This Is the Least Authentic City in the World

“Staged,” “tourist trap,” and “inauthentic” are a few phrases no traveler wants to hear. But as more and more people hit the roads, skies, and waterways to expand their horizons, dubious entrepreneurs can manufacture all sorts of experiences and scams to make a buck in hot-ticket destinations. 

So where can travelers find real cultural immersion, and which destinations fall short? In a bold move, travel insurance provider InsureandGo set out to find the most and least authentic cities in the world. The study examined over 1.3 million Google reviews from 144 popular cities, gathering feedback on everything from restaurants and museums to malls and markets. Destinations with the highest scores out of 100 had reviews filled with “authentic” phrases like “traditional” and “local,” while those deemed “inauthentic” were described in terms like “overpriced” and “tourist trap.” 

According to the reviewer data, over half of the top 10 least authentic cities in the world are in the U.S. No. 1 on the controversial list? None other than Chicago.

The Windy City scored just two points out of a possible 100 put the midwestern city at the bottom of the authenticity index. However, many of the complaints lodged against it can be chalked up to tourist density in a few key landmarks. Of its 50 million annual visitors, many head to Navy Pier, the downtown Loop, and the Riverwalk—areas that are known to be big draws for out-of-towners and therefore amass a concentration of souvenir shops, pricey dining, and other in-your-face commercialism. An “authentic” experience in Chicago is certainly possible—it just requires a bit more effort than ticking off the top three attractions on Google Maps. 

In fact, Chicago is known for hosting some of the most traditional seasonal celebrations in the country, from its German-inspired Christmas markets and Oktoberfest to its annual free blues festival, the largest in the world. The city is also renowned as one of the safest destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. While we’re not going to tell you to skip Chicago’s incredible collection of museums or snapping a selfie with The Bean, venture deeper into the city’s more than 200 character-packed neighborhoods for a taste of local life. 

Venice, Italy, came in as the second least authentic destination worldwide. Even more so than Chicago, Venice has long contended with the pressures of overtourism. But according to locals, it’s still possible to pull off a responsible—and satisfying—trip to the enchanting city. Sticking to sustainable, Venetian-owned businesses is key. Exploring beyond hotspots like Piazza San Marco, booking meals in advance, and opting for a midweek stay also help avoid an experience oversaturated with other travelers. With some extra research and careful planning, even iconic Venetian experiences like gondola rides can be pulled off without feeling like mass-market offerings. 

In third place is Las Vegas, another city with plenty of hidden gems beyond the chaotic attractions it’s most famous for. Savvy Sin City visitors take advantage of the city’s best free activities and rich offerings beyond the Strip, like the vibrant Arts District. With the right insider tips, a Las Vegas stay doesn’t have to be all bright lights and card tables.

Nashville, Tennessee; Hobart, Australia; Boston, Massachusetts; London, England; Singapore; Sydney, Australia; and Brussels, Belgium, rounded out the top 10 least authentic list. Just remember: landing on this list doesn’t diminish their appeal—each remains a dynamic, culturally rich destination with plenty to offer travelers willing to look beyond the most tourist-heavy corners.