tourist trap

Meaning

This term refers to a place, such as a shop, restaurant, or attraction, that targets tourists by charging excessively high prices for low-quality goods or services. It has a highly negative connotation, implying that the place is exploitative and lacks authenticity.

Examples

• That restaurant near the Eiffel Tower is a total tourist trap; the food was terrible and overpriced.

  That restaurant near the Eiffel Tower is a total tourist trap; the food was terrible and overpriced.

• We wanted to find a local pub instead of going to another crowded tourist trap.

  We wanted to find a local pub instead of going to another crowded tourist trap.

• Don't buy souvenirs at the airport; it's a massive tourist trap.

  Don't buy souvenirs at the airport; it's a massive tourist trap.

• Although the old town is beautiful, it has sadly become a bit of a tourist trap.

  Although the old town is beautiful, it has sadly become a bit of a tourist trap.

• They managed to avoid the tourist traps by asking the hotel receptionist where locals actually eat.

  They managed to avoid the tourist traps by asking the hotel receptionist where locals actually eat.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ That museum is a tourist trap because many tourists visit it.

  ✓ That museum is a tourist trap because it's overpriced and lacks value.

  A 'tourist trap' isn't just a popular place; it specifically implies excessive pricing and exploitation of tourists.

• ✗ We visited a tourist trap place.

  ✓ We visited a tourist trap.

  'Tourist trap' is a noun phrase and doesn't need words like 'place' or 'spot' added directly after it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't go to that cafe by the main square; it's just a ___ designed to overcharge visitors.

  💡 An overpriced place targeting tourists

  Show answer

  tourist trap

• We tried to avoid the usual ___ and find some quiet, local beaches instead.

  💡 Plural form of places that exploit tourists

  Show answer

  tourist traps