The touristic cities that tourists hate the most

Are there over-touristed cities that visitors end up hating? It may seem contradictory, given that travel is considered the ultimate leisure experience. However, phenomena such as overtourism, which leads to the overcrowding of certain locations, or prohibitive prices can turn a vacation into something far less enjoyable than expected. Recently, a study conducted by DIPNDIVE has provided an answer to this question, thanks to the analysis of various factors that influence visitors' experiences. The result is a ranking of ten European and American cities that most evoke this love-hate sentiment among tourists. Surprisingly, an Italian city also appears on the list: Milan.

Among the elements considered in the research are various variables such as the city's area and population, noise levels, air quality, crime rate, as well as the prices of restaurants, hotels, and transportation. The study assigned a score from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates a less welcoming city (due to environmental challenges, safety concerns, or high costs). Surprisingly, at the top of the list is an American city that is also a prime tourist destination: Las Vegas. Due to the overwhelming number of travelers, the city can be exhausting to explore, making it less enjoyable. Overtourism is a problem that “Sin City” shares with San Francisco, which ranks second on the list, also affected by poor air quality and a high crime rate. In New York, which comes in third, tourists experience the highest noise levels and the most expensive meal costs. Los Angeles, ranked fifth, has the worst air quality among the analyzed cities, making outdoor activities less pleasant, along with environmental issues that complicate exploration for tourists. The research also includes two other U.S. cities: San Diego, where tourists face high noise levels and moderate air quality that diminish its appeal, and Portland, ranking ninth due to its high crime rate.

Milan, due to tourist overcrowding and a high crime rate, presents itself as a city that is difficult to appreciate without careful planning, earning the eighth position. However, there are some positive aspects for the Lombard capital: data highlights that tourists can benefit from affordable food and transportation costs. The same cannot be said for London, which ranks high on the list (fourth) due to prohibitive prices: public transport alone costs up to $3.58 per ticket, an example of how the city's cost of living affects the overall experience. Similarly, the prices in Zurich, ranked sixth, seem to discourage visitors, despite being recognized as a particularly safe city. Closing the list in tenth place is Paris, where despite having the highest tourist density in the ranking (273,000 tourists per 100,000 residents) and high noise levels, visitors can still find relief thanks to the very low cost of meals. To offer practical advice on making the experience in these less welcoming cities more enjoyable, a spokesperson for DIPNDIVE commented on the study: «Tourists visiting high-density cities can benefit from exploring during the off-season or in less crowded areas, which often provide a more relaxed and authentic experience while avoiding some of the common challenges highlighted by the data. Additionally, planning for local costs such as transportation and meals can help travelers better manage their budget in these demanding destinations».