Famous landmarks attract millions of tourists every year, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Colosseum in Rome. They’re often the highlight of a trip, yet many visitors don’t realize that their behavior at these sites can either enhance or ruin the experience—for themselves, for other travelers, and for the locals who live nearby.
Tourist etiquette is rarely written down, but it matters. How you behave at landmarks shows respect not only for the site but also for the people who preserve it and the community that surrounds it. Small gestures, like moving aside for photos or speaking quietly, make a big difference.
Understanding these unspoken rules doesn’t mean limiting your fun—it means experiencing these destinations in a more thoughtful way. By adopting a few respectful habits, you’ll leave with better memories, avoid embarrassing moments, and contribute to keeping these landmarks enjoyable for everyone.
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Golden Rules for Visiting Famous Landmarks
Be mindful of noise levels and personal space.
Follow all dress codes, photography rules, and cultural customs.
Respect historical sites—don’t damage, climb, or vandalize.
Be patient—service and customs may be different from your home country.
One controversy is photography. Tourists often stop in the middle of crowded walkways or climb where they shouldn’t for the perfect picture. While many see it as harmless, locals and preservationists argue that it damages the experience and sometimes the landmarks themselves.
Another debated issue is noise. Visitors may treat iconic sites like amusement parks, talking loudly or playing music. For locals, especially in places of cultural or religious significance, this feels disrespectful. Tourists, on the other hand, often defend it as part of enjoying their trip.
Finally, there’s controversy around commercialization. Souvenir sellers and influencers turning landmarks into backdrops for business are viewed by some as part of modern tourism, while others argue it cheapens the cultural and historical importance of these places.
1. Don’t Block the View for the Perfect Selfie
Why Locals Hate It:
Landmarks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not just used for social media.
Some tourists spend too much time posing, blocking the view for others.
What to Do Instead:
Take a few quick photos, then step aside for others.
Be mindful of lines for iconic photo spots—don’t hog them.
Avoid:
Setting up tripods or elaborate photoshoots in crowded areas.
Climbing on monuments or restricted areas for a better shot.
2. Follow Dress Codes in Religious & Historical Sites
Why Locals Hate It:
Many churches, temples, and mosques have strict dress codes, but some tourists ignore them.
Wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or hats inside sacred spaces is considered disrespectful.
What to Do Instead:
Research the dress code before visiting.
Bring a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders if needed.
Avoid:
Complaining when asked to cover up—it’s their culture, not yours.
Ignoring rules about removing shoes in temples or mosques.
3. Don’t Carve or Write on Historical Sites
Why Locals Hate It:
Graffiti or carving names into landmarks is not just disrespectful—it’s vandalism.
Even “harmless” things like sticker graffiti or chalk messages damage historic sites.
What to Do Instead:
Admire the site without altering it in any way.
Take photos instead of leaving a mark.
Avoid:
Carving initials into ancient stones.
Sticking chewing gum or leaving trash behind.
4. Stop Feeding Wildlife & Stray Animals
Why Locals Hate It:
Feeding pigeons, monkeys, or stray dogs can cause overpopulation and aggression.
Some animals become dependent on human food and lose their natural instincts.
What to Do Instead:
Observe wildlife without interacting.
If you want to help stray animals, donate to local shelters instead.
Avoid:
Feeding pigeons at St. Mark’s Square in Venice—it’s now illegal.
Giving snacks to monkeys at landmarks like Bali’s Uluwatu Temple—they’ll steal your belongings.
5. Be Quiet in Sacred Places
Why Locals Hate It:
Tourists talking loudly or taking phone calls in sacred sites disturb those praying or reflecting.
Even whispering can be disruptive in solemn places like memorials or cathedrals.
What to Do Instead:
Speak in a hushed voice or remain silent.
If you need to talk, step outside.
Avoid:
Taking loud phone calls inside places of worship.
Laughing or joking at memorial sites like Auschwitz or the 9/11 Memorial.
6. Respect the “No Flash” Photography Rule
Why Locals Hate It:
Flash damages fragile artwork over time.
In museums, flashes can disturb other visitors and ruin the experience.
What to Do Instead:
Turn off your camera flash before entering.
Follow all photography restrictions—some places ban photos completely.
Avoid:
Sneaking forbidden pictures—some sites have security watching.
Using flash on delicate paintings like the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
7. Stay on Marked Paths—Don’t Damage Nature
Why Locals Hate It:
Tourists who wander off designated paths damage fragile ecosystems and historical sites.
Walking on restricted ruins causes irreversible erosion.
What to Do Instead:
Stay on designated trails and viewing areas.
Respect roped-off sections—they’re there for a reason.
Avoid:
Climbing the ruins of Machu Picchu or walking on Iceland’s mossy lava fields—both take decades to recover.
Ignoring barriers at ancient sites like Stonehenge.
8. Don’t Bargain Aggressively at Local Markets
Why Locals Hate It:
In many places, bargaining is expected—but offering insultingly low prices is disrespectful.
Some tourists argue over pennies, forgetting that these sellers rely on small earnings.
What to Do Instead:
Bargain politely and respectfully.
If the price is fair, don’t haggle just for fun.
Avoid:
Walking away dramatically to pressure vendors.
Getting angry if the seller doesn’t accept your offer.
9. Give Space to Locals in Crowded Areas
Why Locals Hate It:
Tourists often block sidewalks, doorways, and busy streets while taking photos or checking maps.
Locals are just trying to go about their day and often get stuck behind slow-moving tourists.
What to Do Instead:
Step aside if you need to check your phone or take a picture.
Walk at a normal pace in crowded streets.
Avoid:
Walking in large groups that take up the entire sidewalk.
Stopping suddenly in the middle of a busy area.
10, Don’t Expect American-Style Service or Fast Food
Why Locals Hate It:
Many American tourists expect fast service, free refills, and large portions.
In Europe, meals are slow-paced and waiters don’t check in constantly.
What to Do Instead:
Be patient—dining is meant to be an experience.
Expect to ask for the bill instead of having it brought automatically.
Avoid:
Snapping at waiters for faster service.
Complaining about small portion sizes or lack of ice in drinks.
11. Stop Blocking Escalators & Train Doors
Why Locals Hate It:
In many cities, escalators have a clear rule: stand on the right, walk on the left.
Tourists often stand in the way at subway doors, blocking people trying to exit.
What to Do Instead:
Stand on the correct side of escalators (especially in London, Paris, and Tokyo).
Let people exit first before getting on a train or bus.
Avoid:
Standing in the middle of an escalator during rush hour.
Blocking train doors while waiting to board.
12. Follow the Rules for Throwing Coins in Fountains
Why Locals Hate It:
Some fountains have cultural significance, and throwing coins in them isn’t always appropriate.
In places like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, coins are collected for charity, but only if thrown properly.
What to Do Instead:
If a fountain allows coins, toss them properly (right hand over left shoulder at Trevi Fountain).
Check signs before throwing coins in historical fountains.
Avoid:
Climbing into fountains to take photos.
Throwing random objects into water features.
Final Thoughts
Tourism is about discovery, but it also comes with responsibility. Landmarks hold history, meaning, and pride for locals, and visitors who approach them with respect will always have a richer, more authentic experience.
The truth is, etiquette doesn’t take away from your adventure—it enhances it. When you observe small courtesies, you not only blend in better but also create space for everyone else to enjoy the moment.
Ultimately, how tourists behave shapes how locals perceive visitors. By respecting these sites and the people connected to them, you leave behind more than photos—you leave goodwill, appreciation, and a positive example for other travelers to follow.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.