Iconic Edinburgh street is named Scotland’s ‘most overrated tourist trap’

A legendary Edinburgh location has been named the “most stressful tourist” trap in Scotland.

New research has revealed the tourist spots throughout the UK that are “the most overrated and underwhelming”. Coming in at number two on the UK-wide list is Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which is the city’s most iconic collection of streets.

Running all the way from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, it is a tourist hotspot thanks to its historical significance and impressive architecture.

However, according to the research carried out by online language learning marketplace Preply, the Royal Mile has been “described as too busy” for some visitors. The streets are known for being particularly busy over the summer months, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe when they are home to a variety of street performers.

The website states: “Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a stretch of streets snaking through the Old Town, lined with parliaments, churches, and a variety of visitor attractions. It’s a popular spot for tourists, which unfortunately can make it a little crowded — and more expensive than other areas in the city.

“There are many beautiful buildings to enjoy here though, so if you’re an architecture lover it could be worth your time. Just try to plan your visit for a quieter time of year if possible.”

Elsewhere, Edinburgh Castle was also named the fifth “most stressful tourist trap” in the UK. Visitors to the historic castle, which dates all the way back to the 11th century and is easily among the city’s most recognisable features, have reported “underwhelming interiors and overcrowding” according to Preply.

Meanwhile, the London Eye tops the UK list. Rounding out the top five are Stonehenge in Wiltshire and London’s Madame Tussauds, coming in third and fourth place respectively.

The full list of the most stressful tourist traps in the world can be found on the Preply website.

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