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City Breaks: A Travel Influencer’s Unexpected European Disappointments
Choosing your next holiday destination can be challenging, especially with many options worldwide. San Francisco-based travel influencer Sooyeon might offer valuable perspectives for travelers planning their next city break. On her TikTok account, @soos.foods, she reflected on her extensive travels, visiting 17 European cities in a single year. However, she pinpointed three destinations that, in her opinion, didn’t quite live up to the hype.
Three Cities That Didn’t Meet Expectations
“These are three cities I probably would’ve skipped,” Sooyeon stated candidly on TikTok, emphasizing, “Doesn’t mean these are bad destinations, I just didn’t enjoy them as much as other cities.” In her recent travel experiences, Sooyeon highlights cities that may not align with every travel experience.
Madrid: A Comparison to Barcelona
First on her list was Madrid, where she spent a brief two and a half days in 2022 after being captivated by Barcelona.
Sooyeon confessed that Madrid appeared less captivating compared to the coastal gem. “The main reason is because I went to both Madrid and Barcelona on the same trip, and I feel like Madrid didn’t have as many interesting things to do for me at least, other than the palace and museums.”
She even suggested, “…If I were to do this trip again, I would probably skip Madrid and spend more time in Barcelona.”
Catania: An Uncomfortable Experience
Next was Catania, nestled on Sicily’s eastern coast. While the historic port city might seem like an idyllic Italian getaway, it failed to meet Sooyeon’s expectations of ‘la dolce vita’.
She explained, “The city just felt a little run down and not the safest. People were also not afraid to stare at you – I’m sure they weren’t trying to be rude or mean, but it felt a little uncomfortable as a female traveler.”
Berlin: Lacking Local Flavor
Berlin also made the list, though Sooyeon’s concerns about the German capital differed significantly from those about Catania and Madrid.
Unlike the other cities, Berlin didn’t evoke feelings of danger or tedium. In fact, she praised its ‘welcoming’ atmosphere and ‘cool cafes, shops, and roads’.
However, she felt something essential was missing. “Don’t get me wrong, I would love to live in Berlin,” Sooyeon admitted.
“But, as a tourist, I feel like the main attractions are history museums which I personally am not the biggest on, especially because at this point on my trip I was getting severe museum fatigue.”
She further explained, “The food scene was also pretty international, so I didn’t find as many options for authentic local food, which is something I try to eat everywhere I go. Again, this is just my experience – what doesn’t work for me, could work for you.”
Online Reactions to the Travel Opinions
Sooyeon’s honest opinions ignited numerous comments on TikTok, with the online community divided over her views on these popular destinations.
One Madrid enthusiast wrote, “I will not accept any Madrid slander! I’ve been like four times and it’s an incredible city.”
Another pleaded, “Everyone here pls don’t skip Catania,” while a puzzled user questioned, “Berlin is clean??? What girl???”