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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
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Scott Aug 31st 2009 12:15PM
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio was terrible. For $20 a couple years ago, it was boring, and you weren't even allowed to bring in a camera!!! And who wants to put on dirty headphones to listen to music after thousands of other people have had them on their dirty heads and ears?!?!?
Travelman Aug 31st 2009 12:21PM
I am 46 years old and am fortunate to have traveled to everyone of those locations with my parents when I was a teenager. Last week, I returned from an 9 week trip around the world with my children. Over the years I have noticed so many of the attractions mentioned getting busier and busier. 30+ years ago when I went to some of these locations I remember open spaces, few tourists and an ability to get closer to the exhibits.
Petra in Jordon was amazing when I was 16. I enjoyed taking a mule ride to the bottom with my mom and dad and we were almost the only people there. I remember treking Machu Picchu at 15 in the mid 70s and I could see hardly a tourist.
During this around-the-world escapade with my children this summer tourism did not seem to be impacted by the economy. In Hawaii, Japanesse tourism was strong as always. In Tokyo, the major sights were filled with European tourists. My experience at the Great Wall was fantastic this trip as the crowds were less than previous visits. I am sure that it is because we got up before dawn and headed out to the massive, impressive sight while most tourists were still asleep.
The Taj Mahal, a must see for anyone at least once in their life, was quiet. But, it was off season for India and the bombings in Mumbai has dampered a lot of American toruists from venturing to India. All around India we were asked to please send more tourist from our country. My children didn't love India, but I find it an adventure that satisfies the adventurer in me.
Thailand and Hong Kong didnt seem too busy and the flavors of the country and city always make for a fantastic experience. Over the years Victoria Peak has become a huge tourist attraction with a massive shopping structure that does take away from the quiet, evening escape I found when I was 19.
We used Finland as a place to 'catch our breath' and relax. The best part about Helsinki and a visit to Estonia was the fact that we saw very few other tourists. The drain on the pocketbook was daunting for sure, however.
Paris was the most touristic city encountered. I remember years ago when the French would leave town and head to the Meditteranean. Not anymore. There were lines everywhere, but we managed them relatively quickly. Hint, if you want to go up the Eiffel tower buy tickets for lunch on the first lever, enjoy the view and a nice lunch and then head on up. There are hundreds of people standing in lline for regular tickets while there was no one in line for lunch tickets.
London was crowded and I didnt feel the charm I have felt in the city over my many visits. Stonehinge, while a must see never excites me or captivates me. Once again, when I was a teenager traveling in August there were no crowds. More people seem to have the means and interest to travel.
We were in Rome two years ago, but off season and the crowds around the tourist sights was not bad. If you dont have children in school my suggestion on beating the crowds is to travel in October and March.
Spain was crowded only because I wanted to go to Toledo. Much of Madrid was quiet.
My children loved our stop in Central America more than any other place on the trip. Yes, it was a shock to me as well. We have done the traditional tourist things in CA and this visit was for total R&R. After our travels I scheduled a week of relaxation and fun at a lake in Guatemala. It was the hit of my clan.
If you love to travel and if your time is limited you still have to put up with the crowds to see the tourist places one day before heading to the non tourist places. Imagine making your first trip to Peru and missing Machu Picchu or Paris and skipping the Louvre or visiting Cambodia and forgetting Angkor. A traveler needs to see and do it all!
kris Aug 31st 2009 12:52PM
are you adopting? haha
undrgrndgirl Aug 31st 2009 12:25PM
tourist attraction = over rated...
Annie Aug 31st 2009 12:31PM
definitely the Lascaux Caves in France! It takes forever to get out to the caves, they are in the middle of a very boring nowhere, and because so much as breathing can damage the drawings, you don't even go into the real cave- you get to see a replica built right next to it. How lame, I mean you might as well just google the caves and look at the pictures, that's pretty much what you get there.
...oh and when I went, I had to go on the fake-cave tour with a bunch of drunk obnoxious germans, so that made it worse.
Amanda Aug 31st 2009 2:19PM
I went to see the Colosseum in Rome almost two years ago, it was beautiful, and there were so many other things right there around it that you can visit and see. That area is gorgeous and even though the Colosseum was open to walk through it was still amazing to see! This one is worth the trip!
tbinstl Aug 31st 2009 12:35PM
Having been fortunate to visit the 5 listed, I have to both agree and disagree. Stonehenge is definitely overrated, especially since its completely fenced off and in the middle of nowhere. But I found Machu Picchu to be one of the most amazing things I have seen and would highly suggest visiting.
J Aug 31st 2009 12:54PM
Wanted to agree with the Times Square comment. Absolutely overrated, dirty, tacky and cheesy.
Another warning goes out for the Crazy Horse monument is So Dakota. . .what a rip-off. It's not finished!
linda murphy Aug 31st 2009 1:18PM
I have a passion for travel, and I think that all of those places are great - I like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu - but it is good to get "off the beaten track" as well. So I don't think over-rated is a word I would use - I might suggest the other places "with", but not as an alternative.
Anna Aug 31st 2009 8:19PM
The Colosseum may not be the highlight of your trip to Rome, but it is worth seeing. To beat the lines just buy your tickets at Palatine Hill (also worth a stop).
FlowerChild Aug 31st 2009 1:46PM
You're not allowed cameras in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame because sadly, people would counterfeit signatures, photographs, posters and the likes. And if using headphones bothers you, what were you doing inside of any museum with handrails, theatre seating, door knobs and oh my gosh, buttons you have to push?
As for this column, I am sure the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame doesn't quite meet the criteria of the destinations they discussed. I believe the list was aimed at more famous places and historical wonders - not Janis Joplin's MB - which by the way is cool as hell.
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.
Stephen Franke Aug 31st 2009 3:33PM
Greetings.
Re this article.
Disagree strongly about the unatractiveness of the Nabatean city of impressive structures at Petra, Jordan. One needs at least two days to explore the many sites inside that long valley. To do that, one can stay at the inexpensive guest-house (food is so-so basic tourist fare) located very near to the path (navigable only by foot or riding muleback) which leads down to the entrance of Petra.
While in Jordan, the Roman ruins at Jerash and the mosaics inside the Christian ruins at al-Madaba are also must-visits and easily accessible by rental car or bus tours arranged by the major hotels or travel agencies.
Jordan is much less "tourist-ized" -- especially in terms of a tourist's encountering fewer hassles or hustles -- than is Egypt or Jordan's other neighbor states.
Anotrher emerging and enjoyable spot for tourism is the United Arab Emirates. For glitz, hype and hustle, visit the coastal cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi (also Sharjah, to a lesser extent and offers excellent shopping); to experience and enjoy the emirates' pre-oil culture and society, visit the other emirates of al-Fujeirah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, and Um al-Qaiwain. Travel and accommodations are easy thougyhout all the emirates (some places offer more amenities and feature than do others a few KM down the road).
The Emiratis are among the most-gracious people to be found in the region and very accustomed to foreign guests. Some things are there to criticize, but many more are there to accept and appreciate on their own, as they are.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Stephen H. Frahnke
San Pedro, California
Traveller Aug 31st 2009 3:15PM
Avebury has its pleasures but Stonehenge is a don't miss.
http://traveller.uncommontraveller.com/2008/06/20/stonehenge-no-really.aspx
kpk Aug 31st 2009 2:40PM
Petra, Jordan is one of the world's most intriguing and picturesque places. Worth every effort.
Zach Aug 31st 2009 6:00PM
Overrated or not, sometimes you just gotta see it because it's famous.
Jennie Sep 1st 2009 11:26AM
Petra is overrated?!?! I was there last year and found it to be the one of the most spectacular places I've seen yet. Yes, there are a lot of tourists, but it's because of its beauty and splendor, and its popularity is well deserved. In fact, I found the entire country of Jordan to be beautiful and full of warm, hospitable people and would encourage everyone to visit.