15 “Tourist Traps” That Are Actually Worth Every Penny
Tourist traps are notorious for their exhausting waits, ridiculous pricing, and overall commercialization, but there is a reason people flock to them. Their status as a ‘must-see’ location has been earned due to their flamboyance, or uniqueness. As tempting as it might be to trade these locations for lesser-seen, less expensive sights, you miss out on an integral part of the experience.
If you want to know what these ‘tourist traps’ have to offer and why they are worth the crazy price tags, and insanely long lines, then here are 15 ‘Tourist Traps’ that are actually worth every penny!
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
Even though it is one of the most visited buildings on earth, the Eiffel Tower will always have our hearts. A must-see tour if not for any reason other than its iron latticework and breathtaking views of Paris from the top. About seven million visitors come here each year to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a dazzling nighttime light show. Rick Steves, a travel writer, once said: ‘Seeing Paris without the Eiffel Tower is like going to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty.’ The classic sights are sometimes worth waiting in long lines for.
Niagara Falls, USA/Canada Border
The area around Niagara Falls may seem too commercial, but the natural wonder is amazing and a must-see. Seeing and hearing the falls is awe-inspiring with over 3,000 tons of water cascading down every second. Maid of the Mist boat tour is the famed boat tour that lets you get up close and often leaves visitors drenched but exhilarated. Niagara Falls is a place for many, a bucket list experience where you can truly feel the power of nature.
Times Square, New York City
Time’s Square’s magic is in part the crowds and the neon lights. It’s known as “The Crossroads of the World,” and attracts nearly 50 million visitors every year. Being surrounded by the buzz of the city and bright, towering billboards, allows you to feel the energy of Times Square. So, whether you’re catching a Broadway show or grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor, you will feel like a part of the city’s heart.
The Great Wall of China
Undoubtedly, The Great Wall of China is crowded and quite a task to traverse, but it is an architectural marvel that spans mountains and valleys, and you don’t have to see it all to appreciate it. Badaling is the most popular section with the Mutianyu section coming in second. The stunning views can be appreciated especially in less crowded sections like Mutianyu. Walking the Wall is a step back in time, with each stone telling a part of its almost 2,000-year history.
The Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is one of the world’s most famous buildings of ancient Rome. With a riveting history of gladiatorial battles, the roar of 50,000 spectators from thousands of years ago is easy to imagine as you walk through its corridors, peering down into the ancient arena. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is even more spectacular now that recent restoration efforts have preserved its story for future generations.
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge has long been a mystery to historians, and that’s part of its appeal. Millions visit the ancient stone circle in the English countryside each year, not to marvel at its alignment with the solstices, but to try to work out what its builders were up to. Visiting Stonehenge is a surreal experience; it reminds one of ancient, early civilization and the cleverness and creativity of the people who lived then.
The Vatican Museums, Vatican City
Inside the Vatican Museums, some of the most treasured art in human history can be found — including the Sistine Chapel’s famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Although they’re often full, there’s no better chance to see masterpieces from centuries. The latest study found that 80 percent of visitors believe it’s worth the crowds to get a glimpse of such rich art history. If you’re lucky enough to visit early or off-season, you may even catch a rare quiet moment.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
For thousands of years, travelers have been fascinated by these ancient wonders, and seeing them in person is very different than any photo can capture. Standing at the bottom of the pyramids leaves you with a sense of utter respect and admiration for the talent required to create such massive tombs. A trip to the Pyramids of Giza no matter how stifling it may be or how busy the street vendors are, brings us back to the glorious days of old Egypt.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Sure, it’s a bit of a tourist cliché, but the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s curious tilt is something you must see up close. The tower’s lean is due to its construction atop unstable soil which has only contributed to its charm and allure. The steps have been stabilized recently so that visitors can safely climb them and look down on the city. Plus, the funny photos of ‘holding up the tower’ have become a classic travel cliché.
Santorini, Greece
Quite simply, Santorini is one of the world’s most photographed places, with the iconic white washed buildings with blue dome roofs looking out over the sparkling Aegean Sea. This Greek island is great, it can get busy especially in peak season but the sunsets and the beauty of this coastal peace is unforgettable. The magic of Greece, according to travel expert Anthony Bourdain, is its simplicity. There is magic there and Santorini encapsulates it perfectly.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney World has a reputation for long lines and high prices, but it still manages to enchant everyone from toddlers to seniors. The level of detail in each park, the nostalgia of beloved characters, and the pure excitement of the rides keep families returning year after year. In 2019, Statista reported that Disney World had about 58 million visitors, so it’s no wonder the ‘most magical place on Earth’ lives up to the hype.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
Essentially, it’s a sidewalk loaded with the names of more than 2,600 stars of entertainment history. The Walk of Fame is a stroll through the Golden Age of Hollywood to modern day icons, and a bit of glitz on the everyday streets of L.A., while the area around it is full of fun activities, from live performances to historical theaters like the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an Incan city hidden high in the Andes which is so high up and so architecturally ingenious it defies explanation. Getting there is its own work but the payoff is always well worth the effort. Despite the need for altitude adjustment for most travelers, it is a spiritual experience: standing among the ruins, watching the clouds weave through the mountains.
The Sydney Opera House, Australia
It is a world-class performing arts center and a landmark around the world. Whether you’re at a performance or just admiring the building from the waterfront, the Opera House’s sails make it a postcard-perfect sight. Guided tours are also available at the Sydney Opera House, which gives you a unique insight into its construction and history.
Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Las Vegas is often tagged ‘too commercial’, but that’s its magnetism. With dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and surreal architecture the Strip delivers all the over-the-top which is hard to find in other places. From the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas to the Bellagio Fountains, people around the world come to let their hair down – if only for one weekend.
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
