1. Times Square, New York City
If you ask most New Yorkers about Times Square, you’ll probably get an eye roll and a quick change of subject. Sure, it’s iconic with its giant billboards and flashing lights, but for locals, it’s a loud, crowded maze of selfie sticks and costumed characters looking for tips. It’s the kind of place where patience wears thin fast, especially when you’re just trying to get somewhere shares Reddit.
People who live in the city know to avoid it unless absolutely necessary, especially during the holidays when it’s practically gridlocked. Most locals will recommend a rooftop bar or a quiet park instead. Even catching a Broadway show doesn’t require walking right through the thick of it. It’s become a symbol of tourism overload, and the charm wore off long ago for anyone who’s called the city home for more than a few months. For those who really want to experience the city’s energy, neighborhoods like the West Village feel much more authentic and manageable adds TripAdvisor.
2. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
It may sound glamorous, but the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of those places locals usually steer clear of. Beneath all the stars and the promise of showbiz magic, it’s really just a long stretch of cracked sidewalk and aggressive street performers. The endless crowd and selfie culture make it more exhausting than enjoyable shares Wikipedia.
Locals often warn visitors not to expect too much. Between the crowds and the questionable odors, the area is more exhausting than exciting. You’re more likely to find someone in a knockoff Spider-Man suit than an actual celebrity. If you want real Hollywood magic, locals might send you to a cozy old theater or a tucked-away diner where producers take meetings. These hidden spots offer a much richer, quieter slice of LA’s creative heart adds Booming in LA.
3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
It’s true that the Leaning Tower is a marvel, but many Italians, especially those from Tuscany, quietly wish fewer people made the trip. Most locals will tell you it’s a quick photo op, not an all-day adventure. The surrounding crowds can be overwhelming, especially in summer.
There’s not much to do besides stand in line, crane your neck, and try not to photobomb someone pretending to hold up the tower. The surrounding city is charming but overwhelmed by waves of tourists year-round. If you talk to residents, they’ll often suggest nearby cities like Lucca or Siena for a more authentic taste of Tuscany. These towns offer beautiful streets, delicious food, and a much more relaxed vibe that locals prefer.
4. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
No one’s saying the Eiffel Tower isn’t beautiful, but Parisians aren’t lining up to take the elevator to the top. For them, it’s a symbol of crowded lines, overpriced food, and tourists blocking the sidewalks. The experience often feels rushed and more about checking a box than enjoying the moment.
You’ll rarely catch a local eating in the restaurants nearby or browsing the souvenir stands. Most prefer to enjoy the tower from a distance, maybe while picnicking on the Champ de Mars. If you really want a sweeping view of Paris, many locals will nudge you toward the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette instead. That spot gives you an equally stunning panorama without the chaos and at a fraction of the cost.
5. The Space Needle, Seattle
To people who live in Seattle, the Space Needle feels more like a tourist trap than a local hangout. Yes, it’s got the views, but it also has the long waits, hefty ticket prices, and crowds that can make your head spin. The experience often feels less about the city and more about the novelty of the landmark itself.
Most locals would rather head to Kerry Park or the Columbia Tower for an even better view of the skyline without the hassle. The food at the rotating restaurant is just okay, and honestly, it’s mostly out-of-towners who go for the novelty. The Needle’s charm has faded for those who pass by it every day on their commute. It’s almost become a quirky backdrop to daily life rather than a destination.
6. Pike Place Market, Seattle
It’s colorful, it’s historic, and it’s full of fish-throwing fun—but it’s also shoulder-to-shoulder with people snapping photos. Locals love the idea of Pike Place, but many avoid it unless they have friends in town. The tourist-heavy vibe makes it hard to shop or enjoy without feeling rushed.
Navigating the crowds can take longer than the actual shopping, and the secret stalls that used to feel special now feel commercial. If you ask someone from Seattle where they actually go for produce or seafood, it probably isn’t here. You’re more likely to find them at a neighborhood farmers market with fewer tourists and better parking. These local markets offer fresh, seasonal goods and a much friendlier shopping experience.
7. Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street is wild, loud, and smells like a mix of alcohol and regret. While it’s the first place many tourists head in New Orleans, locals often joke that they haven’t been there since they turned 21. The party atmosphere makes it feel less like a part of the city and more like a stage show.
There’s definitely energy, but it’s the kind that makes most residents run the other way. Between the drunken crowds, blaring music, and questionable street food, it’s become a party zone that doesn’t reflect the real culture of the city. Locals would much rather take you to Frenchmen Street or a hidden jazz club tucked away in the Marigny. These spots offer authentic music and a much warmer vibe.
8. The Colosseum, Rome
Romans are proud of their ancient history, but that doesn’t mean they want to spend their weekends near the Colosseum. It’s usually swarmed with people, and the lines wrap around the block nearly every day. The atmosphere is often more chaotic than awe-inspiring.
Locals know better than to even drive through that area during peak tourist season. For them, it’s a stunning backdrop, not an everyday outing. They’re more likely to recommend a lesser-known ruin or a quiet piazza with fewer cameras flashing. Those spots often hold just as much history but with a fraction of the crowds, making for a much more peaceful visit.
9. The Empire State Building, New York City
Ask a New Yorker if they’ve ever been to the top of the Empire State Building, and many will say no—or only once, years ago. It’s a beautiful structure to look at from the street, but the experience of going up feels more like an obligation than an adventure. The long waits and ticket prices make it tough to justify.
Between the high ticket prices and long waits, it’s not on any local’s list of weekend plans. If someone wants a view of the skyline, they’ll tell you to head to Top of the Rock or even a rooftop bar in Brooklyn. The Empire State Building is iconic, but for locals, it’s more postcard than pastime. Those alternative views often come with fewer crowds and better vibes.
10. Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf has clam chowder, sea lions, and souvenir shops galore, but San Franciscans tend to avoid it like the plague. It’s crowded, expensive, and doesn’t really reflect the city’s true character. For locals, it feels more like a theme park than a real neighborhood.
Locals know there’s better seafood elsewhere and less chaotic places to enjoy the bay. Most only show up when friends or relatives come to town. Instead of wandering Pier 39, residents are usually hanging out in quieter neighborhoods like the Mission or the Outer Sunset. These areas offer excellent food and a glimpse of everyday San Francisco life.
11. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, London
It’s ceremonial, it’s classic, and it draws a massive crowd every single time. But for many Londoners, the Changing of the Guard is something they avoid unless it’s part of their job. The event blocks streets and fills public spaces with throngs of tourists.
It causes major traffic disruptions, and the sidewalks fill up so fast it’s hard to even walk by. Most locals have seen it once and decided that was enough. They’ll usually tell you to skip the crowd and explore the Royal Parks or lesser-known historic spots like the Churchill War Rooms. These quieter alternatives offer rich history without the hassle.
12. The Trevi Fountain, Rome
It’s one of the most photographed fountains in the world, but it’s also one of the most jam-packed. Romans don’t usually linger near the Trevi Fountain unless they’re guiding visitors or passing through. The nonstop crowds make it hard to appreciate the fountain’s beauty in peace.
The surrounding area is almost always swarming with tourists tossing coins and snapping endless selfies. It’s beautiful, no doubt, but locals often suggest seeing it at dawn if you want to enjoy it without the crowd. Or better yet, they’ll steer you toward smaller, equally lovely fountains tucked away in quieter parts of the city. These hidden gems capture the charm of Rome without the hassle.
13. Mall of America, Minnesota
It’s massive and has just about everything—including a roller coaster—but Minnesotans are more likely to groan than cheer when it comes up. For locals, the Mall of America is a hassle, not a hangout. The sheer scale can feel overwhelming rather than fun.
The parking alone can be a nightmare, and it’s easy to get turned around in the sheer size of the place. Most residents prefer smaller, local shopping spots or just order things online. While tourists flock for the novelty, locals often avoid it unless they’re picking up something specific or escorting out-of-town guests. Those smaller stores often offer better service and a calmer atmosphere.
14. Niagara Falls, New York Side
There’s no denying the power and beauty of Niagara Falls, but if you ask New Yorkers who live nearby, many will tell you they haven’t been in years. The American side of the falls is often described as underwhelming compared to the Canadian side. It’s busy, commercialized, and doesn’t always live up to expectations.
It’s crowded, commercialized, and the surrounding area isn’t as polished as visitors expect. Locals tend to avoid it unless they’re entertaining family from out of state. Instead, they might recommend quieter nature trails or local parks that offer a more peaceful experience. These alternatives let you enjoy the natural beauty without the tourist frenzy.
15. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
For people who actually live in Las Vegas, the Strip is basically another planet. It’s loud, flashy, expensive, and always packed with tourists living out their wildest weekend dreams. The nonstop action can wear on locals who crave normalcy.
Locals rarely go unless it’s for work or a special event. Most have their own favorite restaurants, bars, and entertainment options off the Strip where they don’t have to battle crowds or inflated prices. While visitors come looking for the Vegas experience, residents are usually trying to escape it. These local spots offer great food and fun without the chaos.