This article was written in collaboration with Helping AU and contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
One of the most frequent comments I get asked about being a long-term traveller is how do I put up with the gross and the grime?
I mean, we all have a mental image (if not a photo!) of the dirtiest possible hostel, complete with bed bugs, kitchen cockroaches and far too many fleas.
From unsightly hair in the shower to stains on the sheets, it’s true that backpacker hostels around the world don’t always have you living in the most hygienic conditions.
And, for an OCD tidier like myself, that can be a good challenge (and why I’m always using Helpling AU to find an excellent cleaner when I am in one place for a while!)
Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!
Information will be sent to the email provided above
But, what if I was to set the record straight and tell you that it might not be the place you’re staying in that you have to worry about when it comes to the filth factor.
And it might not even be all that street food you’ve eaten either!
No, despite the food markets of Asia getting a bad rap and the dirty backpackers of the world earning an even worse one, what if I was to tell you it’s actually some of the most famous attractions in the world that continually prove to be the filthiest.
Yes that’s right, some of the earth’s most iconic monuments – visited by even high-end tourists and luxury tour guides – are also some of the dirty places around!
From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to St Mark’s Square in Venice, there’s a whole heap of bucket list attractions that have surprisingly made their way onto the list of the 30 Filthiest Tourist Attractions on the Planet!
Well I never!
So next time you’re looking to tick a famous global icon off your travel agenda, perhaps cast your eyes over the infographic below.
It might just have you reaching for that extra bottle of hand sanitiser!
If you are a bit of a clean freak like me and this list has you recoiling in disgust, then you’ll want to make sure the place you’re staying in is a bit cleaner than some of these filthy attractions.
For those in Melbourne and Sydney then, you’ll be glad to know Helping AU offer an excellent database of local, reliable cleaners available at affordable rates.
It’s easy too, just simply click one of the 2 city links above and you’ll get access to a huge range of prolific cleaners in your area starting from just $29 p/hr.
So there we have it folks, the 30 filthiest tourist attractions on the planet and how to make sure the place you’re living isn’t one of them!
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
You could not pay me money to go into somewhere called The Rat Cafe. Like there is no amount of money.
Ha Ha Ha Ha I just cracked up reading your comment Stephanie and then so did my partner when I relayed it to him! Classic! hahahaha
I’ve been to those baths in Budapest – still, any swimming pool is potentially unhygienic when you think about it
That’s right Suze, it kind of is. I’ve been to those baths too … and a couple of others on the list too, but I’m still alive and kicking!