When I travel, I often find that places off the beaten path are more fun and interesting to explore than the popular destinations. However, not all "tourist traps" are a waste of time.
Recently, redditor u/angry_koala_26 asked, "Which places felt like tourist traps but you would still absolutely recommend visiting?"
Here are 19 tourist traps people say are actually worth your time:
1. "The Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Yes, there are cheaper places. Yes, there are more low-key places. I've been to a bunch, but I'd still go back 100 times."
2. "The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. It is very touristy, but there is so much history there, and by US standards, it is still incredibly cheap."
3. "Machu Picchu was this for me. If you don't do the full-blown hike, the buses to get up to the entrance feel like Disneyland. It's one of the places where pictures don't do it justice."
4. "The pyramids. Touristy AF, no question. Some of the most awe-inspiring things I've ever seen, also no question."
5. "The French Quarter in New Orleans...especially non–Bourbon Street. It's lovely, and there are so many good places to stop for food."
6. "Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris. There were tourists everywhere, but it didn't take away from its aura."
7. "The Roman Colosseum, but it was an absolute blast. I was able to see the lower levels as well."
8. "The Grand Canyon. The crowds are wild, especially on weekends and holidays, but you'd be surprised how quickly they drop off once you get a little ways down the trail."
9. "Go up and get the skyscraper view on the Sears Tower, or what it's called now: the Willis Tower. Chicago is a gorgeous city."
10. "Alcatraz in San Francisco is brilliant. I did the evening tour and it was really creepy — plus, we got to see the sunset from the island. Highly recommend."
11. "Cap de T-Rex on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia. Pretty crowded, even in the off-season. The scale of it is wild, and it's super cool."
12. "Sagrada Família in Barcelona. I remember loudly gasping once I walked inside. It's a special place."
13. "Golden Circle, Iceland: Awesome. Beautiful. Amazing."
14. "Banff in Alberta, Canada."
15. "Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Obviously the big one tourists are there for. Obviously you should go."
16. "Jordan's Petra and Wadi Rum. So much is already documented in film, press, and the internet. You will be joined by busloads of tourists, but they don't take away from the breathtaking scenery."
17. "Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany. It's very touristy, but there's no doubt it's impressive and iconic."
18. "Pike Place Market in Seattle. Ton of tourists, but I still love it. Plus, there are a lot of local artists and some really good food."
19. And finally: "Maybe a bit specific to a certain type of person, but the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand. If you even remotely like The Lord of the Rings movies or J.R.R. Tolkien's work, getting to actually stand in Hobbiton makes you very happy."
Which tourist traps do you unashamedly recommend? What are your top tips for visiting there? Share your answers in the comments!
Note: Some entries have been edited for length and/or clarity.