Tourist destinations tend to get a bad reputation as places that are crowded, over-promoted, expensive, and inauthentic. But in fact, in most cases there is a reason why they became tourist destinations.
When traveling outside of the country, I prefer to fly through San Francisco. Simply because you can visit Boudin’s Bakery or the sea lions at Pier 39. I always feel a little stupid because of its over-touristy status, but it seems like I can’t pass up a guilty pleasure. While these may be touristy places and I’m happy to visit to avoid the crowds, there are many places around the world to keep in mind for your next vacation.
1. Cancun, Mexico
![cancun beach scale e1699655660943](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cancun-Beach-scaled-e1699655660943.jpg)
People love Cancun’s warm blue waters along the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the region’s travel warnings, people flock to it every year for warm sun, selvaza, and a blissful vacation.
2. Mount Rushmore
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 3 Shutterstock 113115559](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Shutterstock_113115559.jpg)
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 3 Shutterstock 113115559](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Shutterstock_113115559.jpg)
More than 2 million people drive into South Dakota’s Black Hills to see first-hand the iconic heads of four presidents carved into granite. While it is a tourist attraction, it is also a national treasure representing America. Take photos, walk through flag streets, and eat ice cream.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 4 red lighthouse in cape town south africa](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cape-Town-South-Africa.jpg)
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 4 red lighthouse in cape town south africa](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cape-Town-South-Africa.jpg)
With a variety of beautiful mountains, sparkling beaches and lush vineyards, Cape Town has something for everyone. Despite the crowds, it is possible to enjoy your time near the beautiful sea.
4. Santorini, Greece
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 5 Mod Santorini, Greece](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_5505-e1691104980481.png)
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 5 Mod Santorini, Greece](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_5505-e1691104980481.png)
When you think of a luxury island vacation, you probably think of Santorini in Greece. With gorgeous waters surrounding its shores, enchanting architecture, and volcanic landscapes, this island is above all beautiful. The local food is also delicious and surprisingly cheap.
5. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
![Spend an amazing holiday watching the Northern Lights in Iceland's Blue Lagoon.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232409.644.jpg)
![Spend an amazing holiday watching the Northern Lights in Iceland's Blue Lagoon.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232409.644.jpg)
With more than 700,000 visitors a year, it’s easy to see how this geothermal spa in southwest Iceland has achieved tourist trap status. For many people, the warm sea and beautiful scenery are impossible to resist.
6. Hofbräuhaus, Munich
![MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 6, 2014: Cityscape with outdoor beer houses and restaurants on Pratzl on September 6, 2014 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232552.900.jpg)
![MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 6, 2014: Cityscape with outdoor beer houses and restaurants on Pratzl on September 6, 2014 in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232552.900.jpg)
This beer hall may have historical significance, but it’s masquerading as a tourist attraction and lacks an authentic experience. Still, the fun of Hofbräuhaus makes the need for an authentic experience superfluous. If you want to have fun and dance, this is the place for you.
7. Venice, Italy
![Venice canals with people rowing boats](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Veniceitaly-msn-pexels-pixabay-161850.jpg)
![Venice canal with people rowing boats](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Veniceitaly-msn-pexels-pixabay-161850.jpg)
UNESCO is about to recommend this ancient city be placed on the list of endangered cities. Although there are many problems caused by over-tourism, the history and beauty keep people coming back. The city is most beautiful at night when there are no people around.
8. Pike Place Market, Seattle
![Seattle, WA, USA - August 19, 2017: Pike Place Market is the oldest farmers market on the West Coast. And more than 10 million people visit the market every year.Seattle - Washington State, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232740.512.jpg)
![Seattle, WA, USA - August 19, 2017: Pike Place Market is the oldest farmers market on the West Coast. And more than 10 million people visit the market every year.Seattle - Washington State, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232740.512.jpg)
The first time I heard about Pike Place was frasier. I had always wanted to go there just for that reason, but I never had the chance. Although it is a very touristy place, it is also frequented by locals as it is a place where you can definitely get authentic, locally made products.
9. French Quarter, New Orleans
![Neon-lit pubs and bars in the French Quarter, New Orleans, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/New-Orleans-Bourbon-Street.jpg)
![Neon-lit pubs and bars in the French Quarter, New Orleans, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/New-Orleans-Bourbon-Street.jpg)
The French Quarter has a feel unlike any other part of America, and its history, heat, music, and atmosphere are incredibly charming. The French Quarter is definitely a tourist destination, but locals also love its charm, shops, and architecture.
10. Bruges, Belgium
![Bruges, Belgium - August 7, 2014: Landscape with canals in Bruges "venice of the north"Belgium, Flanders cityscape.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232918.557.jpg)
![Bruges, Belgium - August 7, 2014: Landscape with canals in Bruges "venice of the north"Belgium, Flanders cityscape.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T232918.557.jpg)
After reading the description of this place and doing a little research, I’m going to add it to my bucket list. It looks like a fairytale city and is known for its people who enjoy socializing. It’s probably because of the general atmosphere that everyone is so nice and sociable.
11. Coney Island, New York City
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 12 Coney Island Luna Park New York](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_5552-e1691184353451.jpeg)
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 12 Coney Island Luna Park New York](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_5552-e1691184353451.jpeg)
This famous amusement park is about an hour from Times Square by public transportation. This park has a lot of cheesy classic fun, but there are also some interesting areas below the local boardwalk.
12. Las Vegas, Nevada
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 13 las vegas strip](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_5250-scaled-e1690612166858.jpeg)
![20 tourist destinations worth visiting despite the crowds 13 las vegas strip](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_5250-scaled-e1690612166858.jpeg)
It’s hard to ignore the glitz and artificial charm of this desert city, but if you look carefully, you’ll see that this place is steeped in history, especially from the 50s and 60s. Many people mistakenly believe that all the fun lies within the resort area known as the Strip, but the valleys surrounding the Strip are not without entertainment value.
13. Times Square, New York
![times square new york](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TimesSquare.jpg)
![times square new york](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TimesSquare.jpg)
Times Square is one of the fun places to visit for that experience. Being surrounded by flashing lights is pretty surreal, not to mention you can act like you’re in a blockbuster movie or music video. If you’re a little tired of the crowded streets and tourist attractions, or just want a taste of traditional New York, you’re just a few blocks from the glitz of Times Square.
14. Mini Europe, Belgium
![View of miniature buildings in Mini Europa Park in Brussels, Belgium](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233148.627.jpg)
![View of miniature buildings in Mini Europa Park in Brussels, Belgium](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233148.627.jpg)
Mini Europe is located within the Blupark amusement park. This miniature his park displays his 1:25 scale replicas of various landmarks from the European Union and other countries across the continent.
15. Solvang, California
![Denmark Street - Solvang, California](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233310.827.jpg)
![Denmark Street - Solvang, California](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233310.827.jpg)
This place seems so random that it feels like you’ve wandered into a Danish city in the middle of California. The Danish-style architecture represents the town’s tradition and ties to Denmark. It’s a charming place to stop after exploring California’s coastline.
16. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
![American side of Niagara Falls, New York, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233536.580.jpg)
![American side of Niagara Falls, New York, USA](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233536.580.jpg)
Although Niagara Falls is not on the official list of wonders of the world, it is on many people’s bucket lists. However, many are hesitant due to tourist traps and expensive locations nearby. Unfortunately, at Niagara Falls in the United States, high crime rateThis may deter some from seeing the stunning natural attractions that give this city its name.
17. Vatican City
![Vatican City, Vatican City, Rome, Italy](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9618.jpeg)
![Vatican City, Vatican City, Rome, Italy](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9618.jpeg)
It may be surprising, but one of the world’s most sacred destinations, this small country is dedicated to exhibiting the entire history of the Catholic Church and is often very crowded with tourists. are doing. There is also a McDonald’s that caters to the huge number of customers in Vatican City.
18. Banff, Canada
![A long freight train traveling along the Bow River in the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/train-and-Canadian-Rockies.jpg)
![A long freight train traveling along the Bow River in the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/train-and-Canadian-Rockies.jpg)
This stunning area of lakes, mountains, and ski resorts is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Park. Over 4 million people travel to Banff National Park from different parts of the globe each year, so it’s no surprise that it’s a pretty crowded tourist destination.
19. Covent Garden, London
![LONDON, UK - AUGUST 10, 2017: Summer in Covent Garden, one of the UK's biggest flea markets](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233730.510.jpg)
![LONDON, UK - AUGUST 10, 2017: Summer in Covent Garden, one of the UK's biggest flea markets](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233730.510.jpg)
Covent Garden in London’s West End dates back to the 17th century. It is a busy shopping and entertainment center. Its main area is an elegant square filled with fashion boutiques and the Royal Opera House.
20. Williamsburg, Virginia
![Williamsburg, Virginia, USA: March 31, 2021.Woman riding a horse and baby carriage in Colonial Williamsburg](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233857.549.jpg)
![Williamsburg, Virginia, USA: March 31, 2021.Woman riding a horse and baby carriage in Colonial Williamsburg](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slike-2023-08-12T233857.549.jpg)
Williamsburg holds the title of Virginia’s “Colonial Capital” and is known worldwide for its restoration efforts that faithfully recreate 18th-century American life through Colonial Williamsburg. Its historical status and quaint appearance attract hundreds of people. Thousands of visitors per year.