In Defense of Tourist Attractions
Famous sights are famous for a reason!
I stood a top the Arc de Triomphe at dusk. It was drizzling. The lights of Paris began to blink on. Nearby, the Eiffel Tower lit up. In the blue twilight, against the rain, the city seemed to sparkle. I pulled my newly-acquired French scarf over my hair, and took in the city skyline. To say I was filled with awe would be an understatement.
That moment, near the end of my study abroad trip, at age twenty-two is when I properly fell in love with travel, and I credit much of the spark to a tourist attraction or two.
I often hear travelers qualify their visit to famous sights. They’ll say something like, “I know it’s touristy but…”. I say there’s no need to justify visiting tourist spots: tourist attractions like the Arc de Triomphe or Empire State Building or Colosseum are famous for a reason! Sure, you might have to fight crowds or buy tickets to see them, and you probably won’t make friends with locals at these monuments or have the most interesting interaction of your trip there. But famous tourist attractions have their place in travel; I believe sprinkling in one or two on any given trip is essential!
Visiting places like the Sydney Opera House or Central Park adds a sense of place to your travels. You can’t experience places like these anywhere else in the world. They’re unique and singular to their respective cities, and that’s why they gain such notoriety.
Plus, I think it’s so cool to consider all of the travelers who have gone before you. These famous sights have been admired by countless many people over the course of history, and how special is it to be able to stand where so many have stood before?! Standing somewhere ancient— or even just plain old— sparks a sense of wonder in me every time.
Personally I prioritize one or two touristy activities per trip, though this depends on where I’m going and whether or not I’ve been there before. The rest of my trip I spend seeking out local haunts, the more off-the-beaten-path the better! Whether it’s a historical monument, an old church, or a museum, my travels wouldn’t be the same without the balance of those famous sights.
So next time someone rolls their eyes at the mention of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or warns you about how crowded the Louvre is, remind them that the ability to see these landmarks after so many years is truly remarkable. Then, carry on with your travel dreams, however “touristy” they may be! I for one am so grateful I followed my tourist dreams to the top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris all those years ago.
