Everyone has a list of dream destinations they want to visit one day. From the greatest wonders of the world to the tourist destinations people see on every travel promotional, there are a number of places people have such high expectations that will eventually disappoint travelers.
There’s a reason travelers might not love these destinations while others are itching to get back. Every traveler is different and everyone is going to have their own personal preference, especially for the places that don’t live up to all the hype.
1. The Great Wall of China, Beijing
There are parts of the Great Wall of China that are very touristy and densely populated. People might expect the empty sections of the wall they see in promotional videos and photos but are shocked when they see the packed sections of the wall.
Experienced travelers suggest getting a taxi from the city to the Simitai section, where the wall is more authentic and the crowds are lower.
2. The Fountain of Youth, Florida
Travelers may think the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida, is underwhelming. The fountain is a fake cave with a pipe to fill a cup up with water. A lot of the park is a historical reenactment of the historical setting when the city of St. Augustine was explored by colonizers. People feel St. Augustine itself is worth visiting since it’s one of the oldest European settlements in the United States.
3. The Torture Museum, Amsterdam
Banners all over Amsterdam advertise the Torture Museum, and something about this dark, seedy museum pulls visitors in. Although the exhibits are informative and well organized, many travelers said it wasn’t worth the ticket price. Some say it’s really gory and depressing.
4. Juliet’s Balcony, Verona
Juliet’s Balcony, ostensibly from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in Verona, has let several travelers down. The tiny alleyway is often crowded, which makes it difficult to see the small balcony. Verona has a lot of other beautiful buildings and locations to visit, including the Arena of Verona and the Piazza delle Erbe.
5. Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, Las Vegas
The popular TV program Pawn Stars was filmed in Las Vegas, and travelers say going to the shop is 100% not worth the hype. The second-hand items are sometimes more expensive than buying them brand new, just for the honor of having purchased that item from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop from the show.
6. Hitler’s Typewriter, Alabama
This typewriter is on display in the Hall of History Museum in Bessemer, Alabama. Travelers have said it’s just a standard manual typewriter. Although many people travel to see this artifact of history, many others say it’s not worth the hype.
7. Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a fascinating area with a lot of historical attractions, including the Burial Hill Cemetery and the Pilgrim Hall Museum, which people rate highly. However, the infamous Plymouth Rock has been a letdown for some travelers. It’s really just a rock, and truthfully, nobody knows if it’s the actual rock from the tales of history.
8. Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico, is exciting during the UFO Festival, but travelers say it’s not worth the visit otherwise. Roswell is a small town and the many alien-themed shops give it a creepy atmosphere. If you’re a true UFO seeker, it might be worth the visit though.
9. The Museum of Ice Cream in New York
People who visited the Museum of Ice Cream said it was more of an Instagram gimmick than an experience. Travelers stopping by may hope to see how ice cream is made and sample it. However, they may be disappointed when all they get is a sample size of ice cream and a photo opportunity.
10. Glass Bridge, Grand Canyon National Park
Although beautiful, some people have said the glass bridge Skywalk attraction at the Grand Canyon is a rip-off. Tourists must pay for parking, take the bus to the attraction, and walk on the pretty small bridge. They’re not allowed to bring cameras or take pictures on their cellphones and must pay to have their photo taken on the bridge.
11. The Mona Lisa, The Louvre, Paris
Surprisingly, the Mona Lisa was also described as 100% not worth the hype. Although many people love visiting the Louvre and seeing the beautiful art pieces, many say the Mona Lisa is tiny and always surrounded by a crowd. It’s hard to get a good photo of a clear view of her.
12. Cadbury World, Birmingham, England
Cadbury World is an old Cadbury factory that looks and feels entirely run down. Visitors can walk down the corridors and see the machines through the glass windows, but no guides explain the different machines. Travelers report it was a real letdown. The place is pretty wacky, and includes a fun dark ride for the entire family, though some kids might find it a little spooky.
13. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture of four United States presidents carved into the side of a mountain. One traveler said the memorial looks exactly like it does in pictures, which was slightly disappointing. Others said it was smaller than they expected, and travelers to the area should prioritize Devil’s Tower instead.
14. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Travelers have said climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris is not worth the hype because guess what’s missing from your view of the Parisian skyline? The very iconic structure you’re on top of! They suggest going to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can capture that iconic shot of Paris with the Eiffel Tower.
15. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is beautiful when lit up at night. Unfortunately, tourists from all over agree, crowding the tree each night to see it and take photos with it. Travelers have said they couldn’t get close enough to the tree for photos, and it was a stressful experience all around.
