Times Square And Niagara Falls Are Among The Most Boring Tourist Attractions Around, But They Aren't The Only Ones
Times Square And Niagara Falls Are Among The Most Boring Tourist Attractions Around, But They Aren't The Only Ones
Tourist Destinations—Love Them or Hate Them
Tourists flock to popular sites like Niagara Falls or Hollywood Boulevard every year. It’s easy to see the appeal at first, but peeling the onion reveals just how overrun or downright unpleasant some of these spots can be.
1. The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)
Tourists remain split on the Eiffel Tower—some claim it’s a hideous tourist trap with nothing to offer and others vouch for its timeless appeal. Whichever side you fall on, this popular site remains one of the busiest attractions and is widely considered far too expensive. It is, however, something special when it lights up at night.
2. Statue of Liberty (New York, USA)
You’ve seen her on shirts and postcards. She’s graced the NYC skyline for decades now. However, not everyone thinks her eternal torch is worth it. Tourists constantly complain that they’ve been scammed, have to wait in long lines, and can find better views elsewhere.
3. Madame Tussauds (London, England)
Wax museums are cool when you’re younger, but adults often recognize them for the overrated tourist traps they are. Though you’ll probably see a neat rendition or two, most people don’t think spending money on creepy wax figures is worth it.
4. Hollywood Boulevard (Los Angeles, USA)
Los Angeles is expensive enough—home to beloved sites and endless boutiques, there’s no shortage of places to spend money. But there’s a reason Hollywood Boulevard was named one of the worst tourist traps around. Locals have steered clear of this crowded strip for years, perfectly fine to forego all the tchotchkes and high prices.
5. Checkpoint Charlie (Berlin, Germany)
History buffs flock to Checkpoint Charlie every year, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best site. Surrounded by souvenir shops and pricey restaurants, tour guides’ thorough explorations are often overrun with today’s tourists. The long lines don’t help the experience either.
6. Trevi Fountain (Rome, Italy)
There’s no shortage of historic sites throughout Rome, and Trevi Fountain boasts some gorgeous architecture. However, those photos online don’t encompass the flocks of tourists and wandering pickpockets. You’ll need to wade through a lot of frustration before you get to the front.
7. Royal Mile (Edinburgh, UK)
Oh, you thought Hollywood Blvd was bad? In 2023, the Royal Mile was voted the UK’s worst tourist trap by Casago, labeled a renowned destination that attracts about four million people annually. Locals aren’t happy about the soulless tourist traps either, claiming that the abundance of shops sullies the Mile’s good, historical name.
8. The CN Tower (Ontario, Canada)
If you ever find yourself in Toronto, you won’t miss the CN Tower. It’s a popular tourist attraction that provides great city views and rotating restaurants…and the costs eat your wallet alive. Sure, you can walk its edge or stand on the glass floor, but the entire place is crawling with tourists who had the same idea and you won’t leave the place without spending a few hundred dollars.
9. Fisherman’s Wharf (California, USA)
Fisherman’s Wharf has plenty to offer tourists—souvenirs, a day in the sun, and some of the freshest seafood around. That all sounds good, but you’ll have to brave overwhelming crowds to get your hands on anything. Don’t believe us? The site’s very own website claims at least twelve million tourists visit every year.
10. Louvre Museum (Paris, France)
We know it sounds crazy to warn you about museums, but with so many people crammed into the Louvre, you’ll be lucky to see anything. It’s a tourist attraction that summons millions of people each year, every one of them snapping photos of the Mona Lisa and standing directly in your line of sight. We can’t blame you for stopping by but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
11. Changing of the Guard (London, UK)
For some, Buckingham Palace is more than worth the wait. For others, standing in line for hours just to see soldiers in silly hats isn’t worth it. To make matters worse, the whole ceremony is about 45 minutes and you’ll need to line up real early to even get a good view.
12. Times Square (New York, USA)
Ah, Times Square, an overwhelming strip of…advertisements. It’s commonly touted as a must-see site, but this destination remains an overrated spot riddled with hundreds of thousands of people. It’s also littered with pricey chain restaurants and aggressive buskers looking to make a buck.
13. The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen, Denmark)
If statues are your thing, you probably feel obligated to visit Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. The thing is, there are better statues out there. There are better statues right in Denmark even! Locals already recognize this lackluster sight for what it is, but not everyone has caught on yet.
14. La Rambla (Barcelona, Spain)
When you think of Barcelona, you likely think of La Rambla. It’s a well-known tourist site lined with stunning greenery and all sorts of attractions like museums and shops. It sounds good on the surface, but this historic street is also cluttered with tourists, overpriced inauthentic food, and way too many pickpockets.
15. Las Vegas Strip (Nevada, USA)
Neon lights, mesmerizing shows, interesting hotels—there’s so much to see and do on the Las Vegas Strip! It’s appeared in movies and TV shows for years, typically displayed as a beloved tourist spot—but it’s not all water fountains and slot machines. From street performers and countless souvenir shops, it’s all too easy to lose money on the pageantry.
16. Stonehenge (Salisbury, UK)
Stonehenge seems fascinating at first. With all the lore and mystery around it, this site brings in millions of visitors every year. However, it’s not exactly as it appears once you get there. Like any popular tourist spot, these stones are overwhelmed by crowds and hefty prices that charge you just to (barely) see them.
17. Blue Lagoon (Grindavik, Iceland)
Don’t get us wrong, Iceland is worth the cost. Who wouldn’t want to spot the Northern Lights or spend a week among the idyllic scenery? But as it turns out, just about everyone wants that, which is exactly why Blue Lagoon isn’t worth it anymore. What was once an incredible sight is now jammed with tourists and hair-raising costs, and it doesn’t hold a candle to similar sites.
Vestman from Helsinki, Finland on Wikimedia
18. The Temple Bar (Dublin, Ireland)
There’s no shame in stopping at the Temple Bar. After all, it’s a unique experience and a must-visit site for tourists—a lot of tourists, though. Don’t be surprised to spend a pretty penny there before your trip’s up. The good news is that there’s plenty to see around the area if you decide to skip it.
Jo and Steve Turner on Wikimedia
19. Santa Monica Pier (California, USA)
You don’t need to visit the pier to see it. If crowds and questionable company aren’t your thing, you can always stroll along the beach or hop on a bike and get a good look from afar. Keeping your distance also ensures first-time visitors aren’t totally overwhelmed.
20. Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada)
The Falls themselves are pretty spectacular and we can’t deny nature’s beauty. We can, however, comment on every surrounding aspect. Between the museums, hotels, and restaurants, Niagara Falls knows it’s a tourist trap and you’ll spend every dollar to stay there.
