There are over eight billion people on planet Earth.
And a huge percentage of this population finds joy in travelling. Whether it’s jetting off in January for a bit of winter sun, booking a cheeky weekend city break to recharge after a stressful working week, a simple staycation, or going two weeks all-inclusive during the summer, vacations are a universally loved activity.
But with so many people all having the same idea at the same time, plenty of popular holiday hotspots are feeling the negative effects of overtourism.
A recent study by DIPNDIVE revealed the top 10 least tourist-friendly cities that continue to attract large numbers of visitors. The Scuba and Snorkelling company looked at various unfavourable factors that contribute to poorer experiences, including tourist numbers, area, population, noise levels, air quality (AQI), restaurant prices, transport costs, taxi rates, and crime index.
Rating each aspect from 0 to 100, (the higher the rating the less tourist-friendly) they then produced a composite score for each. Intrigued as to which beloved cities test tourists’ patience the most?
Take a look. Perhaps your future travel plans might change.
10. Paris, France
Composite score: 71
Paris has long been one of the most famous – and popular – city break destinations. Fondly known as the ‘City of Love,’ it’s a first-choice location for young couples (and most recently fans of Emily in Paris), looking to experience the ultimate amorous encounter.
But because of its romantic reputation, France’s capital is renowned for being busy 24/7. The study revealed that tourists face the highest density (273K tourists per 100K residents), which also contributes to elevated noise levels (79).
However, if you don’t mind sharing your loved-up weekend with thousands of other couples, Paris was crowned cheapest for dining on the list. With meals coming in at just €14.85 (£12.28), Paris’ generously low prices (for a capital city) can offer some relief to budget-conscious travellers.
9. Portland, Oregon, US
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Composite score: 72
Portland is the state of Oregon’s largest city. Primarily known for its vibrant culture and unique melting pot of natural beauty and urban attractions, it’s also famed for its craft breweries and eclectic food scene.
However, there are some setbacks to Portland, most notably its higher crime levels (57.40). Research also found that the city has a moderate tourist density, meaning getting around can potentially be a stressful experience.
Still, if you’re not one to worry about a bit of crime – and you thrive in the hustle and bustle of city life – Portland does offer tourists the cleanest air on the list (22 on the Air Quality Index).
8. Milan, Italy
Composite score: 73
Perhaps most celebrated for being a global fashion and design capital, Milan is one of the trendiest cities in Europe. Home to iconic fashion houses like Prada, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana, the Italian city is also famous for its architecture, ranging from early medieval to contemporary. For example, the Gothic Duomo Cathedral is a major tourist attraction.
But it’s these cultural landmarks and influences that have contributed to Milan’s crowding and crime issues. The crime index scored 51.80, meaning travellers will need to have their wits about them and invest in more careful planning.
Despite Milan’s expensive and exclusive notoriety, tourists can still enjoy relatively affordable dining and transport. While a meal will set you back around €19.80 (£16.37), the average transport costs are €2.18 (£1.80) per ticket. So, if you’re not in the market for shelling out thousands on a pair of Prada sunnies, know that you can still explore Milan on a budget.
7. San Diego, California, US
Composite score: 76
All you sun worshippers, San Diego’s climate will likely be the reason you flock to this Californian city. With 70 miles of idyllic beaches and 267 days of uninterrupted sunshine per year, temperatures average at 25°C during the summer months. Bliss.
It’s also a family-friendly city, home to popular attractions like the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California.
Alas, so many plus points inevitably attract more people – and the study proved this. It reported much higher noise levels (75) and moderate air quality, which the report suggested could ‘detract’ from San Diego’s otherwise relaxed reputation.
6. Zurich, Switzerland
Composite score: 77
If you’re after a holiday that mirrors something straight out of a fairytale, it’s likely Zurich in Switzerland will have cropped up on your potential location list. Complete with castles, Romanesque architecture and the Alps on the horizon – all centred around the picturesque Lake Zurich – you can expect a glorious snowy affair if you visit during the winter months.
But the negatives? The price. Zurich is a notoriously expensive city, and the steep prices are reflected in tourist essentials like meals at €26.44 (£21.86) and transport at €4.65 (£3.85) per ticket. Ultimately, a trip to Zurich should not be done on a whim, and only if you can afford it.
If you’re lucky enough for money not to be a problem, travellers can appreciate the city’s safety, which is reflected in its low crime index of 23.30. Not to mention it being a ‘clean and orderly destination,’ according to the study.
5. Los Angeles, California, US
Composite score: 79
The Hollywood sign. The likelihood you’ll bump into one of the Selling Sunset cast members. The gorgeous beaches. The consistently enviable weather. The excitement of the TV and movie industries. These are all major reasons tourists book Los Angeles as their vacay spot.
It’s not all fun and games, though. Such popularity has harmed Los Angeles’ air quality. It’s actually the worst on the list with a score of 116 AQI. This can make outdoor activities less of a joy, and let’s be honest, most of LA’s charm is thanks to the palm-lined promenades, golden sands and tan-worthy sunshine hours.
However, you can see the city cheaply if you take public transport, which averages at an affordable $1.88 (£1.48) per ticket. The only downside of this, according to the report? The size of the city and environmental concerns ‘add complexity for tourists looking to explore.’
4. London, UK
Composite score: 82
London is a really exciting city. With 32 boroughs, plus the City of London, the UK’s capital is brimming with pockets of different personalities and cultures. For those who want to be a proper tourist for the day, Central London is full of famous landmarks, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, and Leicester Square to the Houses of Parliament.
Eager to explore the more creative parts of town? Places like Camden, Hackney, Shoreditch and Brixton all offer unique arts scenes brimming with life both day and night.
The only problem? The extreme cost. London is incredibly expensive, and things like transport costs (£2.82 per ticket) and meals out (£20.76) can really hinder your experience of the city. Still, air quality isn’t so bad (50 AQI), so you can still wander the streets safely. After all, window shopping and sightseeing costs nothing.
3. New York City, New York, US
Composite score: 83
Again, New York City is another major hotspot at the top of people’s travel bucket lists. There’s so much to see in the Big Apple, whether you’re itching to cosplay as Carrie Bradshaw in the Big City, you’re all about the famous food, concrete jungle architecture is your jam, or you’re more into history. Notable landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building and Times Square.
It’s highly unsurprising that New York City is the most expensive city on this list, proven by the high restaurant prices averaging at $30 (£23.60) per meal. Due to the amount of tourists who pass through NYC, the noise levels are also loud, scoring 78. It seems that these ‘put-offs’ don’t deter people though, as a record 64.3 million visitors travelled to the city last year.
2. San Francisco, California, US
Composite score: 93
Edging closer to the least tourist-friendly prize, San Francisco takes second place. Otherwise known as ‘The City by the Bay,’ many visitors head to San Fran to check out famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the iconic Painted Ladies.
The city is incredibly vibrant and is loved for its diverse cultures of music, arts, cuisine, festivals, museums, and architecture. Interestingly, San Francisco has 10 Cultural Districts, each boasting its own unique cultural heritage.
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The downside? The study explains that ‘visitors face dense crowds, poor air quality (82 AQI), and high restaurant costs averaging $25 (£19.69) per meal.’ What’s more, visitors may also feel a slight concern for their safety, as the crime index scored 61.50.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Composite score: 95
And finally, taking the number one spot is the extravagant Las Vegas. Its unofficial name of ‘Sin City’ feels quite apt here. It’s all about ‘the bigger the better’ in Vegas, from the lavish hotels, huge gambling casinos, and 24/7 world-class entertainment. Stars like Adele, Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion have all graced the Vegas stages. Ultimately, it’s one of the most iconic cities in the world.
But that comes with a price. Tourists face extreme crowding, with 187K visitors per 100K residents, along with the highest noise levels at 94. Surprisingly, meals and transport are moderately priced, but overall, navigating the city can feel overwhelming.
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