07-08-2025
'World's most overcrowded tourist spot with rude locals' is a European capital
A recent survey has named the world's most overcrowded tourist destination, with one European city taking the top spot - but not everyone is happy about the accolade
Globetrotting can be a splendid way to enjoy leisure time, immersing oneself in varied cultures, but at times, the sheer number of tourists can detract from the travel experience. A fresh study has investigated tourist density per square kilometre and local population figures in cities worldwide.
The research reveals that Europe dominates the list of top 10 most congested tourist hotspots for 2024, with eight European destinations making the cut, while North America fills the remaining two slots.
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According to Deluxe Holiday Homes' findings, Paris tops the chart with an astonishing 351,429 visitors per square kilometre and a visitor-to-population ratio of 1708 percent.
Despite being celebrated as one of the world's most captivating and historically significant cities, Paris hasn't managed to win over all its visitors, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Tripadvisor is packed with complaints, where unhappy travellers lamented lengthy queues and warn others about the nimble-fingered pickpockets targeting tourists in the illustrious French capital.
One disgruntled tourist expressed their frustration: "If you want to spend a lot money for waiting in the queues for hours and hours, visiting every place with thousands of people come and visit Paris. People are rude and you can't travel safely by metro after 9pm."
Echoing the dissatisfaction, another traveller commented: "This city is now well known for pick pocketing. Stolen mobile phone sellers, ill-mannered people, dirty areas, street fights and overly crowded areas."
They concluded with their advice: "Just to visit Eiffel Tower is not worth spending hard earned money, this city will spoil your holiday mood."
Nevertheless, Paris isn't without its appeal, featuring stunning panoramas, gastronomic treasures, and some of the globe's most legendary cultural landmarks.
One delighted traveller shared their encounter: "Ah, the pleasure of Paris! Going to Paris is like visiting a mausoleum, the grandeur of so many historic monuments is a memorable souvenir."
Another holidaymaker, well-acquainted with the city's magnetism, observed: "Having visited the city of light on nearly a dozen occasions, it's easy to think of it as a familiar friendly place."
Whilst many gravitate towards the traditional hotspots like art galleries and the Eiffel Tower, someone else noted: "Though the art museums and the Eiffel Tower are the sites most tourists flock to, it's the casual locations and wide bridges that make the city truly a pleasure to be in and stroll upon."
