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The Five Most Overrated Tourist Attractions
Want to know what the world's most overrated tourist attractions are? You're in luck, as the Times Online has compiled their selection of the Five Most Overrated Tourist Sites, naming some very famous places, while suggesting alternatives that they feel are more worth our time.The U.K. newspaper isn't afraid to criticize one of the motherland's top tourist attractions either, putting Stonehenge at the top of the list. They note that you can't touch the monument, or even walk around it, and it isn't exactly located in one of the most scenic locations either. As an alternative, the Times suggests that you skip "the Henge" and visit nearby Avebury, which has a larger stone monolith that allows for more access to the public.
The other four sites on the list that they recommend that you avoid include Petra, Jordan, the Colosseum in Rome, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Angkor, Cambodia. Generally, the Times is put off by the large crowds they attract, as well as the inconvenience of coming and going from these famous spots, several of which are fairly remote.
Personally, I think this list is best used as a way of keeping your expectations within reason when traveling to these sites that have become overrun with tourists. For instance, who in their right mind wouldn't want to visit Machu Picchu when traveling to Peru? Just be aware that it is a crowded monument and getting there isn't always easy. Patience will go a long way towards providing an enjoyable experience.
Those looking for new places to visit, off the beaten path a bit, will enjoy the alternatives suggested in the article however, as they are generally less crowded and are not on the radar for most travelers. Their alternative suggest for Machu Picchu for instance is the Isla del Sol in Bolivia, which is a much quieter location when compared to the Peruvian landmark.
So, what do you think of the list? What would you add to it? Any experiences with the ones they've selected?
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Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Asia, Europe, South America, Cambodia, Jordan, Italy, United Kingdom, Peru, Middle East
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Lou Aug 29th 2009 10:45AM
The little mermaid in Copenhagen could be one.
SV Aug 29th 2009 11:29AM
I think the Colosseum is delightful.
It's a little pricey, and a little crowded and the lines can be ridiculous, but it's well located in central Rome and you can avoid the lines by buying a combination ticket at the Palatine hill nearby.
Stolen Aug 29th 2009 12:48PM
Machu Picchu? Really?!
I can't belive that. No trip to Peru or nearby South America would not be complete without seeing this wonder. I had a terrific experience when I went, the crowds were not over-powering. If someone is that worried about the crowds go in the off season from December through early March. In addition on the journey througth the Sacred Valley from Cuzco to Machu Picchu there are number of the sites worth seeing, Ollaytantambo, Moray, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac...I could go on. I'm still in shock that Machu Picchu made this list.
Chris Aug 31st 2009 2:17PM
This is pretty much exactly how I feel. The crowds aren't bad at all, especially if you took the Inca Trail, cause then you'd have arrived an hour before the earliest train/bus tourists. Besides, you have to be at the Sungate for the sunrise.
Andrew Aug 29th 2009 1:46PM
Times Square! I just do not get it. I was born and raised in New York, so maybe I am just jaded and not overly excited about giant billboards and corporate gluttony at every turn.
Andrew
TheBrooklynNomad.com
mbrul Aug 31st 2009 11:22AM
you could make that nyc in general.
J Aug 31st 2009 12:44PM
Could not agree more. Time Square was a major disappointment. It's so tacky and cheesy.
Sean McLachlan Aug 29th 2009 5:57PM
I agree that Avebury is more impressive than Stonehenge. In fact, I was just there earlier this week and will have a feature and gallery on it appearing in early September. While Stonehenge is more compact and makes a better photo, Avebury sprawls over a large area and is set within an ancient landscape filled with megaliths, barrows, and earthworks, some dating back to the Neolithic.
pete Aug 31st 2009 10:15AM
Instead of flying over to visit stonehenge - try stonehenge II.
Located in Texas west of San Antonio. It's a replica of the original.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/7819
Mike Aug 31st 2009 10:26AM
What makes Stonehenge so remarkable is where did the blue stone come from and how did they get such huge stones in place with no equipment. Plus you can tell time precisely by the stones. I wouldn't pay 1cent to see a modern replica.
Rebecca Aug 31st 2009 10:26AM
I was in Rome and it was off season, March, the Colosseum was awesome. There was no line to stand in and there was plenty of room for one to stand and imagine the eons passed undisturbed by others. The price was no more than some of our attractions. The only thing that was astronomical was the cost of water/colas. Otherwise it was as good as it gets. The old Roman city was easy to navigate, not particularly crowded.I would advise anyone not to miss this attraction.
Daddy Aug 31st 2009 10:30AM
I'm not so sure seeing Stone Henge ll is the amswer. after all it something made up to draw tourists. I do think it's a great idea to see America. We have wonderful places here. Keep your money in America
Chuck Aug 31st 2009 11:15AM
This story is a crock. I was at Stonehenge and touched almost every stone there I could and walked among them all. In general you can't do that but there is a tour available that is guided by an educator of a special society connected with Stonehenge. Granted it is for a select few but it is possible to touch and walk among the stones.
rick Aug 31st 2009 11:25AM
I saw stonehenge two weeks ago and thought the countryside was beautiful, and the attraction itself was incredible even with limited access. the local city of salisbury made for a nice area to visit afterwards.
akelly1532 Aug 31st 2009 11:29AM
Stolen, I agree with you. My only concern about Machu Picchu is the damage that is being done by all the visitors. I have been there twice (my daughter is from Peru) and would gladly go again. The other sites you mention are fantastic as well. I think the list is a lazy one and aimed at people who want to travel but not get out of a tour bus.
carol Aug 31st 2009 11:32AM
I disagree with the Colosseum. If you are in Rome, you should make a point of seeing it!
Tom Aug 31st 2009 5:26PM
I agree. I saw the Colosseum in May 2005 and it is a must see. It is not over rated at all. When in Rome see it and the Forum as well as Palantine Hill.
I'm shocked someone gave it such an unfavorable review.
Steph Aug 31st 2009 6:31PM
I went to Stonehenge during my visit to Europe. It was smaller than I thought. I knew in advance, without paying a lot more money, I wouldn't be able to go into the circle. Was still a good experience. I walked the entire grounds, even to the barrows out in the middle of the fields. The town of Salisbury is beautiful. I roamed all around the town. The cathedral was amazing as well. We don't have old buildings like that where I'm from. Even though the man on the train told us not to waste our time or money to see it. I think I enjoyed it more than Stonehenge. I would like to go back and see Avebury when I have more time.
Kim Aug 31st 2009 7:17PM
This list is sooo wrong. I love everything about Rome including the colosseum. Machu Pichu is INCREDIBLE- we overnighted in Aguas Callientes and took the first bus up in the morning- we had the place practically to ourselves- the mountain shrouded in mist and when the morning sun burned it off and the ruins came in to plain sight- unforgettable. Ankgor Wat had more square miles of ruins than any place we have ever visited besides Egypt- simply incredible. The Cambodian people are wonderful and you can hire a private guide and driver for very reasonable instead of joining some big tourist group- a plane trip from Bangkok takes about an hour and there is more than enough to see to fill at least 3 days.
Bernie Brown Aug 31st 2009 12:12PM
The Mona Lisa.