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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
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#1
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.
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.
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.
RELATED:
#2
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.
#3
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.
#4
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
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."
#5
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.
May 3 years ago
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)
#6
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.
Joran Quinten 3 years ago
Okay, I read toxic atmosphere and thought it to be a satirical post on when Pompeï still was a blast these many centuries ago.. 😅
KM 3 years ago
Do people not realize that the post is sarcastic? Did the " nothing was showing at the local amphitheater" not give it away?
Carito alias La Cototina 3 years ago
I think that whoever wrote the photo caption was being sarcastic and maybe British!
Jyri Hakola 3 years ago
Yes. And probably he should have dig bit more deeper than just scratch the surface ;)
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WildBerry 3 years ago
Visited Pompeii in 1992 while staying in Rome and I loved everything about it.
Vex Boxx 3 years ago
I went a couple years after. (Got extra credit in my natural disasters geology class!) I found the location beautiful and rather peaceful, given the circumstances.
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Charlie Taube 3 years ago
Yes and the people are so rude! I ask a local for directions and he stood there like a statue and gave me the silent treatment!
Vex Boxx 3 years ago
While this is obviously tongue-in-cheek, I really loved Pompeii when I visited. It was a looooong time ago (1995 ish) and a ton of stuff hadn't been discovered yet. However, I think there were maybe 20 visitors there the entire day. We were allowed to basically have the run of the place, walk around by ourselves, get up close and personal with everything. The only thing that was behind glass was one of the petrified bodies they'd found. Everything else was open. You could touch the frescos (I did not), get up close and peer into the ovens (I did), and we were able got to watch archeologists working and chat a little. There were no ropes or barriers and no one acted like a destructive idiot. I miss the days before digital-everything. I know there were still jerks then but without the "do it for the 'gram" crap, I feel like we were more able to have nice stuff.
All's Gravy 3 years ago
Some of the oldest residents have very fixed attitudes and are petrified of strangers.
Lily 3 years ago
Well I thoroughly enjoyed the experience walking through Pompeii, standing in rooms with frescoes, seeing the ancient mosaics, seeing how they lived, thousands of years ago. And the tragedy of seeing the remnants of life left. It was one of the best and most memorable experiences I've had.
Sheri Rohrbacher 3 years ago
Satire. You know, as in the place died ages ago. People won't speak, like statues, sleeping...
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David Shapiro 3 years ago
Wanted to see it all my life. Its big and cannot be fully appreciated in a single day. It is a great experience for those who enjoy rubbing shoulders with antiquity. Passing by the shops, homes of the poor and wealthy, a laundry,, a brothal, temples and amphitheater, I felt a unique connection and shared humanity spanning millenia. That is its gift. And you don't go there for the food or local culture. It isn't Disneyland!
Doydoyrl 3 years ago
This is the kind of spot where if you don't have any culture, you don't have any fun. I has a blast, because I sent off any tourism spots. I was literally analysing every square inch for the things I knew of the roman culture and imagining what daily life on a culture so far away in time, and yet so similar to us, was like. Again, you have to be cultured to enjoy it.
Otter 3 years ago
That's too bad! I've heard so much about the place, in history, art history, and geology classes/reading, I'd love to see it.
Kathleen Webb 2 years ago
Pompei was absolutely amazing. I don’t know where you were but definitely not in the beautiful ruins
Simone Ligtenberg 2 years ago
Totally disagree. I was on a quit afternoon, learned a lot and loved the visit
Mariele Scherzinger 2 years ago
I remember how baffled I was to see those high numbers of homeless dogs sheltering in the ruins. Isn't it a place of historical relevance? Why do the people in charge condone this? I asked the bus driver - who was also our tour guide (yes, it was a very cheap tour) - how this can be. He just got smarmy with me (in a very Italian way...).
Teo Smolej 3 years ago
You cant view that like this, showing you are obviously undeucated. This is a world class ancient heritage preserved like nothing in the world. So only taking “atmosphere” into experience is so ungrateful and childish. Maby read some books before commentinf such bullshit
The Bus From Speed 3 years ago
This reads like it's trying to keep people away from a cool site so OP can keep it to themselves. 0/10
Tess Chappuis 3 years ago
This review is hilarious. It reminds me of when I overheard other Americans in Greece complaining about all the "broken rocks and old statues."
Katinka Min 3 years ago
What?? Pompeji is incredible. Wher eyou high or is this a satirical post?
WhatEvenIsLife 3 years ago
Awww, I liked Pompei. The d***s in the streets were entertainment enough!
Corinna van Santen 3 years ago
I don't agree at all. Fascinating place to visit with a 14 year old latin student. Your family was thrilled. Great possibly to understand culture.
Biserka Pavlov 3 years ago
Been there in 1965, and again about 5 years ago. Was and still is fascinatimg! Don't miss the cameo museum/manufacture/shop near the entrance to the site.
Sally Winch 3 years ago
I think Pompeii should be removed from this list as this is satirical post. I've taken many people there over the years and while in the past it was a bit grubby and there were lots of stray dogs (lovely tho) it is totally magical and there are ongoing excavations.
Menelaos G 3 years ago
Been there a month ago. Nice place, nothing fancy, but the whole "town" was smelling piss. I'm not joking. We tried very hard to not pay attention to the characteristic smell...
Emi Willen 3 years ago
I loved Pompeii (& nearby Herculaneum)!!! How can looking for hidden flying penises in the walls & floors of the site be toxic!?!
Andrea Holland- Bonneu 3 years ago
Apparently the reviewer needed a sarcasm font. Bored Panda is really Stupid Panda.
underapalm 3 years ago
You go there to observe and learn, not be entertained. Go to Ercolano next time.
Michele JM 3 years ago
Are we sure this person actually visited Manhattan ? "The whole place stinks"? Maybe they only got as far as JFK Airport, and gave up.
Marilyn Ransberry 3 years ago
Meant to be funny. Pompeii was an amazing experience. We had a guide and I am sure that helped. Ruts in the stone road from Roman carts, paintings on the wall of early brothels, tiny houses, larger home of a rich person, fountains for village water, a bakery with stone oven. A thriving community stopped in its tracks by a volcanic eruption.
Denise Connor 3 years ago
Went there from Rome. It was a 3 hour bus ride. We walked through dirty streets to look at dirtier bricks. I'm convinced that going to the museum would be more enlightening. Not worth the trip. I'm guessing the artifacts and illustrations of life in Pompeii must be in the museum.
Carol Coller 3 years ago
Satire, and yet clueless Bored Panda posts this as a real comment. The idiocy.
°•King-A•° 3 years ago
actually you just can't enjoy being able to walk on the streets built centuries ago, and imagine how life was there back then. there is nothing wrong with the atmosphere.
Lola Williams 3 years ago
Satire aside Pompeii was incredible to visit.i walked around by myself instead of a tour and its really a different experience. I cannot wait to go back.
Terry Divyak 3 years ago
When you go there, take a guided tour, makes it way more interesting.
Alex Williams 3 years ago
It is dumb when you post a satirical critique on an otherwise earnest post about overrated tourist destinations
Sheri Rohrbacher 3 years ago
Comment deleted. Now I really want to see it.
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Kayla J 3 years ago
Went in HS. They crowded us and some other tourists into a smaller room where the frescoes showed off some exaggeration in part of the artists (if you've been you know). Felt bad giggling considering where I was but it was quite an experience and you learn more about the kind of city it was being there than textbooks tell you.
Carol Marder 3 years ago
I loved it. So many interesting things to see. I had a spectacular tour guide. Maybe that helped. But it was very interesting!
Adrian 3 years ago
I went 30+ years ago while it was still being excavated. Sad if it has deteriorated since then.
Sanne H. 3 years ago
Sadly I never went more southern than Ostia Antica (the remains of a former harbor city, not so far from Rome), which is also quite nice if you have some knowledge / interest in ancient times. But Pompeii is said to be much more interesting, and much better preserved, so I’m really looking forward to go there too.
Lav Oravaf 3 years ago
Pompei is unfortunately not taken care of by those who should (Culture Heritage), and has been severely abused by tourists for all these many years. That is the sad story of way too many cultural sites in Italy.
Channen TTCL 3 years ago
Wow... seriously? You go visit what is essentially a massive graveyard and then complain it lacks entertainment... this world is truly sick.
lara 3 years ago
When my friend and I were in Rome we asked the concierge the way to get to Pompey, which train, etc. He said "don't go. It is dangerous, you would have to stay in Naples but Naples, he said, was too dangerous, it was totally controlled by the "Mafia" and no one was safe. We subsequently found out that when you stay in the hotels in Naples they warn you about going out at night, they loan you very cheap watches so you won't wear your own, they tell you not to wear any jewelry, not to have an expensive clothing, back packs or purses and NEVER stop and talk to anyone on the street. And that pick pockets were a fact of life to the point that you might as well just give them what you have. We didn't go.
Sanne H. 3 years ago
Doesn’t it all depend on who you ask and what your experience is? For example: I was told upfront that cycling in Rome was really dangerous. Well, as an experienced cyclist (I’m Dutch 😉) I took my chances, rented a bike and was able to do three days of sightseeing in a very efficient way. Never experienced any danger.
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M Calad 3 years ago (edited)
I think you either love or hate Pompeii. It was one of my dream places to visit when I was a kid (I had a book about amazing places and Pompeii was included). When I was an exchange student in Europe, I visited the place with my best friend at that moment. I loved the place but she found it boring and resented I took her there. She said it was just some overpriced (true) tiny (true) boring ruins and that the few interesting stuff is just kept behind a glass and hard to see. I...still love it.
Sheri Rohrbacher 3 years ago
Her loss. And if the good stuff wasn't behind glass some nitwit would destroy it all in the name of a selfie.
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Ekaterina S 3 years ago
What did the person expect? Pompeji is one of the most stunning places to visit.
Stephen Cook 3 years ago
OF COURSE ITS A QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD. THE NEIGHBOURS ALL DIED 2 MILLENIA AGO
#7
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.
"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
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
Helen Haley 3 years ago
It is what fundamentalists think is fun. The entire thing is rural wholeomer-than-thou non-amusement park.
#9
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.)
Walking On Sunshine 3 years ago
I will never step foot in a state run by a dictator. DeSantis is a killer.
#10
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.
#11
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
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
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.
#13
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.
Mark Berry 3 years ago
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.
#14
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.
Dave P 3 years ago
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.
#15
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.
Bill Evs 3 years ago
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.
"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.
"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
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.
DarkAngelNic 3 years ago
From what I have heard, Naples is the Detroit of Italy. Best to stay away.
#17
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
#18
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.
Kathy Lance 3 years ago
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.
#19
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
#20
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...
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
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.
boredkoala 3 years ago
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.
#22
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.
#23
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.
Theo Blackwood 3 years ago
I honestly just want to go to Denver to see The Blue Stallion and the airport.
#24
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.
Luther von Wolfen 3 years ago
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.
#25
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
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
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.
#27
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.
#28
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.
#29
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.
#30
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.
What do you think ?
Vicky Z 3 years ago
Most of these examples are from people that don't research before they travel! As a control freak in traveling i cannot understand that! I've been in places that are not famous or touristic as well as very touristic areas and never found a single place that didn't enjoy! I believe that every place has its own beauty if you know where to go and what to do! Nowadays we can have so much information through internet that it's a shame not to research! We get maybe few holidays in our life so it better worth it right? Spend some days for research and you will not regret it!
Kathy Lance 3 years ago
I can't speak to the places in the US, but it seems to me that most of these complaints come from the very people who have turned these cities into tourist traps. If you lived in one of the tourist hotspots and saw thousands of visitors every day, you'd probably try to cash in as well.
Charles Bosse 3 years ago
The US parks system has some very well curated historical locations that may give people used to that an unrealistic expectation. Add that our social studies classes work hard to zoom through 4000 years of "western" history but largely neglect to represent places as they are now or mention places that weren't central to European culture and it's no surprise that expectations and reality don't always line up. I'm sure that's true in other places too, but I can only speak to my experiences here. If you didn't realize while planning and have difficulty adjusting expectations, it can be a let down when reality is a mismatch, and bad experiences that make you feel taken advantage of can really amplify that. As for the places in the US, they don't belong on this list. Most of the places listed are not major tourist destinations, so they aren't "over rated". There are great places to visit in the US and also over rated places to visit in the US but this list did not capture them mostly.
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MikeWheelerFan 3 years ago
I live in Jacksonville. What did those people expect? Orlando? Jacksonville is a great place and is not a toilet. The person who said that probably only visited downtown, and I’ll admit our downtown is kind of a toilet. But the rest of the city has personality. We don’t have 1 million people for nothing. Overall my city is unremarkable and often forgotten, it’s still a great place to live.
ForgotMyPWSendHelp 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah, how can Jacksonville and some of these other places possibly be "overrated"? I've never met anyone dying to go to Jacksonville. Not saying it's terrible (although I've been there and honestly just don't remember much), I just don't understand how it's appropriate for a post asking for places that are overrated.
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ZAPanda 3 years ago
most of these comments sound like those people who were told to travel in order to broaden their minds but who came to be disappointed because they were expecting a cartoonish disneyland and were shocked to discover it was a real, living, breathing city, with actual poor people. SHOCK. HORROR.
Bekaroo 2 years ago
I just commented that they must have never been to any big cities before these trips if they're complaining about crowds and smells and how dirty they are!
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Milan 3 years ago (edited)
I was in many places from this list. I like to return to some again and also do but on some i was first and last time (Paris, Rome…) but still had a very nice time there. But it seems this list is created by pure haters. Like really, you did not enjoy nothing in Venice, Amsterdam, Dublin, Athens, NY…? C’mon. Haters gonna hate.
Robert Koelle 3 years ago
What a gawdawful article. Of all the places I've visited on this list, none of them match the descriptions. Harder to park in Philly than NYC?! The Paris complaints are all cliches and completely false, Same with Rome and Amsterdam, which are gorgeous. Why are Fresno and Trenton even considered destinations for this list? All ridiculous. Please ignore this stupid article.
David Taylor 2 years ago
No, i agree with the Paris description. Been a few times, its got some incredible architecture and history but the city itself is an absolute dump, everything is filthy, grafittid, piles of rubbish everywhere and absolutely stank. Now they have these electric scooters for hire they're just strewn everywhere with absolute abandon which just adds to this whole run down atmosphere.
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Charmwashere 3 years ago (edited)
I have found that with the right perspective, a bit of research, and realistic expectations anywhere you go can be amazing. That being said, I have no idea why some of these cities were even on the list as they aren't typical places people think about for vacations ( Fresno? Jacksonville? Branson? Trenton? Really?). I have never heard of anyone, even through seven degrees of separation, who has had a burning desire to get a visa, fly 12 hours and go to Branson. If I happened to find myself in Branson, sure, I'd have a good time because I always find things to do that are fun for me. But there aren't travel guides and agents all over the world trying to get you to Branson like they do for Paris or Venice. It's just a really weird list of legitimate tourist places and just regular towns that may have a downtown nightlife or a beach with gambling.
NuClea Bomb 3 years ago
"I am a tourist who believed the Hollywood perfection of cities. I went to a destination specifically designed for tourists and was appalled by the number of tourists there. 0/10." Seriously that was abt 90% of these. Manage expectations and just have fun in these countries without wanting perfection.
Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
All these people do is go to tourist destinations. WHY? I've traveled alot and all of these places, they all went to tourist traps. DON'T!! Get out of those places and go visiting/exploring where the locals live. You are seriously missing out. Many cultures enjoy inviting others for dinner/lunch or a drink. Your doing it wrong. Very wrong.
Jarrod Nichols 3 years ago
Elitist snobs looking for reasons to complain instead of reasons to enjoy. A direct reflection of the type of people they are. Imagine going to Rome or paris and complaining.
SlowTo Learn 3 years ago
This is an incredibly ridiculous article full of nothing but entitled whiners. One personal experience from an idiosyncratic person and we're supposed to take value from their small-minded and reactionary view? Infuriating. Reminds me of the one star reviews of the wonders of the world. Toxic atmosphere my asshole.
Chris Angus 3 years ago
Honestly it just sounds like salty travelers who only go for tourist spots and not the people. Outside the use anyway. Been to alot of the listed places and had a fantastic time. And most of the us locations are all dank dirty places. Cali and New Jersey being the top of the list. Proper research and you will have a blast. Or just a wing it kinda thing and it's even better.
Marco Conti 3 years ago (edited)
There seems to be a pattern here: great expectations that don't measure up to reality. Plus tourists complaining that the place is full of tourists. You also look like a mark to the locals, so you'll be mugged, begged and treated with contempt because tourists are always needed, but never welcome.
abetlew wiroqw 3 years ago (edited)
In Florida we welcome tourists. Tourists. Just go back home afterwards rather than moving here, and we're good!
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JayWantsACat 3 years ago
As someone who lives in San Francisco, I'm surprised to not see my city on the list. This city has a lot of issues but if you stay away from tourist areas and certain bad neighborhoods, it still as A LOT to offer. Museums, art galleries, food, music, city walks, views, etc. J
Honu 3 years ago
I grew up in the Bay Area and, yeah, the places in SF that the tourists used to frequent are pretty blighted. I still go in, but I can't remember the last time I went to Union Square. I'll go to Golden Gate Park and hit the museums or occasionally see a show. The region, as a whole though, is actually a pretty amazing place. So many gorgeous outdoor spaces you can enjoy with temperate weather, as well as the museums, entertainment, amazing food, diverse culture and such. It's a great place to live in many ways. It's a shame it's become so expensive, though.
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TheDivineMsM 3 years ago
All the tourists traps in East Tennessee- Sevierville, pigeon forge, Gatlinburg... all commercialized, cheesy, overpriced, crowded and waaaaay overrated. If you're traveling to that area, visit the state/national parks and the natural beauty around there instead. You can visit the commercialization anywhere.
Biba Little 3 years ago
I didn't travel much or far away, but I found the way to love every place I have been to, even smallest fisherman villages (especially those), and smallest cities and big dirty towns. Every place has its charms. Only problem is pollution and horrible super tourism that will destroy it all.
Rita Cinquemani 3 years ago
Really now, with a little research you certainly find a great or interesting time in each these places. To say Paris, Rome or Venice is not amazing is crazy....try looking at the art and architecture rather than the gutters. You can not beat the history. Sounds like someone who is just wanting to go to another nightclub wrote this!
InternetRando 3 years ago
Did the author just filter on a bunch of negative comments of all these locations or actually visit all 30 of them? I see plenty of positive reviews, too, but I guess positive stuff doesn't drive clickbait. How in the world does this pass for journalism?! Shame, Bored Panda...
Gon Killua 3 years ago
If you don't like the world why you guys are living and writing about it...sounds ignorance..then tell me if you Home or the place you are living is considered well for living I mean you are talking about scammers poor ppl expensive food and bad tourism the same weird things you will find everywhere you walk...with all respect writer don't show your ignorance but I respect the right of expression
k a e y l a 3 years ago
For the Bali one i have to disagree because as someone who lives in Indonesia, i think this is more of a you problem than it is a Bali problem. There are so many cheap places to eat in Bali and you really aren't gonna get the Bali experience if all you're eating is the hotel cafe type of food. You have to go and eat the street foods which are really cheap and delicious.
Saulo de Tarso 3 years ago
. came expecting to see Cancun in the #2, now i go amazed it didn't appear at all. i'm mexican, and i know very well almost all my country, and i've been to Cancun since i was 4 (46 now), i know what i say (and i went to a few in the list, also). .
Sarah watson 3 years ago
This list was 99.9% of tourists going to a tourist destination and complaining about all the tourists that are there.
Thecoolbonnie 3 years ago
I would never want to visit any of these places to begin with?! 'Trenton' ?! Really?? Lmao the only place I've been to that was a let down, was Myrtle Beach, but some places I've been to, were AWESOME! San Juan, PR.... Virginia Beach, VA .... Savannah, GA.... Tucson, AZ
Jim Zakany 3 years ago
Hilton Head is only a half step better than Myrtle Beach. Food tour of Savannah was great, though.
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Marcus Lynch 3 years ago
Totally agree with the negative comments about Las Vegas. Was going to take a job there and went to visit for a week. By the second day, I knew I would never live or work there. Go about 2 blocks in either direction from the strip and it looks like a war zone. A completely soulsucking s**thole. People living like refugees in campers who don't have the money to get out. Some places made Cousin Eddie's trailer look like a 5 star hotel.
Buzz 3 years ago
Nashville. Used to live there. Now I live in a tiny town a little ways away from it called pleasentville. It's not the busty blondes you see in movies. You only find southern people in the actual country. Most people in Nashville have never been anywhere else in Tennessee. The city is filled with garbage and they are constantly blasting crappily written country music. Tourists only care about the "Batman building" or the Nissan stadium (which is actually pretty cool, just not as cool as people say it is.) People on their internet either think it's trashy but have never lived there, think it's amazing and have never lived there, has no opinion on it, or has lived there or been there and knows what it's actually like.
John Baker 3 years ago
Let's make it short and to the point. Any overhyped, overpriced tourist destination anywhere in the world.
Blue 3 years ago (edited)
Toronto Canada. I have lived here my entire life and I have no idea why they brag about this city being the place to visit. There is nothing so different or special here. All the things Toronto has can be found in every big dirty city in Canada. You want museums , malls and restaurants pick any city anywhere.
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
Lived there a lot of my life. Compared to some places I've been Toronto is actually pretty clean. But the construction there has gone completely out of control, especially condos. If there's an empty space at all someone's going to build on it. My nephew and his wife want to come here to visit and see TO. Why? It has a museum. Ok. It has an art gallery. Ok. It has the CN Tower. Ok. There are only 2 things that I consider worth it. Go to a ballgame at Rogers Center and our new aquarium. DO NOT stay in a hotel downtown. If you check the site that actually lists this, just about everyone of them, even the best of them have bedbugs.
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Jim Zakany 3 years ago
I enjoyed Portland. Went to the Blues festival. Japanese and Rose gardens. Columbia River gorge. Couple days in Cannon Beach. Caught a play.
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Brian Tickle 1 year ago
If you go looking at attractions in a city.....YOU are a tourist so don't complain about there being too many.
giulia monteguti benelli 1 year ago
Pompeii is not a city or an amusement park, it's an archaeological site whose age is breathtaking; if you ignore the history and expect a show at the amphitheatre....lions and gladiators, maybe?
Bekaroo 2 years ago
I keep wondering if any of these people had been in any large city before going on these trips... They're all dirty and smell bad, that's what happens when you have millions of people living in one small area... Sorry they aren't your friendly middle class suburb that sweep all the homeless up and no one uses the sidewalks.
Gretchen Giambrone 3 years ago
I’ve been to a lot of these places and highly disagree with most of their opinions. It’s all what you make of it~ research some of the not so crowded hidden gems and go visit immerse yourself in the culture. I mean come on. These people seem line they hate everywhere lol
Gabriela Lopes 3 years ago
The problem is that people think that all will be prefect, tourists raise their spectations too much and forget that every place has it's problems, of course all capitals will be expensive! I visited the capital of my State and everything was more expensive than in my birthplace but I loved visiting the museum, zoo and the opera.
Kae Temple 3 years ago
In conclusion don't go anywhere that isn't a deserted rainforest apparently
InternetRando 3 years ago
Yes. Please tell everyone these places suck. Fewer crowds = more enjoyable. Vegas is a complete dumpster fire, rampant with maskless COVID, and criminals. We were mugged eighteen times in a SINGLE day!!! Don't go to Vegas! *wiiink*
isa alves 3 years ago (edited)
I think most people that are annoyed because of the poverty (in the meaning that they think the place is a bad destination because it has poor people) of some places are kinda clueless, they were probably expecting a fairytale beautiful city with happy people holding hands, but you know, you will only see this perfect landscape in very VERY specific places, mostly small middle class cities... what did they expect us to do with the poor people? put them all in a box and move them to somewhere else? it's a sad reality around the world, of course it's sad to see but for me it isn't a reason to say a place sucks
Gon Killua 3 years ago
I think all the world is very interesting...some of you only talk s.... And criticize for profession...you will found scammers secury law .weird ppl and fetish things wherever you go in my opinion the crew who made this they have poor imagination and a little of ignorance...if the world is not enough for you guys what are you doing living in this world
Annie Bieber 3 years ago
Afraid I have to add Honolulu to the list. Lived there mid 80's, Waikiki still had a quaintness though very touristy. Went back in 03 & that had all been replaced by the usual Designer BS stores...they replaced Hulas Bar and Lei Stand w/Nike and cut down the biggest Banyon Tree I'd seen. I cried...I'll just live in those 80's days thank you.✌
Andrew Lozano 3 years ago
Rome was awesome!!! Great nightlife and lots of historic spots for those who love history. NOW PISA WAS BORING AS HECK.
Heather Alford 3 years ago
So basically you can always find someone who thinks something sucks. Very insightful.
Charles Bosse 3 years ago
Hah. How did this list miss Yosemite? Don't get me wrong, it's a nice place, but it's basically bumper to bumper so that, unless you booked a back country pass a decade ago, it's like driving in LA traffic for what isn't even in my top 10 US National Parks and monuments, and arguably it's probably the worst of the ones people have heard of if they don't live within 100 miles of them, and also worse than a few that mostly only locals really know of. It's honestly not even as good as some state parks and private tourist traps. Again, it's not -terrible- but you shouldn't fly there IMO.
Kathy Davis 3 years ago
Jacksonville. I lived there for the last 30 years. There is so much to do there. Tons of history. A few interesting museums. Wonderful parks and recreation areas. Loads of sports and music venues. I do agree that the layout of Jacksonville is odd. A half million dollar home will be backed right up to dangerous section eight apartments separated only by a privacy fence. So if you can overlook the hookers, drug dealers and gunfire then it's great place to visit.
Early Riser 3 years ago
Badmouthing only Republican politicians. We know where you lean. Not one comment about Democrats in power shamelessly ruining several of these cities.
abetlew wiroqw 3 years ago
I actually only saw one political thread caused by an ignorant comment. The remainder didn't have much politics at all.
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EntTown 3 years ago (edited)
Agree on Austin. Visiting: The music scene is being pushed out for luxury condos(there's a housing shortage), all of the cool street and food vendors can't afford to live here anymore. People here are getting pretentious. You can go everywhere in workout clothes though. Living: Rents went up 25% this year and the income inequality just keeps growing. Elon Musk is starting to act as though he is going to run Austin, Texas politics is insane, Austin just banned homeless people, there's no real public transit, the infrastructure cannot keep up, and there's no big city amenities except Ikea. If it was a car it would be a Silicon Valley engine, with an LA body(traffic, liberal, kind of artisty? etc) and painted red
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
I want to put my city, Winnipeg, on this list. People who live here are patriotic about this place. The people who visit are shocked how ... ugly and unexciting it is despite a push for tourism here. If you want to experience the prairies and Canadian wildlife, you may see a deer along the inner city river banks on a boat ride. But you'll have to go to one of the many campsites or a park conservatory to enjoy the wilderness. Yeah, Winnipeg has a vast urban canopy of disease ridden elmwood trees that are often slated for cutting down. In the spring you get canker worms hanging off many trees over the streets. Mosquitoes galore in the summer. Wasps late summer to early fall. Despite the tourism organizations trying to get people to come downtown, it is like Detroit's downtown. Other than the business times, no one is really going to go and hang around besides going to the odd dangerous bar or nightclub, where there's a chance of a shooting or stabbing.
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
There is a travel advisory for visiting the North End, and unless you're visiting someone you know, there's no reason to be walking around there. Even driving is risky as carjackings and theft is rising. Some areas in the surrounding communities are clean and pleasant, but downtown is filthy and even though panhandlers are not allowed to approach people for money they still do and police don't enforce this law.
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Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
I come from a multi/dual/different citizenship family of itinerant travelers and (yes, it’s a humble brag) I’ve been to 35 countries and 43 of the 50 US states. As far as traveling for holiday/vacation/tourism goes, the worst places I’ve visited in the US are Tulsa, Oklahoma and Mount Rushmore, SD. Worse than any place I’ve seen in Florida or New Jersey. Internationally, Phuket and southern Thailand and Mumbai. Europe, specifically: Bratislava (there’s a reason the horror franchise “Hostel” was filmed/set there) and Brussels. The latter may be interesting if you’re involved with and appreciate European politics, but Brugge and Ghent are much nicer and more interesting places. Like Manhattan, Rome, Paris, London and other larger cities in Europe are love/hate place, where there is an abundance of disgusting and equally amazing. The places with this largest dualism for me are Varanasi, India and Bangkok.
Milan 3 years ago (edited)
OMG. I live in Bratislava and can say NOTHING is real in Hostel and is far faaaaaar away from reality. We have here a pretty good living where isn’t any big problem from your sallary to buy 200-300k € worth house or apartment. So you can keep this bullshits for your friends from wet hood…
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I I 3 years ago
How London didn't make this list baffles me , EVERYTHING is over priced . the people just dont seem to acknowledge you at all unless they're trying to sell you something or rob you
Honu 3 years ago (edited)
I'm in the US and I've only visited London a couple times, but I loved it. I could go back for a couple weeks and spend the entire time in the British Museum without getting bored. So much to see and do, and you can get everywhere without a car, which holds a lot of appeal coming from the US. We've actually considered moving there. Maybe the massive crowds would get to me after awhile, though. Plus, I've only visited in summer. I'm from California where the weather is very mild. I've been warned I might find other seasons there shocking.
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Katinka Min 3 years ago
This post should be called 'Americans thinking the world has to be like in the movies' For Chrissake, just travel with a company - Trafalgar or such. That way you see the sights and are on a bus the rest of the time, nice and safe and far away from any inconvenience.
Dean Walsh 3 years ago
Too many people on the planet, too much disposable income, too much tourism.
Vicky Z 3 years ago
Most of these examples are from people that don't research before they travel! As a control freak in traveling i cannot understand that! I've been in places that are not famous or touristic as well as very touristic areas and never found a single place that didn't enjoy! I believe that every place has its own beauty if you know where to go and what to do! Nowadays we can have so much information through internet that it's a shame not to research! We get maybe few holidays in our life so it better worth it right? Spend some days for research and you will not regret it!
Kathy Lance 3 years ago
I can't speak to the places in the US, but it seems to me that most of these complaints come from the very people who have turned these cities into tourist traps. If you lived in one of the tourist hotspots and saw thousands of visitors every day, you'd probably try to cash in as well.
Charles Bosse 3 years ago
The US parks system has some very well curated historical locations that may give people used to that an unrealistic expectation. Add that our social studies classes work hard to zoom through 4000 years of "western" history but largely neglect to represent places as they are now or mention places that weren't central to European culture and it's no surprise that expectations and reality don't always line up. I'm sure that's true in other places too, but I can only speak to my experiences here. If you didn't realize while planning and have difficulty adjusting expectations, it can be a let down when reality is a mismatch, and bad experiences that make you feel taken advantage of can really amplify that. As for the places in the US, they don't belong on this list. Most of the places listed are not major tourist destinations, so they aren't "over rated". There are great places to visit in the US and also over rated places to visit in the US but this list did not capture them mostly.
Load More Replies... MikeWheelerFan 3 years ago
I live in Jacksonville. What did those people expect? Orlando? Jacksonville is a great place and is not a toilet. The person who said that probably only visited downtown, and I’ll admit our downtown is kind of a toilet. But the rest of the city has personality. We don’t have 1 million people for nothing. Overall my city is unremarkable and often forgotten, it’s still a great place to live.
ForgotMyPWSendHelp 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah, how can Jacksonville and some of these other places possibly be "overrated"? I've never met anyone dying to go to Jacksonville. Not saying it's terrible (although I've been there and honestly just don't remember much), I just don't understand how it's appropriate for a post asking for places that are overrated.
Load More Replies... ZAPanda 3 years ago
most of these comments sound like those people who were told to travel in order to broaden their minds but who came to be disappointed because they were expecting a cartoonish disneyland and were shocked to discover it was a real, living, breathing city, with actual poor people. SHOCK. HORROR.
Bekaroo 2 years ago
I just commented that they must have never been to any big cities before these trips if they're complaining about crowds and smells and how dirty they are!
Load More Replies... Milan 3 years ago (edited)
I was in many places from this list. I like to return to some again and also do but on some i was first and last time (Paris, Rome…) but still had a very nice time there. But it seems this list is created by pure haters. Like really, you did not enjoy nothing in Venice, Amsterdam, Dublin, Athens, NY…? C’mon. Haters gonna hate.
Robert Koelle 3 years ago
What a gawdawful article. Of all the places I've visited on this list, none of them match the descriptions. Harder to park in Philly than NYC?! The Paris complaints are all cliches and completely false, Same with Rome and Amsterdam, which are gorgeous. Why are Fresno and Trenton even considered destinations for this list? All ridiculous. Please ignore this stupid article.
David Taylor 2 years ago
No, i agree with the Paris description. Been a few times, its got some incredible architecture and history but the city itself is an absolute dump, everything is filthy, grafittid, piles of rubbish everywhere and absolutely stank. Now they have these electric scooters for hire they're just strewn everywhere with absolute abandon which just adds to this whole run down atmosphere.
Load More Replies... Charmwashere 3 years ago (edited)
I have found that with the right perspective, a bit of research, and realistic expectations anywhere you go can be amazing. That being said, I have no idea why some of these cities were even on the list as they aren't typical places people think about for vacations ( Fresno? Jacksonville? Branson? Trenton? Really?). I have never heard of anyone, even through seven degrees of separation, who has had a burning desire to get a visa, fly 12 hours and go to Branson. If I happened to find myself in Branson, sure, I'd have a good time because I always find things to do that are fun for me. But there aren't travel guides and agents all over the world trying to get you to Branson like they do for Paris or Venice. It's just a really weird list of legitimate tourist places and just regular towns that may have a downtown nightlife or a beach with gambling.
NuClea Bomb 3 years ago
"I am a tourist who believed the Hollywood perfection of cities. I went to a destination specifically designed for tourists and was appalled by the number of tourists there. 0/10." Seriously that was abt 90% of these. Manage expectations and just have fun in these countries without wanting perfection.
Amy Stone-Chandler 3 years ago
All these people do is go to tourist destinations. WHY? I've traveled alot and all of these places, they all went to tourist traps. DON'T!! Get out of those places and go visiting/exploring where the locals live. You are seriously missing out. Many cultures enjoy inviting others for dinner/lunch or a drink. Your doing it wrong. Very wrong.
Jarrod Nichols 3 years ago
Elitist snobs looking for reasons to complain instead of reasons to enjoy. A direct reflection of the type of people they are. Imagine going to Rome or paris and complaining.
SlowTo Learn 3 years ago
This is an incredibly ridiculous article full of nothing but entitled whiners. One personal experience from an idiosyncratic person and we're supposed to take value from their small-minded and reactionary view? Infuriating. Reminds me of the one star reviews of the wonders of the world. Toxic atmosphere my asshole.
Chris Angus 3 years ago
Honestly it just sounds like salty travelers who only go for tourist spots and not the people. Outside the use anyway. Been to alot of the listed places and had a fantastic time. And most of the us locations are all dank dirty places. Cali and New Jersey being the top of the list. Proper research and you will have a blast. Or just a wing it kinda thing and it's even better.
Marco Conti 3 years ago (edited)
There seems to be a pattern here: great expectations that don't measure up to reality. Plus tourists complaining that the place is full of tourists. You also look like a mark to the locals, so you'll be mugged, begged and treated with contempt because tourists are always needed, but never welcome.
abetlew wiroqw 3 years ago (edited)
In Florida we welcome tourists. Tourists. Just go back home afterwards rather than moving here, and we're good!
Load More Replies... JayWantsACat 3 years ago
As someone who lives in San Francisco, I'm surprised to not see my city on the list. This city has a lot of issues but if you stay away from tourist areas and certain bad neighborhoods, it still as A LOT to offer. Museums, art galleries, food, music, city walks, views, etc. J
Honu 3 years ago
I grew up in the Bay Area and, yeah, the places in SF that the tourists used to frequent are pretty blighted. I still go in, but I can't remember the last time I went to Union Square. I'll go to Golden Gate Park and hit the museums or occasionally see a show. The region, as a whole though, is actually a pretty amazing place. So many gorgeous outdoor spaces you can enjoy with temperate weather, as well as the museums, entertainment, amazing food, diverse culture and such. It's a great place to live in many ways. It's a shame it's become so expensive, though.
Load More Replies... TheDivineMsM 3 years ago
All the tourists traps in East Tennessee- Sevierville, pigeon forge, Gatlinburg... all commercialized, cheesy, overpriced, crowded and waaaaay overrated. If you're traveling to that area, visit the state/national parks and the natural beauty around there instead. You can visit the commercialization anywhere.
Biba Little 3 years ago
I didn't travel much or far away, but I found the way to love every place I have been to, even smallest fisherman villages (especially those), and smallest cities and big dirty towns. Every place has its charms. Only problem is pollution and horrible super tourism that will destroy it all.
Rita Cinquemani 3 years ago
Really now, with a little research you certainly find a great or interesting time in each these places. To say Paris, Rome or Venice is not amazing is crazy....try looking at the art and architecture rather than the gutters. You can not beat the history. Sounds like someone who is just wanting to go to another nightclub wrote this!
InternetRando 3 years ago
Did the author just filter on a bunch of negative comments of all these locations or actually visit all 30 of them? I see plenty of positive reviews, too, but I guess positive stuff doesn't drive clickbait. How in the world does this pass for journalism?! Shame, Bored Panda...
Gon Killua 3 years ago
If you don't like the world why you guys are living and writing about it...sounds ignorance..then tell me if you Home or the place you are living is considered well for living I mean you are talking about scammers poor ppl expensive food and bad tourism the same weird things you will find everywhere you walk...with all respect writer don't show your ignorance but I respect the right of expression
k a e y l a 3 years ago
For the Bali one i have to disagree because as someone who lives in Indonesia, i think this is more of a you problem than it is a Bali problem. There are so many cheap places to eat in Bali and you really aren't gonna get the Bali experience if all you're eating is the hotel cafe type of food. You have to go and eat the street foods which are really cheap and delicious.
Saulo de Tarso 3 years ago
. came expecting to see Cancun in the #2, now i go amazed it didn't appear at all. i'm mexican, and i know very well almost all my country, and i've been to Cancun since i was 4 (46 now), i know what i say (and i went to a few in the list, also). .
Sarah watson 3 years ago
This list was 99.9% of tourists going to a tourist destination and complaining about all the tourists that are there.
Thecoolbonnie 3 years ago
I would never want to visit any of these places to begin with?! 'Trenton' ?! Really?? Lmao the only place I've been to that was a let down, was Myrtle Beach, but some places I've been to, were AWESOME! San Juan, PR.... Virginia Beach, VA .... Savannah, GA.... Tucson, AZ
Jim Zakany 3 years ago
Hilton Head is only a half step better than Myrtle Beach. Food tour of Savannah was great, though.
Load More Replies... Marcus Lynch 3 years ago
Totally agree with the negative comments about Las Vegas. Was going to take a job there and went to visit for a week. By the second day, I knew I would never live or work there. Go about 2 blocks in either direction from the strip and it looks like a war zone. A completely soulsucking s**thole. People living like refugees in campers who don't have the money to get out. Some places made Cousin Eddie's trailer look like a 5 star hotel.
Buzz 3 years ago
Nashville. Used to live there. Now I live in a tiny town a little ways away from it called pleasentville. It's not the busty blondes you see in movies. You only find southern people in the actual country. Most people in Nashville have never been anywhere else in Tennessee. The city is filled with garbage and they are constantly blasting crappily written country music. Tourists only care about the "Batman building" or the Nissan stadium (which is actually pretty cool, just not as cool as people say it is.) People on their internet either think it's trashy but have never lived there, think it's amazing and have never lived there, has no opinion on it, or has lived there or been there and knows what it's actually like.
John Baker 3 years ago
Let's make it short and to the point. Any overhyped, overpriced tourist destination anywhere in the world.
Blue 3 years ago (edited)
Toronto Canada. I have lived here my entire life and I have no idea why they brag about this city being the place to visit. There is nothing so different or special here. All the things Toronto has can be found in every big dirty city in Canada. You want museums , malls and restaurants pick any city anywhere.
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
Lived there a lot of my life. Compared to some places I've been Toronto is actually pretty clean. But the construction there has gone completely out of control, especially condos. If there's an empty space at all someone's going to build on it. My nephew and his wife want to come here to visit and see TO. Why? It has a museum. Ok. It has an art gallery. Ok. It has the CN Tower. Ok. There are only 2 things that I consider worth it. Go to a ballgame at Rogers Center and our new aquarium. DO NOT stay in a hotel downtown. If you check the site that actually lists this, just about everyone of them, even the best of them have bedbugs.
Load More Replies... Jim Zakany 3 years ago
I enjoyed Portland. Went to the Blues festival. Japanese and Rose gardens. Columbia River gorge. Couple days in Cannon Beach. Caught a play.
Load More Replies... Brian Tickle 1 year ago
If you go looking at attractions in a city.....YOU are a tourist so don't complain about there being too many.
giulia monteguti benelli 1 year ago
Pompeii is not a city or an amusement park, it's an archaeological site whose age is breathtaking; if you ignore the history and expect a show at the amphitheatre....lions and gladiators, maybe?
Bekaroo 2 years ago
I keep wondering if any of these people had been in any large city before going on these trips... They're all dirty and smell bad, that's what happens when you have millions of people living in one small area... Sorry they aren't your friendly middle class suburb that sweep all the homeless up and no one uses the sidewalks.
Gretchen Giambrone 3 years ago
I’ve been to a lot of these places and highly disagree with most of their opinions. It’s all what you make of it~ research some of the not so crowded hidden gems and go visit immerse yourself in the culture. I mean come on. These people seem line they hate everywhere lol
Gabriela Lopes 3 years ago
The problem is that people think that all will be prefect, tourists raise their spectations too much and forget that every place has it's problems, of course all capitals will be expensive! I visited the capital of my State and everything was more expensive than in my birthplace but I loved visiting the museum, zoo and the opera.
Kae Temple 3 years ago
In conclusion don't go anywhere that isn't a deserted rainforest apparently
InternetRando 3 years ago
Yes. Please tell everyone these places suck. Fewer crowds = more enjoyable. Vegas is a complete dumpster fire, rampant with maskless COVID, and criminals. We were mugged eighteen times in a SINGLE day!!! Don't go to Vegas! *wiiink*
isa alves 3 years ago (edited)
I think most people that are annoyed because of the poverty (in the meaning that they think the place is a bad destination because it has poor people) of some places are kinda clueless, they were probably expecting a fairytale beautiful city with happy people holding hands, but you know, you will only see this perfect landscape in very VERY specific places, mostly small middle class cities... what did they expect us to do with the poor people? put them all in a box and move them to somewhere else? it's a sad reality around the world, of course it's sad to see but for me it isn't a reason to say a place sucks
Gon Killua 3 years ago
I think all the world is very interesting...some of you only talk s.... And criticize for profession...you will found scammers secury law .weird ppl and fetish things wherever you go in my opinion the crew who made this they have poor imagination and a little of ignorance...if the world is not enough for you guys what are you doing living in this world
Annie Bieber 3 years ago
Afraid I have to add Honolulu to the list. Lived there mid 80's, Waikiki still had a quaintness though very touristy. Went back in 03 & that had all been replaced by the usual Designer BS stores...they replaced Hulas Bar and Lei Stand w/Nike and cut down the biggest Banyon Tree I'd seen. I cried...I'll just live in those 80's days thank you.✌
Andrew Lozano 3 years ago
Rome was awesome!!! Great nightlife and lots of historic spots for those who love history. NOW PISA WAS BORING AS HECK.
Heather Alford 3 years ago
So basically you can always find someone who thinks something sucks. Very insightful.
Charles Bosse 3 years ago
Hah. How did this list miss Yosemite? Don't get me wrong, it's a nice place, but it's basically bumper to bumper so that, unless you booked a back country pass a decade ago, it's like driving in LA traffic for what isn't even in my top 10 US National Parks and monuments, and arguably it's probably the worst of the ones people have heard of if they don't live within 100 miles of them, and also worse than a few that mostly only locals really know of. It's honestly not even as good as some state parks and private tourist traps. Again, it's not -terrible- but you shouldn't fly there IMO.
Kathy Davis 3 years ago
Jacksonville. I lived there for the last 30 years. There is so much to do there. Tons of history. A few interesting museums. Wonderful parks and recreation areas. Loads of sports and music venues. I do agree that the layout of Jacksonville is odd. A half million dollar home will be backed right up to dangerous section eight apartments separated only by a privacy fence. So if you can overlook the hookers, drug dealers and gunfire then it's great place to visit.
Early Riser 3 years ago
Badmouthing only Republican politicians. We know where you lean. Not one comment about Democrats in power shamelessly ruining several of these cities.
abetlew wiroqw 3 years ago
I actually only saw one political thread caused by an ignorant comment. The remainder didn't have much politics at all.
Load More Replies... EntTown 3 years ago (edited)
Agree on Austin. Visiting: The music scene is being pushed out for luxury condos(there's a housing shortage), all of the cool street and food vendors can't afford to live here anymore. People here are getting pretentious. You can go everywhere in workout clothes though. Living: Rents went up 25% this year and the income inequality just keeps growing. Elon Musk is starting to act as though he is going to run Austin, Texas politics is insane, Austin just banned homeless people, there's no real public transit, the infrastructure cannot keep up, and there's no big city amenities except Ikea. If it was a car it would be a Silicon Valley engine, with an LA body(traffic, liberal, kind of artisty? etc) and painted red
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
I want to put my city, Winnipeg, on this list. People who live here are patriotic about this place. The people who visit are shocked how ... ugly and unexciting it is despite a push for tourism here. If you want to experience the prairies and Canadian wildlife, you may see a deer along the inner city river banks on a boat ride. But you'll have to go to one of the many campsites or a park conservatory to enjoy the wilderness. Yeah, Winnipeg has a vast urban canopy of disease ridden elmwood trees that are often slated for cutting down. In the spring you get canker worms hanging off many trees over the streets. Mosquitoes galore in the summer. Wasps late summer to early fall. Despite the tourism organizations trying to get people to come downtown, it is like Detroit's downtown. Other than the business times, no one is really going to go and hang around besides going to the odd dangerous bar or nightclub, where there's a chance of a shooting or stabbing.
MyOpinionHasBeenServed 3 years ago
There is a travel advisory for visiting the North End, and unless you're visiting someone you know, there's no reason to be walking around there. Even driving is risky as carjackings and theft is rising. Some areas in the surrounding communities are clean and pleasant, but downtown is filthy and even though panhandlers are not allowed to approach people for money they still do and police don't enforce this law.
Load More Replies... Marco Hub-Dub 3 years ago
I come from a multi/dual/different citizenship family of itinerant travelers and (yes, it’s a humble brag) I’ve been to 35 countries and 43 of the 50 US states. As far as traveling for holiday/vacation/tourism goes, the worst places I’ve visited in the US are Tulsa, Oklahoma and Mount Rushmore, SD. Worse than any place I’ve seen in Florida or New Jersey. Internationally, Phuket and southern Thailand and Mumbai. Europe, specifically: Bratislava (there’s a reason the horror franchise “Hostel” was filmed/set there) and Brussels. The latter may be interesting if you’re involved with and appreciate European politics, but Brugge and Ghent are much nicer and more interesting places. Like Manhattan, Rome, Paris, London and other larger cities in Europe are love/hate place, where there is an abundance of disgusting and equally amazing. The places with this largest dualism for me are Varanasi, India and Bangkok.
Milan 3 years ago (edited)
OMG. I live in Bratislava and can say NOTHING is real in Hostel and is far faaaaaar away from reality. We have here a pretty good living where isn’t any big problem from your sallary to buy 200-300k € worth house or apartment. So you can keep this bullshits for your friends from wet hood…
Load More Replies... I I 3 years ago
How London didn't make this list baffles me , EVERYTHING is over priced . the people just dont seem to acknowledge you at all unless they're trying to sell you something or rob you
Honu 3 years ago (edited)
I'm in the US and I've only visited London a couple times, but I loved it. I could go back for a couple weeks and spend the entire time in the British Museum without getting bored. So much to see and do, and you can get everywhere without a car, which holds a lot of appeal coming from the US. We've actually considered moving there. Maybe the massive crowds would get to me after awhile, though. Plus, I've only visited in summer. I'm from California where the weather is very mild. I've been warned I might find other seasons there shocking.
Load More Replies... Katinka Min 3 years ago
This post should be called 'Americans thinking the world has to be like in the movies' For Chrissake, just travel with a company - Trafalgar or such. That way you see the sights and are on a bus the rest of the time, nice and safe and far away from any inconvenience.
Dean Walsh 3 years ago
Too many people on the planet, too much disposable income, too much tourism.
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