Travel Gone Wild And Wrong
Every year, millions chase picture-perfect memories—yet, in the process, leave behind more than just footprints. Inconsiderate tourism is sparking frustration across the globe. It may show up at sacred sites turned selfie backdrops or centuries-old ruins treated like playgrounds. Cities are fighting back with fines, bans, and public outrage campaigns. Here, we explore the cities that have been impacted the most. How many have you been to?
1. Paris, France
Over-tourism has caused tensions with locals and damage to landmarks. Paris has ranked consistently in surveys as one of the most overwhelmed cities by disrespectful tourists. Museums and major attractions, like the Louvre, had to ban selfie sticks to protect artworks and ensure visitor safety.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Visitors frequently violate cultural dress codes at sacred sites, and reports of loud, disruptive tourist behavior have increased near religious monuments. Temples enforce strict etiquette rules, including prohibiting women from touching monks, to maintain cultural respect. Tourists attending Full Moon Parties also bring rowdy behavior.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Anti-tourist protests have erupted in key neighborhoods, and graffiti has appeared saying, “Tourists go home”. Tourists are known to overcrowd and disrespect local traditions. Residents have moved out due to rising Airbnb disruptions, and tourist bus vandalism made international headlines.
4. Venice, Italy
Swimming in canals is illegal. However, it occasionally occurs, leading to fines and local frustration. Also, some tourists sunbathe in swimsuits in public piazzas. Tourists are fined for littering and feeding birds in St. Mark’s Square, and cruise ships were banned for chaos control.
5. Kyoto, Japan
Visitors chase geisha for photos, violating personal boundaries, and locals have set up “no photography” zones due to tourist misconduct. Tourists have even pulled on kimonos and blocked alleys for selfies, and traditional neighborhoods rely on increased public police patrols to manage tourist misconduct.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Tourists have been caught driving on protected moss fields, and many use the outdoors as a toilet, which harms fragile ecosystems. Iceland had to issue guides on “how to poop in nature. Locals note tourists’ fascination with Icelandic folklore, sometimes ignoring environmental rules.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stag parties disrupt daily life with drunken behavior here, and tourists have urinated on bridges and into canals. City officials have banned guided tours in the Red Light District, and “Stay Away” campaigns now target unruly visitors. Airbnb limits were introduced to protect housing.
8. New York City, USA
In New York, tourists often stop in the middle of busy sidewalks, likely because they feel overwhelmed. Locals frequently report tourist rudeness and obliviousness in busy areas like Times Square, which is often overcrowded with tourists. Also, MTA staff regularly deal with tourists who ignore subway etiquette.
9. Rome, Italy
Visitors have driven e-scooters down the Spanish Steps, and graffiti has appeared inside the Colosseum. Police patrols now monitor popular selfie spots, and tourists are fined for climbing into fountains and historic ruins. Tourists have also been fined for eating and littering in front of the Pantheon.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Stag and hen parties flood the Old Town with noise, and residents report trash and public intoxication daily. Some bars impose strict rules to manage rowdy tourist groups in Old Town, and police regularly patrol nightlife zones to address tourist-related disturbances.
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on Pexels
11. Dubai, UAE
Tourists often ignore modesty laws. Locals report concerns over public displays by tourists, prompting stricter enforcement. Public kissing has led to detainments, and tourists taking risky desert photos have raised safety concerns. Unauthorized drone use in restricted zones has led to confiscations and fines.
12. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has deported tourists for disrespecting temples, and some temples restrict photography to prevent disrespectful behavior by visitors. Here, tourists climb religious shrines for photo ops, and visitors have been caught without clothes at holy sites. Local campaigns urge tourists to respect sacred sites.
13. Honolulu, Hawaii
While some tourists step on coral reefs despite warnings, many trespass on sacred native lands for better views. Fines for wildlife harassment are enforced to protect Hawaii’s ecosystems, and locals have created hashtags shaming bad behavior. Tourist drones disrupting cultural practices have also raised concerns.
14. Cusco, Peru
Tourists deface Incan stones and sneak off-trail. Some have been fined for damaging Incan ruins. Officials now cap daily visitors due to damage. Unauthorized activities at Machu Picchu have also led to stricter visitor regulations. Tourists interacting with llamas have raised concerns for animal welfare, too.
15. London, UK
Besides tourists clogging King’s Cross Station for Harry Potter photos, excessive drunken behavior is common in West End districts. Tour buses also contribute to street congestion in tourist-heavy areas like Westminster. Visitors mistake real guards for actors—and poke them—and public complaints about late-night noise are rising.
16. San Francisco, USA
Tourists crowd bridge sidewalks, which block commuters, and have flooded tech campuses without permission. Public spaces suffer from litter and neglected etiquette. However, some local volunteers pick up after tourist “trash trails”. Cable car operators also face challenges from tourist crowds, including occasional disputes.
17. Berlin, Germany
Public urination during festivals is a persistent issue here. Another is that tourists chip away pieces of the Berlin Wall. Locals in Kreuzberg express concerns over tourism-driven gentrification, and clubs enforce strict entry policies to manage disruptive tourist behavior. Unregulated graffiti tours raise concerns, too.
18. Athens, Greece
Ancient ruins face wear from excessive foot traffic, and tourists climb restricted areas for better photos. Also, crowds at the Acropolis occasionally disrupt guided archaeological tours. Tourists engaging in disrespectful behavior at historic sites anger locals, and security measures prevent tourists from climbing restricted Acropolis areas.
19. Jerusalem, Israel
In Jerusalem, tourists have disrupted prayer sessions for photos, and dress codes and conduct rules are often ignored. Photography restrictions at the Western Wall aim to maintain reverence, and tourists disrespecting holy sites have prompted stricter regulations. Local campaigns urge tourists to show respect.
20. Lisbon, Portugal
Not only have tourists priced locals out of neighborhoods, but party tourism has also led to public disturbances. Residents express frustration over tourism's impact through local advocacy, and locals campaign for quieter neighborhoods amid tourism-driven noise. Police have shut down unlicensed tourist parties.
