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31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community

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Even in our crazy and constantly changing world, there is one constant thing - people's passion for travel. Since the end of the pandemic, tourism, both domestic and international, has been growing for the third year in a row. No wonder - people want new experiences.

Today, almost the entire globe is available to travelers - the only question is money and the right choice of destination. Moreover, you may realize that some incredibly popular places of interest are actually greatly overrated. The corresponding online threads come to help tourists. Such, for example, as this thread in the AskReddit community.

More info: Reddit

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#1

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Amazed I haven't seen this mentioned yet but isn't Las Vegas' whole shtick being a tourist trap

No_Signal_6969 , Abi Skipp Report

Final score:

88points

SxS 11 months ago

It is America's ashtray.

46points

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#2

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Hollywood Blvd is pretty junky. I always feel bad for people who make the trip to Los Angeles and end up there. They must be like wtf?

KevinDean4599 , Raoul van Wijk Report

Final score:

63points

Panda-sized Potato 11 months ago

There is nothing to really to do on Hollywood, unless you go for a specific reason. If you want more of a Hollywood experience, Universal Studios Hollywood is literally over the hill.

19points

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#3

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Don't go to England just to see Stonehenge. You will be bitterly disappointed. That being said, if you are in England, and you do want to see Stonehenge, spend time in Salisbury as well., enjoy the scenery on the way there and back. Spend time exploring the area around Waterloo station in London.

Be a traveler, not a tourist.

ProtNotProt , mari Report

Final score:

60points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

Very good advice. There are other standing stones that aren't so...trapped by tourists?

23points

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It will soon be two hundred years since Thomas Cook from England organized the first event that could be called a full-fledged tourist trip, and since then there have been many people who make money not only from organizing tourism, but also from rating various attractions and hotels, restaurants and other places that surround them.

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#4

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Disneyland

Nannydiary , Barry Mulling Report

Final score:

59points

Janelle Collard Premium 11 months ago

Disneyland USED to be worth it. Now, not so much. If you like LOTS of people hampering your every move + waiting hours for rides, it's fine. Oh yeah - and spending piles of money.

33points

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#5

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community If you come to San Francisco, Pier 39 is a tourist trap. It’s just a long outdoor mall filled with useless tchotchkes. Instead, opt for the golden gate bridge, golden gate park, ocean beach, or one of our various arts and science museums.

trainwreck42 , Guilhem Vellut Report

Final score:

55points

Couragetcd 11 months ago (edited)

And get ready for shin splints no matter where you go. Walking in SF hurts. If someone tries to encourage you by saying it will be downhill on the way back, they lie. There will still be uphill in that direction too.

31points

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#6

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community That big a*s fake Noah’s Arc thing in Kentucky. It’s b******t stacked on b******t, that is stealing money from old folks and idiots. I’m good with them ripping off the idiots, but there’s lines of busses from retirement homes lined up there daily.

Edit: thanks folks, I was off a state. It’s still horrible

BlakeDSnake , Frederick Noronha fredericknoronha1@gmail.com Report

Final score:

51points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

I agree, but at least they are getting something out of their money. That, to me, makes it slightly less disgusting than the Evangelists that these same people are sending more than they can afford because they say that they dreamed God told them to get a new private jet.

16points

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“People have always loved travel stories, which were often incredibly detailed in the smallest detail,” says Valery Bolgan, a historian and journalist, editor-in-chief of Intent press agency in Ukraine, with whom Bored Panda got in touch for a comment here. “After all, the famous travel notes of the great travelers, starting from Marco Polo or Ibn Battuta, contained not only descriptions of unknown lands and customs of other peoples, but also detailed stories and assessments of lodgings and cuisine at inns.”

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“Today, almost any popular place on Earth can, to one degree or another, be considered 'a tourist trap'. Firstly, because people tend to try to take advantage of the slightest opportunity - so any beautiful or memorable place will soon be surrounded by numerous cafes and souvenir stalls, like the bottom of the ship is overgrown with shells and algae."

“Secondly, people’s tastes and opinions differ greatly, so if one of your friends or some popular blogger didn’t like this or that place, it’s far from a fact that you won’t like it either. In the end, many Parisians literally hated the Eiffel Tower for several decades and sought its immediate demolition - and today it is the true pride of all of France. So the best thing is to form your own opinion about everything, to see with your own eyes. If, of course, the budget of your trip allows it," Valery summarizes.

#7

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Mount Everest, garbage and dead people everywhere, extremely expensive too

tiltldr , Gunther Hagleitner Report

Final score:

51points

Tucker Cahooter 11 months ago

Best to tackle it outside of the official climbing season when it is less crowded (pack some extra thermal underwear as it can get a bit chilly)

9points

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#8

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community I've traveled to over 30 countries and all 50 states. It's less about a city and more about specific areas within one. You can find local chill areas anywhere just as you can tourist trap areas.

Example New Orleans: tourist trap - Bourbon Street. Local spots - magazine, garden district, Frenchman (though tourists are starting to find it).

Example Orlando: tourist trap- I drive, the parks, basically anywhere south of downtown. Local - milk district, Mills, winter Park, etc.

Example Dublin Ireland: tourist trap- Temple bar. Local- Stoneybatter, kilmainham, etc.

You get the point

ResLifeSpouse , Infrogmation of New Orleans Report

Final score:

50points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

Yep, very good observation. We try to avoid the group tour activities and find the local mom and pop places for an actual original experience.

14points

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#9

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community I don't think people understand what a "Tourist Trap" is. You can argue that Times Square is a tourist trap, but it's ridiculous to say that the entire city is a trap. The London Eye could be a trap, but not London.

neoprenewedgie , Theo Crazzolara Report

Final score:

47points

Heather Evans 11 months ago

True .. but the views / perspective is incredible. I was on the fence about the eye but hubby insisted, and I'm so glad he did!

16points

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Yes, many popular places on our planet today are totally overcrowded, but that, in the end, is the price to pay for popularity. Unfortunately, the level of service around such attractions sometimes decreases - because some owners and staff are often guided by the principle “you will still come here and visit us!” However, market competition also does its job, and over time, negligent business owners will be forced out of the best places.

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#10

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community The pyramids is a very uncomfortable experience you get f*****g harassed beyond belief

tighto , Jed Scattergood Report

Final score:

40points

Heather Evans 11 months ago

True .. and the KFc across the road was a real ????? moment! But we got to go inside one of the great pyramids of Giza!! Absolutely mind blowing.

16points

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#11

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Myrtle Beach. It’s the most expensive trailer park by the beach. Everything is so expensive. But you’re surrounded by trailer park people. People harassing you to buy c**p.

Gladysfartz , Donald West Report

Final score:

40points

Jackson Sharpe 11 months ago

As a native South Carolinian I can confirm.

8points

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#12

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Magnolia Market in Waco, TX. It's basically a giant gift shop for Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. Wife dragged me there and it was so busy you couldn't even do anything. It sucked.

Disgruntled_Beavers , David Fulmer Report

Final score:

40points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

They weren't happy just taking our money from Target?

17points

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Be that as it may, the list of places and locations in this collection is truly worldwide - from small towns to huge metropolises (although some do not agree that an entire city can be dubbed 'a tourist trap'). However, this is also a reason for additional discussion, so please feel free to join the comments section, but not before you scroll this list to the very end. Perhaps some of the opinions expressed here will be useful to you, saving you time and money, and maybe your own opinion will help someone too.

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#13

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community From what I’ve heard, Dubai is atrocious if you’re not a multi-millionaire+

ICPosse8 , Michaela Loheit Report

Final score:

38points

James016 11 months ago

We went to Dubai as we got a really good deal on an all inclusive hotel. While we had a nice time, I don’t care to go back. It’s just so soulless.

35points

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#14

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community In Canada, the Capilano Bridge was rated as the country's worst tourist trap. Private park in North Vancouver with a swaying drooping pedestrian bridge across a small canyon. $80 admission. There is a similar bridge for free on a public park nearby. For that price I'd rather visit the Peak-to-Peak gondola ride between mountain tops in Whistler.

Grouchy_Factor , David Davies Report

Final score:

35points

Heather Evans 11 months ago

Agreed! This is literally in my backyard and used to be $10. Now they send out brochures to locals offering free season passes to bring our 'out of town' friends (who pay full admission prices).

18points

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#15

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community If there is a rain forest cafe and a madame tousards, it’s a tourist trap.

shiftdnb , Josh Hallett Report

Final score:

33points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

What if there is a Madame Tousade's featuring rainforest animals?

19points

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#16

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Mount Rushmore is small.

tdfast , David FulmerFollow Report

Final score:

32points

Elladine DesIsles 11 months ago

More importantly, it destroyed sacred Indigenous land. Bigger would not makr it better.

61points

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#17

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Times square for sure

Ok-Cry368 , JJBers Report

Final score:

29points

Cassidy 11 months ago (edited)

For sure don't hang out there (go for lunch, shopping, etc) but still interesting to walk through if you're in the area! It's also the place I first kissed the love of my life so I'm a little biased.

9points

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#18

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Plymouth Rock. It’s likely not actually from 1620 and it’s a pretty small rock.

CommunicationHot7822 , Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism Report

Final score:

27points

Couragetcd 11 months ago

They probably just picked a rock at random when there was enough history to it to make it interesting. The people who landed there and their children were too busy surviving to pay attention to a rock, no matter the significance.

18points

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#19

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Branson.

Take everything fun out of Vegas and put it in the middle of nowhere midwest. It’s a magnet for old people and f***y pack dads.

survivalmachine , Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau Report

Final score:

27points

Tucker Cahooter 11 months ago

We call them "bum bags" (which maybe BP would censor too)

16points

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#20

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Gatlinburg, TN.

That place is a tourist hell-hole. Good luck actually finding historical buildings and monuments.

mrjbacon , Davey Borden Report

Final score:

24points

seana lammers 11 months ago

Pretty sure the environment and culture are the valued history …

14points

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#21

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Nashville. Come on down and see the one street just to get s**tfaced and listen to washed out, s****y country in a shoulder-to-shoulder honkytonk. Sure, there is plenty more to see and do down here but that seems to be the main attraction to a lot of folks

TheOrangeTickler , Dylan Tweney Report

Final score:

21points

Brett Layton 11 months ago

I found Nashville to be very pleasant, the people were friendly, the prices were fair, and yes they do play a lot of country music in the country music capital of the world. I'm not sure why that one was surprising at all.

17points

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#22

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Wall Drug (but I think that's the point)

ProbablyHornyMaybe , Jeffrey Beall Report

Final score:

20points

A girl 11 months ago

It is a tourist trap but it's also a welcome break during the boring drive east on I90 from the Black Hills

29points

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#23

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Half of the "attractions" in the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area in Tennessee. Outside Dollywood, there's not much worth a damn.

Wishilikedhugs , Olin Gilbert Report

Final score:

20points

seana lammers 11 months ago

Um hellooo … the Great Smokey Mountains and cultural history are some great ‘tourist’ suggestions.

36points

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#24

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Ripley’s Believe it or Not’s

KingoftheGypsies , Late Boomer Report

Final score:

20points

Orion Red 11 months ago

I have to disagree here. that place gives you exactly what they say they will give you. As stated below, it's a carnival side show but the barker is honest.

17points

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#25

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Istanbul! As a woman alone is a complete nightmare, you will get harassed and stalked. If you’re a male alone you have 90% chances of being scammed.

Istanbul is amazing but not a place for solo travel! Beware and mind your surroundings. Trust no one.

qiarafontana , Clive D Report

Final score:

17points

G R 11 months ago

I've travelled alone to Istanbul multiple times (as a young woman) and never been hassled once.

19points

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#26

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fran.
Thousands of better things to do in San Francisco than see this unremarkable stupid wharf of pointless shopping.

Edit: Fisherman’s Wharf not Pacific Wharf.
And yes the seals/sea lions are def it’s only saving grace

Boguskyle , Adam Moss Report

Final score:

16points

ScootyPuffJr 11 months ago

Get some great food in the Mission District!

9points

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#27

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Wisconsin Dells. But it’s actually a fun one.

Bzz22 , Warren LeMay Report

Final score:

14points

Suck it Trebek 11 months ago

As a Wisconsinite I totally disagree. There's tons of awesome stuff to do there.

5points

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#28

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Certain parts of the city center of Amsterdam is the worst tourist trap s**thole I've been to.

dingbatyokel5000 , crash71100 Report

Final score:

14points

Tanja Jonk 11 months ago

Truth! And we don't like that many tourists in one place. It has nothing to do with dutch culture. Visit The hague, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Volendam, the Zaanse Schans, the Efteling themepark, Alkmaar, Egmond aan zee. Anything but Amsterdam.

17points

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#29

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community SF Giants game in SF.

You can tell who isn’t from the city because they are all heading to the store to buy hoodies and jackets half way through the game when the cold/fog/rain rolls in after it’s been warm and sunny all day.

PrimitiveThoughts , Dale Cruse Report

Final score:

10points

Kim Kermes 11 months ago

Candlestick Park was freezing, and I'm from Minnesota. Went to the first NFL Christmas Day game in the outdoor stadium. When I was stationed at the Presidio, we used to go to the Wharf to watch the tourists get off the busses in shorts and t shirts and turn blue.

9points

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#30

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community Niagara Falls, Ontario.

EscapedCapybara , Larry Koester Report

Final score:

8points

Elladine DesIsles 11 months ago

If you want to actually see and experience the falls, you need to be on the Canadian side, the view is infinitely better. But it is also true that the touristy, casino/attraction-focused part of the city is incredibly tacky. It is perhaps more forgivable if you keep in mind that it is probably the closest Canada gets to Vegas or Atlantic City. But really, once you have viewed the falls, there are so many lovelier things to do in Ontario's Niagara region outside the city.

19points

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#31

31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community F*****g Paris. The Eiffel Tower is ao crowded. People pushing and shoving.

Go to nicer quieter areas outside of Paris where you can chill and breathe.

starshinedrop , Stefan Schmitz Report

Final score:

-8points

Andy 11 months ago

Entirely depends on when you go. I went first thing in the morning when it opened, no queue and only shared it with a handful other people

22points

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After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

After many years of working as sports journalist and trivia game author and host in Ukraine I joined Bored Panda as a content creator. I do love writing stories and I sincerely believe - there's no dull plots at all. Like a great Italian composer Joaquino Rossini once told: "Give me a police protocol - and I'll make an opera out of it!"

What do you think ?

Sugar Shack 11 months ago

If the reason that something is a tourist trap is that it is crowded, go in the off season. The Greek islands, for instance, are infinitely more enjoyable in May or October. Forget July and August.

4points

Steve Hall 11 months ago

I grew up in Cental Florida, if it isn't a "tourist trap", it isn't worth going to see.

2points

ElDiablo_562x666x3 11 months ago

If Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disney are on the list, Venice Beach / Santa Monica pier should be included also.

1point

Teufel Wulf 11 months ago

When I first moved to LA in 1991 the pier was fun, no too expensive, and the 3rd street was full of quirky shops and not chain - used book stores, record shops, etc.

0points

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David Jeffery 10 months ago

Bondi beach. It's ugly, dirty, s****y crowds and the surf is atrocious. Go to Dee Why, or somewhere along that coast for some spectacular surf.

0points

MarsFKA 11 months ago

Interesting that most of these tourist-trap places are in the USA...

0points

Daniel Atkins 11 months ago

I think the ROn Jon surf shop in Cocoa Beach FL t shirts and cheap souvenirs mainly. Cocoa Beach in general the beaches to the south are less touristy.

0points

PattyK 11 months ago

So many of these places are where people go for thrill rides and excitement. Too bad most people can’t or don’t see the value of parks, museums, and libraries.

0points

Sugar Shack 11 months ago

If the reason that something is a tourist trap is that it is crowded, go in the off season. The Greek islands, for instance, are infinitely more enjoyable in May or October. Forget July and August.

4points

Steve Hall 11 months ago

I grew up in Cental Florida, if it isn't a "tourist trap", it isn't worth going to see.

2points

ElDiablo_562x666x3 11 months ago

If Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disney are on the list, Venice Beach / Santa Monica pier should be included also.

1point

Teufel Wulf 11 months ago

When I first moved to LA in 1991 the pier was fun, no too expensive, and the 3rd street was full of quirky shops and not chain - used book stores, record shops, etc.

0points

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David Jeffery 10 months ago

Bondi beach. It's ugly, dirty, s****y crowds and the surf is atrocious. Go to Dee Why, or somewhere along that coast for some spectacular surf.

0points

MarsFKA 11 months ago

Interesting that most of these tourist-trap places are in the USA...

0points

Daniel Atkins 11 months ago

I think the ROn Jon surf shop in Cocoa Beach FL t shirts and cheap souvenirs mainly. Cocoa Beach in general the beaches to the south are less touristy.

0points

PattyK 11 months ago

So many of these places are where people go for thrill rides and excitement. Too bad most people can’t or don’t see the value of parks, museums, and libraries.

0points

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