Have you ever paid a hefty sum for an overcrowded tour at a bucket-list destination? Or stood in nightmarish queues for hours on end? Unfortunately, many acclaimed travel destinations are tourist traps in disguise. On your next holiday, side-step these overrated tourist attractions with our steer-clear list.
Based on a study by USA Today, we put together a list of the 10 most overrated tourist destinations in the world. Alongside, we mention alternatives to make the most of every penny and minute spent.
Most overrated tourist attractions vs. their underrated alternatives
1) ByWard Market, Ottawa, Canada
Once a buzzing hub of farm-to-table stalls, eclectic street art, and hip stores by local designers, Byward Market doesn’t quite live up to its reputation anymore. Online reviews bleat about the disorganised market space, excessively unsafe crowds, and filthy bylanes.
Alternative: Sparks Street Mall, Ottawa, Canada
Elevate your outdoor explorations with Sparks Street Mall. Located just one block south of Parliament Hill, this historic pedestrian site features lively restaurants, cosy bars, local boutiques, and exciting street performances. We recommend relishing a wholesome meal at Riviera, stopping for a pint at D’Arcy McGee’s, and shopping to your heart’s content from the various souvenir, craft, apparel, and gift shops.
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2) Peak Tram, Hong Kong
The Peak Tram is a popular funicular railway that takes both locals and tourists to the upper areas of Hong Kong. While its USP lies in offering splendid views of the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong, the upkeep doesn’t justify the demand. Lately, tourists have spoken about the painstaking crowd, lack of clear instructions from the staff, and long winding lines that often extend across the street.
Alternative: Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong
The Ngong Ping 360 is the first-of-its-kind cable car in Hong Kong. Its crystal clear cabins and glass bottoms ensure that passengers enjoy unobstructed views of sites like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. The cable car connects downtown Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island — where you can hop off and savour the Chinese character of the village. Here, you can indulge in delicious regional cuisine and pick some souvenirs. Don’t miss the Big Buddha — the world’s second-largest outdoor seated Buddha statue in bronze. It is only minutes away from the village and is worth the detour. You can also visit the century-old Po Ling Monastery, situated alongside the Buddha statue.
3) Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Another overrated tourist attraction is Wat Rong Khun, popularly known as the White Temple. Although it is one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Thailand, many who’ve paid the temple a visit suggest otherwise. The temple’s architecture is bedecked with kitsch and cartoon characters. The swarm of tourists, loud announcements, and being yelled at by the staff are other common complaints from tourists. A traveller even likened it to an amusement park.
Alternative: Wat Samphan Dragon Temple, Nakornpathon
Often called the ‘pink temple with a dragon around it’, this mystical destination is a hidden marvel in Thailand. Seven shrines precede the main 80-metre-tall building, each dedicated to a specific day of the week. The main building is ornamented with several Buddha idols and a dragon tunnel that leads you to the upper floors. The view from the top is surreal and is worth the climb. For added convenience, there is an elevator too.
4) Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie was the renowned border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. A reminder of the partition of Berlin, it was also the site for various escape attempts. However, tourists complain that the site lacks authentic information and is dotted with tacky souvenir shops. The restrooms, too, are substandard and mucky. An online review said, “For a site with such great historical relevance, the checkpoint is plain disrespectful.”
Alternative: TV Tower in Berlin
Instead, head to the TV Tower in Berlin. At 368 metres, it is Germany’s tallest building. There’s an observation platform and Sphere Bar at 203 metres, where you can savour the panoramic skyline while sipping on a bubbly cocktail. Additionally, there’s a gourmet restaurant at 207 metres, as well as the Berlin Odyssey, a virtual reality journey through nine centuries.
5) Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
This is yet another tourist hotspot turned bitter due to mismanaged crowds and poor upkeep. While the park houses the unique snow monkeys (in addition to other kinds), tourists complain of overcrowded groups flocking at once, making it harder to catch a glimpse of the monkey. Some reviews also raised concerns about the size of the pools, dry hot springs, and overpriced tickets.
Alternative: Setouchi – home to two national parks
One of the most underrated escapes from the city, Setouchi lets you unwind amidst two national parks — Setonaikai and Daisen-Oki. The islands and mountains of Setouchi have plenty to offer. Go cycling through the islands, ports, and industrial areas. Explore the Chichu Art Museum, and visit the shrines and fishing villages. See the Giant Salamander, which is also called a living dinosaur. You can even go hiking, meditate with the monks, and indulge in vegan feasts.
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6) Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features 60-foot faces of 4 great American Presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln — carved and sculpted into Mount Rushmore. However, the site has been highly commercialised with gift shops, ice cream stalls, and cafes. Some visitors have even commented about how it’s disappointingly smaller as compared to pictures, making it an overrated tourist attraction.
Alternative: Custer State Park, South Dakota
Stretching over 71,000 acres, the Custer State Park houses granite peaks, pristine mountain waters, and rolling grasslands. It also includes plentiful wildlife in the form of bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and much more. Here, you can partake in invigorating activities like fishing, biking, swimming, and camping, among others.
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7) Madame Tussauds New York, United States
One of the most popular wax museums in the world, Madame Tussauds New York is known to all. Bearing wax statues of renowned celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, and Jennifer Anniston, the museum has been a crowd-pleaser for years. But of late, people are calling it an overpriced tourist trap. The block-long queues add to the exasperating waiting time. Some reviews also mention how a few of the wax statues bear only a vague resemblance to the actual celebrity.
Alternative: Museum of Broadway, New York
Instead, head to the immersive and experiential Museum of Broadway. Internationally renowned artists, designers, and theatre historians unite to unravel the greatest moments in the history of Broadway. The overall experience includes a Map Room, Timeline, going behind the curtain and witnessing the Making of a Broadway Show, a special exhibit, a rehearsal studio, and a gift shop.
8) Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud, Indonesia
A nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, this destination lets you saunter freely among the monkeys. You can witness playful monkeys in their daily habitat, visit three temples, and enjoy the Balinese dance. But, tourists have dismissed the park noting how the monkeys outside the premises are just as entertaining. Some even compared it to an oversized zoo where the monkeys attempt to snatch your belongings. A few reviews also mention that there’s litter everywhere.
Alternative: Uluwatu temple
Perched on top of a cliff, this Balinese Hindu Sea Temple is a must-visit. Marvel at the archaeological remains, splendid views, and the beautiful Kecak performance that takes place every evening, from 6 pm to 7 pm. At the temple complex, you can interact freely with the long-tailed monkeys roaming along the cliff.
9) Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
The Guinness Storehouse offers a brewery experience of Ireland’s most famous export, the Guinness Beer. One can expect beer tastings and a rooftop bar to elevate the fun. However, tourists have complained about the absence of a factory tour or a real-life bottling process, with only videos on flashy displays. The bar, too, is always overcrowded and it’s hard to find a table. Others call out the poor ventilation and tag it a ‘big commercial’.
Alternative: Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin
Opened in 2015, this Irish Whiskey Distillery is the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. Open seven days a week, it takes the visitors through the complete whiskey-making process as well as a tasting session in the end. The Distillery also houses The Big Bang Bar and The Phoenix Cafe.
10) Dōtonbori, Osaka, Japan
Touted to be Japan’s prime tourist and nightlife area, Dōtonbori features giant 3D signboards, a Ferris wheel, a river cruise, and a slew of cafes to indulge in. However, tourists lament the long queues for selfies, littered bylanes, and dense crowds that make it hard to walk from one shop to another.
Alternative: Amerikamura, Osaka, Japan
Amerikamura redefines trendy — an entertainment street in its own right, it features fashion boutique stores, bars, restaurants, pubs, street performances, and even a park. Amerikamura leads the youth culture scene in the Kansai region, with live music, performances, intimate bars, hip-hop heads, and more.
Main and Feature Image Credit: Damiwee/Shutterstock
Related: These 7 Lesser-Known Destinations Have All The Fun Of Popular Summer Travel Spots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Why are these destinations considered overrated?
Some destinations are considered overrated tourist attractions because they do not live up to the hype. Often, they are overpriced, overcrowded and a letdown for tourists.
– Are there alternatives to the Great Wall of China that are less crowded?
To avoid the crowd at the Great Wall of China, you can skip Badaling (the busiest section of the wall), and go to Mutianyu instead. Additionally, we recommend getting there early. The ticket counter opens at 8 am, so, we suggest you arrive by 7.45 am.
– How can I avoid the crowds at popular tourist destinations?
You can avoid the crowds at popular tourist destinations by visiting early morning, or during the off-season.
– Are there any tourist destinations that are underrated and deserve more attention?
Yes, there are numerous tourist destinations that are underrated and should be on more itineraries. Some of these include Custer State Park (South Dakota), Teeling Whiskey Distillery (Dublin), Uluwatu Temple (Ubud), etc.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
