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Exploring Beyond the Tourist Traps: Are London and Paris Overrated?
While London and Paris consistently rank among Europe’s most frequented cities, a seasoned solo traveler suggests they may be ‘overrated’ as holiday destinations. Luke Hoogmoed, a 25-year-old from the Netherlands with extensive travel experience across 40 European nations, has shared his perspective on destinations that are perhaps not worth the hype, and proposes compelling alternatives for discerning travelers. Discover why this intrepid explorer expresses a ‘sense of unease’ in London and which European capital he critiques for its unkempt streets.
Discovering Eastern Europe: Alternatives to Western Tourist Hotspots
Oslo vs. Tallinn: Nordic Charm Beyond the Mainstream
Instead of the conventionally popular Norwegian capital, Oslo, this travel expert recommends venturing to Tallinn, Estonia’s enchanting capital city. Luke describes Oslo as ‘somewhat unexciting’, arguing that Norway’s primary appeal lies in its natural landscapes rather than its urban centers. He characterizes Oslo as ‘too impersonal and sterile’.
In contrast, Tallinn, he suggests, offers a ‘Nordic allure’, boasting a ‘historic medieval Old Town’ and ‘more affordable prices’. He likens the experience of visiting Tallinn to ‘stepping into a fairytale’, providing a ‘striking contrast’ to typical Nordic capitals.
Amsterdam vs. Wroclaw: A Safer, Cleaner Urban Escape
Hailing from the Netherlands, Luke acknowledges Amsterdam’s unique charm and beauty but proposes Wroclaw, Poland, as a ‘safer, cleaner, and more budget-friendly alternative’.
Wroclaw, a Polish city near the Czech border, according to Luke, presents a ‘similar atmosphere to Amsterdam’ but ‘without the overwhelming crowds, inflated costs, and untidy streets’. He notes the architectural similarities between many Polish cities and Amsterdam.
Antwerp vs. Gdansk: Trading Belgian Ports for Polish Beauty
Luke considers Antwerp, a Belgian port city, as ‘among Europe’s least appealing cities’, citing ‘safety concerns, lack of cleanliness, and unappealing aesthetics’.
He advocates for exploring Gdansk, another Polish port city, which he deems ‘significantly more beautiful’. Gdansk stands out for being ‘affordable, safe, and clean’, and for its ‘remarkable architecture’.
London vs. Prague: Culture and History Without the Overwhelm
Despite London’s status as a leading global tourist destination, Luke argues it is ‘overrated’, admitting to feeling ‘a sense of unease’ there.
He elaborates, ‘While I acknowledge London’s grandeur in terms of history, architecture, and culture, I personally find it overwhelming.’ He adds, ‘I don’t intend to offend British citizens, but each visit leaves me with a sense of discomfort. This is likely due to my personal preference, as I’m not drawn to sprawling, bustling, and extravagant cities like London and Paris. Moreover, safety is a concern. A quick online search for “London stabbings” reveals recent news, which is unsettling.’
Luke posits that Prague, the Czech capital, serves as a superior and more economical vacation option compared to London. He states, ‘Prague features impressive architecture, rich history, and a vibrant ambiance at a much lower cost than London. Furthermore, it is considerably safer. In my view, it is the most beautiful capital in Europe.’
Paris vs. Budapest: Hungarian Charm Over Parisian Grandeur
Luke concedes, ‘Paris is iconic and warrants at least one visit to witness its landmarks. Even destinations I consider overrated possess unique attractions.’
However, he contends that the Hungarian capital, Budapest, ‘surpasses Paris in almost every aspect’.
Luke explains, ‘Budapest has maintained its authentic Hungarian identity despite its popularity with tourists. While it can be busy, it remains a very safe city. My seven visits to Budapest have all been exceptional.’
Acknowledging Paris’s unique symbol, Luke concludes, ‘While Budapest may not have the Eiffel Tower, I still encourage travelers to explore all destinations on this list and form their own opinions instead of solely relying on my recommendations.’
Bodrum vs. Antalya: Authentic Turkish Culture Beyond Resort Towns
Bodrum, a Turkish seaside resort, is labeled Turkey’s ‘most overrated’ holiday destination by Luke.
He asserts, ‘Bodrum has lost its genuine Turkish character and has evolved into a resort town primarily catering to luxury travelers.’
In contrast, ‘Antalya [another coastal resort]’, he suggests, ‘preserves a rich Turkish culture and history. I recommend Antalya over Bodrum for this reason. Additionally, the cuisine in Antalya is outstanding.’
Stockholm vs. Riga: Baltic Authenticity Over Scandinavian Formality
Luke’s critique of Stockholm mirrors his views on Oslo. He finds the Swedish capital ‘quite uninteresting and impersonal’.
He elaborates, ‘In my experience, it’s also surprisingly unclean and generally lacks appeal. Again, Scandinavia is better known for its natural beauty than its cities.’
Luke favors Riga, the capital of Latvia. He explains, ‘It offers a comparable Nordic feel but is more genuine, safer, and more affordable. While I may be biased due to studying in Riga for a year and considering it my second home, I genuinely believe it is a better choice.’
Brussels vs. Ghent: Trading Urban Grime for Student City Charm
The Belgian capital, Brussels, failed to impress Luke, who describes its outer areas as ‘littered with trash and rodents’.
He recounts, ‘Both of my visits to Brussels were disappointing. On the positive side, the historic city center is beautiful, the fries and waffles are delicious, and the atmosphere is almost like a theme park.’
However, he continues, ‘Stepping outside the old town reveals a different reality. The streets are filled with refuse and rats, and the extent of homelessness is striking. This is unfortunate for a city with such a significant history.’
He recommends, ‘Instead, consider visiting Ghent – a well-kept, charming student city [in Belgium] that is welcoming to visitors.’
Barcelona vs. Porto: Escaping Overtourism for Portuguese Flair
Barcelona’s struggle with overtourism in recent years is Luke’s primary reason for suggesting travelers avoid it.
The avid traveler states, ‘Barcelona has simply become overwhelmed by tourists to the point of being unenjoyable.’
He reveals, ‘Porto [in Portugal] offers vibrant architecture, exceptional food, and world-class wine at more reasonable prices than Barcelona. It also has fewer pickpockets, and is more affordable, quieter, and cleaner. And yes, it also has beaches!’
Venice vs. Perast: Serenity in Montenegro Over Venetian Crowds
Luke includes Venice, Europe’s ‘Floating City’, on his list of overrated destinations due to being ‘overrun with tourists’. He hopes that measures like a tourist tax might ‘restore some of its authenticity’.
In the meantime, he suggests Perast in Montenegro as an alternative. The traveler shares, ‘Perast is among the most stunning locations I have ever encountered.’
He concludes, ‘While not identical to Venice, Perast surpasses Venice in terms of safety, cleanliness, affordability, and authenticity.’