Culemborg, Netherlands

With a population of just 29,121, Culemborg is a sleepy Dutch town that offers little excitement beyond the occasional train to Utrecht. The city's history as a "free city" with its own justice system may sound quaint, but in practice it means navigating a persistent bureaucratic headache. And while the canals and gardens within the city walls create a picturesque scene, the 1991 fireworks explosion that killed two and injured over 20 serves as a sobering reminder that tranquility can quickly turn to tragedy. Unless you're content with a slow-paced lifestyle and don't mind jumping through administrative hoops, Culemborg is best avoided.