ADVERTISEMENT

Travel’s great. You get to see new things, meet new people, get some perspective in life, disconnect from your regular life and recharge, in turn making you happier and giving you peace of mind, improving your communication skills and creativity, possibly boosting your confidence along the way, making memories, helping you understand yourself more, perhaps even improving your health… you get the point. It’s awesome.

But there is bound to be a ‘spoiled egg’ of a destination among travelers that just left a bad taste in their mouths, whether because the expectations were overhyped, or the destination was just not that good. Whatever the case may be, people have been discussing this online.

A Redditor by the nickname of u/0_7_0 posted the question “what city disappointed you the most when visiting?” on the r/AskReddit subreddit. This in turn prompted over 6,600 comments with a modest 5,900 upvotes and a handful of Reddit awards.

Scroll down to see the top cities people were most disappointed with and hence do not recommend. And while you’re at it, tell us which cities you were most disappointed with in the comment section below!

More Info: Reddit

#1

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online wric84 said:
Came here to say Dubai. Decided to spend 10 days there while passing through. Had enough of it after 24 hours. Too many f$#&!&# malls. No culture.

Learned all about the ABCs though...

c19isdeadly replied:
Me too!

Horrid place, fancy malls and hotels for the westerners, but the streets are full of the poor / slaves. You really see what misery the whole place is built on.

I went there for work, I can't imagine how people can go there for fun.

wric84 , Nacho Pintos Report

While each city is unique in its own way, with many people on Reddit experiencing the same unique reasons for disappointment, there have been recurring themes among answers.

Most notably, it was things like the city had a certain unpleasant smell to it, or was trashy, whether actually untidy or just very cheap. Or both.

Some other places, like for instance Niagara Falls and Egypt had people feeling weird about the fact that the key attractions in these places, namely the Niagara Falls and the Pyramids, were very close to the cities themselves, and not some distant secret location offering adventure and excitement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lastly, yet others found some cities too modern, digital, and “plastic”, with things like casinos and malls creating a sense of unnatural urban development that lacks history and pathos.

#2

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online themeanlantern said:
I hated Las Vegas so very f**king much. So dry, so trashy, so smokey, ugh.


regular6drunk7 replied:
Las Vegas reminded me of being inside a gigantic McDonalds. Everywhere bright colors, artificial happiness and fake smiles and all mathematically calculated to take the maximum amount of money out of your pocket.

The most charm-free place I've ever been.

regular6drunk7 , Abi Skipp Report

Add photo comments
POST
Eucritta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Las Vegas casinos are some of the most unpleasant places I've ever been, loud, disorienting, joyless, and full of zombies. Back when I was last there, some years ago now, it was also difficult for anyone with mobility issues. I've given it a hard pass since.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Hollywood. And am embarrassed for people who travel around the world to see it. What they imagine it to be vs reality. Sorry, it's not what you expected you can have a good time in Hollywood, but do your research and check your expectations. Also, a lot of you seem to think I said the entirety of Los Angeles. LA definitely has plenty of problems, but if you truly think all of LA has nothing to offer, even for a visit, you've probably never step foot in a museum or tried foreign cuisine. The best concerts I've ever been to have all been in LA.

Mondo114 , Hans Splinter Report

Add photo comments
POST
Walking On Sunshine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so true. I'm from California, Laguna, and every time someone comes to visit they want to go to Hollywood. Only redeeming quality is a lady literally peed on Donald Trump's star last week. The homeless encampments are heartbreaking. But don't lump it all together, there are wonderful places to go in LA. Like the Griffith Observatory which sits right below the Hollywood sign.

Zadie the Swiftie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hollywood is one of the worst parts of LA! Try checking out greater LA, too!

Adrian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is SO much to see in the greater Los Angeles area. Hollywood is pretty icky...

WildBerry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Visited in 1982 and had a blast just taking in the sights and having lunch at the Brown Derby.

Milan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can agree. I love South California, specially LA and suburbs, beaches, hills, was there many times in last few years. But Hollywood and specially Walk of Fame is not worth to visit 2nd time. I say even not 1st time but friends did not trust me. After they came back and agree with me. Totally trash place…

Connie Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, who thought there was anything to see in Hollywood? It's more of an idea than a place. You'd be crazy to go "see" Hollywood.

Allison Sullivan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to Hollywood on my very first "big" trip from New Zealand, and was horrified at what a dump it was. Although I live in Canada now and love Cali in general, I have no desire to go back to anywhere in LA.

Diana Pahule
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In high school my friend and I took the bus to Hollywood Blvd. a few too many times.

Monisa Montoya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only time I went to LA the sign was being repaired so we never saw it. After the Manson killings mansions are surrounded by tall stone walls so it's like driving thru Doom not much to see.

Rebekkah Shepherd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What most people think of as Hollywood is 4 blocks. LA was great Hollywood was basically nonexistent

JP Purves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in LA for many years. So, yes Hollywood has a few interesting things to see, but it's not what you think it is from vintage films. Los Angeles County (not just the city) as a whole is well worth an entire vacation. Amazing art/history museums, theaters, beaches, restaurants. Do some online research, it's a fascinating city to visit.

Duane Johnston
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot Tommy's burgers! Absolutely the best Chilli burger on earth

Dia Carmignani
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a place for hollywood. It is NOT on a worst places list, i think. I enjoyed seeing Arnold Swartzenneger do a red carpet thingee outside my hotel , watched from window. Jack sparrow was also seen wandering the strrets, spidey and the hulk. The walk of fame was cool to see, i got to lay flowers on robin willams’ star coz he had just died.so again, u get out of any destination, what u deserve. Ur attitude plays a huge part in ur overall experience , me thinks!

RedOphelia 13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, it's a big city that used to be soooooo illustrious but is now one of the biggest money pits in the country. I can watch concerts and try cooking foreign cuisine from the comfort and safety of my own livingroom. Pretty much every location on this list is a supposed tourist hot spot and so far, they're all places I've never considered going to once.

Mealer Family
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The boulevard sucks. The Funko store is cool but that's the only part of the boulevard that doesn't suck.

underapalm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can't see the sign clearly and stay longer than a day you will die with COPD

Annie Bieber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you go to LA & don't get "the orange glow" from a Tommy Burger you just haven't lived...😁

Plutarch Heavensbee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a fantastic experience in Hollywood. Maybe you dont know how to plan a trip

Dog Thievery 101
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

was raised in cali, but san diego area (pretty), visited hollywood (2013) and, lemme tell you, the streets were crowded like las vegas and smelled of body odor and urine. no one cares who is who and oh, boy, do they not like it when someone wants to take a picture of a star they're walking on. the theater we went to was defo haunted tho, so i guess that's a plus. definitely would not suggest. oh, right, and all of hollywood is dangerous at night. the only somewhat safe street is main street, and even that's debatable. 0/10 still would not suggest.

Scott Huska
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went there a few years ago. Hollywood and LA were both pretty cool. I’d go again

Sheri Rohrbacher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're not going to find movie stars in Hollywood. Try Malibu, Bel Air, places like that.

Kayley Meredith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first ocean/beach I ever visited was Santa Monica.. it looks so beautiful on TV- it's literally disgusting and stinky. Not to mention the traffic is freaking crazy. On the plus side I was there for a Hollywood movie premiere and afterparty which was bomb

Jessica Macklemoore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when I was 17 my fam visited my great aunt who had made a fortune in the 40s with a jewelry shop in LA called the 9th step I think, and she had a house in the hills near Gena Davis's. you could see the hollywood sign right from her home in Griffith Park. I remember thinking as we drove around hollywood that it looked so sad and empty compared 2 what Id imagined. We even went shopping on rodeo dr and my grandmother took me 2 Fred Seigal and said I could get watever I wanted. My parents were super cheap eventho id consider us upper middle class so I shouldve been excited but even that area wasnt wat I expected. 2 be fair tho, it was the same trip where we'd gone cross country on a train & had seen the grand canyon 2 which I also reacted with a "thats it? Whats so great about a big hole? Looks the same as it does on tv" mayb I was just spoiled back then. My trip 2 Miami at 25 seemed much more exciting but mayb thats cuz I was an adult on my own & been livin in poverty 4 yrs already.

J-A Laine
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an old die hard hardrocker I'd go to Sunset Boulevard, make a visit to the Rainbow bar, that would be on top of my list of places to visit. After that I'm good. :D

Isabelle Serneels
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We travelled to Calfornia for 4 weeks. Hollywood is the worst we've seen..... Chocked of the very dirty streets, could't read the names on the starts. Chocked of the state and the amount of poor people living on the street. Disgusting coffe shop. Disaster to find a parkingplot and an unsafe feeling. Most of the other days we did see wondeful things, places and people!

aubergine10003
Community Member
Premium
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

eh. there are a few good museums in LA, but certainly not as many as in other cities (like Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, and NY)

Susan Reid Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LA as a big city, rather than farm towns, is a lot younger than other cities and has had less time to develop museums.

Load More Replies...
Lav Oravaf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I visited back in 1999, not much internet for me back then. I was quite disappointed, and particularly I ended up on the wrong side of Hollywood (dealers etc). I definitely prefer Venice and Santa Monica

BasedWang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would give alot to be able to live in Hollywood. I love it there. Walk down the strip during the day, sittin on curbs drinkin with bums at night. Its great. I hope Rufus is still doin good

Rabbit Lord
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in NYC some years back (Manhatten to be more precise) and the most interesting thing was the metropolitan museum to me. The skyscrapers in contrast were only fascinating for the first day (day 3: "Oh, skyscrapers again...").

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#4

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Bali changed so much the last 10 years. It used to be so beautiful and amazing… now it is full of “digital nomad” douchebags and overpriced food and crap. I remember when it was just a cool surf spot with cheap eats

HippoNo9775 , Alan Sung Report

Bored Panda has reached out to Irmante Sungailaite, an avid traveler and tour leader of G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys, to tell us more about what makes cities special for travelers, among other things.

"I have been traveling for 16 years, and I haven't meticulously kept a diary of all the cities that I have been to, as after 80 countries it's too easy to lose the count, but I can tell you that some places tend to steal your heart instantly, and some of them, well, you wouldn't even recommend it to your worst enemy," explained Irmante.

"As part of my work as a tour leader, I get to go to see many of the top of the 'bucket list' cities that many travelers are dying to discover. I have to admit that Venice has never been my top choice in Italy, but since my friends moved back there I got to see it in a totally different light--so places do change as well as you and your outlook does too."

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Beijing. I arrived at the end of a trans- Mongolian rail trip seeing so many incredible places and I think it was just a huge anticlimax. Was intimidated by the level of armed security everywhere, had to fight off so many scammers, didn't enjoy being touched and laughed at when on the subway (I'm a very white European with curly hair). Overall just found it really challenging despite some amazing sights.

Teapigs1984 , Herry Lawford Report

Add photo comments
POST
May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there in -99, so a lot has probably changed since then, but I enjoyed Bejing - so many fascinating, historical sites. There were a lot of scammers back then too, but no armed security, so maybe it wasn't as bad. And people kept handing us their babies and taking pictures of us holding them, which was odd, but not in a bad way. No pointing and laughing, even though we were both white (and one had curly hair), but then we didn't go on the subway (didn't know they had one - maybe it's new)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Pompeii

The Atmosphere was toxic, the local fair was rather bland, nothing was showing at the local amphitheater, and it seems like everyone you visit is sleeping.

Quiet neighborhood though.

GluttonAsteroth , a rancid amoeba Report

Add photo comments
POST
Joran Quinten
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I read toxic atmosphere and thought it to be a satirical post on when Pompeï still was a blast these many centuries ago.. 😅

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online User_492006 said:
Atlantic City. It's waayyy dirtier and run down than I thought it'd be.

housespecialdelight replied:
NJ resident. Atlantic City is terrible outside the casinos. You have to stick to the casinos outside of the boardwalk (Borgata or Harrahs) if you want to have a more classy experience.

There are some pretty old school amazing restaurants off the grid to venture out to though.

plz-pm-me-your-b**bz replied:
I was so disappointed by this city and my expectations weren't even high. It was just nasty there. The whole experience felt like biting into an apple only to realize it's an onion.

User_492006 , Doug Kerr Report

Add photo comments
POST
WildBerry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't live far from here but I've only visited Atlantic City twice. Once was to bring a boat into a dock there and once was to pick up a bushel of blue point crabs to take back home to cook. There are much nicer/quieter beach towns to see in New Jersey.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

"If you choose a well known destination, there is a really high chance of it having a lot of 'tourist traps' but even then you can dig a little bit deeper and go local," elaborated Irmante. "It's also a lot about reality vs expectations--going to UAE, you have to understand that there will be a lot of malls--and if that's your thing--it will be better than heaven for anyone who is into strolling brightly lit miles of stores. Even in places like Dubai you can find gems that are off the beaten path - like going to Alserkal avenue that is full of art galleries, local artists workshops, quaint cafes, an independent cinema and a scrumptious chocolaterie."

#8

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Dread_Wolf_TakeMe said:
Branson Missouri felt like if wish.com were a place

Frenchy4life replied;
I have heard it called the Christian Las Vegas, couldn't have better described it. However, I did have fun..... went Zip Lining, saw a magic show, had an awesome brunch at the College of the Ozarks. I would rate that trip a 7 out fof 10. Especially since my parents did the stupid time share presentations to get free stuff lol

Dread_Wolf_TakeMe , Counselman Collection Report

Add photo comments
POST
Helen Haley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is what fundamentalists think is fun. The entire thing is rural wholeomer-than-thou non-amusement park.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Miami. I never have allergies and had level 10 allergies pretty much as soon as I arrived. The food was over priced. Clubs were WAY over priced. There were to many plasticy people walking around. The social culture was way to rich for my blood. And I went with a narcissistic jackaloon (unrelated to the city but relevant to my disdain.)

Sure-Succotash-2805 , Mack Male Report

#10

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online youburyitidigitup said:
Niagara Falls. I didn’t know the falls would be in a city. I thought it would be a national park. The whole place just felt like a giant shopping mall.

SaraAB87 said:
There is a state park to it, that is where the actual falls is. But of course the tourist area is like that. Also you don't want to go outside the tourist area on either the American or Canadian side of the falls, much crime occurs and both sides are extremely run down.

youburyitidigitup , denisbin Report

Add photo comments
POST
Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadian here. Yep the tourist area with the amusements and food traps is ind of tacky. But it is not aiming for anything else. It is superposed to be an old fashioned loud touristy area. But the falls themselves are amazing and the surrounding Niagara area is beautiful.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online I know everyone loves Marrakesh, but i hated it

it would have been amazing before about 2000, but now it just feels like a disneyland version of their culture to cater to western tourists. ali baba costumes pretending to be desert nomads. half of their ‘hand made goods’ are just cheap s**t from china. and u cant walk 20 feet without being aporoached by scammers. like, literally every block

the entire city just feels like a facade to attract dumb tourist money

i get why ppl love it, but that was my take

legshampoo , Stephen Colebourne Report

Add photo comments
POST
Hańka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The usual order of things, unfortunately, where you can earn money from tourists. Marrakesh is great, although I prefer Fez.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

According to Irmante, much of one's own experience of a place depends on the travelers themselves. While cities ought to provide a traveler-friendly environment, being able to enjoy the so-called 'tourist trap' is also something that requires a certain kind of skill and appreciation.

"I always wonder, though, what it was like to visit Barcelona or Dubrovnik 30 years ago and how they've changed, these places adapted to travelers' needs, meaning that sometimes they even tend to drift from their authenticity in order to make people feel comfortable being guests. It takes a seasoned traveler to go to lesser known destinations, but to thoroughly and authentically enjoy 'tourist traps' is also an art. So I would say that falling into the 'tourist trap' is up to the traveler itself. The city must have people that are easy to communicate with regardless of whether there's a language barrier, curious culture, different food, and their transport systems are easy to use."

#12

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online As a Dutch person, I'm actually gonna say Amsterdam. So crowded, chaotic and getting run over by other tourists on bikes they've never ridden before. I feel like it's romanticized a lot because it's our capital but the first time I visited, I was genuinely disappointed. It's definitely dirtier on the streets and the canals have a lot of waste drifting in them.

And the people that are there don't seem to understand. "Honey, you're in Amsterdam, isn't it fantastic?" "I'm living the dream because I'm living in Amsterdam!" "Amsterdam is the heart and soul of the Netherlands!"

Meh. I'll just go to Utrecht or Den Bosch instead.

Marveloes , r.schwarzkopf Report

Add photo comments
POST
James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like Amsterdam. Went there a few years ago for a city break. Really pretty city IMO

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#13

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online DontShootTheFood said:
Austin, Texas. Lived there in the ‘90s and it was pretty great. Now it’s an overcrowded, overpriced douchey mess.

BethG_99 replied:
As someone who grew up in & currently lives in Austin, you are 100% correct. The area is great to visit but horrible to stay in for any long-term period of time. And alot of what made up Austin's "Stay Weird" culture has vanished with the population boom, especially in downtown. Don't get me wrong, there's still plenty in Austin and the surrounding area to have a fun & interesting trip if you're visiting. But don't move here. It's so damn expensive, the population in the city & all the surrounding suburbs has exploded too quickly for infrastructure to keep up, and honestly the snobby attitude of some of the people (especially our local leaders) is becoming increasingly more noticeable. It used to still have the combination of Stay Weird hippy town mixed with Southern hospitality and small town community feel. Both of those have pretty much vanished now. I'm getting out of this area as soon as my boyfriend and I have saved up enough to move.

DontShootTheFood , Stuart Seeger Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mark Berry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I definitely concur. I have family who moved there back when "Keep Austin Weird" was still a mantra, then a prayer, now a history. So many independent stores & restaurants have been replaced by chains. The traffic is horrible. The infrastructure just can't keep up with the growth. Compared to California, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, except for Austin, as so many Californians have moved there for the tech jobs. I still love visiting Austin, but it's not what it used to be. Oh yeah...Crappy Governor Greg Abbott is there, so that's another reason to be disappointed by Austin.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Manhattan smells like trash. Constantly. There is very little infrastructure for waste management for a city filled with 100 stories of office buildings, restaurants, and apartments, so on trash day you walk by 8-foot tall walls of trash bags stacked up on the sidewalk waiting for the trash trucks. And on a hot August day, ugh.

The whole city just stinks.

Virtual-Stranger , udo schuklenk Report

Add photo comments
POST
Dave P
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually we have a very good infrastructure for waste management, maybe you came during the Sanitation slowdown during the union negotiations. But yeah, that huge wall of trash bags during the day is a lie, they are put out after 6 pm and are picked up over night, further that only applies to residential houses, not stores or apartments. This person is full of BS and probably never was here but saw 1990's Law and Order episdoes.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Idontknowthosewords said:
Paris was so dirty, and I was not prepared for the disdain of the French towards a stupid American. I believed the American Rom-Com movie version of Paris.

BlueberryPiano replied:
Don't forget smelly too. And not just one strong smell so you can get acclimated to it either. Fresh bread, urine, perfume, body odour. Yuck.

Idontknowthosewords , Patrick Nouhailler Report

Add photo comments
POST
Bill Evs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paris is great but people need to manage their expectations and realise it's like any major metropolitan area, as in good and bad. A lot of visitors (especially Americans) have this overly romantic, gooey eyed idea of what they think Paris is so the reality is often a gut punch.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"Whether the city is disappointing or not it's totally up to the traveler. It's how you feel in the place and how you can transform those feelings, even if the most annoying thing happened, taking a deep breath and turning it all into an adventurous memory. Being open minded, patient, curious and respectful is the key," explained Irmante.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Plus, going to lesser visited locations even in the countries that have crazy popular hot cities could help adventurers to expand their horizons and also spread the money that is coming in from tourism more evenly in the country. So maybe instead of going to Barcelona, choose Bilbao, and check out Zagreb rather than spending too much time in Dubrovnik. And instead of going to Switzerland, go for Kazakhstan, and instead of Thailand--why not to checkout Sri Lanka?"

#16

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Gjilli said:
Naples, I think the best way I could describe the city center is as a sticky mcdonalds table


Beans20202 said:
Agreed - my family almost got mugged in Naples in the middle of the day. I literally felt unsafe the entire time and we were only there for a day trip.

Gjilli , Francisco Anzola Report

#17

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online pittguzzo said:
Jacksonville Florida is a toilet.

pittguzzo replied:
I lived there for a couple of years for work… couldn’t wait to get out. To me it’s because they don’t let the smaller areas incorporate and become their own towns. This allows two things: 1. The reign as the largest city by land area in US to remain. 2. The tax $s are shared throughout, so there are few “good” and “bad” areas, leaving everywhere being mediocre and uneventful

fartkidwonder , Thomas Andersen Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jacksonville is a desirable tourist location? This is news to me.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#18

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online FourSeasons1972 said:
Cairo, what a dump. Poverty-people constantly begging or have something trying to sell, insane traffic-literally horrible traffic. Pollution.

NewSyrup3238 replied:
What really bothered me was how close the city was to the pyramids. I thought the pyramids were in the middle of nowhere but nope, just spitting distance from the city, quite surreal actually.

FourSeasons1972 , Francisco Anzola Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kathy Lance
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cairo is tough for tourists for the reasons stated. But I live in Cairo and wouldn't live anywhere else. Once you get past the beggars and scammers, Cairenes are some of the kindest and most generous people in the world.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online mediaogre said:
Fresno, CA has entered the chat

JOEYisROCKhard said:
laughs in Bakersfield


ThoughtCenter87 replied:

I think Fresno is just a larger version of Bakersfield lmao. Can't decide which is worse.

I think in terms of air pollution Bakersfield is worse, if you visit that town (or more realistically drive through it to get to LA) it smells like rotten eggs for a while until your nose gets used to the smell lol

mediaogre , Thank You (21 Millions+) Report

Add photo comments
POST
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone expect anything of Fresno or Bakersfield? Or go there if they didn't have to?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online NotThatKindOfDrDr said:
It pains me to say this, but Dublin. My expectations were so high. That being said, I left my heart in Cork.

Brian_Gay replied:
Lived in dublin my whole life and I would say if you're going to live in Ireland permanently then yeah Dublin is the best shout as it has amenities, plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs etc but if you're going on a holiday to Ireland then donegal, Galway, Cork etc give you a much more "Irish" feel. Honestly I think the best way to do it would be to spend a few days in a few different counties, 3 days in Dublin will do then spread out, Ireland nice and small so it's very doable... Expensive though...

NotThatKindOfDrDr , Sean MacEntee Report

Add photo comments
POST
Eucritta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved Dublin. There was a lot to see, and much of it was lovely. I was bowled over by how many places had baskets of flowers out, it made some of the streets seem like gardens. I'd go back in a shot.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

Lastly, we've asked Irmante what would she recommend as travel destinations, and she had this to say:

"I love Mexico City. For me, it's the most exciting place in the world for excellent food, fun bars, friendly locals and lots of culture. As a traveler, I found Beirut jam packed with culinary delights, beautiful architecture and charming hospitality, and Addis Ababa oozing intoxicating jazz and incredibly rich in history. And look, if going to destinations that are not necessarily the most popular is not your thing, there's nothing wrong with going to visit 'tourist traps'. It's all about how you do it."

You can follow Irmante's Instagram right here, and yes, she's more than willing to share where to get the best macchiatos in Addis Ababa, if you've got a craving and incidentally are traveling there.

#21

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No offense to the folks that live there but I felt like everybody was angry, the traffic and parking was worse than Manhattan, and it had none of the redeeming qualities of NYC.

YOLO_SWAG_SATAN , Jirka Matousek Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredkoala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Traffic and parking is bad in a city? Goodness me. Philly has great museums, fantastic restaurants, lots of charm in the old part, a great quirky artistic side, and much of it is walkable. Love it as a tourist.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online imatiredwoman said:
Athens. I couldn’t wait to go because I’m Greek. It’s filthy with polluted air and all of the famous ruins are right near city buildings, which are poorly constructed. The place feels very third world. The islands however, are fantastic!

FatManNuke69 said:
As much as I hate to say it, Athens was in pretty bad shape last I went (6 years ago and hasn't changed). The city has a very nice area called Plaka which is right beside the acropolis and is definitely a must if you go to mainland Greece and of course the general attractions like the Parthenon and the museum and of course the presidential building where if you're lucky enough, you'll catch a riot, so if you see people running... RUN.

But overall, outside of Plaka is a sh*thole. If you're going to Athens with the intent to feel like you've been transported into 500 BC then I've got bad news for you.

imatiredwoman , Dario Sušanj Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Greek I'll say that of course Athens is not the best to visit in Greece! It's the capital and for sure it's crazy noisy dirty etc! However it has so much history that it's a shame to skip it! I would recommend couple days in Athens and then enjoy one island!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#23

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Denver. Just a big, hot, expensive city out on the plains. All the cool mountain activities that people move to CO for are 2 hours of driving away unless you can afford to live in the west suburbs so nobody does nearly as much recreation as the would do living somewhere else. Traffic is worse than Chicago to boot.

r00kieNS , Daniel Spiess Report

#24

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Trenton, New Jersey.

I wasn't really visiting or expecting to go there, just passing through on an Amtrak ride. I awoke from a nap to the train just stopped in what looked like Raccoon City. Trash everywhere, most of the buildings looked abandoned. The sky was cloudy and literally green. Like, sickly yellow-green. And most eerily, I didn't see a single car driving on the street or anyone walking around outside on the barren sidewalks. All the stores and restaurants looked closed and empty. I was actually sort of gripped by fear for a second, in my post-nap haze. Just wanted the doors to shut and the train to pull out of there. Nobody was getting on the Amtrak in Trenton. I didn't even know if there was anybody in Trenton. As the train pulled away and we went through the center of the city, a rail bridge over the river caught my eye. A massive sign was plastered on the side that read "TRENTON MAKES, THE WORLD TAKES."

Surreal and overall grim experience.

tr0nvicious , David Wilson Report

Add photo comments
POST
Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're disapointed by Trenton, NJ, you must have never heard of it. That's like being disapointed by the cuisine in a dumpster.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#25

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Bigjay_37 said:
Manila, traffic was horrible and it was so dirty, nice buildings but the entire experience was stressful.


rodroidrx replied:
Don't forget the slums and street children hounding you for money

Bigjay_37 , Deortiz Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ronualdo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone from the Philippines, I wholeheartedly say Yes! Although Intramuros is a great place to walk, discover the Spanish colonial past of our country. It’s also a walking distance to the National museum of Fine Arts. But i agree with the traffic and how dirty it is..

View more commentsArrow down menu

You can read more answers (and opinions) Redditors had in the original post here. Or you can brows even more travel-related articles right here on Bored Panda.

But before you go, why not share some of your travel destinations that left you feeling disappointed in the comment section below!

#26

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online sustainablecaptalist said:
Birmingham, UK. I had a very dreamy idea of it for some reason.

It's probably the shi**iest city in the UK.

Edit: People are asking me why I thought good about Birmingham. To them my only defense is that I'm from India. I didn't know much about Birmingham, name sounded very romantic to me!

Pumpkin-Bomb replied:
I don’t get how the only thing of interest in the second biggest city in the U.K., is a shopping centre. It’s such a grim grey place that’s not interesting at all.

Each other major UK city has its own unique qualities and landmarks that make it worth a visit. I’ve yet to see what that is in Birmingham.

Pumpkin-Bomb , Gideon Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Konstantynopolitancz said:
Frankfurt - just kinda seemed like a boring banking / politics city. It's entirely possible I just didn't go to the right parts though. The park by the river was nice.

Soleska replied:
That's what most Germans think about the city, too.

Every bigger city in Germany is some ugly mixture of old and modern. You should go for some smaller ones.

Only exception I can think of is Hamburg. Has its dirty parts, but overall nice city.

Konstantynopolitancz , Chris Yunker Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, you mean these cities are like, actual cities where people live and work? And not some kind of living postcard? What a rip off!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online I always give the same answer, Venice.

Beautiful architecture and fascinating history... but dear god is it humid, the water is absolutely filthy, its so overcrowded, and there's gift stands in every corner selling the same cheap wares.

ChibiRedgrave , Pedro Szekely Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Venice is destroyed by tourists so i don't understand why people go there and complain when they are also the source of the problem( I'm not saying to not go at all but you cannot complain)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Bratislava. It was further worsened cause I was coming from somewhere amazing (Vienna) before and went to this dump of a city. Nightlife and drinking amazing there though, some cool oddities, but if I was to go back, I'd not spend more than half-day there.

blueveia , Peter MacLeod Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been there and even though it's not something wow(i also came from Budapest which was impressive) i have to say that if you research where to go you will enjoy! Didn't regret it! Stayed 2 days and it was fun

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#30

30 Overrated Places That Aren’t Worth A Visit, As Pointed Out By Folks Online Aussie-of-Skellige said:
Rome. From d**kheads trying to steal my suitcase off the train, from my bulls**t hotel room I was lied to about, to the a**face who didn’t want to accept my green card as legit. Amongst other things.

SWLondonLady said:
Came here for this. Not being able to look at any historical monuments without a selfie stick thrust into your face. And so many tourists.

Aussie-of-Skellige , Sean MacEntee Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will not understand the tourists that go to touristic areas and expect no tourists

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu