10 Cities Around the World That Absolutely Hate Tourists
Tourism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings money, jobs, and global recognition. On the other, it floods cities with people who don’t always respect the local culture, clogging streets, driving up rent, and making daily life unbearable for those who actually live there. Some cities have had enough, and they’re not shy about it.
Bali, Indonesia
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Bali’s beaches and temples may look like paradise, but locals aren’t feeling the love. Over the years, disrespectful tourists have climbed sacred temples, trashed public spaces, and treated the island like their personal playground. The response? Stricter rules, deportations, and even proposals to ban tourists from hiking in the mountains. If Bali was once a dream destination, it’s starting to feel like a place where travelers are more of a nuisance than a blessing.
Kyoto, Japan
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Japan’s hospitality is legendary, but Kyoto’s historic districts have had enough. The problem? Tourists crowding narrow streets, harassing geishas for photos, and generally being disruptive. The Gion district, once open for all to explore, has banned visitors from certain areas to protect its cultural heritage. And if you see a giant screen blocking your “perfect” Mount Fuji photo? That’s locals making sure you respect their space.
Venice, Italy
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Venice is drowning—not just in water, but in tourists. The city receives tens of millions of visitors each year, many arriving on massive cruise ships that dump thousands of people onto its delicate streets for a few hours before leaving. The canals can’t take it, the infrastructure is crumbling, and the locals? They’ve protested in the streets. The city has responded by banning new hotels, charging day-trip fees, and limiting short-term rentals—a clear sign they want fewer people clogging up their sinking city.
Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona might have the beaches, architecture, and nightlife to attract millions, but that’s exactly the problem. In popular areas like La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, locals have taken to the streets chanting “Tourists, go home!” Graffiti attacking mass tourism is everywhere, and new regulations have capped the number of hotels and restricted short-term rentals to slow the flood of visitors.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam wants to change its image. For years, it has been a magnet for rowdy tourists drawn by legal weed and the Red Light District, and the city has had enough. Laws now ban smoking marijuana in public areas, restrict organized pub crawls, and limit new tourist shops. There’s even an official campaign telling certain visitors—especially those coming just to party—to stay away.
Santorini, Greece
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When people picture the Greek islands, they think of Santorini’s blue domes and white-washed buildings, but the reality is far less charming. With cruise ships unloading thousands of visitors a day, the island has become overrun. To fight back, Greece is now charging visitors a €20 fee and capping cruise ship arrivals. The message is clear: they want fewer tourists, not more.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Dubrovnik shot to fame thanks to Game of Thrones, but the sudden influx of visitors has turned its once-quiet medieval streets into a crowded nightmare. The city has fought back by limiting souvenir stands, restricting daily cruise passengers, and even considering anti-tourism protests. Locals have made it clear: they don’t want Dubrovnik to be just another overrun filming location.
Bhutan
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Bhutan doesn’t just dislike mass tourism—it actively discourages it. For years, the country has limited access with a daily tourist tax that once reached $250 per person per day. Even now, with the tax lowered to $100 per day, it’s clear Bhutan doesn’t want just any visitors—they only want those willing to pay a premium for the privilege.
Paris, France
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Parisians are famously impatient with tourists, and while much of that is stereotype, there’s some truth to it. If you don’t attempt a few words in French, expect cold shoulders, eye rolls, or outright dismissal. But the bigger issue? Overcrowding. The city has fought back with strict regulations on Airbnb rentals, trying to stop tourism from driving out locals entirely.
New York City, USA
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New Yorkers don’t hate tourists, but they do hate walking behind them. Slow-moving groups clogging sidewalks, stopping in the middle of the street for selfies, or not understanding how to use the subway? That’s what sets locals off. While the city thrives on tourism, the daily frustration of sharing space with clueless visitors is palpable—just don’t expect anyone to hold your hand through it.
Milan, Italy
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Milan might be a fashion capital, but its relationship with tourists is less than glamorous. The city’s strict rules ban sitting in certain areas, restrict street vendors, and fine anyone caught feeding pigeons in Piazza del Duomo. Milan welcomes shoppers and art lovers, but it’s clear they don’t want tourists acting like clueless outsiders.
Marrakesh, Morocco
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The markets of Marrakesh are a dream for travelers—until you realize how aggressively some vendors push for a sale. Tourists are often overcharged, haggled with aggressively, or pressured into buying things they don’t want. And if you get lost? Expect to be “helped” by locals who will then demand payment for their directions.
Beijing, China
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In a city of over 20 million people, Beijing’s residents have very little patience for lost tourists struggling with the language barrier. While China has plenty of welcoming destinations, large cities like Beijing and Shanghai can feel overwhelmingly indifferent, with little English spoken and a cold, transactional attitude toward foreigners.
Moscow, Russia
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Moscow doesn’t go out of its way to make tourists feel welcome. Grumpy taxi drivers, strict security, and an overall air of bureaucracy make the city a challenge for outsiders. And if you’re an American? Tensions from global politics can make things even more uncomfortable—making Moscow one of the least tourist-friendly places in Europe.
Cairo, Egypt
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Cairo’s pyramids are breathtaking, but the experience of visiting them can be frustrating. Pushy vendors, aggressive scammers, and overcharging are all part of the tourist experience. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself paying for a “tour guide” you never asked for or struggling to shake off relentless street sellers.