This Is the 'Least Authentic' City in the World, According to Travelers-and It's Located in the Midwest

"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.""

"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."

"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."

Travel insurance provider InsureandGo analyzed over 1.3 million Google reviews from 144 popular cities to identify the most and least authentic destinations worldwide. The study examined feedback on restaurants, museums, malls, and markets, scoring cities based on language describing authenticity. Authentic destinations featured reviews with words like "traditional" and "local," while inauthentic cities were described as "overpriced" and "tourist traps." Chicago ranked last with just two points out of 100, primarily due to tourist concentration in Navy Pier, the Loop, and Riverwalk. However, authentic Chicago experiences exist beyond these commercialized landmarks, including traditional seasonal celebrations like German Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, and free blues festivals.

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