12 Iconic Landmarks That Look Better in Photos Than in Real Life
In an era when Instagram-worthiness matters to most, it is becoming quite common to base travel destinations on what the algorithm or other people have advertised. However, many people discover that the real experience of some of these places doesn’t match the photos.
Some of the world’s most iconic landmarks can be a bit of a disappointment in real life, from the overcrowded charm of ancient ruins to structures that are much smaller in real life than the photos suggested. Here are 12 iconic landmarks that definitely look better in photos than in person.
The Mona Lisa, Louvre Museum, Paris
Arguably the world’s most famous painting, the Mona Lisa draws tourists from all over the world. In reality, the picture is smallish, and protected behind a thick wall of glass. The swarming tourists that congregate in front of it to take pictures means you might have to struggle to get that perfect selfie. You might not want to waste your money or time trying to see this famous painting. Seeing it in person can be a bit underwhelming when you consider the close up, detailed images that are available online.
Stonehenge, England
Despite its status as a marvel of ancient engineering, Stonehenge is smaller than many would believe, and more remote from visitors than its location advocates would have you believe. When viewed from behind the ropes, this stone circle is isolated and surrounded by highways and fields. The ancient aura remains, but it’s not quite the mystical site you might have imagined based on the books and documentaries you might have seen.
The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
A landmark that surprises most tourists? Presenting, The Little Mermaid Statue. A tiny statue out on a rock in Copenhagen’s harbor. Images might make you think of it as a grand and prominent sculpture, but the Little Mermaid is only about four feet tall and very lonely. Many people are surprised at how ordinary the surroundings are when they’re not depicted in photos as being romantic.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an architectural wonder, but it’s overshadowed by the sheer number of people. The slant of the tower is impressive, however its popularity among tourists takes away from the experience. Several people are trying to get the same Instagram picture, so It might be a difficult task enjoying the view.
Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is synonymous with glitz and glamour, but the chaos of vendors and street performers vying for your attention and the traffic whizzing by can make it a very overwhelming experience. While it is fun to search for your favorite stars, it’s not the movie magic you would expect from the photos.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The pyramids of giza are majestic, no doubt, but they’re not as far away from urban Cairo as you may think. The pyramids are often pictured against a vast desert, but they’re right next to a busy city with buildings in the background. Some of the grandeur seems so pure and mysterious in photographs, but the air quality and the bustling crowds can detract from it.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
While Mount Rushmore is an impressive feat of artistry and engineering, it’s also smaller than many people might expect as the icon it is. The viewing area is far from the monument, so you’re left reflecting on it from some distance, rather than standing next to it.
Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
The Niagara Falls can feel like a tourism overload. With the same chaos and crowds as an amusement park, it can be hard to enjoy the wonderful view. Neon lighting, casinos, and fast food joints are positioned strategically to lure tourists into spending their money. Commercialization has diminished the appeal of this natural beauty.
Times Square, New York City
Times Square is the essential core of the Big Apple and emblem of perennial exhilaration, but undoubtedly one of the world’s most dense and disorienting places. The throng of people, noise, and general chaos are less glamorous in person. Visiting might just be a sensory overload.
The Spanish Steps, Rome
Visiting the Spanish Steps in Rome in person can be very anticlimactic. The top of the steps are often packed full of tourists sitting close together, and nearby are vendors selling everything from roses to cheap souvenirs. It feels more like a market place than the romantic destination it is usually depicted as in photos.
The Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
Tokyo’s famous intersection is also one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Hundreds of people moving in all directions can be captured in photographs, but visiting it can be surprisingly ordinary. After all, it’s just an intersection, even if it’s a busy one, and the novelty can wear off fast once you’re in the middle of it.
Santorini, Greece
All things beauty epitomize Santorini with it’s whitewashed buildings and blue domed churches, however the island’s charm is nullified by the heavy crowds, especially in peak season. It’s often difficult to get through throngs of tourists, but photos often show it at sunset in dreamy lighting. Photos can make the narrow pathways seem serene, but in reality, they feel congested.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
