Many European cities are examples of cleanliness and neatness. They are famous for their cultural sites and sights, developed infrastructure and attractions. However, it happens that you come to a city advertised by travel blogs and travel agencies and it turns out that this is no heaven on Earth, but it was better at home.
We present you the top 10 most overrated cities in Europe according to the survey of users of Skyscanner - an online hotel and flight search service.
10. London (disappointed 5.8% of respondents)
The Queen's City has always been a popular tourist destination due to its wide range of attractions and cultural institutions, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, British Museum, National Gallery, and others.
As you would expect, in a city with so many people and active economic activity, the cost of living is extremely high. Therefore, if you are counting on a budget trip, it is better to choose something less pretentious and expensive. For the most modest lunch in London, you will have to pay about 10 pounds.
And in order not to have to spend a tidy sum on travel from one attraction to another, experienced tourists are advised to purchase an Oyster card, which is valid for all public transport. But even with it, the trip will cost 2-2.5 pounds, depending on the travel zone and time of day.
9. Budapest (6%)
This fun-loving, welcoming city in Eastern Europe offers European aesthetics at affordable prices. The capital of Hungary is famous for its delicious meat dishes such as goulash, and also attracts travelers with mesmerizing architecture.
At the same time, according to tourists, the streets of Budapest are full of people without a fixed abode.
According to statistics, there are 30 thousand hontalans (homeless) in Hungary. Of this number, according to various estimates, from 6 to 10 thousand homeless live in Budapest. And the rows of mattresses spread right on the ground can shock people who want to see a clean and well-kept city.
8. Lisbon (6.3%)
Clean air, unusual architecture and delicious food are three main, but not the only advantages of the sunny capital of Portugal. However, it made it to the list of the most overrated European cities due to its dirty, littered streets (except for the city center) and many abandoned houses. According to one of the tourists, Lisbon looks like a grimy and unkempt child, which, however, is impossible not to love.
7. Amsterdam (6.5%)
Amsterdam successfully combines the charm of antiquity with the ebullient energy of a modern business city and an atmosphere of freedom and good nature. It houses Schiphol Airport with one of best Duty-free shops in the world.
However, the impression of the city of canals and tulips can be spoiled by the crowds of tourists filling the streets with ancient buildings, the huge number of cyclists that often interfere with pedestrians, and high prices.
6. Prague (7.4%)
This old Czech city is known for its beautiful architecture (St. Vitus Cathedral, Dancing House, Tyn Church, etc.) and excellent cuisine.Recently, however, many tourists have been complaining about the large number of beggars and unceremonious deception everywhere - from taxis to cafes and currency exchangers.
The level of service in hotels (with the exception of four- and five-star hotels) leaves much to be desired, and on excursions you have to constantly pay for admission to a particular attraction, although the office assures that "everything is included in the cost of the trip."
5. Bruges (7.6%)
“This is a gingerbread town,” some tourists admire. “Well, this hole is your Bruges!”, Others object to them. And both sides are right. Indeed, on the one hand, it is a cute, small town where you can taste good beer, great chocolate and ride along the canals on a tourist boat. Or wander through the clean streets, admiring the neat houses and the Belfort Tower, made famous by the film "Lay Down in Bruges".
On the other hand, a couple of hours will be enough for you to get acquainted with all the interesting places in Bruges. And what to do for the rest of the day and night, considering that there are no discos and nightclubs in the city?
4. Rome (7.8%)
The city of the first Christian saints and tyrants such as Nero and Caligula is the epitome of ancient history for many people. Here, at every step, there are monuments of the past, adjacent to the objects of modern and well-developed infrastructure.
The capital of Italy acts as the headquarters for an eclectic array of international and local businesses. There are many boutiques of the most famous designer brands such as Gucci, Biagiotti, Trussardi, Giantranco Ferre and others.
However, huge crowds of people at every more or less well-known attraction, frequent robberies of tourists, as well as "fragrant" garbage and a huge amount of graffiti on the streets disappoint those who expected from the "Eternal City" an atmosphere not only of noble antiquity, but also of spiritual and external beauty. ...
3. Barcelona (8.4%)
It is considered one of the most successful urban brands in the world and is a hub for many tourists. One of the most famous football teams in Europe appeared here, which bears the same name.
As you might expect, the cost of living in Barcelona is very high. For example, a visit to the Acentura Park will cost 50 euros, with very long lines for each attraction.
There are a lot of beggars on the streets of Barcelona and street crime is rampant. So if you go for a walk around the city, do not keep expensive things in sight (watch, camera, gold chain, mobile phone, etc.).
However, there is something in Barcelona that you will not see in other cities in the world. These are the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, who is called the insane architect. And looking at the Hall of a Hundred Columns in Park Guell, the wavy facade of the Casa Mila, the bizarre chimney figures in the Palais Guell, as well as other architectural "excesses", you will understand why Gaudí gave such a nickname.
2. Berlin (15.5%)
Berlin leaves a double impression on many tourists. On the one hand, it is an old European city with a lot of attractions, museums, good restaurants and shops.
However, those who wish to see Berlin as the focus of a truly German "ordnung", order and cleanliness, will be greatly disappointed. Yes, many streets of this city are respectable, "licked" to shine and calm. But the farther from the center, the easier it is to turn "the wrong way", finding yourself in a kind of Arab "Harlem". Or to meet with aggressive-minded young people in the Middle East, who often clash with the police.
1. Paris (28.7%)
Since time immemorial, Paris has been a favorite of many travelers, celebrities and actors for its many historical sites and architectural landmarks.
For example, in 2016, the Louvre had 7.4 million registered visitors, making it the most visited museum in the world (last year he ceded this title to a Chinese "colleague").
Paris is also proud of one of the best football clubs in the world (Paris Saint-German). However, with all its merits, it was the City of Love that topped the list of the most disappointing cities in the world.There are several reasons for this:
- A huge number of migrants, who are almost more than the native Parisians. A third of Paris are places where a lonely tourist or just a white person is scared to go. Such areas, in particular, include Barbes and Chateau Rouge in the 18th arrondissement of the city.
- Dirty streets with graffiti and rubbish underfoot.
- There are many beggars and homeless people sleeping right on the streets.
- Bad crime situation. Thimblers, robbers, hashish sellers are just a small part of the criminal elements that can be easily found on the streets of Paris.
- If you are used to the idea that Paris is the capital of fashion, you will be disappointed with the look of Parisians, who mostly dress discreetly and not very stylish. And many visitors walk around in their national clothes, which makes the city look like some kind of African province.
So if you are looking for romance, safety and style, then look for less publicized and quieter places than Paris. For example, in one of the safest countries in the world.