Tourist attractions are thrilling, but sometimes they’re not as great as everyone says. A lot of the popular attractions become too busy, or too expensive, or just less memorable in person. People arrive full of hopes and walk away wishing they had spent their time somewhere else. So if you’re going on a vacation and don’t want these disappointments, here’s a breakdown of the places that are often overrated. Here are 11 tourist attractions you might want to skip and some places to consider instead.
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Times Square, New York City
Times Square is one of the most visited places in New York, but it is always a crowded and overwhelming place. There’ll be big crowds, neon lights, and a ton of souvenir shops with over-priced items. Everyone comes in hopes to experience “real” New York, but it’s overly commercialized & crammed with traffic. For a truer NYC experience, you could explore Greenwich Village or Brooklyn.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
The stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame look cool — but the streets are jammed with tourist and tippers. Many of the stars are worn out & the setting is not as glamorous as one might imagine. Visitors can get let down by the lack of Hollywood glitz and massive crowds. If you want something more interesting, do a movie studio tour or go to Griffith Observatory where you can see the Hollywood sign.
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Venice Gondola Rides, Italy
A ride on a gondola through Venice’s canals is a tradition. However, it tends to be a super expensive and occasionally an underwhelming experience. There are lots of canals full of tourists, and the boat might feel like a pricey photo shoot rather than an adventure. For some visitors, walking around the city or taking a cheaper water taxi is the better way to discover Venice’s beauty without paying excessive prices and being overwhelmed by tourists.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids are gorgeous to see in photographs, but it is a different matter when you are actually there. This is a large area crowded with souvenir sellers hounding you to buy things, and some tourists even report being harassed. Further, the desert that surrounds is hot and uncomfortable to travel in and explore.
Niagara Falls, New York/Canada
Niagara Falls is a natural beauty. But its surrounding area is like a tourist maze. Casinos, fast food joints and gimmicky attractions are everywhere – it can feel too commodified. For most people, the lovely sights are drowned out by the noisy carnival-like atmosphere. You can instead try one of the lesser visited parks and trails surrounding the falls for a more peaceful experience.
Stonehenge, England
Although Stonehenge is a popular historic site, for some people, it seems a letdown. You’re not allowed near the rocks, which are roped off, and the viewing platform in general is often crowded. The tickets are very expensive, you can only go in there for a short period of time. Most people are disappointed by the experience. It is also worth a visit to other ancient England sites, such as Avebury, which is less crowd-crushed but offers a better glimpse of the past.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street is known for its nightlife and jazz. Sometimes it gets very busy and loud during Mardi Gras events. The street is packed with tourists and there are always pushy vendors and overpriced drinks. There are some who don’t think it’s a full expression of New Orleans culture and history. Visit some of the other corners of town, such as Frenchmen Street, to get more of the authentic New Orleans feeling.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an Instagram-favorite. However, after you’re in, there’s not much to do. Tourists crowd around the tower and snapping that famous “holding up the tower” photograph becomes more of a chore than a pleasure. Some tourists recommend other nearby Italian towns that are more historic and less touristy.
Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Las Vegas Strip is a world of neon lights, theme hotels and casinos. For some, it feels crowded and overly artificial. It is jammed with traffic, expensive performances and noise – not an enjoyable trip for anyone seeking a vacation. The Strip is fun but then it just gets tired. Visiting local parks and wilderness areas such as Red Rock Canyon could be more energizing away from the city life.
Blarney Stone, Ireland
Kissing the Blarney Stone is an iconic Irish tradition but one with queues and a climb up a narrow flight of stairs. At the stone, you have to bend backward to kiss it, which is not very fun. The process is more hassle than the average visitor sees, some fear germs. You might be able to spend more enjoyable and interesting time discovering Ireland’s great countryside and hidden castles.
The Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen
Although the Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights, it’s surprisingly small and most find it underwhelming. There are always crowds, and it is hard to get a decent look or photo of the statue. Many leave disappointed because the statue doesn’t do the fairy-tale magic they were looking for. Perhaps it would be more enjoyable to explore other areas of Copenhagen’s waterfront, or the city’s old towns.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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