How did the Polynesian Cultural Center end up on a list of the BEST tourist traps? I belongs on a list of the WORST along with Prague’s Charles Bridge and Mann’s Chinese Theater.
Checkpoint Charlie on the other hand combines all the tackiness of a true tourist trap with one of the best museums on the planet.
The double-decker tour buses in Barcelona are also the best way to see the archeticure of that city but nowhere are those buses more useful than they are in Marrakech - From the top deck you can take as many pictures of the locals as you want without anybody taking offense.
I’ve heard this several times and never too sure why.
I’ve spent time in Pisa and it is a perfectly serviceable little working Italian city.
Having travelled extensively around Europe and Italy I have seen far worse places and believe me I am picky. I’d go back tomorrow.
The problem might be people’s expectations. Certainly the area around the Cathedral and tower is touristy (well duh! what do you expect?). But you only have to walk a few hundred yards away from there and there are parks, squares, churches, shops, Roman ruins and restaurants galore. All of it is
I spent a really fun weekend there with friends, eating and drinking really well (and cheaply) and just walking the tiny little back streets of the old town.
It isn’t Florence or Lucca but then where is? I’d suggest anyone thinking of Pisa spends an hour looking at the church and then go lose yourself in the old town.
Have a look on Google maps street view anyway, does this seem so bad? That is what the majority of the old city is like.
As I pointed out earlier the mag is misusing the term “tourist trap”. Pretty well nothing on that list is a tourist trap. Either they dont know what the term means or they are elitist snobs.