12 Tourist Traps That Just Aren’t Worth the Hype

Some places are worth visiting at least once in your life, but others might not live up to the hype. Around the world, there are tourist spots that sound exciting but turn out to be crowded, overpriced, or just plain boring. Here are some places that might not be worth your time or money.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Must Visit U.S. Cities Las Vegas — © Javen / Adobe Stock

The entire city of Las Vegas in the Nevada desert is just one big tourist trap. Centered on the notorious strip, it’s all about parting you from your hard-earned cash. If you have a penchant for bright lights, it might be worth a quick visit, but you can easily experience all the tacky glory in 24 hours.

The Louvre, Paris

Overrated Tourist Traps The Louvre — © BRIAN_KINNEY / Adobe Stock

We’re not saying the Louvre in Paris itself isn’t worth your time. It is – but only if you come for artworks other than the Mona Lisa. Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece is disappointingly small and screened behind a sheet of glass that always has tourists’ noses pressed against it. If you visit, look up instead – the unsung ceiling frescoes are breathtaking.

Blue Grotto, Capri

Don’t go to Capri in Italy just to see the Blue Grotto. Boat trips are often canceled due to inclement weather conditions, for starters. Even if you make it, the blue water isn’t worth the motorboat ride. Though a natural phenomenon, the industry built around the Blue Grotto makes it seem like the ultimate tourist trap.

Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

If you go to the Temple Bar in Dublin for genuine Irish craic, you’ll be sorely disappointed. It might have been authentic once upon a time, but now it only appeals to tourists. Take a selfie outside, if you must, before heading off down the side streets in search of a pub that’s actually frequented by locals.

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Times Square, New York

Times Square has tacky written all over it, from the brash billboards to the tourist trap shops and restaurants. Explore a New York neighborhood like Greenwich Village or the Meatpacking District for a more satisfying experience. If you take in a Broadway show, you’ll not be able to avoid Times Square anyway. Seeing it once is more than enough.

Madame Tussauds, London

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The Baker Street branch of Madame Tussauds in London is the original and may even be the best. Nevertheless, the wax figures here often make the UK news, because they bear little or no resemblance to the person they’re modeled on. Instead, save your cash to splash at the shops, restaurants, or theaters.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Italian city of Pisa is pleasant enough, but its famous lopsided tower is barely worth making a special trip for. Venture into rural Tuscany instead, or head straight to Florence for a cultural overdose. Standing there trying to get your hand in the right place for the requisite photo will only make you feel like a fool.

Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

For numerous reasons, Copenhagen is a fabulous European city break destination, but the Little Mermaid statue is sadly overrated. Cast in bronze and situated on the waterfront, the four-foot stature makes this a letdown. If you’re visiting in summer, live like a local by dipping in an outdoor swimming spot instead.

Manneken Pis, Brussels

Like the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels is simply not worth seeking out. It’s also disappointingly small and looks more impressive in pictures than in real life. Who needs to see a small boy peeing into a fountain, anyway?

Hollywood, California

Hollywood is way overrated. The Walk of Fame is a dirty sidewalk that doesn’t get swept often enough, and the area generally has an unkempt, down-at-heel feel. If you must see it for yourself, take a quick peek at the Chinese Theater, before heading to the stylish beachside suburb of Santa Monica.

Caminito, Buenos Aires

Caminito is one of those tourist traps that feels like a movie set, rather than a real place – and one that’s seen much better days. It’s also thronged with hawkers, as well as too many tourists. The items for sale and the restaurants are just as overpriced as Caminito is overrated.