We're all familiar with the classic tourist trap — prices go up, lines get long and expectations skyrocket to the point that disappointment is inevitable. Yet some traps define the destination, no matter how cheesy your photographs are or how frustrated you are. Here are some of my favourite tourist traps to get caught in.
— Robin Esrock is the co-host of the Nat Geo Adventure series Word Travels. Catch up with his latest travels at www.moderngonzo.com
Forbidden City, Beijing
The crowds were like a sea. All I could do was dive in and hold my breath. Yet China's Imperial Palace, off-limits for centuries to everyone except the elite, now welcomes masses of domestic and foreign tourists.
Inside the complex of 720,000 square metres, which houses nearly 1,000 buildings, you'll find yourself jostling for a place to take photos of the inner and the outer courts without the crowds ruining the shot. A better idea is to wander off away from the key attractions and spend some time alone, soaking up the once-forbidden atmosphere.
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
Topkapi was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years and it feels strange to walk inside the flaking rooms, which once held such power and wealth. Istanbul, a jewel of a city to behold, is crammed with tourists in high season and Topkapi is on the must-visit list. The usual line-up and the usual eyebrow-raising ticket price.
This trap baits you with different tickets for different areas. So while your already-expensive general ticket gets you inside the gates, you'll need to purchase another for the Treasury. These are, of course, what most people come to see. The underlying principle of all tourist traps is “I've come all this way, it would be a waste if I don't see it''.
So you fork out the money, wait in the line-up and once again, get rewarded with something spectacular. The jewels on display in the Treasury are staggering.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Paris has plenty to offer to the millions of tourists who visit the city each year. Cruise along the Seine, take in the masterpieces at the Louvre or drink overpriced coffee at Champs Élysées — you will never be alone, as hordes of tourists will have exactly the same idea, taking photos and watching their savings disappear. Fortunately, you can see the Eiffel Tower free of charge.
The iconic structure, built to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, towers over the skyline. Nothing says “you are in Paris'' more than standing beneath the huge steel arches of the Eiffel Tower.
It was originally built to only stand for 20 years but once Parisians grew to love it and tourists had no problem spending ever-increasing fares to take the elevator to the top, the Eiffel Tower became a permanent fixture.
The Grand Palace, Thailand
It's hard to forget Bangkok's No 1 tourist attraction. Every time an empty tuk-tuk races past you, the driver will remind you that you have to visit it. The Grand Palace, graced with glittering temples, brightly painted Buddhist deities and mythical jewelled icons, is indeed a must for any visitor.
The tuk-tuk drivers insist you visit other temples and take detours for unwanted shopping expeditions, for which they receive kickbacks. When you finally arrive at the Grand Palace, be prepared to pay the tourist price, the camera price, the tourist-with-a-camera price and the price of being a tourist with a camera.
By the end of the day, however, you'll have enjoyed the experience and marvelled at the exotic architecture. You may want to skip the tuk-tuk on the way back, though, and opt for a taxi instead.
The Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro
From atop the granite peak of the Corcovado, you can see the most beautiful view of one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. Rio de Janeiro's beaches frame a city punctuated by rocky hills while tiny islands dot the coast like drops of spilt paint. You pay your fare at the foot and can either take a bus or the overpriced tram to the top.
Here you can soak in the view, take the obligatory photos and wave to police in low-flying helicopters. It seems like Brazilians are only too happy to get you to the top — but once there, good luck getting back. Buses are replaced by taxis which offer bargain deals to drive you to the bottom — at about 20 times the normal fare.
I met a hiker who, having walked up the hill, was stopped from walking down by park authorities — it's either wait an hour for the bus or fork over the cash. Despite the calm expression on the face of the giant statue of Jesus Christ, it's frustrating to know you have just been had.
Lenin's Mausoleum, Moscow
With the fall of communism and capitalism, it's odd to find a three-hour line-up in Red Square, with people waiting patiently to see the tomb of Lenin. The line of mostly foreign tourists snakes around the corner of the gloomy, dark tomb, where Lenin is perfectly preserved in an open casket for all to see. While some pay their respects, most of the people I spoke to in line thought it was just a wonderfully bizarre thing to do.
As you walk solemnly into the mausoleum, ushered in by stern-faced guards, it's hard not to stare at the glowing, radiant face of Lenin, with hands neatly folded and beard perfectly trimmed.
The visit takes just a few minutes and is certainly something to talk about. As for the three-hour line-up, you can always take advantage of another Russian cultural quirk. Slip the guard $10 (Dh37) and skip it.
