Exposing The World’s Most Overrated Tourist Hotspots
Travel is more expensive than ever, so it's natural for people to want to make sure the places they visit are actually worth the money. Although there may be places that people have always wanted to see, some of them find that the image of their destination they had built up in their heads doesn't match the reality of it.
That disappointment can be pretty disheartening but when people list the tourist traps that ripped them off, they prevent future travelers from making the same mistakes. That's why it's so important to get a realistic sense of these hyped-up destinations before booking anything.
The Champs Elysées, Paris, France
While it's certainly understandable to want to see the might of Paris's famous Arc de Triomphe in person, that doesn't mean there's much reason to explore the famous shopping avenue that runs from it. According to Best Life, those hoping for chic boutiques are likely to be disappointed by what they find.
That's because the clothing stores they find will look more like Zara, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas than anything travelers wouldn't be able to find in any other major city around the world. Those wanting to shop in a district that isn't littered with fast food restaurants and chain stores will have better luck in Saint-Germain-des-Près or Marais.
Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland
According to Condè Nast Traveler, those who hear about Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon are drawn in by images of its mineral-rich, sky-blue geothermal spas and the chance to bask in a seemingly otherworldly part of nature. However, those who visit it will find that it looks like a more elaborate version of a crowded hotel pool people might encounter at Disney World or Las Vegas.
The good news, however, is that Iceland is loaded with similar geothermal spas that offer more unobstructed views of the nation's breathtaking natural beauty under much more tranquil circumstances. One example that the outlet noted was the Laugarvatn Fontana spa, which is outside of Laugarvatn.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Although the architecture of the famous Taj Mahal looks even more impressive in person than it does in this 1992 photo featuring Princess Diana, that photo may have also been the last time it was anywhere near this isolated. According to Reader's Digest Australia, it's impossible to find a time of year in which there aren't absurdly long lines in front of the structure.
Moreover, as Natalia from My Trip Hack noted to the outlet, "It's hard not to notice a drying and polluted river, people living on the streets, scammers capitalizing on the tourists just a few meters outside of this majestic monument." It also costs more to visit than the similarly impressive Mehtab Bagh Gardens, which aren't as busy.
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Due to the unique conditions or its construction and its iconic design, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has made enough of a mark on the world to attract scores of international tourists every year. Although some people are annoyed by the clichè pictures tourists take in which they try to hold it up, that isn't the real problem with Pisa.
Instead, this photo encapsulates why it's not a great idea to go out of one's way to visit Pisa. The tower is impressive, as is the Pisa Cathedral standing next to it in the Square of Miracles. However, this photo also captures everything worth seeing in Pisa. This would not be true of Rome, Florence, or the Amalfi Coast.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Although it enjoys an international reputation as essentially the king of beaches both within and outside of Australia, those who actually visit Sydney's Bondi Beach nowadays tend to find it disappointing. Like many tourist traps, one of the biggest issues with the place concerns how immensely crowded it is.
What's especially strange about this overcrowding is that there are multiple beaches within an hour's drive — both north and south of Sydney — that are much better places to visit. It's also very important to remember that Bondi Beach is prone to riptides, so any swimmers should exercise caution.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
Although the atmosphere around Stonehenge is often livelier when a druidic festival is going on, this is what the United Kingdom's mysterious rock monument looks like most of the time. For some tourists, that's enough. According to Wiltshire Times, the 4,500-year-old monument and its mysterious origins inspired about 7,000 positive reviews on Tripadvisor.
However, others cautioned that it costs more to experience Stonehenge than it may seem. Furthermore, the experience is likely to be considered boring among families with young children. It's also in the middle of nowhere compared to other British attractions, which makes it hard to justify the trip to Wiltshire.
The Mona Lisa, The Louvre, Paris, France
According to Rough Guides, the disappointment that came with visiting the Mona Lisa generally extended to The Louvre in the eyes of many. Tourists complained about the long lines and the confusing, overwhelming nature of exploring the complex. However, it's hard to imagine a more irresistible collection of art for aficionados.
That said, even they would likely agree that getting a good look at The Mona Lisa is more trouble than it's worth. Not only are the crowds around it always massive, but it's smaller than most people think, and the protective barrier makes it more difficult to see. Be prepared to squint.
The Giza Pyramid Complex, Egypt
Much like with the Taj Mahal, the problem with visiting Egypt's world-famous Giza Pyramid Complex doesn't have much to do with the pyramids themselves. They're breathtaking to experience, and the largest of them is considered one of the Seven Wonders Of The World for a reason.
However, The Daily Mail reported that reviewers complained about the pyramids being closer to the noise and stress of nearby cities than they may seem in pictures. As some described, the pyramids can be seen from a Pizza Hut. This presents a major problem for tourists, as the proximity makes it easy for locals to pester them and try to sell them things. The complex's central chamber was also less impressive than expected.
Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army, Xi'an, China
Based on all the haunting photos of the thousands of terracotta statues depicting the army of the first emperor of China, it would likely be hard to imagine what's so disappointing about an ambitious art project that's survived for over 2,000 years. Indeed, one would think that they could spend hours walking among them and examining their impressive details.
Indeed, travelers would likely have an incredibly fulfilling experience taking in their glory up close. The problem is that they're not allowed to do that. Although it stands to reason that the Chinese government would want to avoid damage to them, it does take a lot of luster from the statues to view them from much further away than this photographer stood.
The CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
One can typically tell a tourist trap by the locals' disinterest in it and Toronto's CN Tower fits this bill well, since the only reason residents typically go up into the building is to show out of towners the view. While the view is nice (especially at sunset), they don't feel it's worth seeing more than a few times.
This is partially due to the steep price of admission, but it's also a reflection of the fact that the tower has fewer attractions inside than it once did. Those that do remain — such as the revolving restaurant or disorienting glass floor — are either overpriced or available in other major cities.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is an impressive, enduring example of ancient Roman architecture that is breathtaking to witness. It's also in an easily accessible part of Rome that's marked by decent shops and great restaurants and is reasonably near other iconic landmarks of the city, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
While that means it's worth it to see the Colosseum, that doesn't necessarily mean it's worth it to go inside. While the ruins of Pompeii are haunting and fascinating to explore, there simply isn't much to see inside of the Colosseum, especially considering that going in requires waiting in a long line first.
Times Square, New York City, New York
There are so many fun and interesting things to do in New York City and some of them are within walking distance of Times Square. However, that doesn't mean that Times Square itself has much to offer. Under normal circumstances, there isn't much to see there besides giant advertisements, people in questionable costumes resembling cartoon characters, and restaurants that exist in other places.
Although Times Square is a famous place to spend New Year's Eve, that doesn't mean it's worth it to hang around there on that day, either. Residents have said that it involves lining up in the freezing cold for 12 hours with no toilet access. It's better to celebrate New Year's in a restaurant with a view of the celebratory ball.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It's unusual for entire cities to be considered underwhelming tourist attractions, but the flashy, ultra-modern nature of Dubai gives the impression of a Las Vegas-like playground that doubles as a city. Despite how impressive its architecture is, however, it turns out there's less to do in Dubai than it seems.
Although there are some interesting museums and the old part of the city features some nice historical landmarks, those who have traveled and lived there found that it's easy to get bored quickly. That's especially true for those who don't have the money to regularly dine at five-star restaurants or go on decadent shopping sprees. It's also easy to run afoul of the UAE's strict laws, which can see tourists imprisoned.
Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
People who return from Bali either describe it as a gloriously beautiful and surprisingly inexpensive paradise or the biggest tourist trap they've ever seen. But many folks — like the blogger Nomadic Matt — would say the latter group isn't mad at Bali; they're mad at Kuta Beach.
Although the bars on Kuta Beach are famously wild, the beach itself is polluted and packed with tourists, the restaurants are either mediocre or overpriced, and even the shopping is mediocre at best. The Gili Islands and Ubud are better tourist spots and Nusa Lembogan is a better place to take in Bali's natural beauty.
The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark
It's worth noting that those who happen to be in Copenhagen, Denmark, don't lose out on anything but time by visiting this statue commemorating Hans Christian Andersen's famous story. There aren't any lines to see it, and there's no admission fee.
Nonetheless, so many travelers still see fit to call this a tourist trap because it turned out to be much smaller and less impressive than they expected. It's worth seeing for those who end up nearby, but it's not a good foundation for an entire trip.
Penang Hill, Penang, Malaysia
According to USA Today, data aggregated from various reviews suggested that Penang Hill is Asia's biggest tourist trap. Those who felt this way believed that hiking to the top and seeing the view are the only worthwhile things to do here.
That's because Penang Hill is immensely crowded and the lines are held up by unwanted promotions. The cable cars are also crowded enough to obstruct people's views of the hill, there are clowns and caricaturists who try to get money out of people, and the food is considered overpriced. As one traveler said to The New Straits Times, "Cameron Highland's far better than Penang Hill."
Rainbow Mountain, Cusco, Peru
In photos like this, Peru's Rainbow Mountain features breathtaking colors and appear like a painting that people can actually step into. As Reader's Digest Australia mentioned, however, staff there weren't prepared for the sudden uptick of 1,000 people climbing the mountain at once thanks to social media impressions.
Not only is the attraction now packed with people, but many of them are ill-prepared to take on the high-altitude journey. Worst of all, however, is the fact that people who go to the trouble aren't likely to see the same dazzling colors in person. When it's cloudy, the Rainbow Mountain looks closer to a regular mountain.
Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan
When people visit Japan, they're typically either looking for exciting experiences in ultra-modern cities like Tokyo or see their visit as an opportunity to step into the island nation's rich cultural history. For people craving the latter experience, buildings that have stood for hundreds of years are the most prized destinations.
Despite how it looks, Osaka's famous castle is not one of these buildings. In fairness, it's been destroyed four times since it was first built, but renovations in 1997 refurbished it to make it more modern. It's worth a visit for those who don't care about this, but the GaijinPot blog mentioned that those craving authenticity are better off exploring Himeji Castle.
The London Eye, London, England
There's much to do in London, which means visitors don't need to waste their time and money riding the famous London Eye. Although it's certainly a very large ferris wheel, that is all it is. Not only that, but Best Life describes it as an experience people pay $35 to ride, which can go up to $48 if they choose an express ticket.
If they avoid this option, travelers will find that they'll stand in a long line to get their tickets and another long line to actually get on the London Eye. Although it features a nice view of London, people can get similar vistas for free at the top of One Tree Hill or Primrose Hill.
Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru
Unfortunately, Machu Picchu is like the Taj Mahal or the Great Pyramid of Giza in that the lost Incan city is impressive but its popularity has effectively ruined the experience of visiting it. Mike Jerrard of Waking Up Wild has specifically said that the best way to experience it and the surrounding area is to walk the famous Inca trail.
However, he said that any other path to Machu Picchu is arduous and expensive. He also described the site itself as overcrowded, dotted with shops that sell overpriced, inauthentic souvenirs, and filled with locals demanding money for spurious reasons. The nearby city of Aguas Calientes is also considered heavily polluted.
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's Park Güell is known for its unique, colorful architecture that was designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. The benches were also designed by him but they're a major factor in why this place is more of a rip-off than it may seem.
As travel blogger Less Or Morgan explained, tourism websites appear to charge a fee to visit Park Güell but this isn't actually true and is very misleading. The park is free to visit, but the fee is for the privilege of sitting on Gaudí's benches. This wouldn't be worth the money even if the park wasn't always crowded.
Mount Everest, Himalayas, Nepal
Although its treacherous terrain and intimidating height make the world's tallest mountain seem like an incredibly unlikely tourist trap, it has nonetheless turned into one. Yet, while overcrowding has made the experience of visiting many wonders of the world worse, Everest's popularity has become detrimental to the mountain itself.
According to Vice, the mountain has seen a melting effect due to climate change, which has revealed how much garbage, human waste, and human remains the thousands of climbers who have tried to conquer the mountain have left behind. This climate change has also made the weather on the mountain more unpredictable, making it even more dangerous to climb than usual.
The Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
From the outside, the Sydney Opera House is magnificent. Its architecture is unique and as this photo shows, it's not unusual for the sail-like panels on the top of the building to have dazzling images projected onto them. However, reviews aggregated by Rough Guides suggest it's only impressive on the outside.
By contrast, reviewers described its interior as uninspiring and empty, smaller than they expected, and cold. There also aren't any attractions inside of it unless a visitor has a ticket to a specific performance. Ultimately, it's just a concert hall even if it's a uniquely designed one.
Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany
The stop known as "Checkpoint Charlie" marks the most well known border crossing between West Berlin and East Berlin during the Cold War. Yet, while it may be powerful to visit for those whose lives were affected by the Berlin Wall, that power has since been significantly lessened. As Lonely Planet explained, that's because the area has become a blatant tourist trap in recent years.
Reviewers have described the value of the checkpoint itself as lasting about ten minutes, as newer additions include tacky souvenir shops and workers dressed as American soldiers, who pose for pictures. That said, the nearby Black Box museum is cheap and informative enough about Cold War history to redeem the site somewhat.
The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is loaded with exquisite natural attractions and Dublin is a fun city with a lot of great food and ways to keep travelers busy. However, it seems that so many international tourists choose to experience the city by visiting the Temple Bar.
Unfortunately, it's not a place where one can expect many Irish people to hang out and that's partially because the drinks cost twice what they would at other pubs. Reviewers also described the atmosphere as bogged down by heavy crowds and generally a "Disney version" of Ireland.
Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal
Although Portugal's Livraria Lello was once just a bookstore with some ambitious architecture, it became a major international tourist attraction after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling mentioned being inspired by the store's unique staircase. As a result, tourists pack into the store to take selfies but rarely by any actual books.
As the Driftyland blog expressed, this has left the shop to charge admission and the crowds made it hard even to peruse the store's inventory. The famous staircase is also now in much more terrible shape than this photo suggests. Although people find it hard to blame the owners for this, Livraria Lello is nonetheless considered a tourist trap.
Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Although open-top bus tours and some sites like Grauman's Chinese Theatre are worth checking out for those who happen to be in Hollywood, it's also true that visiting the area itself is far less essential during during a trip to Los Angeles than many might expect.
Despite the fact that the streets are dotted by stars with famous people's names on them, Hollywood is just a fairly average street in a a bustling American city. That means it tends to smell like urine and tourists are likely to be harassed by people dressed as cartoon characters or who are trying to sell their mixtapes.
Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
As Reader's Digest Australia described, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels once used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War are a fascinating and impressive sight to behold. However, what could have been a somber experience commemorating an incredibly destructive war has apparently been turned into a Disneyland-like experience.
The tunnels have been altered to fit larger tourists and the tour guides have been described as spouting carefully-worded propaganda. While some tourists may have fun at the shooting range that lets them try out period rifles, others may find that part of the exhibit to be in poor taste. Those expecting a serious historical experience are likely to find the presentation of the Cu Chi Tunnels tacky.
Chichen Itza, Tinúm, Mexico
Although the Chichen Itza pyramid of ancient Mayan origins is impressive to look at, the work of visiting it makes for a reportedly miserable experience. The remoteness of the ruins make them an ordeal to get to and visitors will be treated to a hot, overpriced, and overcrowded experience once they reach them.
As is often the case with wondrous global sites, visitors should also be prepared to be shouted at by aggressive vendors using high-pressure sales tactics. According to Reader's Digest Australia, the Uxmal ruinsd offer a better experience.
Gastown Steam Clock, Vancouver, Canada
Although Vancouver has generally experienced a sad addiction epidemic in recent years, the Gastown Steam Clock is a notable hotspot for those facing this problem. However, this apparently hasn't stopped enough tourists from regularly flocking to the area to take a picture of this steam clock that they routinely block all sidewalk access.
As they expressed on Reddit, some of the locals are baffled as to why this is. While it's mildly interesting to see a clock powered by steam, it turns out that this clock is only partially steam-powered. It's also known to play a little tune but it doesn't do this on any specific schedule.
Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota
Although Mount Rushmore always looks like an impressive and ambitious sculpture in photos, those who have actually visited the site reported that they didn't get the same experience in person. As it turns out, the Mount Rushmore monument doesn't take up as much of the mountain as it seems.
Indeed, visitors have to squint at Mount Rushmore from a viewing area that's surprisingly far away from the actual monument. Although there are certainly more expensive attractions than the $20 visitors are supposed to pay to access that viewing area, many still didn't consider the trip worth even that cost.
Château de Versailles, France
Although the famous Château de Versailles has a lot to offer people who are interested in French history or just want to explore a staggeringly ornate building, Rough Guides noted that the former royal palace was voted the world's eighth most overrated tourist attraction.
Part of this judgment concerns the heat and crowds present there, as well as widespread disappointment that the famous gardens of Versailles contain a lot more shrubs than flowers. Still, Rough Guides suggested that many of them would have a better experience if they arrived early in the morning.
Tulum, Mexico
As travel blogger Nomadic Matt described, Tulum was once a sleepy town with some beautiful beaches and scenic ancient ruins overlooking them. However, it seems that enough influencers and other well-to-do travelers have considered it a hidden gem to transform the town into a tourist trap.
Nomadic Matt mentioned that the streets are laden with potholes, jammed with traffic, and strewn with overpriced taxis. That word also described the hotels, restaurants, and other attractions there. However, it seemed that the self-important, out-of-touch micro-celebrities flocking to Tulum were the worst part of the experience for him.
Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
Although some British residents take pride in Big Ben, others often find it a little confusing that so many tourists make such a big deal out of what amounts to a giant bell sitting behind a big clock. Yes, Big Ben is the bell, not the tower.
However, even those who are enamored enough with the giant bell to see it will end up disappointed. While it is possible to tour Elizabeth Tower and actually see Big Ben, Mashable noted that this tour is only available to U.K. residents.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
When a structure becomes such an iconic and celebrated symbol of a major city, it's almost inevitable that it will become overblown over time. Indeed, Paris at large has such a distorted international reputation that there's a recognized mental condition characterized by the disillusionment tourists often experience when they arrive.
However, the consideration of the the Eiffel Tower as overrated doesn't just have to do with the crowds around it. Although they don't help, the fact of the matter is that it doesn't even give the best view of Paris. A much better view is achievable from the Arc de Triomphe, and tourists don't have to wait as long to get up to that view.
Museum Of Ice Cream, Singapore
Although the colorful play place that calls itself the Museum of Ice Cream is not exclusive to Singapore, it's nonetheless a part of the city that locals caution against visiting. Despite how it looks, the attraction isn't quite fun enough to be worth its surprisingly steep $45 price point.
As fun as it may look to play in a ball pit full of giant sprinkles, the ice cream available here is more cheaply made than it seems. That's also true of the attraction's installations, which feature a bouncy castle with an oddly low ceiling and concrete slides that drop users at 45 degree angles. Even this ball pit is more shallow than it seems.
Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium
In fairness to the lovely city of Brussels, its famous Manneken Pis statue was never meant to be a global tourist attraction. It's just a funny little statue by a fountain that appears to urinate. Somehow, however, that image became ubiquitous enough the statue has now attracted international attention.
Since the concept has since been done elsewhere throughout the world, the inexplicable attention the statue has received will make it seem overrated to anyone who bothers to visit it. Indeed, a common joke in Brussels holds that anyone who stands by it for long enough will learn how to say, "That's it?" in a dozen different languages.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Bali, Indonesia
Bali has more than a few lovely rice terraces with scenic, unique ridges but the Tegallalang Rice Terrace somehow ended up with the most international fame. According to Business Insider, however, it's not quite what flattering photos like this make it out to be.
That's because it seems more artificially enhanced than the others, which are larger than the terraces here. In addition to shops and cafés, there are also abandoned swings and little props strewn around. That makes it a nice place for a photo op, but anyone looking for unspoiled natural beauty may be disappointed.
La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain
Every year in late summer, the Spanish town of Bunol holds a unique festival that sees the streets crowded with excited revelers who throw low-quality, overripe tomatoes at each other. However, Reader's Digest Australia warned that not everyone finds the festivities as fun as they sound.
Part of the problem is Buno's narrow streets, which make it nearly impossible to move when those streets are full of people flinging tomatoes. It's also easy to underestimate how much those tomatoes hurt, as they hit hard enough to leave bruises and they're thrown from every direction. Also, all of that tomato juice burns after a while.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
According to Best Life, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is as scenic and peaceful as it appears here. The only catch is that anyone who actually wants to experience the tranquility will have to tour the grounds at about 5 am, since the crowds will already ruin the atmosphere by 8 am.
For those who aren't such extreme early risers, Best Life suggested seeking out a similar experience at a lesser-known temple like Kodaiji Temple. It's still in Kyoto and it still has a picturesque bamboo walkway, but it shouldn't have the same crowds.
Benidorm, Spain
Benidorm is famous for attracting a heavy concentration of tourists and expats from the U.K. and Germany. While they were likely drawn in by the town's scenic beaches, it's not exactly the place to go for those who want to experience Spain.
That's because Benidorm has largely been described as a concrete jungle that caters to the needs of British tourists rather than leaning on its own culture. So, not only are visitors more likely to find British pubs than the local cuisine, but the food and beverages (among other things) are almost guaranteed to be overpriced.
Santorini, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is famous for its picturesque coastline and its aesthetically pleasing white buildings. It's a lovely place to visit, but the unfortunate truth is that enough people know that to make the experience worse.
Since it's so scenic, Santorini is awash with people shoving and crowding each other in their quest to get the best shot of the place. According to Reader's Digest Australia, the island of Naxos is about as lovely as Santorini, only without the stress.
Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Admittedly, it's a unique experience to stay at a hotel where the beds and most of the walls are made of ice. However, it's also an experience that can be completed in a couple of hours for those who aren't staying there and it's in the middle of nowhere for those who are.
The ice hotel is also smaller and not as ornate as many people expect, and visibility of the surrounding area is close to zero during the winter. Although people also come to the Lapland area to see the northern lights and reindeer, the first of these attractions is hard to predict and the reindeer aren't enough to sustain a whole trip.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniem, Finland
Although many people have come away from the Santa Claus Village (since Santa is supposed to be Finnish) feeling as though it was a magical and wholesome experience, even the biggest fans of this place will admit you can experience everything in it within two days.
So, those who are making the trip up there should be prepared with the next leg of their journey. They should also be aware that everything from souvenirs to food is exceedingly overpriced here.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Taking aside the obligatory warning that nobody who visits this place is going to find the Loch Ness Monster, Reader's Digest Australia noted that it's not worth it to visit this specific lake for any other reason. There are many in Scotland that are just as lovely and don't require a 12-hour bus ride from Edinburgh to see.
After all, it's worth emphasizing that the voyage to Loch Ness amounts to spending an entire day on a bus just to look at one lake. Meanwhile, visitors to Loch Lomond can see much more scenery, take a boat ride, and visit Sterling Castle before the day is out.