Have you ever found yourself fighting crowds in a heavily trafficked tourist trap that wasn’t worth the hype? It can be both an overwhelming and underwhelming experience that costs far too much for something you’re not even enjoying.
PhotoAiD recently compiled a list of the world’s biggest tourist traps. After asking survey participants which spots felt most “trappy?” Here are their top picks for overrated global tourist attractions.
1. Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada. It features a revolving restaurant, the Summit Suite Buffet, and an observatory. The tower offers beautiful views of the falls and Toronto skyline. However, tourists complain about high admission costs, long wait times, and a hefty price tag, especially considering other viewpoints offer comparable views.
2. Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge is a popular tourist attraction and cabaret in Paris, France. Known for the provocative dancing style, the French Cancan, and ballet, 60 artists and dancers perform every night on this legendary stage. Still, many visitors complain about the excessive expense and note that you’re better off eating before seeing the show.
3. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland, is a partially man-made pool of water formed in 1976 next to the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The water may capitate with its opaque, milky turquoise appearance, but it is actually wastewater from the plant. Travelers also say it’s highly expensive and tends to draw people more interested in becoming intoxicated than in enjoying the silica in the hot pool.
4. Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie, or Checkpoint C, is best known as the crossing point between the East Berlin and West Berlin Wall during the Cold War in Germany. Admission is high at $20 U.S. dollars (18.50 Euros) per adult, and the crowds have been described as “unbearable,” especially during high-peak season. So, if it’s a must-see attraction on your bucket list, call ahead to go during off-peak times.
5. Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver, Canada’s iconic tourist attraction, drawing in over 1.2 million visitors annually. It’s 460 ft. long and stands 230 ft. above the Capilano River below. Tourists complain about the outrageous ticket fee of $71.95 CAD ($52.78 U.S.), especially with the countless people in the way clicking selfies. Some note that the bridge is wobbly and incredibly crowded on the weekends.
6. Hobbiton Movie Set
The Hobbiton Movie Set in Waikato, New Zealand, brings Middle-earth to life for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie fans. However, tourists complain about the admission of $120 per adult and $60 per youth. While many travelers admit it’s crowded, overrated, and expensive, some insist that you still see it if you’re a die-hard fan of the films.
7. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, is Ireland’s number one tourist attraction that welcomes over 1.5 visitors annually. However, travelers suggest this brewery tour isn’t like others in that it’s more of a “museum with simulations of brewing.” Locals believe you’re better off visiting the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland.
Biggest Tourist Traps in the U.S.
Oh, did you think the United States was going to bypass this list? Absolutely not. America is guilty of having several tourist traps, and travelers voted these to be the worst.
8. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, in San Francisco, California, is a massive tourist trap that sees over 14 million visitors annually. From bike rentals to bay cruises and museums, there is plenty to do there. While people enjoy the waterfront views and sunshine, many complain that it is overcrowded. Locals and tourists agree the souvenirs are tacky, the food is overpriced, and it’s a favorite spot for pickpockets.
9. Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, was once the residence of Sarah Winchester, widow of firearms tycoon William Wirt Winchester. The Victorian and Gothic-style mansion is renowned for its size, architecture, and countless legends and myths surrounding it and its former owner.
Still, many travelers are disappointed that despite the fake doors, stairways leading nowhere, séance rooms, and spirit stories, they leave without experiencing anything paranormal.
10. International UFO Museum and Research Center
The International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, allows visitors to step into the world of UFOs while learning about the Roswell Incident in 1947. Die-hard alien fans suggest the $7.00 admission fee isn’t much to explore things, including historical paperclipping of UFO sightings. But others say it’s a pretty “cheesy” tourist trap.
11. Calico Ghost Town
The Calico Ghost Town in San Bernardino County, California, is an old 1881 West mining town that was abandoned in the mid-1890s after silver lost its value. While admission is low, between $5.00-$8.00, travelers note a lack of authenticity in the ghost town, which comprises primarily overpriced shops. Also, activities like riding the mining train cost extra, and it quickly adds up.
12. Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, is the original farmers market and is well-known for its fish-throwing shenanigans. That said, as someone who has been to the Pike Place Market, I agree that it is significantly overrated and that some parts of it smell like urine. Don’t get me started on the disgusting chewing gum wall.
13. Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Elvis Presley’s Graceland receives over 600,000 visitors annually. During high-peak times, Graceland may see 4,000 visitors daily, making for massive overcrowding. Five ticket options start at $28.00 to see his airplanes and jump to $240 for the Graceland Archives UVIP Tour. The biggest complaint about this tourist trap is the astronomical price tag.
14. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
The Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont, offers a 30-minute guided tour that teaches people about company culture, how they make their ice cream and a free sample of ice cream. An adult ticket is only $6.00, while kid tickets cost a buck. However, parents warn it is extremely overcrowded and entirely uninteresting for children.