Travelling the world can be a wonderful way to spend your free time, discovering different cultures; nevertheless, sometimes, crowds of tourists may diminish the pleasure of exploration. A recent study has examined the concentration of tourists per square kilometre alongside local populations across cities worldwide to discover which is the most crowded. 

The research revealed that Europe secures eight positions amongst the top 10 most congested tourist destinations forecast for 2024, with the remaining two spots going to North American locations. Analysis by Deluxe Holiday Homes places Paris at the top, featuring 351,429 visitors per square kilometre along with an extraordinary visitor-to-resident ratio of 1708 percent. Despite being celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful and historically significant cities, Paris has struggled to win over certain detractors.

Complaints flood Tripadvisor, where frustrated holidaymakers condemn lengthy waits and warn against nimble-fingered pickpockets troubling France’s renowned capital.

One holidaymaker commented: “If you want to spend a lot money for waiting in the queues for hours and hours, visiting every place with thousands of people come and visit Paris. People are rude and you can’t travel safely by metro after 9pm.”

Contributing to the wave of criticism, another guest observed: “This city is now well known for pickpocketing. Stolen mobile phone sellers, ill-mannered people, dirty areas, street fights and overly crowded areas.”

They concluded with a piece of advice: “Just to visit Eiffel Tower is not worth spending hard earned money, this city will spoil your holiday mood.”

However, Paris is not without its charms, boasting stunning views, culinary delights, and some of the world’s most iconic cultural sites.

One tourist joyfully described their experience: “Ah, the pleasure of Paris! Going to Paris is like visiting a mausoleum, the grandeur of so many historic monuments is a memorable souvenir.”

Another visitor, familiar with the city’s allure, remarked: “Having visited the city of light on nearly a dozen occasions, it’s easy to think of it as a familiar friendly place.”

While many flock to the conventional attractions such as art museums and the Eiffel Tower, another adds: “Though the art museums and the Eiffel Tower are the sites most tourists flock to, it’s the casual locations and wide bridges that make the city truly a pleasure to be in and stroll upon.”