The new, clever way to avoid the tourist traps
How many times have you followed the recommendations of a travel guide, only to show up at the venue and find yourself surrounded by tourists? The good news is, thanks to this canny piece of technology from travel review site TripAdvisor, it’s easier than ever to find out where the locals got to eat (and how to avoid the crowds).
TripAdvisor’s Check-Index reveals the most frequented hotels, restaurants and attractions in major world tourism destinations, revealing which ones are most popular with the tourist and which ones are more often frequented by travellers.
TripAdvisor’s vice president of consumer experience Jeff Chow said, “It's interesting to see how in some cities travellers and locals are drawn to the same things to do or places to eat, while in others you see distinct differences in their preferences.”
To see the insights, scroll below. It makes for an interesting read (and might just point you in the right direction when planning your next trip).
Attractions
Sydney
Tourists:
1. Sydney Opera House
2. Darling Harbour
3. Bondi Beach
Locals
1. Olympic Stadium
2. Sydney Opera House
3. The Star
New York
Attractions
Tourists
1. Madison Square Garden
2. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
3. Times Square
Locals
1. Madison Square Garden
2. Bryant Park
3. One World Observatory – World Trade Centre
Paris
Attractions
Tourists
1. Musée du Louvre
2. Eiffel Tower
3. Galeries Lafaytte
Locals
1. Les Quatres Temps
2. Les Halles
3. Printemps
Rome
Attractions
Tourists
1. Colosseum
2. Trevi Fountain
3. Spanish Steps
Locals
1. Stadio Olimpico
2. Spanish Steps
3. Villa Borghese
London
Attractions
Tourists
1. Tower of London
2. Borough Market
3. British Museum
Locals
1. Borough Market
2. St Paul's Cathedral
3. Sky Garden