Travelling should be exciting, with new places to explore and unique experiences to enjoy. Unfortunately, not every destination lives up to the hype. Sometimes, the reality can be quite underwhelming, leaving travellers feeling disappointed. These are 19 of the world’s most overrated tourist destinations, ranked.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
According to Britannica, the Leaning Tower of Pisa “is famous for the settling of its foundations, which caused it to lean 5.5 degrees,” and while this may be iconic, in person it can be a bit of a letdown. The tower is indeed leaning, but beyond that, the surrounding area is often packed with tourists, all trying to get the perfect photo.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame might seem like a glamorous spot to see the stars, but the reality is far less enchanting. Located in a rather gritty part of Los Angeles, the sidewalks are often crowded, dirty, and filled with street vendors trying to sell you souvenirs. The stars themselves, embedded in the pavement, can feel underwhelming.
The Mona Lisa in the Louvre
Seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre is a bucket-list item for many, but it often leaves visitors feeling disappointed. The painting is much smaller than most people expect, and it’s typically surrounded by a huge crowd of tourists, all trying to snap a photo. This makes it difficult to get a good look at the famous artwork or to appreciate it in any meaningful way.
Times Square
Times Square in New York City is often described as the “Crossroads of the World,” but it can be overwhelming and chaotic, thanks to the area always being packed with people, bright lights, and loud advertisements—which can be sensory overload for some. While it’s exciting to see in person, the constant barrage of noise can quickly become exhausting.
Stonehenge
One of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world is Stonehenge, but visiting it can be underwhelming. The stones are impressive, but they’re roped off, so you can’t get very close, and the visitor experience often involves a long walk from the parking lot or shuttle drop-off, only to find the stones smaller than you might expect.
The Little Mermaid Statue
Most people love Copenhagen and they all flock to see the Little Mermaid statue. It’s actually quite small and sits on a rock in the harbour, often surrounded by throngs of tourists trying to get a photo—and the setting itself isn’t particularly picturesque. It is a beloved symbol of the city, but it often leaves tourists scratching their heads.
The Pyramids of Giza
Undoubtedly one of the world’s most incredible ancient structures, the Pyramids of Giza can nonetheless be disappointing, as the area is swarmed with aggressive vendors and persistent camel owners, which can detract from the majesty of the pyramids. The proximity to modern development, including fast-food chains and busy roads, also ruins the sense of stepping back in time.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a monumental feat of engineering, but seeing it in person can be less impressive than expected. The faces of the four presidents carved into the mountain are certainly iconic, but they’re also smaller—and more distant—than many imagine. The surrounding tourist infrastructure, including gift shops and restaurants, can make the site feel commercialised, too.
The Blarney Stone
Famous for supposedly giving the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it, the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in Ireland has the reality of waiting in a long line to climb narrow, steep stairs, only to be hurried through the kissing process by staff. The stone itself is a bit grimy from the countless lips that have touched it, too.
The Great Wall of China
It is an architectural marvel, but the Great Wall of China can sometimes be a disappointment. Tthe sections of the wall that are accessible to tourists are often crowded, and vendors line the walkways. The long journey to get to the wall can also be exhausting, especially if the weather isn’t cooperative.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, but it can feel like a tourist trap, as the area is packed with souvenir shops, chain restaurants, and overpriced attractions. While the sea lions and waterfront views are nice, the overall experience can be underwhelming.
Loch Ness
The reality of Loch Ness in Scotland, famous for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, is much less exciting. The loch itself is beautiful, but it’s just a large body of water, and the chances of seeing anything unusual are slim. The surrounding area has capitalised on the monster myth, with many tourist attractions and gift shops, but they can feel gimmicky.
Santorini
Santorini in Greece is known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, but it can be overcrowded and overpriced. The island is often packed with tourists, especially during the peak season, making it hard to find a quiet spot to enjoy the views; and the high prices for food, accommodation, and activities can also be off-putting.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland may be famous for its geothermal spa, but it can feel overly commercialised; the high entrance fees and mandatory pre-booking can make it feel less like a natural wonder and more like an expensive tourist attraction. The lagoon itself can be crowded, and the water, while warm and milky blue, doesn’t always live up to the dreamy photos.
The White House
A must for tourists is visiting the White House in Washington, D.C., but it can be a disappointment. The building itself is smaller than many people expect, and security measures mean you can’t get very close. Tours are limited and need to be booked well in advance, and even then, they only cover a small part of the building.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, but getting there can be a gruelling journey, to say the least; the site is often crowded with tourists, which can detract from the sense of discovery and awe, too. The high altitude can also make the visit physically challenging.
The Colosseum
A symbol of the city’s ancient glory, the Colosseum in Rome can be a mixed experience, thanks to the enormous crowds, especially during the summer, making it hard to appreciate the grandeur of the structure. The surrounding area is filled with street vendors and tour guides vying for your attention, which can be overwhelming.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, but the area around it can feel a bit of a letdown. The falls themselves are spectacular, but the surrounding town is filled with tacky tourist attractions, casinos, and chain hotels; and the constant crowds and noise can make it hard to enjoy the natural beauty.
Versailles
Our final disappointing tourist destination is the Palace of Versailles in France; while it’s a stunning example of royal opulence, the experience of visiting can be less than regal. The palace and gardens are often extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season, making it hard to move through the rooms and appreciate the art and architecture.
