These Tourist Traps Are So Bad…You’ll Love Them!
When planning a trip, you usually aim for iconic sights, right? But what about the infamous tourist traps that everyone complains about? Some places are famous for being disappointments, but they still have a strange charm. Here’s a rundown...
ShanonG
When planning a trip, you usually aim for iconic sights, right? But what about the infamous tourist traps that everyone complains about? Some places are famous for being disappointments, but they still have a strange charm. Here’s a rundown of the worst tourist attractions in the world and why they’re actually worth a visit.
1. Mona Lisa, Louvre Museum, Paris
Expectations: A life-changing encounter with a timeless masterpiece.
Reality: A small painting behind thick glass and a wall of smartphones.
Why Go Anyway: The crowd is part of the experience. You’ll have a story to tell about the time you squinted at the Mona Lisa from 20 feet away, and the Louvre’s other treasures make up for the chaos.
2. Times Square, New York City
Expectations: The heartbeat of the Big Apple.
Reality: A sea of tourists, flashing lights, and overpriced everything.
Why Go Anyway: It’s sensory overload in the best way. Go at night to feel the energy, grab a giant pretzel, and people-watch like a local. It’s chaos, but it’s New York chaos.
3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Expectations: A mysterious ancient wonder with mystical vibes.
Reality: A pile of rocks you can’t even get close to.
Why Go Anyway: The surrounding countryside is lovely, and the eerie, isolated setting does give off mystical vibes—if you use your imagination. Plus, the cheesy gift shop is a must-visit.
4. Manneken Pis, Brussels
Expectations: A grand, culturally significant fountain.
Reality: A tiny statue of a boy… peeing. Yes, really.
Why Go Anyway: It’s surprisingly endearing. The locals dress it up for holidays, and it’s a great way to break up a day of waffle-eating and beer-tasting.
5. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, LA
Expectations: Glamour, glitz, and celebrity sightings galore.
Reality: Stars on the sidewalk and questionable street performers.
Why Go Anyway: Embrace the tackiness. It’s a fun, weird experience, and you might just spot your favorite star’s name—or at least a very convincing Elvis impersonator.
6. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Expectations: An awe-inspiring architectural wonder.
Reality: A leaning building surrounded by tourists pretending to hold it up.
Why Go Anyway: The photo-op is part of the charm! The nearby square is beautiful, and the town itself has a lovely, laid-back vibe. Plus, it’s worth seeing how a building that tilted has survived centuries.
7. Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
Expectations: A historical landmark frozen in time.
Reality: A replica guardhouse with actors in costumes.
Why Go Anyway: It’s kitschy but fascinating. Learn about the Cold War, take a photo with a fake soldier, and appreciate how far Berlin has come. Also, the nearby museums are excellent.
8. The Blarney Stone, Ireland
Expectations: A magical stone that grants the gift of eloquence.
Reality: Kissing a rock that’s been slobbered on by countless others.
Why Go Anyway: The view from Blarney Castle is stunning, and kissing the stone makes for a great (albeit slightly gross) story. It’s a quirky Irish tradition, so why not lean into it?
9. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Expectations: A legendary lake harboring ancient monsters.
Reality: A quiet, beautiful lake with a highly elusive (read: nonexistent) creature.
Why Go Anyway: The Scottish Highlands are breathtaking, and Nessie hunting is oddly fun. Even if you don’t spot the monster, you’ll get some epic photos and a taste of Scottish folklore.
10. Juliet’s Balcony, Verona, Italy
Expectations: The romantic site of Shakespeare’s most famous scene.
Reality: A crowded balcony tied to a fictional story and a statue everyone touches for good luck.
Why Go Anyway: It’s a pilgrimage for Shakespeare fans, and Verona is an utterly charming town. Don’t expect romance—Romeo and Juliet never existed, but the vibes are real.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the world’s worst tourist attractions?
Some commonly criticized attractions are the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bourbon Street, the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Niagara Falls (especially the Canadian side), and the Four Corners Monument. These places often get labeled as “tourist traps” because they are crowded and overly commercialized, with pricey souvenir shops and attractions that some visitors find underwhelming.
Are the biggest tourist traps really that bad?
It depends on your expectations. Spots like Hollywood Boulevard, Pike Place Market, or the Space Needle often attract large crowds, overpriced restaurants, and street performers. Yet, they remain popular because they are part of the local culture, and some travelers find them worth visiting despite the hype.
Which tourist attractions are known for being disappointing?
Some of the most disappointing attractions include Plymouth Rock (often described as “just a rock”), the Southernmost Point in Key West, and Mount Rushmore. They are sometimes seen as underwhelming or too crowded, leaving disappointed travelers feeling like they didn’t get their money’s worth.
Are there any lesser-known, overrated tourist destinations?
The Gum Wall in Seattle, Wall Drug in South Dakota, and the International UFO Museum in New Mexico are smaller, lesser-known destinations often criticized for being overrated and not worth the detour.
Is Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco worth visiting despite its reputation?
Fisherman’s Wharf is a classic tourist destination, but it’s often called the biggest tourist trap in San Francisco. It’s crowded, attracts rats, and has tons of overpriced restaurants. However, the sea lions and the unique atmosphere can make it worth visiting at least once.
