The Tokyo Tower won't be the most exciting or rewarding vacation destination in Japan for everyone. It's overrated for not giving you the bang for your buck. The observation deck and other tower attractions might add up to a significant expense. To add, some visitors might be let down by what they see from the observation deck.
Even though it is not as tall as the Tokyo Skytree, it provides a 360-degree panorama of the city. There are likely more original and real ways to see Tokyo than from atop the skyscraper. In the grand scheme of things, a vacation to Tokyo may not be enhanced by visiting the Tokyo Tower, nor is it expected to see. Mount Fuji however, is.
Along with Bondi Beach and the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge is among the most well-known sites in all of Sydney. It is also one of the city's most iconic structures. Although it appears to be a lot of fun, climbing the bridge will cost you a pretty penny. We're talking $260 or more.
Which is difficult to justify considering the fact that there are a lot of other, better ways to spend one's money. Instead of spending a significant amount of money to climb the bridge, you might take a relaxing ride on a ferry and take in the sights while you relax on the river, explore the oprah house, or ride horses though the kangaroo filled outback.
Big Buddha, or Tian Tian Buddha, is the most visited attraction in Hong Kong. While visiting the Big Buddha is interesting for a few moments, many visitors make the ascent up the 268 whopping steps for the stunning panorama of Lantau Island and the Po Lin Monastery to then simply sit. It is a sitting spot.
Moreover, the cheapest way to get from Hong Kong to Lantau is to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which is not cheap. There are dozens of islands in the vicinity of Hong Kong, each with its own gorgeous scenery, tropical beaches, and routes for exploring. Travel deep into the city, check out the night life, explore Victoria Peak, but avoid this tourist trap.
Its sophisticated skyscrapers, high-end boutiques, and cultural landmarks have made Downtown Dubai a tourist hotspot. It is home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest retail malls in the world. Tourists flock there from all over the world because of its fame.
It's billed as a must-see destination, but when you get there, it feels more like an amusement park under construction than anything else. The feeling is that you'll be moved from one tourist trap to another on a regular. It's more like throwing money down the drain than relaxing on vacation. There's so much more to see and do.
There are a few reasons why the Great Wall of China might be considered an overrated vacation destination. First, it can be extremely crowded, especially at popular sections like Badaling. This can make it difficult to fully appreciate the beauty and history of the wall. Second, the wall is quite long and spans many different regions of China, so it can be difficult to see all of it in just one trip.
Finally, the wall is often not well-maintained and can be in disrepair in some areas, which can be disappointing for visitors. Overall, while the Great Wall is certainly an impressive feat of human engineering and a significant cultural and historical landmark, it may not necessarily be the most enjoyable or fulfilling vacation destination for everyone.
The Everglades National Park isn't all it's cracked up to be. It’s kind of just a big swamp when you get down to the nitty-gritty. You'll probably see some wildlife, but chances are, you'll be eaten alive by mosquitos, too. Oh! And did we forget to mention all the alligators and crocodiles that are native to the Everglades? Yikes!
If you are looking for a good alternative to the Everglades, there are about 10 other national parks to explore, both natural and historical wonders. For instance, there's the Fort Matanzas National Monument, the site of an old Spanish fort, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. These are just some of the wonders to explore in tropical Florida.
No one wants to deal with crowds, so why would anyone go on a cruise where you'll be surrounded by strangers galore? The only real escape you'll have is locking yourself in your room, which would kinda suck. On top of that, cruises aren't cheap – especially the "all-inclusive ones." The only hope is that you'll get some good food, but that's honestly doubtful.
The last sad thing about a cruise? You won't get the full experience of visiting another country...assuming that's the type of cruise you chose. Most stop very briefly, and that only gives you time to see the locations that are extra touristy and extra expensive. Your best bet is just going wherever you want to go without paying for any "package."
There's no denying that Disney creates great themed attractions, but you'll spend most of your hard-earned vacation time standing in line or trying to wind your way through a sea of strollers. You'll also spend a lot of money for the privilege. Why spend all that money when your kids would have just as much fun camping?
The worst part about this is that there isn't another option. Disney World is the best theme park in the whole country. Your best bet is to try and schedule your vacation during the "off" season. It's hard to find one for Disney World, but there's a week or two you can choose out of the year.
Stonehenge isn’t a complete bust--there’s something delightfully creepy and almost sacred about this old pile of rocks. But most visitors to the site are expecting to see towering, imposing pillars of stone. The reality may be far more disappointing and not as marvelous as it is often built up to be.
In reality, the tallest of the stones are just 30 feet, and you can't get up close. There's a rope surrounding Stonehenge to prevent people from getting too close. This means it looks even smaller than it is! There are plenty of places to visit in England, so don't make this one your priority is all we are saying.
Whether you’re a believer in the always-elusive Nessie or not, Loch Ness is likely to disappoint. The views are spectacular, no doubt, but in a country that’s basically one big spectacular view, that’s not saying much. One thing no one tells you is that the lake is quite a drive from any major metropolitan area, your time in Scotland could be better spent.
And let's face it: if there were any real chance of seeing the Loch Ness monster, there would be some hard photograph proof by now. We aren't saying he (or she) doesn't exist, but maybe it went somewhere else. There's plenty of beautiful scenery to take in, so maybe spend more time exploring and less time chasing a dream.
Besides the story, this bell is a tourist trap that draws people to Philadelphia from all across the US, only to leave disappointed. You’ll definitely enjoy touring Independence Hall more, which is located right across the street from the famous bell, so the trip isn't a total loss. Once you've seen the bell for 10 seconds, it becomes pretty forgettable.
If anything, it's something you see just to say you've seen it. However, if you are just going to see the bell to learn more about it – well, here's what you should know. The bell was once located in the steeple of Independence Hall and was commissioned back in 1752. The famous crack in the bell occurred after its first ringing. It was recast twice thereafter.
The likenesses may be striking and may offer a plethora of celebrity models, but the wax figures range from eerie to downright creepy. Then there are some that don't look so great and are more laughable than anything. It's honestly hard to walk into Madame Tussaud's and not feel extremely uncomfortable.
If you want to see some actual celebrities, you might want to resort to stalking them like normal people. Get on a TMZ tour bus and go in search of the real people in their natural habitat. Who knows what celebrities you'll find! Or you could just walk around casually because it's highly likely you'll run into someone famous.
If it’s a view of the city you're after, just go to Kerry Park. The view is okay, but Washington state has so many beautiful places that the Space Needle pales in comparison. The best part is honestly the elevator ride, and that says a lot about the attraction. If you plan to eat at the restaurant located in the tower, expect to pay a hefty price, even if all you order is a hamburger.
For a completely different experience, try the Underground History tour or a walk through Mount Rainier. Washington has a ton of beautiful sites to experience and the city of Seattle offers a unique culture. Also, be sure to swing by the Pike Place Market for some trinkets and great food. There's no telling what you'll find there!
While the battle of the Alamo is an important one to remember, this landmark is more than forgettable. At this point, the city has been so overrun that it is just a collection of stone buildings across the street from a Jimmy John’s. You certainly won't feel immersed in history there.
However, ask any trueborn Texan, and they’ll tell you that the Alamo is totally worth the trip. The Alamo, of course, has historical significance as the spot of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution. Defeated by the Mexican army, many Texans were slaughtered and would seek revenge against Mexican General Santa Anna not long after.
It may boast of being open since 1742, but this market in Boston has nothing historic left to offer. It's full of souvenirs, food vendors, bars, and tourists. Most locals avoid it at all costs. Luckily, there are other attractions in Boston. Don't go to Boston for this, but do check out Boston's many historic sites.
There are many other things to do in Boston, such as exploring the Freedom Trail or taking a walk on one of the ships where the Boston Tea Party took place. Boston is the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, a gravesite for many historical figures, and the first bookstore in the United States, which is sadly a Chipotle now.
This vast stone carving of presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln in Keystone, SD is a huge draw, but it looks smaller and less impressive from the viewing platform than you'd expect. If you've seen a picture of the monument, you've seen all there is to see at this monument.
Your vacation time would be much better spent exploring the rest of the Black Hills, the nearby Badlands, or Wyoming’s Devils Tower. The natural wonders of the world are a whole lot more interesting than some manmade carving that isn't even that old. No need to rush to Mouth Rushmore.
Like all halls of fame, the focus is on an overview of the past with an occasional nod to the more recent. Also, this hall seems to include some music that may not exactly be rock & roll. About the only reason to go there is to see the live acts that swing by every so often.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, if you don't know, is a museum that documents the history of rock and roll, including the music itself, the artists, engineers, and producers that are a part of it. Only those with the most influence are inducted into the Hall of Fame, so it's an honor, but not a surprise when you see someone's name there.
Known as the live music capital of the world, Sixth Street is in Austin, Texas—the 11th most populated city in the U.S. In spite of the city's wide-reaching sprawl, the entertainment center is small, and more often than not, it's filled with students drinking their way through the city.
If Austin is a must-see destination for you, there are more than 30 other family-friendly attractions around the city for you to enjoy. For one, Austin is famous for its food, offering a rich food culture and cocktail scene. There are plenty of museums and recreational outdoor activities to enjoy.
Christ the Redeemer is easily Rio de Janeiro's most iconic landmark. The giant Jesus statue sees millions of visitors every year, but don't expect a divine experience when you get there. Sitting on top of a mountain, you have a couple of ways of getting up there: on foot or by riding the Trem do Corcovado.
If you go on foot, make sure to go in a cooler month because the average temperature is well into the 80s. Alternatively, you could take the ride up the mountain....for $20. That's not a small sum. Then, when you finally get to the top (whichever way), there's a line. The line takes a while, so it's more waiting than seeing. If you do really want to go, go during the week when the crowds are much smaller.
A walk down this famous street in New Orleans through a crowd of reveling tourists looking for jazz and entertainment can be fun at first, but it's a pretty big tourist trap. If you’re looking for a truly historic music joint, you won’t find it on Bourbon. Most of the establishments are overpriced clubs or piano bars that encourage nothing more than binge drinking.
The allowance of open containers is unique, but you soon realize why it’s not an everywhere occurrence. There's a ton of litter, so let's talk about where to go instead: The French Quarter. Specifically, Jackson Square. There's almost always a street performer that will blow your mind.
Islands always sound exotic, but this one southwest of LA is surrounded by cold water with no real beach. You can ride around in a golf cart, play a round of golf, or visit a casino. That's about it. If you want a truly relaxing vacation that's somewhere a little warmer, think more tropical.
In addition, this place isn't inexpensive! Just to get to the island and booking your room will cost at least $250 for one night. That’s a lot of money for not much to do. You can easily plan a more affordable vacation to somewhere like Negril, if you plan ahead and go during the off-season.
There may be a lot of history attached, but this is just a rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts. If you want to travel to the area to experience history, try the living history museum at Plymouth Plantation. You'll find an exhibit of the settlement of Plymouth Colony. Other than that, there is not much to see.
Also, close by sits The Mayflower II, a replica of the original Mayflower ship. Visitors can climb aboard and explore, trying to envision what life was like onboard. It's still not the real thing, of course, because that ship is long gone – but you can't really expect otherwise. Boats just don't last that long - sorry ships.
This city is all glitz and very little glamour. If you like constant lights, noise, and activity, Las Vegas is a dream. However, it doesn't make for a relaxing vacation. You may just go home exhausted and with less money in the bank. Sure, most vacations end up with less money in the bank, but at least most people feel rested afterward.
Believe us, if you can’t afford one of the more expensive hotels on the strip, off-the-strip there’s no glitz or glamour! The streets are filled with people handing out provocative business cards, public drinking, and all sorts of stuff that will make you want to leave. The food off-the-strip also leaves much to be desired.
There's no need to drive all the way down to Key West, Florida for a touristy train tour ride when you can have a luxurious upscale experience at a resort in a quiet village-like Islamorada. Plus, if you grab a taxi ride to Miami, you might just share it with an iguana.
Besides, without many family-friendly (or singles options), there isn’t much to enjoy in the quaint retirement village. There are a ton of tourist gift trap shops, t-shirt shops, jewelry stores, and "art galleries," among other things. So, if you are looking for a relaxing tropical environment with a small-town feel, you might want to try something like St. Armands, Florida.
This 1.8-mile stretch of road may have once been authentic, but now, it is just a good way for tourists to get sloshed. Located in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, Beale Street is filled with cheap bars, cheap hotels, and noisy clubs. That being said, some of the drinks the bartenders are pretty good!
However, if Beale Street is a must-see for your family vacation, we advise that all family members below the age of 21 visit this street during the daytime only. Things can get unruly, and there's not much for a kid to enjoy in terms of nightlife. Overall though, Graceland would probably be a better place to spend your time with family.
Because there aren’t any tours of The Painted Ladies, all you can really do is look at them. If that's what you want to do, then awesome! Unfortunately, it's no different than just watching the intro of Full House. They look exactly the same, and the worst part is that you won't see John Stamos there.
Being a fan of Full House may be the draw for you, however, and the house is still there for you to take fun family photos in front of. It's hard to be sure just how many people come to visit themes homes, considering there aren't tickets or anything, but if that's on your bucket list, at least you're close to plenty of other fun stuff to do!
The main problem with this tourist trap is in the name. Because it's underground, it's harder to police and much harder to keep patrons and shop owners safe. Underground Atlanta offers an entertainment district and shopping mall and is currently in the process of renovation. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
If Atlanta is your vacation destination, may we suggest a walk around historical Centennial Park, Martin Luther King Jr.'s gravesite, or a tour around the Coca-Cola Factory? There are plenty of other things to experience in Atlanta as well, such as a lively art and music scene, and festivals held throughout the year.
The Pyramids of Giza are another one of those destinations that sound great on paper. Timeless artifacts, human achievement, and everything an attraction could have – what’s not to love? However, when you factor in the massive crowds, the desire to experience history for yourself begins to wane. It's all become a tourist trap at this point. Nothing says "history" like eating Pizza Hut while looking at some pyramids.
If you really want to experience ancient Egyptian pyramids yourself, you should check out Dahshur. The pyramid field in Dahshur has been integral to understanding the ancient Egyptians and their pyramid building as it contains some of the most well-preserved pyramids in the country. The Red Pyramid located there is the third-largest.
The Sacred Monkey Forest of Bali is one of the biggest wastes of time. The crowded monkey spectacle is overwhelmed by flocks of tourists scrambling to feed monkeys and get a selfie with a monkey. It's like a glorified money petting zoo, and it’s a totally cheap experience overall.
The monkeys in the park act nothing as they do in the wild because they are so used to being around people. So much so, in fact, that they don't mind getting a little aggressive. If you want to see some monkeys in a more natural environment, you can find them all over Bali.
Champs Élysées is one of the most popular spots in Paris. Many will recommend this location for its iconic shopping avenue but really it's just a glorified outdoor mall. The stretch is about 1.2 miles and includes stores like Adidas and Louis Vuitton. You'll also see a Starbuck and a McDonald's – so really, not that unique of an experience.
If you want a more exciting shopping experience, you need to check out Saint-Germain-des-Près. This area features the finest cafes, bookstores, one of the oldest churches in Paris, and some chic stores. If you want a more authentic and less commercialized Paris experience, then Saint-Germain-des-Près is the place to be.
Atlantic City was once a booming town with a lively culture and a whole lot of fun – but that was like 100 years ago. You may be into the historical aspect, but the town doesn't look anything like it once did. It's also not anything like Las Vegas either.
Other than the casinos in Atlantic City, there is not much else to do. If you want a fun Atlantic City experience, watch the show Boardwalk Empire. Many have found the modern-day Atlantic city to be lacking in cleanliness and safety. Crimes including theft and harassment are just another day on the boardwalk.
Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove might seem like the perfect nature walk but it is anything but. You'll often see pictures of the grove looking pristine, peaceful, and quiet. However, the reality is the complete opposite thanks to waves of crowds that come to the spot. Unless you are there early in the morning, you are going to have to face the typical tourist crowds.
If you want to have a better time where you may perhaps have the opportunity to meditate, check out the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. The bamboo forest is smaller but nonetheless breathtaking. There are fewer people and better photo opportunities here than at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Plus, you can check out the Buddhist temple situated there.
Lombard Street is one of the most iconic locations in San Francisco. The zig-zag-shaped street is a steep road with eight sharp turns. It makes for a great photo opportunity, even if it's not that fun to drive on. The unique road is surrounded by beautiful mansions, gardens, and views of the bay.
Sure, there is a lot to see, but the views are a lot less amazing when there are tons of people there doing the same thing – everyone wants the best view. If you like taking pictures, expect to be waiting around quite a bit as people pass by. This is particularly a problem with Lombard Street. You'd be better off checking out Pacific Heights.
De Wallen is a well-known Red Light District and tourist hotspot. There you'll find legalized prostitution, sex shops, coffee shops that sell marijuana, and all sorts of other "family-friendly" activities. Now that the sarcasm is out of the way, we'll say that the area is a little unclean, rowdy, and not really a good spot for a peaceful vacation by any means.
If you really want to go somewhere interesting, Amsterdam offers a lot more to explore. For one, you can check out the Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank House, and other interesting art museums. Check out Dam Square or Vondelpark. There's a whole lot more to do in Amsterdam that you can actually tell your friends and family when you get back.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was one of the most successful film franchises of all time, beloved for its epic storytelling, gorgeous cinematography, and spectacular special effects. The sets in the film truly transported you into another world, none more so than the Hobbiton sets in New Zealand.
At Hobbiton, Zealand you can visit replicas of the Hobbiton set in the very location where the films were made. However, there's bad news. You can't go inside, so you'll just be looking at Hobbit doors the whole time. This easily makes it one of the most overrated tourists spots in the country...unless you're a hardcore fan.
The Guinness Storehouse might seem like a good idea for those who love their Irish beer, but ultimately, the Guinness Storehouse is an overrated disappointment. The tourist attraction is a seven-floor building that features various exhibits that teach about beermaking and a pint of Guinness is included with the price of admission.
None of that makes it worth your money, because there's plenty of info out there pertaining to how beer is made. If you want to have the quintessential Irish experience, go to a real pub with some locals and grab a pint there. It is going to cost you a lot less money and you don't have to walk seven floors just to get a beer. You'll also probably have a much better time.
Ko Phi Phi is another place that in pictures looks great. It's got crystal-clear blue waters, limestone cliffs, and gorgeous plant life. However, since Ko Phi Phi was made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio's film, The Beach, the area has become a tourist hotspot that should be avoided at all costs.
Once peaceful and serene, the area has become commercialized with hotels, boathouses, and everything else you want to avoid, to get away from it all. Even the water has become a polluted mess thanks to the trash and motor oil. The area is even wearing down due to the number of people that visit. Instead, check out other locations in Thailand like Koh Kradan.
Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular spots in Hawaii, and it's also one of the most unpleasant. The crowds at the beach are ridiculous and remove any possibility of relaxation. If we're frank, you'll spend most of the time just trying to find a clear spot to sit in the sun. It's not easy, and the good spots are always taken.
On top of all this, people play loud music, there's an extensive population of homeless people, and the area is overly commercialized. If you are looking for a better spot to lay in the sun, you might want to consider a more tranquil beach like Lanikai or Ala Moana Beach Park.
Many people come to Iceland just to see the Blue Lagoon, but that's hardly the best reason to go. If you don't know what it is, it’s a geothermal spa located near Grindavík. The water temperature is naturally heated thanks to geothermal power and reaches temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The lagoon itself, however, is man-made.
Besides the fact that it's not even a fully-natural wonder, the area can get overcrowded and the water can be unsafe at times because of dangerously high pH levels. Add to this the fact that it costs €45 for entry in the summer and another €45 for a ticket. That's right, you're charged twice. It's easy to see all too quickly how much you are overpaying for the experience.
Boulder Beach is another location that is just a glorified zoo. You'll have to pay to see penguins there because there's an entrance fee. After you've paid your fee to see some penguins up close, you'll realize that you can't actually get that close. You'll have to view the penguins from a paved boardwalk and somehow get past people trying to take the same picture as you.
It's better for the penguins because people can't bother them, but that doesn't change the fact people throw food and other items at them. It's pretty heartbreaking. However, if you go to Seaforth, a little ways away, you can see penguins without crowds and not have to pay any fees. Win/win!
If the statue were actually located at the top of those 72 famous stairs in Philadelphia, it might make us feel better about running up to it with that "Gonna' Fly Now" song playing in our heads. However, you'll find this destination ultimately disappointing because the statue isn't there.
Running up the 72 steps to the statue at the Philadelphia Art Museum used to be a tradition, however, the statue was moved because officials decided that it wasn’t art. How rude! Now, it's in just some random place that you'll probably have a hard time even finding. Nobody dares say that Rocky isn't art.
With over 500 stores and 50 restaurants, this mall in Bloomington, Minnesota is enormous! With the same stores available online though, why plan a vacation here? There are some mini indoor amusement parks at the massive mall, but then again, there's also Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott's, Six Flags, and plenty of other places that are way better to take the kids to.
If you’re going to plan on a family vacation in Bloomington, you may want to at least visit Nickelodeon Universe or Lego Imagination Center. It's a lot more fun than the Mall of America and offers unique opportunities you won't find at some over-hyped mall. No offense to malls, but there's a reason they're going out of business.
Bran Castle in Romania is often believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, but that theory has a few problems. Bran Castle really only fits the descriptions of a typical castle in Transylvania, not necessarily Dracula's castle. Another problem is that Stoker never actually visited Romania, so he wouldn't even know the castle if he saw it.
Really, there is nothing tying this castle to the Dracula novel. That's just something people made up. Now, they are relishing in their own creation as the castle has become bombarded by tourists. Sure, it's a nice castle with beautiful scenery but there are tons of others to see too.
If you’ve got a thing for weird public art, by all means, head straight to the Chicago Bean after touching down at O’Hare. Otherwise, just do a quick Google image search and spend your time elsewhere in the Windy City. On top of that, the site is a popular one for pickpockets targeting tourists. When your eyes are lost in the vast wonder of the giant bean, you may not notice someone digging in your pockets or purse.
Made up of 168 stainless steel plates that have been welded together, the Chicago Bean features a polished exterior with no visible welding lines. It is meant to mimic the look of liquid mercury while reflecting and distorting the city's skyline. It's neat but you don't want to go out of your way to see it.
This is another one of those spots that may be mildly interesting on its own, but the experience is completely ruined by the flocks of tourists waiting to recreate that cliche hold-the-tower-up-with-your-hands photo. It's been done a million times already to the point that it's a whole lot more cringy than it is funny.
Maybe the worst part about the Leaning Tower of Pisa is that it's pretty out of the way. Since it's such a big attraction, you can easily hop a high-speed train to get there, but it's going to take nearly an hour out of your day just to get there from Florence (and an hour back). There's so much to do in Florence that your time is better spent there.
Being in four states at once might sound like a really cool idea if there were actual walls, fences or any kind of demarcation to show that you're in another state (other than driving around on the freeway). State lines are completely arbitrary and really only have legal significance. Actually being in four "places" at once is just plain silly, because your body is physically in one spot.
Even if you stand on the granite & brass monument, you're actually 1,800 feet away from the real intersection of New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Besides, if you’re going to travel all that way, there are plenty more beautiful and exciting attractions to visit in each of the four states.
Cancun is a wonderland if you’re a carefree spring breaker with no concept of over-drinking and major liver damage. For the rest of us, this Mexican “oasis” is overcrowded, overpriced, and overrun by the aforementioned spring breakers. There are a lot better places to explore in Mexico than Cancun.
If a relaxing tropical vacation in Mexico is more your speed, you could always check out Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular destination for travelers by plane or via cruise. If you love history, you might check out somewhere like Chichén Itzá and explore some ancient Mayan ruins. Mexico has a rich culture and a whole lot more to offer than Spring Break partying.
It's a huge monument. You can see it from Battery Park (and it's a lot cheaper to do so). Don’t waste a full afternoon of your vacation to NYC to wait way too long, deal with too many people, and pay way too much just to get a closer picture. You used to be able to go inside the Statue of Liberty, but that hasn't been a thing for a very long time.
Instead, try a walk in Central Park or the 9/11 Monument. If you want to learn about immigration in the United States, you should check out the National Immigration Museum located on Ellis Island. Sure, looking at the Statue of Liberty will be a cool experience but your trip to the museum will be as informative as memorable.
Unless you just really want to picture recreating the famous scene from Forrest Gump or learn more about America’s first president, the 70-second-elevator ride to the top of this monument isn’t worth the ticket. Being inside the monument isn't as exciting as it may sounds, and you can see it from various vantage points, so there's really no reason to go out of your way to see the least interesting monument.
A better experience would be to walk the Capitol Mall from the Capitol Building straight past the Washington Monument, the World War II Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. That way you get to experience the best of D.C. without spending a dime! There's also the Jefferson Memorial and quaint FDR memorial in the area as well. Plus, you can pay your respects at the Vietnam wall.
Trust us when we say the Mona Lisa looks way better on your computer screen than it does in person. The painting is much smaller than most people realize, which means you’ve got to literally push through the crowds to get a good view. Even then, it probably won't be that great because so many people take photos. You've probably seen enough pictures in your lifetime that you probably won't even believe that you are actually looking at the real thing.
Here are the deets on The Lourve. It's totally worth the visit, but don't go there for the sole fact of the Mona Lisa. There are dozens of other pieces of art that are just as breathtaking if not more so. The Mona Lisa is a classic, but it won't be the most memorable thing at The Lourve -- we promise. We suggest going during the off-season, however, because the crowds are awful.
Legend has it that if you kiss the Blarney Stone you’ll be blessed with “the gift of gab.” Considering that countless tourists have puckered up to this silly rock over the years, you’re more likely to be blessed with giardia (a little parasite also called beaver fever). Even IrishCentral named the Blarney Stone the “most overrated tourist attraction in Europe.”
For over decades now, people from all over the world have been going way out of the way to go to this busted-up tourist attraction. There's a lot better Irish tradition that's a whole lot more rewarding, and that's grabbing a pint at the pub. Ireland is all about community.
According to savvy tourists, the Eiffel Tower is beautiful to look at from a distance, but it’s not worth the effort to make the climb and look out over Paris from its observation deck. The views just aren’t that great. The Effiel Tower is visible from a number of viewpoints in the city, so seeing it up close isn't a necessity.
If you’re expecting to see some towering feat of architecture, you’re in for a bad time – the tower is shorter than many skyscrapers across the world. If you want to see all there is to see in Paris, you'll want to get around as much as possible. Plan lots of time, because there's plenty to see in The City of Lights.
For about $30,000, an accepted nominee can have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA. If you have to pay $30,000 for the privilege, does that still make it an honor? Either way, the sidewalk is crowded with tourists trying to spot celebrities. Spoiler—celebrities don't hang out here.
Even Jimmy Kimmel thinks the popular destination is overrated, saying that it’s “the only place in the world where you can look at celebrities’ names…on the ground!” Really, that's all you'll see when you go there. There are so many names, you won't even care as you step on each one – they just become like any other tile.
Niagara Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls – for the most part. It's three waterfalls grouped together, spanning the borders of Canada and New York. It's located on the Niagara River and would be a magnificent sight if it weren't for everything else around it. As with many of the other vacations on this list, there are lots of people. That's not anything new, but what else is wrong?
There is the fact that there are surrounding buildings and many of them are rundown or abandoned. These structures really take away from the natural beauty of the falls, where that is really the heart of the area. The city of Niagara Falls itself is a disappointment beyond measure.
If you ask practically any New Yorker how they feel about Times Square, the majority of responses are going to be overwhelmingly negative. Times Square is always packed to the brim with tourists. The street is full of shops specifically designed to draw in tourists, and these shops oftentimes also feature majorly jacked-up prices to take advantage of tourists.
Once you get over the novelty of being in Times Square, which isn't all that impressive, you'll realize you are just in another commercialized trap. Really, the only time to experience Times Square is at New Years', and that's if you don't mind even more people (as if that were possible) and all the booze and noise.
