15 Famous Attractions That Locals Say to Avoid
Deciding where to vacation can be tough, but you might be inclined to hit off some well-known and popular destinations you’ve heard about so often. While it may seem fun to visit these bucket list destinations, there might be some shocking aspects that you should know about before committing.
Locals who live by these spots often have better recommendations and even advise against visiting altogether. Here are 15 famous attractions that you might want to avoid visiting according to locals.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The notion of leisurely walking down Hollywood Boulevard sounds like a reality television show dream, but it is not. This stretch has many tourists, rude performers, con artists, and people selling souvenirs at extremely inflated prices. The area itself is not as glamorous as you would imagine.
Times Square
New York’s Times Square is sometimes referred to as the “theatre of the world”, but it is the theatre of confusion. Shrill neon, people’s invasion, and constantly rising prices turn it into a tiring affair. People of New York believe that the beauty of their city is in its typical neighborhoods and genuine restaurants, not this one.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The most popular attraction in Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there is only so much you can do there. Most visitors take pictures of ‘holding up the tower’ and that’s about it. There are also numerous stalls and shops that hike up prices for tourists.
Niagara Falls on the U.S. Side
Niagara Falls is stunning, but the views are arguably better on the Canadian side and there are more activities too. On the U.S. side, there are few viewing opportunities, and for the most part, there is no hospitality. If you do not have a passport then the American side is still quite interesting, however, it might be rather low-key.
The Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Visiting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre can be a disappointing experience when you realize that it is often crowded and the painting is small and protected by a thick glass panel. It is nearly impossible to appreciate the art, so locals advise checking out less-known pieces at the museum.
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the oldest tourist attractions with cute sea lions and other attractions, however, the vicinity lacks any local amusements and consists of roadside fast food and cheap tourist souvenirs. Instead, consider visiting areas such as the Mission District or Hayes Valley that really stand out.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a historic monument but most visitors say it is not what they expected. Visitors can’t get close to the stones, and the site looks smaller than in the photographs. Some people living in the region advise visitors to visit the rest of the attractions to make it worthwhile.
The Alamo
Like any great historical tragedy, the Alamo is massive and significant, but many tourists might be stunned by how compact the site is. Located in the main business district of San Antonio, it’s engulfed by relatively new structures that undermine authenticity. Residents say that it is better to visit the nearby River Walk instead.
The Eiffel Tower
Paris is beautiful and romantic, but the long lines for tickets, expensive tickets, and crowded stage will no doubt increase stress levels and detract from the magical experience. Locals recommend a distant viewing, especially at night when the lights sparkle.
Beale Street in Memphis
Beale Street comes alive with music and fun, but the series of bars with souvenir shops makes it feel like a tourist trap. Locals in Memphis suggest visiting less-known areas where there is more authenticity and less crowd.
The Great Wall of China at Badaling
The Great Wall of China is a marvelous piece of architecture, but Badaling, the most popular part, has been turned into a commercial center rather than a historical monument. The crowd here can make the experience less than ideal and it might be better to visit less populated areas.
The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids are magnificent but many tourists are shocked by how close Cairo is to this site. The noise from the city and aggressive vendors can make for an unpleasant experience. Locals recommend taking a guided tour so you can avoid tourist traps and scams.
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon appears very attractive on camera, but the crowd of tourists and the ridiculous prices can be overwhelming and disappointing. The beauty of this natural wonder is often dampened by commercialization. People tend to visit other hot springs, not so crowded and more natural-looking than the ones in the video.
Venice During Summer
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world but traveling there in summer can be chaotic. It is incredibly crowded, the streets are very narrow, there are tourists everywhere, the canals stink, and it is unbearably hot. Locals advise going there during off-peak season to enjoy the city’s vibe.
The Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is flashy and over the top as often seen in the movies, but people don’t hang out on the Strip if they don’t have to, unless they have visitors from out of town. It is constantly crowded, with expensive cafes and shops peppered between casinos. Most would agree that visiting off-strip attractions is more fun.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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