7 sights in Europe are a letdown

1. Louvre, Paris: Mona Lisa with flash of lightning

It is probably the most famous work of art in the world: the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Every year, more than 10 million visitors come to the Louvre in Paris because of them. But for many, the disappointment is great when they actually face Vinic's masterpiece. Because in reality "La Giaconda", as it is called in Italian, is relatively small with a size of 77 x 53 centimeters.

Even worse: the rush in front of the picture is so big that for heads, arms and cell phones you have almost no chance to see the picture. Tip: Better take more time for the other departments of the Louvre Museum.

2. Copenhagen: The Siege of the Little Mermaid

It is considered the symbol of Copenhagen par excellence: the little mermaid. The bronze statue sits on a stone in the water on the Langelinie waterfront. But unfortunately you hardly see them, because "Den lille Havfrue", as it is called in Danish, is mostly surrounded by tourists and photographers.

The fact that the figure is not particularly tall at 1.25 meters does not make it easier to catch a glimpse of it. The figure commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the founder of the Carlsberg brewery, has been at this location since 2013. Sad, but true: Again and again it falls victim to vandalism – it was only in 2017 that it was sprayed completely with red paint.

3. Barcelona: Las Ramblas or in a flock through the old town

Barcelona's splendid mile runs over a distance of 1.3 kilometers, from Placa Catalunya down to the port: Las Ramblas. This street, in the middle of which is a pedestrian zone, is the main artery of Barcelona's old town with countless shops, cafes and restaurants as well as street artists and musicians.

No wonder that tourists and locals are here at any time of the day or evening. Unfortunately, however, an imbalance has arisen in recent years: the street has been overrun by tourists so much that locals can hardly step out of the front door because of the sheer number of people. A condition that is no longer fun even for vacationers. Because who wants to move around in the swarm?

The rush not only has the consequence that the Rambla is totally overpriced – the crowds also attract a lot of crooks and trick thieves who are only out for one thing: to pull the money out of the tourists' pockets.

4. London Eye: Ferris wheel with no view and overview

They now exist in every city: Ferris wheels. Everywhere they shoot like mushrooms to expand the tourist offer. After all, it is enriching to see a city from above.

London is one of the pioneers in this regard, as the London Eye was put into operation on the south bank of the River Thames in 2000, and is the largest of its kind in Europe at 135 meters high. Actually, it should only be operated for a period of five years, but because of the resounding success, this idea was rejected.

And this is exactly where the problem lies: The rush is still so great that the 32 gondolas, which can accommodate 28 people, are usually filled to the last seat. If you don't get a seat at the window at the entrance, you won't see anything of the city – and paid the salted price of 27 pounds, converted over 31 euros, for free.

5. Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin – kitsch and commerce instead of memorial

It is a magnet for visitors in Berlin and is one of the sights that all tourists visit without exception: Checkpoint Charlie on the corner of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse. It was one of the three border crossings controlled by the Western Allies from West to East Berlin – a place steeped in history where Soviet and American tanks faced each other and many attempts to escape and human drama occurred. A place that reminds of the divided Berlin and the Cold War.

After reunification in 1990, the border point was torn down – since 2000, however, there has been a replica of the control barrack in front of which sandbags have been piled up and actors dressed as soldiers pose with the American flag. Tourists can be photographed with them for money. Even worse: Kitsch is sold all around – from a gas mask to a military cap. This tourist nepp is absolutely unworthy of this historic place.

6. Madame Tussauds, London – Nepp and Schlepp with wax figures

Would you like a photo with the Queen, Will and Kate or Harry and Meghan? The royals and many other personalities from politics, sports and entertainment can experience Madame Tussauds visitors up close – at least their replicas. The famous wax museum in London is a fixed point of contact for many tourists.

But unfortunately a visit to the museum turns out to be a flop – due to long queues and incredibly expensive prices of over £ 25, just under € 29 per person.

Too bad, because the museum looks back on more than 250 years of history: the French woman, Madame Tussaud, born Marie Grosholtz, made death masks and wax heads of prominent victims during the French Revolution. She traveled with her collection and exhibited it for the first time in London in 1802. Unfortunately, many of the originals were destroyed over the centuries after fire and bombing. The museum now has branches all over the world – from Amsterdam to Beijing.

7. Brussels – Much Tamm Tamm around Manneken Pis

This little man is the star of the city of Brussels and its landmark at the same time: the Manneken Pis on the corner of Rue de L'Etuve and Rue du Chêne. Many tourists are disappointed that this peeing figure is a 61 centimeter tall fountain figure. Nevertheless, there is a huge rush all around and everyone wants to take a photo of and with "Le Petit Julien".

The urinating bronze figure is no longer the original. This is in the Brussels City Museum. Due to frequent theft attempts, the male had to be replaced – the current copy is a copy from 1965.

However, she has one peculiarity: the figure is regularly disguised on certain occasions and wears the jersey of the Belgian national team at important international matches, for example.

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