Greece Famous Attractions
English writer G.K. Chesterton said that the traveler sees what he sees, while a tourist only sees what he came to see.
And sometimes, those tourist attractions aren’t worth seeing at all.
We're not saying you should never visit the Great Pyramids in Cairo or view the art in the Louvre Museum. We're just saying that you should also get off the beaten path — it may lead you to something even better.
Instead of seeing New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, go to Top of the Rock.
You'll get a better view at Top of the Rock. Shutterstock and Daniel Goodman/Business Insider
Waiting to get to the top of the Empire State Building is a pain. It’s expensive, there are long lines, and the views of New York City are only so-so.
A better option is to go to Top of the Rock in Midtown. Sure it’s just as expensive, but your view will include the iconic Empire State Building (which you miss by going to the Empire State Building itself) as well as views of Central Park.
Instead of touring the ruins of Pompeii, visit the lesser-known ancient Roman city Herculaneum.
Herculaneum still has its frescoes. Shutterstock and Getty Images
Because Pompeii has become so massively well known, it's always crowded with tourists and many of its frescoes have been removed to be housed in museums around the world.
Herculaneum was also buried in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum retained many of its wooded objects like building beams, beds, doors, and even food. It was also a wealthier town than Pompeii, so there are more lavish homes and frescoes to view.
Instead of seeing the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spot the real celebs where they actually hang out.
Celebrities love to go to Runyan Canyon.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a rude awakening for tourists — the street is dirty, littered, and not at all glamorous.
A better option (if you can afford it) is to go to the real locations where celebrities hang out. Beacher’s Madhouse, the restaurant Nobu, and the Staples Center are all good options.
If you’re on a budget, go hiking at Runyan Canyon, where many celebs go to walk their pets and burn off some calories.
Instead of taking a tourist shot of the Great Pyramids, drive to the Pyramid Fields of Dahshur.
The Pyramid Fields of Dahshur are spectacular.
The Great Pyramids of Giza may be the most well-known pyramids in the world, but that doesn't mean they're the best. In fact, they can be so overrun with tourists and the views from them are so marred by modern Cairo that many travelers say they're not even worth visiting.
If you love history but hate the crowds, head to the Pyramid Fields at Dahshur. It's not a far drive from Cairo, but far enough that not many tourists venture out. Plus, the pyramids there are just as awe-inspiring as those in Giza — perhaps more so.
Instead of braving the heat in Athens, take a trip to one of Greece’s gorgeous islands.
Rhodes is a great Greek island for history buffs.
After you visit the Acropolis in Athens, give yourself a palate cleanser from the heat and scaffolding by exploring the beautiful and exotic Greek islands.
