While I try to rebel a little and see things that “all those other tourists” don’t see in the cities I visit, I’m the biggest tourist myself and need to see all the major tourist hot spots. Tourist spots are probably my biggest guilty pleasure while traveling. Hands up I’ll admit it, I love a good tourist attraction, and they tend to be popular for a reason.
Paris, France – Climb the Eiffel Tower
Do it, just do it. Get to the top of that Eiffel Tower and bask in the glorious views. It sounds like I’m being dramatic, but honestly, it’s amazing. Head up just before it gets dark and then see the city light up. Once you’re up there, you can stay as long as you’d like. We happened to go in the winter and there was an ice rink halfway up the tour. You best believe I put some skates on and joined all the other tourists. How many people can say they’ve ice skated on the top of the Eiffel Tower?
Interlaken, Switzerland – Heimwehfluh
If you go to Interlaken, Switerland, get yourself over to the Heimwehfluh. Yes it’s touristy, but it’s also super fun to zip down the hill on these little toboggans. You also get some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding mountains at the top. Raclette optional but highly recommended.
Bruges, Belgium – Take a canal boat trip
Get yourself on a boat with all the other tourists and cruise along the canals of Bruge. You get to see the buildings from a different perspective, learn a bit of history from your guide, and honestly, who doesn’t love a boat trip?
Venice, Italy – See the Doges Palace
Entry is a bit pricey, but completely worth it. From the outside the Doges Palace doesn’t look like much, but it’s much bigger once you get through the entrance doors. You’ll see opulant gold ceilings and artefacts as you go room to room, and you also get to look out onto the ‘bridge of sighs’, seeing the view that the prisoners would see.
Edinburgh, Scotland – Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has great views over the city and a history lesson all in one. I’ll always hit the tourist attractions that get me a birds eye view, and this is a pretty good one.
Munich, Germany – Oktoberfest
It’s like arriving into Candyland for adults. Huge over the top decorations, and huge over the top beers. If you plan on drinking in one of the beer tents though don’t forget to book a table well in advance so that you can enjoy some food to help soak up all that beer. Not to mention they will only deliver beers to a table, which I can understand as those steins are heavy!
Rome, Italy – See the Colosseum
When I think of Rome, I think of the Colosseum, so obviously we had to visit. We lucked out and the lines weren’t too bad, but to avoid them book your tickets ahead of time. As you can see above I’m in all my tourist glory with my audio/video guide. Pay a little extra and get one, as there aren’t a lot of plaques full of information around.
London, England – Visit the Tower of London and see Tower Bridge
When you think of London, you think of London Bridge. What you are really picturing in your mind however is Tower Bridge, the prettiest bridge I’ve ever seen. Go get your picture taken with it, take a hundred pictures of it, it’s very photogenic. While you’re there in the vicinity, see my favourite London tourist attraction Tower Bridge. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, if something special is going on (poppies!) go see it again. Buy a ticket and go inside and join all the other tourists by hopping on a Yeoman Warder tour.Do you have any guilty pleasures while traveling? Do you love a good tourist attraction like me?