Worst 'tourist trap' (in an otherwise cool city) (best, better, place) - City vs. City - City-Data Forum

AcroJimmy · 04-23-2009, 01:21 AM

In my opinion, it has to be Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

San Francisco has tons of awesome, authentic neighborhoods: The Mission, Haight-Ashbury, Lower Haight, SOMA, Church Street, the Fillmore District, the Marina, Chinatown, North Beach, etc, etc...

Yet most tourists go to Fisherman's Wharf. A generic, fake, ridiculous money-scheme that has nothing to do with real San Francisco. Unlike Pike's Place Market in Seattle, which feels like part of the city, Fisherman's wharf is somewhere locals don't go, and which has no real ambience. Even the Ferry Building/Farmer's Market in SF is far better than Fisherman's Wharf.

It's just a horrible place in an otherwise great city...

Golden-mind-State · 04-23-2009, 03:21 AM

I always liked Fishermans Wharf...but the Ferry Building IS a lot better, the Wharf is always nice to people watch though and the sea food is good but not the best in the city.

johntremaine · 04-23-2009, 03:41 AM

I agree...Fisherman's Wharf is terrible, not San Francisco at all. And theres nothing of importance there, just toursity garbage.

I find the Space Needle in Seattle to be pretty lame too (although its cool to look at from a distance)

Golden-mind-State · 04-23-2009, 04:52 AM

The whole Vegas Strip..

TNKY · 04-23-2009, 06:37 AM

While I love Myrtle Beach SC, they thrive on tourists with those cheap beach stores by the dozens and time share people. Otherwise and wonderful city.

MrSykes · 04-23-2009, 06:50 AM

Oh man anywhere along Bourbon Street in New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras season.

lammius · 04-23-2009, 06:55 AM

Times Square

k.smith904 · 04-23-2009, 07:18 AM

Times Square in NYC

Navy Pier in Chicago

j33 · 04-23-2009, 07:19 AM

The two most annoying tourist traps I've been to have been Navy Pier here in my own city and Faneuil Fall in Boston. Times Square comes in 3rd.

ffknight918 · 04-23-2009, 07:20 AM

The big tourist area here is the National Mall, but I don't know if I can say that locals don't go there. There are tons that work there and most people still like the occasional visit. However, DC has tons of unique neighborhoods(Adams Morgan, U St, Dupont, etc) that the locals go out to eat in or to party at night over anything near the mall.