As the Easter holiday period fast approaches, many Brits are eagerly anticipating a city break in Europe.
Google searches for ‘top European landmarks’ have skyrocketed by 600 per cent in the past year as travellers look to check off must-see destinations from their bucket lists.
But with so many iconic sites to explore, it’s important to know the key do’s and don’ts to ensure a smooth and respectful visit.
To help, the experts at Travel Republic have revealed some of the lesser-known rules tourists should follow at world-famous landmarks, including the Acropolis to Rome’s Trevi Fountain.
And you’ll want to follow these rules, as breaking some of them could even land you with a €900 (£752/$972) fine.
1. Remove your heels
Visitors to the Acropolis in Athens should leave their stilettos at home, as high heels are strictly banned as a result of the potential damage they could cause to the ancient stone.
Those found violating this rule could face fines of up to €900 (£752/$972), while similar restrictions are also applicable to historical Greek sites such as the Parthenon and the Epidaurus Theatre, in Epidavros.
High heels are strictly banned from Athens’ Acropolis and the Parthenon in Greece (pictured), as a result of the potential damage they could cause to the ancient stone
Though tempting in the heat, tourists should also be wary of possible restrictions on swimming or wading in popular landmarks, with those wanting a dip in Rome’s Trevi Fountain likely to face fines of between €450 (£376/$487) and €500 (£418/$541)
2. Don’t sit down
Yep, even just sitting down at certain landmarks comes at a high price of €500 (£418/$541) at certain landmarks, with police officers regularly patrolling Rome’s Spanish Steps and tourist spots in Venice.
The restriction is designed to help preserve the ancient steps that have endured continuous wear and tear due to visitor numbers.
To help mitigate such restriction, Travel Republic’s experts recommend visiting Europe’s most popular spots during the early morning or lunchtime, when there are likely to be smaller crowds.
3. No swimming
Though tempting in the heat, tourists should be wary of possible restrictions on swimming or wading in popular landmarks, with those wanting a dip in Rome’s Trevi Fountain likely to face fines of between €450 (£376/$487) and €500 (£418/$541).
In some extreme cases, a temporary or lifetime ban from the area may be enforced, while those in Venice are also subject to fines for swimming in the popular picturesque canals.
4. Don’t block traffic
While areas such as the road leading up to Paris’ Eiffel Tower have become renowned as Instagram hotspots, it can disrupt traffic flow and create hazards for pedestrians and drivers
Other popular landmarks, such as Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel, have placed outright bans on flash photography due to the damage it could cause to sensitive artwork
Even a common act of kindness like feeding pigeons in Venice’s St Mark’s Square has been banned since 2008, with fines for feeding the birds ranging from €25 to €500
Travel Republic warns against taking Instagram photoshoots without first considering the area and the impact it could have on locals.
While areas such as the road leading up to Paris’ Eiffel Tower have become renowned as Instagram hotspots, it has the potential to disrupt traffic flow and create hazards for pedestrians and drivers.
5. Choose your photoshoot spot wisely
While not illegal, taking selfies at memorial sites is often considered inappropriate. Be sure to check local guidelines before snapping a photo to ensure it’s not in poor taste.
Some landmarks, such as the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, have outright bans on photography, particularly flash photography, which can damage sensitive artwork.
If you’re unsure, always ask for permission, or you might be asked to delete your photos and cut your visit short.
6. Don’t feed birds
Even a common act of kindness like feeding pigeons in Venice’s St Mark’s Square has been banned since 2008, with fines for feeding the birds ranging from €25 to €500.
Designed to protect the city’s most historic buildings from damage caused by pigeon droppings, the ban has even carried over to London’s Trafalgar Square where feeding pigeons was banned in 2003, with a £500 fine, to stop them from flocking to the popular site and causing a nuisance.
