World's most overcrowded destination is European capital where people 'queue for hours'
The most overcrowded tourist destination in the world has been revealed as a top European city. Here's what recent reviews say.
Travelling is one of the best ways of spending your free time while learning about different cultures, but sometimes excessive crowds can dampen the experience.
A recent study examined the density of tourists per square kilometre and the population in cities worldwide.
The findings revealed that eight of the top 10 most congested tourist destinations for 2024 are located in Europe, while the remaining two are in North America.
Deluxe Holiday Homes’ research found that Paris tops the list, with 351,429 visitors per square kilometre and a visitor-to-population ratio of 1,708 percent.
While considered one of the most beautiful and culturally significant places in the world, Paris didn’t seem to impress some unhappy visitors.
Tourists have taken to Tripadvisor to share their thoughts on France’s capital, with some complaining about the hours-long queues, while others warned about the frequent presence of pickpocketers.
One person opined: “If you want to spend a lot money for waiting in the queues for hours and hours, visiting every place with thousands of people come and visit Paris. People are rude and you can't travel safely by metro after 9pm.”
Another disgruntled visitor claimed: “This city is now well known for pick pocketing, Stolen mobile phone sellers, ill-mannered people, dirty areas, street fights and overly crowded areas.
“Just to visit Eiffel Tower is not worth spending hard earned money, this city will spoil your holiday mood.
“We met above 50 aged couple who was on holiday visiting places in Europe, they were disheartened, unhappy, because their wallet and hotel booking tickets were stolen which was kept inside handbag.”
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But like any big city Paris also has many highlights, including beautiful sights, great culinary hotspots and some of the world’s most important cultural landmarks.
One reviewer highlighted: “Ah, the pleasure of Paris! Going to Paris is like visiting a mausoleum, the grandeur of oh soo many historic monuments is a memorable souvenir.
“Having visited the city of light on nearly a dozen occasions, it's easy to think of it as a familiar friendly place.
“Though the art museums and the Eiffel Tower are the sites most tourists flock to, it's the casual locations and wide bridges that make the city truly a pleasure to be in and stroll upon.”
