Travelers Share Cities Where They Felt Unwelcome

Travelers are sharing accounts of cities where they encountered unwelcoming attitudes, ranging from perceived rudeness from locals and service staff to feelings of hostility in crowded tourist areas. The discussion was prompted by a question asking individuals to name cities where they felt unwelcome as tourists.

Barcelona was frequently mentioned, with some travelers reporting open hostility and noting the presence of 'tourists go home' banners and graffiti. One account described locals as "straight up anti-social" and unfriendly not only to tourists but also to each other. However, other visitors defended the city, suggesting such experiences might be exaggerated and that while protests against overtourism exist, the city itself felt fine. These individuals reported that despite the signs, they had positive interactions with the people of Barcelona.

Paris also appeared on many lists. Some described the locals as "horrible rude people" and "arrogant," with one traveler stating they were treated rudely despite making an effort to speak French. Another traveler shared a similar sentiment, having found the city unwelcoming after extensive travel experience. Conversely, many travelers reported positive interactions in France, with some finding the French people to be "happy, helpful, and sociable." Several suggested that beginning interactions in French could lead to more positive experiences, with locals often switching to English out of convenience.

Surprisingly, Kyoto was named by several travelers as an unfriendly destination. One comment suggested that Kyoto can feel unwelcoming compared to other parts of Japan. A traveler who speaks Japanese noted that while they generally receive excellent service once they establish a rapport, people in Kyoto could be "pretty frosty." Another account described feeling resentment from locals and witnessing aggressive driving in tourist-heavy streets, though they acknowledged understanding the locals' potential frustration.

Some attributed these negative experiences to the behavior of fellow tourists. "Unfortunately a lot of tourists treat Japan like s*** and are very disrespectful in Kyoto," one person commented. Another traveler noted a significant shift since visiting Japan regularly around 2010, describing current experiences as feeling "done with us" due to the sheer volume of tourists. However, many other visitors reported overwhelmingly positive and welcoming experiences in Kyoto, including being befriended by locals and invited to dinner.

Mention was also made of Hawaii, with one traveler of Asian descent reporting uncomfortable "death stares" in a supermarket. Philadelphia was also cited, with one individual describing interactions with restaurant workers, transit employees, and police as extremely rude, making it the most unwelcome place they had visited across numerous U.S. states and foreign countries.

In contrast, travelers shared positive experiences in other destinations. Tokyo was praised for its welcoming and polite residents. Greece was highlighted as a place with very kind people, and Salvador, Brazil, was described as the most welcoming city experienced by one traveler.