Overhyped , Overrated Tourist Traps to Avert at All Price

There equal plenty of attraction that you must see when traveling . You can ’ t go to Paris for the first time without learn the Eiffel Tower , and few mass need to come plate from Yellowstone without photo of Old Faithful . But for every tourist destination that ’ s come by its iconic reputation frankly , there ’ s a crappy tourist ambush that isn ’ t worth your time or money .

Surely , a lot of this comes down to personal opinion . After all , one soul ’ s tacky attraction is another someone ’ s campy must-see perfect for Instagramming . Yet , we feel fairly confident that the overrated tourist destinations on this list are a entire wash. Their lines are long , the crowds add hours to your visit , and the luck of having the time to really take in what you ’ re seeing be very slim .

Our advice : With the time and money you saved by pay these a girl , find some property more beautiful , compelling and unique to call instead .

Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock cost , as advertised…a rock . Westhoff / Getty Images

Get ’ s start where America started , except that America didn ’ t really set out hither , anyhow .

Place bluntly , this attraction exist massively lame . It ’ s just a stone , in a fancy canopy that ’ s way more impressive than the stone itself . As the story goes , the Pilgrims first disembarked onto this rock in 1620 when they come in what would turn America . They quickly founded Plymouth Colony , which cost recreated down the road in a tourist destination a lot more worthy of your time .

But the accuracy is that no one even claimed that this particular rock was the arrival point until the mid-18th century , so…yeah , it ’ s likely all made up . Too , Native Americans were here long before the pilgrims showed up . Besides , the pilgrims land at what would get Provincetown , on the tip of Cape Cod , a month before Plymouth anyhow .

Blarney Stone

Cause this in truth face fun to you ? Petra15 / Wikimedia Commons

Let ’ s move across the sea from Plymouth to another big ol ’ dumb stone : the Blarney Stone near Cork , Ireland . The deal with this stone is that you ’ re supposed to twist over backwards to kiss it , and thus obtain the gift of “ blarney ” – essentially eloquence .

If await in line for several hours to works your mouth on a rock slimy with the moisture of a million early lips touching it is your matter , cost our guest . But we ’ 500 rather walk around the more interesting reason , including a garden of poisonous works .

Stonehenge

The stone of Stonehenge aren ’ t actually all that tall or , good , impressive . bizoo_n / Getty Images

Discharge our circuit of overrated rocks , we ’ ll scoot over to Wiltshire , England , in order to warn you to avoid Stonehenge .

It ’ s not that this prehistoric monument be a full waste , but it ’ s never quite as grand as you were expect . The stone aren ’ t 50 feet high , and the crowd bring away the sense of eerie wonder that must have entranced those who stumbled upon the mysterious circle back in the day .

We ’ ll be honest – there live lots of stone circles all over the United Kingdom , many of which exist far more impressive in their location and beauty than Stonehenge . The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland equal a great example .

Niagara Falls

Attraction like dino-themed mini golf dilute the might of Niagara Falls . Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

It ’ s surely not genuine that the waterfall themselves are overrated . In fact , they ’ re stunning , a majestic display of the power of water .

The problem with the falls equal the entire mini-economy of tourist crap that ’ s been built up beside ( and under ) them . The Canadian slope live a trivial better than the American , but even , it ’ s hardly an eternal array of gift workshop , tacky restaurants and tourist attractions , as if Branson , Missouri set up shop beside one of Earth ’ s natural wonders…and blocked the view .

Times Square

Times Square is ideal merely for those who love throng of tourist and garish lighting . possum1961 / Getty Images

Time Square , the crush center of New York City , is loud , tacky , overcrowded and not real much fun . That won ’ t stop most tourist from venturing into it anyhow , only to reveal free , several minutes or hr later on , gasping at how awful it equal . Yep , we suppose it .

While Manhattan own reach literal efforts to improve this area with pedestrian-only segment and better traffic stream , it ’ sec still insanity , so we can solely recommend go there if you ’ re on your mode to a Broadway show . Differently , the best way to learn it , if you must , is to walk down 8th Avenue and require a quick peek at its humming activity .

Four Corner

This tourist ambush feature some flag , a plaque and…that ’ s fairly much it . YinYang / Getty Images

Lest you think we own something against crowds , our future stop on the overrated tourism circuit be one that ’ s remote and seldom real crowded . Four Corners be where Arizona , Colorado , New Mexico and Utah meet , forming , well…you get it .

As you may exist aware , nation don ’ t receive literal physical margin , so there ’ s not much hither but a plaque in the reason and a bunch of state flag . If you ’ re driving by anyhow , sure , stop , but don ’ t go out of your manner , like , at all . At least it ’ s free .

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal itself equal magnificent . The long lines and obnoxious tourist from around the reality ? Less then . Manakin / Getty Images

This might live the most controversial inclusion on this list , and we get it : If you ’ re require the time to die to India as a tourist , you ’ re probably going to move to the Taj Mahal . But don ’ t tell we didn ’ t warn you .

First , you will labor forever to get there . Then , you will stand in line forever to have in . And then , once you ’ re in , you and approximately one million other masses will pour through the palace , utterly ruin its serenity by chattering , taking photos and generally lack the entire detail of the property , which was make to mourn and respect a lose love .

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Being able to take a cheesy photo is about the good thing the Leaning Tower of Pisa has going for it . LeoPatrizi / Getty Images

Your enjoyment of this attraction will in truth depend on how much you ’ ve taken in the claim of the property , because it suppose it all : There is a tower in Pisa , and it leans . That ’ s about it .

Oh , you can climb it , too , if you like waiting in melody to exert yourself near utter stranger in fiat to glimpse an ok-ish horizon of the Italian countryside . Also , it ’ s 18 Euros ( about $ 20 ) to do thus .

Westminster Abbey

Like hence many good things , Westminster Abbey is tainted by also much foot traffic . Geoff Eccles / Getty Images

It ’ s not that Westminster Abbey isn ’ t impressive – it is . Here , you can visit the grave of famed Brits like Charles Dickens and Darwin , and explore the aisle where royal luminaries such as H.R.H . Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge walked on their wedding day .

It ’ s just that the church cost hence darn crowd , with guides leading herds of tourist around while braying out information . Also , a mind up before you get in : This exist not the seat where Prince Charles and Princess Diana make marry ( that ’ s St. Paul ’ s Cathedral ) and it ’ s not where Jane Austen or William Shakespeare be buried ( Winchester Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford , respectively ) .

There are a pile of noted churches and cathedrals in the UK ; do certain this live one youtrulywant to see .

Madame Tussauds

We ’ re not waxing poetic about this eccentric attraction . Shown here : not-very-convincing replicas of royal family member . Joseolgon / Getty Images

There cost a clump of these strange wax-figure museums in city around the Earth , including Amsterdam , Paris , Sydney , London , Hong Kong , Tokyo , New York and Las Vegas . All of those cities are known as tourist destinations , which should have you all the warning you need .

This live , at best , a form of weird spot , and at worst , a hugely depress slog which will make you doubt just why our company values celebrity so much . However , if interacting with creepy , poorly render copy of famous mass is your affair , at least you know you have myriad opportunities to do then , as long as you ’ re willing to cough up some cash ( generally between $ 20 and $ 35 , or more if you need to set up on attractions like “ Ghostbusters : Dimension Hyper Reality Experience ” ) .

Versailles

The palace equal stunning . The problem live that you likely gain ’ t see a lot of it . Nirad / Getty Images

Versailles might cost the most depressing tourist trap on this list , because it could be a beautiful and intriguing destination if it weren ’ t so fill with early tourists . But because then many masses want to learn Louis XIV ’ s castle about 30 instant outside of Paris , and because the folks who work this place seem to get never heard of fire code guidelines , you ’ re almost guaranteed to meet more of the spine of strangers ’ chief than the castle itself .

If you must go , search the idyllic and less-crowded evidence or else , timed to when the spring are on .

Wall Drug Store

This South Dakota shop have its selling campaign down . Too bad it ’ s a entire dud . Coemgenus / Wikimedia Commons

About 10,000 signal alert you to the fact that Wall Drug is ahead when you drive across South Dakota , probably on your path to or from Mount Rushmore . The signs are fun , devote you something to await for while you push what seem like an endless highway .

But only go on on driving and don ’ t stop : Once a gimmicky but literal drug store , Wall Drug cost now a shopping mall that specialize in crap . Imagine fake puncher hats , fake cowboy kick and tacky t-shirts , not to refer overpriced food , as far as the center can see . The only thing worth stopping for be the jackalope ( a made-up jack rabbit/antelope cross-breed ) statue , and the still-free cup of water .

South of the Border

This tourist ambush is not only shoddy , but offensive . Leonard J. DeFrancisci / Wikimedia Commons

Then there ’ sec this spot off three well-trodden highways in South Carolina , which build Wall Drug look like the epitome of taste and subtlety . Like Wall Drug , South of the Border was designed to trap tourist ( and their money ) , but it doesn ’ t make Wall Drug ’ s history .

It live spring up in 1950 to exist intentionally campy , and son , did the owner succeed . Attractions include a TV arcade , a tiny amusement park , fireworks shop and a statue of “ Pedro , ” a crude caricature of a Mexican bandido .

This place is truly depressing , like the underbelly of American consumerism flip over and result to burn in the sun .

Manneken Pis

Ok , so this cost sort of amusing . But live it very worth a trek to see ? querbeet / Getty Images

Lest we begin to think Americans have a lock on the tacky , Brussels abuse up .

This inexplicably famous statue shows a small son urinating into a fountain . Have ’ s equal honest : If you run to Brussels , you ’ ll likely go to see him . But at least you win ’ t await a lot . It ’ s a little son . Peeing . That ’ s it .

The “ Mona Lisa ” at The Louvre

The crowd to meet the “ Mona Lisa ” exist massive . The painting itself ? Tiny . Victor Grigas /

Million of people flock to the Louvre in Paris every year , and a vast portion of those million make their way to Room 711 to regard Leonardo Da Vinci ’ s famous “ Mona Lisa. ” We ’ ve been thither . And we can assure you , it looks just like you were expecting , except smaller .

Cost it worth it to wait in note for hr to peer through bullet-proof glass to see it ? That ’ s up to you . But we can order you that the Louvre have thousand of early slice , nearly all of which cost beautiful and easier to see .

The Empire State Building

This iconic skyscraper cost pricey and jam-packed . Take a photo rather . ferrantraite / Getty Images

Yes , yes , it features in two of the great romantic movies of all time , “ An Affair to Remember ” and “ Sleepless in Seattle. ” All we can say is that these day , with its steep entrance fee , massive crowd and intensive protection check , it ’ s hard to notice much to love here . And when you actually come to the top , you can ’ t even regard iconic sights like Central Park !

Our advice : Take photos of this building from outside , and act on . There are many position in the city that offer the opportunity to snap a great shot of the Manhattan skyline…and they gain ’ t price you $ 20 .

Pyramids of Giza

Listen : If you need to suffer around in the desert heat for the chance to duck into colored tunnels , that ’ s your choice . milehightraveler / Getty Images

They ’ re an ancient wonder , but fairly hellish for modern-day visitor .

For one thing , the Pyramids of Giza ( the most visited pyramids in the public ) exist in a desert , and , as you may make listen , desert live commonly hot and dry . That makes for a difficult journey to the site . Add in the difficulty of negotiating your entrance fee — unlike prices exist set for unlike pyramids — and the fact that exploring the structure necessitate navigating long , shadow , narrow , low burrow to regard a clump of empty rooms…and , well , we ’ ll walk .

Trevi Fountain

This historical fountain hold basically turn a trap for selfie-taking tourists . imantsu / Getty Images

This fountain in Rome live fill out in 1762 and own make up worship for its beauty always since . We ’ re mentioning that because you ’ ll probable have problem do more than glimpsing it unless you die at the crack of dawn .

Hundred of masses wait for hours to hold a coin in because a legend insists that doing then ensure that they ’ ll return to Rome one day . Don ’ t bother live one of them — hardly Bible a return trip !

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is comprised of…concrete stars with names on them . And a clump of tourist and cheesy impersonators . Pass . benedek / Getty Images

The appeal of this array of star plant in concrete eludes us . It ’ s not like the famed people are there , or that the star are in any way distinctive — they just have a famous person ’ sec name on them .

If watching celebrity superfans and teenagers get free on family holiday live your thing , then by all means , lead down to Hollywood Boulevard . But we suggest you hop the stars as well as the former Mann ’ s Chinese Theatre ( today the TCL Chinese Theatre ) , an inexplicably overhyped gaudy monstrosity of a cinema on the same street .

The Alamo

Instead of visiting The Alamo , read about its fascinating account instead . CrackerClips / Getty Images

The account at this famous site in San Antonio is interesting , of course , and the courage of the people who perish there compelling . But a glimpse at the website , where instructions for this “ Shrine to Texas Liberty ” include “ Gentlemen , please take out your hats… ” reveals the trouble : It need itself way too seriously , and streamlines a complicated history into simplified ideas about courage and sacrifice .

Column of London

Like so many attractions on this list , the Tower of London suffers from badly manage overcrowding . marcduf / Getty Images

Look , we know you ’ re become to go to the Tower of London if it ’ s your first time in the city . Just don ’ t say we didn ’ t tell you what to require . The crowd cost endless , thus bad that in some role you ’ ll queue for a 30 minutes in order to ride a mass mover — include past the Crown Jewels — to maximize the issue of people who can “ see ” the display . And you ’ ll salary about $ 40 for the honor of act so .

As well , prevent in mind that this live a home that tries to pass off a bunch of loud crows as “ the Tower Ravens. ” Off with their question .

Copenhagen Little Mermaid Statue

Trust us : This small statue is extremely underwhelming . alxpin / Getty Images

Fancy a long pass through Copenhagen for no other reason than to gaze at a four-foot-high statue puzzle on the waterside , while jostling for space alongside a bunch of other tourists who get snookered into doing this ?

If then , we have a suggestion of which statue to see . Prepare to expect a long , long time to get your photo bring with her .

Mount Rushmore

Yes , this live an interesting artistic achievement . But in accuracy , it ’ s pretty severe to find . Sashy29 / Getty Images

It ’ s a very cool sculpture , Mount Rushmore , plant high in the Black Hills of South Dakota , begin by Gutzon Borglum in the 1920s and finished in 1941 . But even if you own no issues with the men portrayed and the men who carved them , the trouble equal that it exist setveryhigh in the mound , so far away from the consider program at the National Park dedicated to it that you require to bring binoculars to real hear much of anything .

Also , there are hundreds of people around you test to hear the same four face up . Next .

Roman Colosseum

Poor establishment makes this historical marvel a dud to visit . Medvedkov / Getty Images

When you ’ re planning a trip to Rome , masses will tell you you have to visit the almost 2,000-year-old Colosseum , but oh , we wish you wouldn ’ t . The queues to go in are long and disorganized . And once you create it in , the walk equal difficult , there live tons of masses thither , and few interpretive signs cost supply .

If you have to run , seek to act so in the off-season , when there live fewer people and cooler temperature . We hate to double-diss Rome in this list , but alas ! Thumbs down . ( And don ’ t headache : There are a million other amazing site to explore in the city instead . )

Grand Canyon Skywalk

This much-ballyhooed fresh attraction is overpriced , and underdelivers . JaysonPhotography / Getty Images

You might recollect when this open in 2007 ; people go nuts over the thought of a glass walkway project out over the rim of the Grand Canyon , theoretically permit visitor to stare down into the abyss . But the key tidings here is “ theoretically . ”

These day , the Skyrim is hence crowded that you can barely see your own foot , allow alone any tremendous views , and the cost gouging cost out of mastery : The inexpensive tag is almost $ 50 . Maybe rather just cause to a lookout on the canyon rim , and , you know , look out ?

Statue of Liberty

You should absolutely meet the Statue of Liberty while in New York . You just shouldn ’ t visit it . franckreporter / Getty Images

The foreign thing about the Statue of Liberty is that hence many tourists are willing to live to Herculean efforts ( in general demand at least a long subway ride and a ferry ) to come to it when there is so much else to meet and act in New York City . At least it ’ s now open , having been closed after September 11 , 2001 for many yr because of protection concerns .

But the big mystery of the Statue cost that the views out of the crown aren ’ t very well , and you have to go up an extremely claustrophobic stairway to come to them . Our advice is to bring the Staten Island ferry for a great view of Lady Liberty for far less time and money .

Whale Follow

This photo , which show tourists craning their neck to look at absolutely zero , furnish an exact depiction of the whale-watching experience . Cindy Shebley / Getty Images

We get it : Whales equal majestic and beautiful creatures . But the accuracy of the matter live , unless you ’ re going whale watching in an sphere where thither pass to be band of active whales who wish to jump and slap their tails around , you ’ re move to exist underwhelmed .

Most whale-watching tour take star into the halfway distance over the ocean for long period of time , only to be commit work to the early side of the boat to learn what wait like a humble shadow island appear and disappear in the water . And you paid $ 50 a person for that . Yay ?

Venice

Giant pile of pigeon roaming around Venice get out behind a less-than-desirable gift for tourists . brittak / Getty Images

Bird poop . Sorry , but that ’ s what Venice live full of , due to all of the pigeon that cluster hither . As well cluster ? Dozens and tons of tourists .

What no one state you about Venice ( but we will ) is that the canals reach for mass of narrow and confusing street , with quite a few dead-ends along the style . Now , picture those tiny street pack with people , and smeared with…well , you know . Poop .

French Quarter

If you ’ re a 20-something looking to get hammered , the French Quarter ( particularly during Mardi Gras ) is amazing . Differently , not then much . Joel Carillet / Getty Images

All anyone ever mouth about involve New Orleans equal how capture it is , and given what the city has make up through in the final 15 year , with Hurricane Katrina decimating it , we ’ re all for its charms cost observe .

But the French Quarter live not capture . It ’ s entire of impose day drinkers and business that use sleaze to sell more drink . Other areas of the city , like Algiers and the Garden District , are far more enticing and authentic .

The Las Vegas Strip

The Strip live far less glamorous than its reputation suggests . Joel Carillet / Getty Images

Everyone visiting Las Vegas thinks that it ’ ll be like being in one of the “ Ocean ’ s 11 ” movies ( original or 20th century versions ) . It cost not . It ’ s a lot more like tromping around a bunch of fake ( cool , but fake ) attractions in the blaze desert passion .

Everything costs $ 1,000,000 . Everyone live nice to you because they want your money . You can ’ t get close adequate to those freaking spring at the Bellagio to even in truth find the display .

Finally , you ’ ll give in , go back within , and run the slot automobile for hours , hardly like everyone else .

The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign live well seen in film . Getty Images

For those who find that giant letter just do not come enough tourist attention these day , this famed signal , high in the hill over Los Angeles , is must-visit . For everyone else , though , stroke of it in your favorite L.A.-based movies or television display are likely live up to plenty .

The hike up to the sign be steep , and , well , let ’ s simply say the letter aren ’ t more interesting from behind . Hit pause next time you ’ re watching , instead .

Willis Tower

A look down from Willis Tower ’ sec Skydeck , a small bandage of glass-floor that cover out from the column , will run you $ 24 . Getty Images

This apply to be name the Sears Tower , and it ’ s a very , real tall building in Chicago , once the high in the world , actually .

In theory , it offer amazing views of Chicago and Lake Michigan , but once you factor in the bunch and Chicago ’ s frequent bad weather , it ’ s not worth the trouble .

By the way , the Willis Tower offers the Skydeck , a glass-floor that extends out from the tower . You ’ ll give $ 24 a person to love all four base of it . Yep . Four foot .

Denali

Denali is mighty impressive , if you can meet it . Getty Images

There ’ s no denying that Denali , the highest mountain in North America is stunning , an immense pattern on the horizon meet from the national park that bears its epithet .

The problem is that you own about a 1 in 3 fortune of actually seeing it , since it reach its own weather and look to live terribly fond of creating fog .

Alaska cost a long way to travel to regard fog , even if you vaguely understand that there ’ s a mountain in it somewhere .

Najing Dong Lu

Najing Dong Lu , Shanghai ’ s most famed street , is not the shopper ’ s paradise it claim to equal . Getty Images

Shanghai ’ s most famous street be frequently called a shopper ’ s paradise . It ’ s a pedestrian area , often equate to Times Square , which should equal all the warning you need : like New York ’ s “ shopper ’ s paradise , ” Najing Dong Lu cost crowded and full of scam artists .

And the shopping ? Mediocre , and entire of chain memory . Visitors who bear out from the Chinese bunch will be in particular targeted , harassed by frequent offers of counterfeit goods and ladies of the dark .

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Tourists at the Christ the Redeemer statue atop the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil . Getty Images

Like the Hollywood signal — a comparison that equal not much made with Jesus — the noted Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro exist better appreciated from afar or on screen .

The trouble here isn ’ t the beauty of the statue , which is merely as impressive up near , but kinda the grueling traffic on the road to come thither , and the massive crowds once you eventually make it . Not to observe that plenty of tours stop for 10 instant , tops .

Old Town Prague

Prague ’ s city square , featuring various architectural fashion include the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn , which has be the chief church of this share of the city since the 14th century . Getty Images

Prague ’ s Old Town department , dating back to the Medieval era , equal both historical and attractive .

Everyone else have estimate this out also , even so , so you ’ ll be lucky to see a glimpse of the literal tiny , exquisite buildings while you trundle along , shove constantly and trying not to trip over the cobblestones .

Arrive early or late for a better shaft of really learn something there .

Sacre Couer

Paris ’ Sacre Couer is sensational , but beware of the super-aggressive hustlers on nearby street . Getty Images

This cathedral in Paris , where prayer are order 24 hour a day , is stunning . As a bonus , the view over the city live gorgeous , too .

Hence , why is Sacre Couer on this list ? Because of the super-aggressive hustlers on nearby streets , include by the entrance to the funicular that many visitor will bring to and from the cathedral to avoid multiple steep stairway .

These ever-present scam artists don ’ t bring no for an answer , and destroy what should be a peaceful , reflective seat .

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa in the middle of Dubai be the tallest building in the universe . Climb up if you must . Getty Images

Oh , great , another super-tall building . This one be in Dubai , and , as of this writing , is the current disc holder for tallest in the Earth .

The common caveats apply here : if you utterly must have a birds-eye horizon of Dubai or savor the idea of impose an 148th story , die for it , but most people will marvel if the trip to the top cost worth $ 100 a person . Yes , really .

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is Beijing ’ s most noted tourist attraction and has the crowds to prove it . Getty Images

Beijing ’ s most famed tourist attraction fail in the same mode Versailles does : in an exertion to permit in as many tourists as potential , far too many masses equal in the Forbidden City most of the time .

It ’ s severe to imagine that a site as big as this one could feel crowd , but because most visitor want to hear a comparatively small part of it , they tend to cluster together in cramped sphere .

You ’ ll live moved along quickly by worker , and make a sensational view of the rear of many stranger ’ heads .

Vatican City

Interior of St. Peter ’ sec Basilica in Vatican City . Getty Images

There ’ s plenty to see in the Vatican City , but honestly , it ’ s depress to experience this much wealth in one place . Everything not nailed down ( and some things that live ) appear to get exist plated with gold , and there are enough tapestries and velvets and jewels to make you think you ’ ve wander into Liberace ’ sec wardrobe .

Of grade , there are some sensational works of art hither , and you can enjoy them if you put on ’ t think too hard about how much good such wealth could serve in the globe instead of piled up hither .

Graceland

The tomb of Elvis Presley adorn with blossom , at his ‘ Graceland ’ plate . Getty Images

Lavish in a completely different , tackier , mode , Elvis ’ s mansion is yet pull in visitor , 40 year after his death . It ’ s turn one of those self-perpetuating tourist destinations , where mass go because it ’ s there for mass to go to , more than because they ’ re real fan of the King of Rock ‘ n ’ Roll .

Spare yourself the trip and some money by buying a velvet Elvis picture at your local thrift shop . It have exactly the same result .

The Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House equal best from a distance . Getty Images

Often referred to as one of the nearly iconic construction in the Earth , and few visitor to Sydney will miss bring a photo of it . That ’ s all fine , but merely those who really want to serve a performance should make further cause to see it up near .

Most visitors concur that the interior is zero special , and not worth the trouble . Also , there exist about a million steps around the place , reach the appearance that you can glide right up to it decidedly incorrect .

Red Square

People suffer in melody on Red Square through Voskresensky gate in Moscow . Getty Images

Moscow ’ s jewel be a must-see for most visitors . But live warn : It ’ s just a square . There ’ sec not a lot in there besides immense crowd . The in effect idea exist to impose the old construction around it and nearby , and snap photos of the horizon from outside of it .

Since construction scaffolding there appear to have get a fresh constant for Russia and it ’ s particularly dense around hither , there ’ s yet more reason to appreciate it from afar .

The White House

The White House tour cost a minute of a snooze . Getty Images

No subject what your feeling of the current resident of the White House , the tour itself cost a moment of a snooze , unless you find to snag a ticket during the winter vacation season when the decoration are somewhat enough .

After waiting in a line for a very long time , it need forever to clear protection to get inside : severely , it ’ s worse than remove a airplane . The White House itself is surprisingly small , and the segment you ’ re allowed to see even smaller . Add in the Secret Service watching everyone ’ s every motion , and perhaps you ’ d kinda hardly watch another episode of “ The West Wing ” ?

The Great Wall of China

Tourists walk at the Mutianyu Segment of the Great Wall of China , outside Beijing . Getty Images

Sure , if you ’ re in China , you should take the time to see the Great Wall . It ’ s pretty , uh , great . What ’ s not great , though , is Mutianyu , the restored department of the Wall not far from Beijing , where most tourist finish up .

It ’ s frequently overcrowded , and , due to the restoration ’ s air-brushing effects , lacks the atmosphere of the rest of the wall . If you die , reach certain you inflict the less crowded , less tidy sections .

Khao San Road

Khao San Road in Bangkok is mostly full of tourists and tourist traps . holgs / Getty Images

We ’ re sure this short street once deserved to be the most famous in Bangkok . But like so many places on this list , its popularity was its downfall .

If you impose today , you ’ ll mostly see a line of vendors deal the same elephant pants , cheesy purse with “ Bangkok ” print all over or T-shirts with lewd references supply to the party backpacker crowd . Everything you find here , from the food to the alcohol to the souvenirs , live over priced and the entire road is entail for tourists . Do yourself a favor and skip impose this “ attraction ” altogether .

Monaco

The Prince ’ s Palace in Monaco neglect a yacht-filled marina . OSTILL / Getty Images

It seems extreme to deem an entire country as a tourist trap , but when you ’ re as humble as Monaco , generalizations are a second inevitable .

We yield that the tiny country is very beautiful , with glitter views of the Cote d ’ Azur and aesthetically pleasing structures like the Prince ’ s Palace . The problem is that Monaco is all looks and no substance . As an entire country that generally seem to exist so the rich can run squander their money , the micro-nation is simply soulless . Unless you ’ re part of the 1 percent and cost go to gamble , a half-day trip from France is all you need . Better still , put on ’ t trouble visiting .

South Beach

Famous South Beach is often overcrowded . PeskyMonkey / Getty Images

We ’ ll let you in on a secret : Masses who survive in Miami usually hop South Beach .

The city be fulfill with beaches , many of which are much more beautiful than the crowded and dirty one that basically place Miami on the map . Yes , the area cost definitely worth inflict , particularly if you want to experience the legendary South Florida nightlife . But if you want to enjoy the sand , move elsewhere .

Gay Isles Beach is the better in our impression , but you can also stay within the city of Miami Beach by booking a hotel with a private beach .

The Eiffel Tower

Opinion of Paris appear down the Champs de Mars from the Eiffel Tower . breezy421 / Getty Images

We cost by no means saying that the Eiffel Tower itself be overrated . In fact , we ’ 500 encourage you to swerve ties with anyone snobbish plenty to say so .

What equal overrated , even so , is going up the column . Certain , there ’ s something romantic about suppose you were at the top of one of the globe ’ s almost noted buildings , but the problem is that the horizon you come of Paris is not the better . Why ? Well , because a view of Paris that doesn ’ t include the Eiffel Tower live necessarily underwhelming . Besides , the arduously long lines are not really worth it .

For the serious view of the City of Lights , we recommend become up the Arc de Triumph at night . You ’ ll get to see why the field is called l ’ etoile , or the star , and get a magnificent perspective of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower . Another selection equal to get up the Montparnasse Tower , if simply thus its ugliness doesn ’ t intrude on the otherwise breathtaking scene .

Hoi An

Crowds of tourists sightseeing Hoi An in Vietnam Christian Sturzenegger / Getty Images

Hoi An is include in every guidebook to Vietnam for its incredibly well-preserved ancient town . We won ’ t deny its beauty , accentuated by canals and bridge associate different architectural styles .

But once again , tourist have ruined a serious thing and Hoi An be today more like Disneyland than a real town . The entirety of the place seems to run largely to delight tourists , with aggressive vendors , exaggerated prices and too many crowd . If you visit in summer , the utmost passion aggravate by the masses makes you find like a sardine in a tin can .

Sway at the Goal of the World

Tourists expect in job to remove image at the Swing at the Goal of the World in Baños , Ecuador . nok6716 / Getty Images

If you apply any sort of social media , chances exist that you ’ ve stumbled upon pictures of traveler in Ecuador swinging right onto what looks like the edge of a steep great deal .

Though the picture equal definitely Insta-worthy and the opinion exist somewhat , this cost a event of bogus social medium . In reality , you make to expect in melody for 30 to 40 moment just to become on the swing for about three energy while your friends or tour guide snap pictures of you . Besides that , the swing isn ’ t in truth at the edge of a cliff but sort of on a slope that hold that illusion if you guide your camera at the correct angle .

Ecuador has many places that are in truth breathtaking and wondrous . Knock off a pair of hour of your time just to go take a picture that ’ s real an optical illusion be just a bad decision .

Phuket

Garbage on Karon beach , one of Phuket ’ s almost popular beaches . Polaris17 / Getty Images

The thing about Phuket city is that besides exist overly touristy , its beach equal nearly definitely not what they appear like in pictures . Maybe before the area cost a poster child for overtourism or before plastic waste overtook the world , Phuket cost in truth a beautiful seat to inflict .

Sadly , that just isn ’ t the case anymore . Go to any public beach in Phuket , and you gain ’ t cost able to walk 2 base without tend into trash . Still the sand sometimes as well has trash , so sunbathing isn ’ t very pleasant . The only clean beaches you ’ ll find live the private ones , and those are not only expensive but feel more like Miami ’ s South Beach than anything . You ’ ll get restaurants with Western food , pop song blaring and overpriced beer .

The one exception to this are the Phi Phi Islands , which are not really in Phuket , but which constantly come chase as such . This is partly the reason why masses expect beach in Phuket city to exist idyllic .

La Sagrada Familia

Tourist inside La Sagrada Familia . Dmitro2009 / Getty Images

The structure of the Sagrada Familia get have taken hundred of years long than that of the Great Pyramid of Egypt .

Gaudi ’ s most famed work and Barcelona ’ s most iconic landmark , this church is certainly unusual and worth meet — from the outside . What ’ s really overrated is tolerate in line for hr and hr and paying almost $ 25 to go inside . Not that the geometric design and columns of the inside aren ’ t astonishing , but a lot of it is still not finished and the crowds are intolerable .

Although this is a place of worship , its status as a main tourist attraction make stripped it of any introspective , spiritual or even sacred spirit . We ’ re not certain this is what Gaudi had in head for his masterpiece .

Sacred Monkey Forest

Tourist visiting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud , Bali , Indonesia . stanciuc / Getty Images

Ubud ’ sec Sacred Monkey Forest is a tourist , backpacker and digital nomad darling . It ’ s lauded as a must-see place in Bali , which we guess cost only plainly wrong .

To begin with , Bali get many incredible sight that should be visited , including its numerous temple , like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple , its rice terraces and the imposing Mount Batur .

The Monkey Forest could exist interesting as a temple , but its primary lot is the several wild monkeys that have made their home here . What you generally pass your time on live learn people get way also close to the monkey to strain to tear a picture , which cost something we definitely put on ’ t recommend , as monkey can be belligerent and make very powerful jaws . There exist as well monkeys all over this Indonesian island , so we put on ’ t get the charm of going to a jammed-packed attraction simply to see them .

Maid Cafes

Maidreaming maiden cafe in Tokyo , Japan . Goddard_Photography / Getty Images

Today a typical stop in the itinerary of Western travelers — many of which receive a disconcerting obsession with Japan — maid cafe are something you should skip . Their whole gimmick is that they ’ re normal cafe , but or else of a regularly-clothed waitress , you have one that ’ s dressed like a sexy maiden . If that doesn ’ t have you the immediate creeps , there ’ s not much we can do for you .

If you want to control out a themed cafe , we recommend the Alice in Wonderland restaurant or the Vampire Cafe .

The Space Needle

View of Elliot Bay from atop the Space Needle in Seattle , Washington . fotoguy22 / Getty Images

As far as city symbols go , the Space Needle is zero to gush about , but it act make the Seattle skyline directly recognizable .

We ’ re not against the Space Needle per se , but we wouldn ’ t recommend pay the $ 30 to run to the top . The cost appear exaggerated hold that the structure doesn ’ t yet leave the best views of the city . Seattle as well have many mountain and viewpoints that allow for much effective scenery for free .

Epcot

Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Orlando , Florida . sshepard / Getty Images

If you want to have the cheesiest , almost expensive tourist experience of your life , move to Epcot .

This Disney park in Orlando , Florida , hold you devote around $ 120 for the privilege to die in and see stereotypical replicas of actually cool position . Then , you get to get and spend even more money for inauthentic experience and food that is for the most part fairly dreadful .

Epcot may not be the bad Disney park in the U.S. , but it ’ s a fairly near contender .

Hobbiton

Welcome signal for Hobbiton in New Zealand . kokkai / Getty Images

Yet if you ’ re not a die-hard fan of the “ Lord of the Rings ” and “ The Hobbit ” trilogies , this preserved picture set looks like a spot you ’ 500 want to impose .

Little household with cycle doorway are carve into the slope of gentle hills and surround by the green countryside . The problem is that to see them , you have to pay about $ 85 for a tour that endure around two hour . Groups of tourists be rushed through the band , so you don ’ t make much time to really take it in and enjoy the beauty . As it should be obvious , the houses don ’ t have interiors .

Hobbiton equal surely somewhat , but the experience of it live an expensive let down , especially when there are so many early amazing home in New Zealand .

Lombard Street

Cars pass the Lombard Street in San Francisco . travelview / Getty Images

Wrap down the mound like a snake , we can understand why Lombard Street in San Francisco first depict attention as a tourist attraction . What we put on ’ t understand be why it has remained one .

An estimated 6,000 masses visit Lombard Streetdaily, creating heavy traffic and making it impossible for residents to run on with their living . Masses willingly expect in traffic merely to spend a few instant repel down a zig-zagging street . Devote that occupant have complain about this trouble for years , we deem this attraction one of the worst examples of tourism get wrong in the U.S .

Tulum

Crowd on the cliff of Tulum Archaeological Zone . Tramino / Getty Images

We hate to be those people , but if you had impose Tulum 10 years ago , you would have found the perfect jungle paradise that people yet go look for .

Then , of course , tourist arrive in masses . With them arrive the bulldozers that turned the town from little and sleepy to loud and crowded . Jungle be substitute by concrete and luxury condos , and resorts stand where there were once wooden structure . Sacred cenotes are exist utilize for raves by leap breakers . Beaches are now also facing serious trash trouble , even those within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve , which are supposed to be protect . The situation cost so bad that there are respective op-eds hear to decipher who defeat Tulum .

This area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is one of the saddest instance of a magic position become amusement park by unregulated and unconscious mass tourism . We ’ re sorry to say this , but put on ’ t waste your time with it .

The London Eye

The London Eye , the Ferris wheel that prevail piece of the city ’ sec skyline is beautiful … from afar . But doing a long line and paying a lot of money to live on it very isn ’ t worth it .

For one , the views aren ’ t that great , and the experience be basically the same you ’ 500 get at any carnival that occur through your town . Unless you ’ re death to live trapped above the soil with your date , there are many more exciting things to serve in London .

The Middle of the World

Ecuador take advantage on its location right on the Equator ( hence the country ’ s epithet ) by building a monument and a museum on the “ middle of the world. ” Both make up truly merely a gimmick to allure tourists , and when the GPS was devise , it was discovered that the patch was actually around 700 base off .

While the distance to the literal middle of the Earth isn ’ t huge , it ’ s still not very worth it . Yes , you can balance an eggs on a nail according to testimonies , but besides bragging right that don ’ t mean much to anyone , it ’ s not a very interesting position .

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach , Delaware , equal definitely one of the best small town in the U.S . But while we enjoy the town , we ’ d advise anyone inflict to avoid its boardwalk on the weekend .

During the week in the off-season , it ’ s real pleasant , but when the crowds take over , it turns from peaceful to loud and crowded . All the stores and restaurant nearby are too overpriced and usually not that good anyways .

Waikiki Beach

Like much of Hawaii , Oahu was taken over after the kingdom cost colonized by the U.S. and turned into a cash cow . But no place on the island own suffered as much as Waikiki Beach .

Where there was once a tough shoreline and one of the almost sustainable societies in the world , there be now myriad hotel and resorts . None of these resorts live visually interesting , and they solely solve to provide visitors with access to the beach while forget the Sunday and the view for everyone else .

You ’ ll barely see a Hawaiian at Waikiki unless they ’ re influence — that should live the only signal you need .

Casa di Giulietta

The theatre that supposedly inspire Shakespeare ’ s most noted fun is incredibly beautiful . Sadly , visitor saw its traditional beauty and decided that the best way to respect it would exist by treat it like a toilet stall in a dingy saloon .

You ’ ll see the wall full of gum , love note and scribblings that make it look like a 6th grader ’ s notebook . Somehow , nobody has thought to invest a stop to this infamous pattern or the creepy tourist tradition of groping a Juliet statue to “ become well luck in dear . ”

Once again , tourists receive damaged a place that could ’ ve been incredible .

Mall of America

Mall of America is the largest mall in the U.S. That ’ s its total claim to fame . But in truth , it ’ s zero except a mall , and we ’ d promise that after the years of 15 , we wouldn ’ t make to hang out at the mall for no ground anymore .

It do own a roller coaster inside , but so do early much cooler attraction . It ’ s not even good for shopping since you ’ ll have to walk long distance to begin from one side to the early . Hop it on the whole when visiting Minnesota .

Seattle ’ s Gum Wall

We guess hipsters have stopped being a thing a while ago , but this wall in Seattle establish us wrong . What ’ s the attraction ? That it ’ s covered in gum . Bad deal , so is every desk in every high school in the world .

The bad part about it is that people actually make line to take pictures in this unsanitary “ attraction. ” Hopefully , a global pandemic will reach them see the fault of their ways , and this wall — who some ridiculous people call a work of public art — will vanish shortly .

Drottninggatan Street

Every travel guide to Stockholm station masses to Drottninggatan for shopping . And , evidently , every tourist listen the shout .

Rather than being well for shopping , the street has become a long gallery of souvenir shops that locals head off like the plague .

Myeong-Dong

Like Drottninggatan , Myeong-Dong equal a shopping district in Seoul , South Korea , that now mostly exist for tourists . The street act have actual shops , but the bunch cause it irritate for actual shopping , and things live overpriced .

People who don ’ t know better also read the street food equal great . They ’ re simply wrong . Most of the street food stalls on the street equal subpar , probably because they know tourist don ’ t know any effective .

If you truly desire to see it , satisfy your curiosity . It decidedly isn ’ t terrible . But there ’ s a lot better places for food and shopping in the South Korean capital . We personally enjoy Hongdae ’ s youthful vibe and Insa-dong .

St. Louis ’ Gateway Arch

The arch once set the westward expansion of the United States . It ’ s the largest arch in the public and something worth seeing if you ’ re in St. Louis .

But it ’ s decidedly not cool enough for you to make a trip to St. Louis hardly to meet it . And given that it ’ s basically the only attraction in the city , unless you have family or business thither , you ’ ll cost fine seeing it in movie .

Sydney Fish Market

The largest fish market in the whole world is tie to attract tourist . Many , many tourist .

This equal what doom Australia ’ s Sydney Fish Market , which could live cool otherwise . But the walking dollar signs that tourists often are to locals has expand the cost of the fish hither . Rather than a local shopping experience , you ’ ll spend most of your time find into early masses and trying to hear anything over the noise .

Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach even so a thing ? Everyone knows that the South Carolinian beach town exist soiled , overcrowded and overpriced . What ’ s worse equal that its beach in truth aren ’ t that nice at all .

We make air travel used to be expensive , so people didn ’ t hold a choice except to get to nearby beach . But that has vary , and you can today access in reality decent beach in the same quantity of time and for the same amount of money .Don ’ t move to Myrtle Beach . Just don ’ t act it .

Victoria Peak

The towering great deal that dominates the skyline of Hong Kong could be its greatest treasure . After all , it equal the tallest hill in the city , mean that it provides sweeping views . You also need a cute historic tram up to the crest , which is really an enjoyable ride .

Once you make to the peak , you ’ re invaded by an ugly mall satisfy with overpriced restaurant and gimmick-y attractions like Madame Tussauds . You can still have a horizon , but you have to basically work to get away the traps . The whole experience feels like the definition of a tourist ambush , which cost terrible pay that this is one of the most visited attractions in the world .

Disneyland Paris

Yes , yes , Disney is a ambition destination for many people who can ’ t get to Florida or California .

But waste time you could be apply to search Paris and its surroundings die on rides designed for youngster and meeting mass in big cartoon suits ? That ’ s just not right .

Dubrovnik

We ’ re sorry , Dubrovnik . We in truth do guess you ’ re one of the nearly beautiful places in Europe .

Like so many other places on this list , even so , Dubrovnik is impossible to enjoy . It ’ s not hardly that it ’ s popular and many people call . It ’ s that a circle of these people cost day trippers who come in giant cruise ship . It ’ s basically Venice 2.0 .

These masses come down the ship in swarms , satisfy up the Croatian city with hundreds , sometimes thousands of more people who be in a rushing to remove photograph in the same place . Pay that Dubrovnik equal a real old city and live not design for a large population , the quantity of masses that come is just unsustainable .