A recently conducted study to determine the most and the least trustworthy tattoo artists in Europe, has ranked major European tourist destinations where getting new ink might be a bad or a good idea.
According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials and Generation Z exhibit a significantly higher propensity for obtaining tattoos compared to previous generations, reflecting a societal shift towards greater acceptance of body modifications. Furthermore, these younger cohorts are more inclined to possess multiple tattoos, including commemorative matching designs and patchwork styles, which enhances the probability of them impulsively scheduling a tattoo appointment while traveling abroad to commemorate their holiday experiences.
The study has ranked Heraklion, Greece, as the best European vacation spot out of all of the continent’s major travel destinations, for those seeking a spontaneous tattoo. Heraklion, located on the island of Crete, stands out as a prominent tourist attraction, rich in Venetian heritage and offering a vibrant nightlife. Visitors to this city might consider bypassing the typical souvenir shops in favor of acquiring a unique tattoo as a memento, given that the average Google rating for tattoo studios in Heraklion is an impressive 4.93 out of five.
Young travelers visiting Gdansk, Poland can approach a tattoo studio with a sense of assurance, as the city holds the distinction of being ranked the second best. With impressive ratings on both Google and International Online Tattoo Magazine (iNKPPL), Gdansk boasts an average score of 4.89, indicating that its tattoo artists are highly esteemed by both residents and visitors alike.
Aarhus, Denmark ranks third as a reputable tattoo destination, boasting an impressive average Google Review rating of 4.89 out of five. As Denmark’s second-largest city, it draws numerous tourists with its remarkable cathedral, diverse museums, and beautiful botanical gardens.
In the fourth place is Innsbruck, Austria, which holds an average rating of 4.88. This city is particularly appealing to American tourists interested in winter sports and has gained popularity among tattoo enthusiasts, thanks to its annual tattoo convention.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, ranks as the fifth most favorable city for vacation tattoos within the European Union, offering affordable prices and a wealth of talented artists that entice travelers to acquire new body art. With a commendable rating of 4.88 on both iNKPPL and Google, visitors from the United States can trust the safety and quality of Budapest’s tattoo studios.
Additionally, renowned tourist destinations in France, Italy, the Republic of Ireland, Portugal, and Poland have also been recognized in this category.
Conversely, the study identified the European cities with the poorest reviews, indicating that travelers to Estonia may want to reconsider their tattoo appointments. The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, has been designated as the least favorable European destination for obtaining a tattoo. Although certain artists may indeed create exceptional pieces, the overall average rating on Google Reviews stands at 4.69 out of five, marking it as the lowest in Europe.
Ranking second among the cities with the least favorable tattoo experiences is Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Famous for its breathtakingly pristine natural scenery, it may be advisable for visitors to prioritize outdoor activities over indoor tattoo sessions, as the city shares the lowest Google Review rating of 4.69 out of five with Tallinn.
In third place for the least favorable tattoo cities is Istanbul, which has a rating of merely 4.71. As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia and is rich in historical sites, making it a must-visit location for numerous travelers.
Visitors to Turkey frequently travel to the nation in search of affordable body modification options, including tattoos and cosmetic surgery. Although licensed professionals can provide excellent results in enhancing one’s appearance, the significant influx of medical tourists may attract some inadequately qualified practitioners who seek to take advantage of the high demand, potentially resulting in infections or poorly executed designs.
Helsinki is positioned fourth among the least favorable cities for obtaining a spontaneous vacation tattoo. Although Finland is generally regarded as a safe destination, visitors are facing challenges with the tattoo studios in the capital. With an iNKPPL average rating of 4.03 out of five, which is the third lowest, and a Google rating of 4.74 out of five, ranking fourth lowest, Helsinki may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a tattoo during their holiday.
Concluding the list of the bottom five, Geneva, located in Switzerland, ranks among the least favorable European cities for obtaining a holiday tattoo, holding an average Google rating of 4.75 out of five.
