group tours across major European destinations. Casey Paul, a speaker and coach in positive psychology, agrees. "Social validation and herd mentality play a major role in decision-making. Popular sights become "must-visits" because they are widely celebrated and recommended. The idea of traveling to Paris but skipping the Eiffel Tower can create a sense of incompleteness." MORE FOR YOU Shopify Shuts Down Kanye West’s Yeezy Site, Talent Agent Drops Him Amid Latest Antisemitic Tear: Timeline iOS 18.3.1—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users Google Calendar Cuts Pride Month, Black History Month And More Observances—Here Are All The Companies Rolling Back DEI Avoiding Landmarks And Exploring Areas Frequented By Locals Ellie Kapitao has visited Paris countless times but still avoids the Eiffel Tower. She thinks it is a stunning monument but finds it overwhelmingly popular and often packed with tourists all vying for the perfect photograph. Instead, she prefers dining at intimate bistros, strolling through lesser-known areas, and enjoying panoramic views elsewhere. Valerie Gill, a blogger at Academized.com, also bypassed the Eiffel Tower in favor of spending time in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. She called it a "true Parisian experience away from tourists" as it was a quiet retreat where locals spend their free time. People enjoy the sun in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris, France The true essence of a place lies in its culinary culture, not its postcard attractions, says Kristin Espinar, a seasoned traveler and expert on Spain. She rarely visits major landmarks, but if she does, she only stands outside, takes a look, and moves on. Instead of queueing for the Sagrada Familia, she seeks local food specialties. She explained that one of her favorite things is to find a local and ask about the “typical dish” and where the best place is to try it. This approach led her to discover countless truly hidden gems often frequented only by locals. Spanish style tapas bar welcoming locals and tourists alike. The Real Taste Of A City Is Often Not Around Its Famous Landmarks Straying from well-known landmarks and into neighborhood eateries often reveals a city’s true character. "Culinary experiences are absolutely on the rise," says Shaw. According to The Tour Guy's recent sales data, food tours are up over 200% in 2025 compared to this time last year. Jessica Dante, a New Yorker living in London, always advises visitors to explore London’s vibrant local markets and independent eateries and avoid Leicester Square. She says, "This is honestly where good taste goes to die, with its plethora of greasy international fast food chains, dodgy casinos, and American candy shops." Railey Molinario took a similar approach in London and Vienna, skipping the popular attractions in favor of hidden eateries and local cafes. She found a more authentic city vibe by connecting with locals and experiencing daily life instead of long lines and overpriced attractions. Cafe at the Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria. Travelers Often Find Unexpected Wonders When They Venture Away From Iconic Buildings Travelers like Walter G. Meyer may feel obligated to take the typical tourist photo of the Eiffel Tower or the Trevi Fountain when visiting these European capitals. "It is indeed a typical behavior," says Paul. An iconic photograph is a validation of a successful journey toward his peers. However, Meyer finds visiting out-of-the-way attractions quite rewarding. When traveling to Rome, he found tiny, historic churches more compelling than St.Peter's Basilica, where people queue daily to enter the Vatican Museums. In Lisbon, he visited the Museu da Marioneta, ranking No. 78 out of 980 attractions on TripAdvisor, with over 90% of reviewers rating it as "very good" or "excellent." Not everyone limits their travels to the top attractions on a "Best Things to Do" list. Meyer discovered this firsthand when he stumbled upon Glasgow City Hall—an unlisted gem he later described as "one of the most magnificent buildings I have ever seen." Glasgow City Chambers and George Square, Scotland, United Kingdom Gill also decided to skip the Colosseum in Rome and strolled through the Testaccio neighborhood, where food markets and street art give a glimpse of daily Roman life. "Getting past tourist attractions lets you discover the soul and veins of a city — its little back streets, neighborhood vibes and uniqueness that you don’t always see in tourist brochures," she says. Skipping Renowned Cities Altogether For Undiscovered Regions and Towns GuideGeek’s research concluded that 90% of Americans are discouraged from traveling to new places. 22% of them noted fear of the unknown is one of the reasons. "Visiting an unfamiliar location may feel like a ‘risk’. People prefer the certainty of an experience that aligns with their expectations. The fear of missing out drives people to prioritize popular attractions, even if they are crowded or expensive," says Paul. However, some travelers overcome this fear and return with treasured memories from lesser-known places. Eryn Gordon, a travel writer and founder of Earth To Editorial, an online community for culture and heritage tourism, skipped the French capital altogether and headed to Normandy instead to learn about its Viking history. She also found herself loving the relaxed coastal vibe of Honfleur and the dramatic cliffs of Étretat. The famous Chalk Cliffs of Étretat in Le Havre, Normandy, France, Europe- "I purposefully explored outside of Paris to see France from all angles. When I finally arrived in Paris, I was overwhelmed by the city’s overcrowded, touristy energy and wished I was back on the Western coast," says Gordon. Stu O'Brien, a budget traveler with more than 80 countries under his belt, skipped Dubrovnik during what he called the height of "Game of Thrones fever" and visited Kotor in Montenegro. When his couchsurfing host described Kotor as "mini-Dubrovnik," he happily accepted the recommendation. "I spent a few days in Kotor, loved it, and have no regrets about skipping Dubrovnik. Having never visited the real one, I cannot say how they compare, though I can say that Kotor is an amazing place in itself," says O'Brien. Kotor bay and Old Town from Lovcen Mountain. Montenegro. Is there a "right" way to travel? "Major sites are major sites for a reason, and if it’s your first time visiting, you shouldn’t miss them. None of them are overrated for a first-time visitor," says Shaw. "However, if you’re returning to one of these destinations on a second or third trip, that’s when I’d recommend spending more time off the beaten path," he continues. Travelers are getting divided; some crave classic experiences while others prioritize authenticity. Whether skipping the crowds due to overtourism or ticking off bucket-list sights is your thing, the best travel experience is one that fulfills you. Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website. Emese Maczko Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades