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31 Of The Worst Tourist Traps Around The Globe, As Shared By Members Of This Online Community
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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Amazed I haven't seen this mentioned yet but isn't Las Vegas' whole shtick being a tourist trap
Zaphod 2 years ago (edited)
My friend used to say, LV is "God's blind spot."
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𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago (edited)
I don't get hating on Las Vegas as a tourist trap. Are people that unaware of LV's history? The only reason it exists at all is that reason. The very first major buildings were hotel casinos. There was no other reason for the city of Las Vegas to exist. Still isn't, frankly. Without tourist dollars, maintaining a city that size in the middle of the desert would be impossible. That being said, as long as you accept LV for what it is, it is ideally designed to show almost anyone a good time, no matter what you might be into.
Amelia Jade 2 years ago
I also don't get hating on Vegas. But what you've said here is wrong. Vegas was founded in 1905 as a railroad stop--linking Southern California and Salt Lake City. It literally started as a railroad town and had nothing to do with casinos. When gambling was outlawed, Las Vegas continued to grow without it. The population grew due to the Hoover Dam--which happened before gambling was legalized in 1931. So, it was already a bustling area before the casinos started popping up. And Las Vegas does have other industries. It has a growing healthcare industry. It's a hub for technology and the startup scene, and is a major hub for manufacturing. And Las Vegas is still a main line for Union Pacific for shipping goods. It has also had a military presence since the 40s. The strip didn't really start booming until late 40s. And while that was going on The US Atomic Energy Commission started the Nevada Test Site--which brought government employees to live in the area.
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Suck it Trebek 2 years ago
There's alot more to do in Vegas than gamble and eat crappy buffets.
Couragetcd 2 years ago
Yes. The main strip of Las Vegas exists to take money from tourists in various ways. It could have its picture by the definition of tourist trap in the dictionary
Duuuuuuude 2 years ago
Those of us who live here could tell you that there is a whole lot more to vegas than just the strip. But we won't. Because we'd rather you all stick to the strip and stay the hell away from us.
RELATED:
#2
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?
Panda-sized Potato 2 years 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.
Heather Evans 2 years ago
We have travelled the world with our daughter and Hollywood Blvd is the only place I felt truly worried about our safety! Especially this one skeezy guy .. he looked like he wanted to stab and devour her (she was 11) Thankfully there are so many other gorgeous places to travel in Cali ..
aubergine10003 2 years ago
Los Angeles is generally pretty low on the culture scale. Sure, the Getty and the MOCA are great, and the La Brea tarpits are interesting for 30 minutes... but for a city of that size, it's amazing how few cultural things there are to do.
Panda-sized Potato 2 years ago
It is not "low on the culture scale." Just because you can only name a few places doesn't make it so. There are way more places, such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, California Science Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Arts, Griffith Observatory, Museum of Tolerance, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Los Angeles Central Library. And those are just the museums off the top of my head you didn't list. There are many more, plus there are parks and gardens, music halls, theaters, zoos and aquariums, and much more. This city is a huge melting pot of people, cultures, and ideals. This city has history. Don't go saying what you did when you obviously don't know what you are talking about. You barely looked at anything, yet you think you know everything.
Load More Replies... 𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
That's because people who have never lived in CA still think Hollywood Blvd. is like it was many decades ago. They are expecting a popularized image that no longer exists.
Keith Lancaster 2 years ago
It is a dump but, it is also very famous. We spent about half a day there and it was kind of worth it just to say that we been.
Tanja Jonk 2 years ago
Ugh, I rented an airbnb near there. In my mind that would be nice. It wasnt.
Couragetcd 2 years ago
We just went there last minute month. I was amused that we parked by some busses with people basically carnival barking their driving tours of "the stars'* houses. Then we walked past stores with very sexy boots and other high heels and skimpy clothing stores. Also a souvenir chain with a store on every block. But the Chinese Theater was still cool and the walk of fame was fun. How mad do you think Kathy Griffin was that Kelly Ripa got her star right next to Regis?
#3
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.
Couragetcd 2 years ago
Very good advice. There are other standing stones that aren't so...trapped by tourists?
Awkward lady 2 years ago
Avebury, for example, but tbh, one lot of standing stones is pretty much like another, I think, unless you really are a prehistory buff. I prefer a nice town with old buildings.
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Aileen Grist 2 years ago
Go to Avebury, not very far from Stonehenge, there's a village in the circle and you can walk among the stones - it's also much larger.
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago (edited)
I think I disagree with this. As standing stones go, it's well worth seeing. The problem is - Stonehenge is famous, and with its fame came many negative results. Up to and including tourists who can't respect the monument. So now they need to be corralled like cattle and controlled every step of their visit. The problem with Stonehenge isn't tourists per se. The problem is bad behavior. And since you can't predict who will be respectful and who won't - the experience has been affected for *everyone*. A few bad apples spoiled the whole bunch.
Zaphod 2 years ago
I have never been to Stonehenge, but I have been to Carhenge in Alliance Nebraska. (Also, the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX)
Cat Furr 2 years ago
I remember thinking Stonehenge was in the middle of nowhere and it would be a spiritual hike to get to it and then there it was, on the side of the dang highway...quite the disappointment 😞
Tiff Day 2 years ago
The highway wasnt actually there when they built it 5000 years ago... maybe whine about something else?
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D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Wondering (haven't been) is there a fence/some type of 'keep your distance' barrier around Stonehenge? I thought I remember reading that there had been an issue with people breaking off bits to take home.
Tiff Day 2 years ago
Its great fun, there are fences and really fat guards...so the game is to get in for free...by just kinda walking at it briskly
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Keith Lancaster 2 years ago
Sadly this is very true. You can't get close to the stones and they are very underwhelming. If you are in that area then your time would be much better spent visiting Glastonbury Abbey.
Danielle 2 years ago
Keep coming West! Walk up to Glastonbury Tor, around Cheddar Gorge, check Bath and Bristol.
Jon Lee 2 years ago
And Wells, the cathedral and Vicars Close, the oldest continually occupied purpose built residential street in Europe, I believe. Plus the Bishop's Palace and market place. Lots of interesting small towns and villages if you care to look.
Load More Replies...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.
#4
Disneyland
Janelle Collard 2 years 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.
BrownTabby 2 years ago
I got in back when it was still worth it. It’s a shame about how it turned out.
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BarkingSpider 2 years ago
The price gouging was already bad, now they got rid of fast passes and have the new thing that costs extra. Last time I was there they stopped the fast passes but hadn't started the new thing yet so the lines were insane. The attractions you have to sign up for online are b******t too. Unless you pay for the upgraded pass, you're not getting in.
George Hylands 2 years ago
At $30 a day for parking, the Disney parks have lost me on that alone. I would rather spend that on fuel and see the rest of Florida, such as Clearwater, Hommassa springs,Crystal river etc. There is so much more than the parks.
Couragetcd 2 years ago
Disneyland wants your money, but the experience that came with the expectation was worth it for us. Universal Park in LA was disappointing and seemed much more like a money grab with less effort on the park's part to make it worth the time and money.
Panda-sized Potato 2 years ago
Universal Studios is a movie studio first, park second. It has very limited space to build out the park. They work with what they got.
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Pizzaking, village burner. 2 years ago
I went to galaxy’s edge, and I enjoyed it. Though I don’t recommend the magic kingdom unless there is some kind of event
Steven Meyer 2 years ago
My wife and I took my granddaughter there for her fifth birthday. My granddaughter loved it however when you have to pay $12 for 2 ounce portion of macaroni and cheese, or $14 for a hotdog, it's a little bit much!
Teufel Wulf 2 years ago
It was fun for a few years after 9/11 when tourism was down. Knott's Berry is boring as phuque and the rides are not sized for adults.
#5
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.
Couragetcd 2 years 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.
Nicky 2 years ago (edited)
SF Native here - the sea lions at pier 39 are fantastic, and pier 45 has the free Musee Mechanique and the free Boudin sourdough bakery and bread museum. You can also take the ferry for $6 and go under the Bay Bridge. Best part of SF is sf cityguides - 70 free walking tours organized by library volunteers. SF Funcheap also has a list of all the free festivals and community events. It's the best city in the world!
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
The Exploratorium is pretty cool and the Aquarium of the Bay is neat, but the Academy of Sciences up in the park and the surrounding area is cooler. And don't mess with the sea lions if you do go down to the pier, they can kill you.
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
I disagree. That whole area is full of simple, fun things to do. And maybe there are a lot of tchotchkes, it's true. But I am one of those people that thinks cute, useless souvenirs are part of the joy of travel. It's just a way to remember the places you travelled and the fun you had there. And no one is obligated to buy any of them. But people must be buying them, or they wouldn't exist. OP sounds like they want to gatekeep what "proper tourism" should look like. (Landmarks, art and science museums.) And I love those places too, but OP comes off as "low brow vs. high brow".
Janelle Collard 2 years ago
Get recommendations on other places to eat cuz the ones on Pier 39 are overpriced + the food isn't that good.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Remember what Mark Twain said. "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."
Patricia Steward 2 years ago
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/california/articles/the-most-unusual-museums-in-the-sf-bay-area
Nancy Lynch 2 years ago
The best thing to see at Pier 39 are the sea lions. They should be all over the docks on the left side of that picture.
Dragons Exist 2 years ago
The golden gate bridge was so crowded it took us an hour to cross at 5 pm
#6
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
Couragetcd 2 years 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.
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
There for a while it was shut down........ Due to water damage.... You can't make this stuff up... 😆
Robin Roper 2 years ago
It was actually the road that was damaged by flooding - still very funny.
Load More Replies... Robin Roper 2 years ago
The absolute funniest thing about this is that in 2017 & 2018 heavy rains causes lots of damage to the access road. They ended up suing their insurance carrier. I'm not sure of the outcome but it's hilarious that "The Ark" experience was damaged by rain.
Antonio Jimenez 2 years ago
Oh shut up, how about you include a picture of the actual exhibit instead of a homeless encampment. It's a massive museum in the shape of a boat.
Brittany Lamb 2 years ago
I been twice. Its freaking huge and yes. Its built to bible standards.
“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.”
“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
Mount Everest, garbage and dead people everywhere, extremely expensive too
Tucker Cahooter 2 years 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)
Couragetcd 2 years ago
Not on my bucket list, I don't even want to climb smaller mountains, thanks anyway.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
It's costs like 40 grand to climb with a guided group and you have to be there for months. How can anyone afford to do that? And it's not even guaranteed that you'll make the summit.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
It's on my bucket list to see Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest's actual name) in real life. Not to climb it, just to see it.
#8
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
Couragetcd 2 years 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.
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
Kilmainham jail museum was a wonderful and interesting experience, highly recommend. Trinity college library is also very beautiful to tour
Scott Rackley 2 years ago
As far as New Orleans, this is true about the old square, but plenty to do outside of it.
3 Trash Pandas (She/They) 2 years ago
Haha I’m in Orlando right now! If we have time I’ll see if we can check out these places
David 2 years ago
Agree. Me - only 24 countries and 15 states but I have definitely observed that places are more interesting away from the tourist trap / strip. It is cool to see the "thing" (pyramid, famous statue etc) but most of the good memories come from seeing the real culture and not just what is 'on stage' for tourists.
Rebecca McManus 2 years ago
If you're in London and wanting to see a museum without queuing, then the John Soames museum is for you.
#9
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.
Heather Evans 2 years 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!
Louise 89 2 years ago
I'd say the eye is a trap. I don't know if was just particularly busy that day and that's why, everyone just picked a spot near the window and stayed there then you had peer over everyone's head if you wanted to see in a different direction.it was far less enjoyable than I expected. Other parts of London were amazing, the boat tour down the Thames was a favourite.
Keith Lancaster 2 years ago
A ride on the London Eye is amazing. Yes, there are loads of ways to spend too much money in London but, you don't have to. There are web sites dedicated to visiting London on a budget. Take the time to plan your visit.
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
How much does it cost to go on the Eye? I can only imagine that with that height and how slow it is, one can get some **amazing** pics.
Danielle 2 years ago
You can get different prices from various places but around the £30 mark. Don't Google what happened on it yesterday though....
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Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
Ferris wheels like that might be for tourists, but are they tourist traps though? I guess that depends on the price, line length and the location. I've always liked them.
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.
#10
The pyramids is a very uncomfortable experience you get f*****g harassed beyond belief
Heather Evans 2 years 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.
Lee Gilliland 2 years ago
That wasn't A KFC, if you're talking near the Sphinx. That's a Burger King. The KFC is down the road from the new museum
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Michael Largey 2 years ago
To escape their harrassment you have to place yourself in denial.
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
The camel jockeys were annoying in the 80s and it sounds like things have just gotten worse. And no, I'm not disparaging any Egyptian with a camel. Just the A-holes that would try to photo bomb any picture you were trying to take of the pyramids and then harass you for money for the photo and/or more money to sit on their camel.
Bols 2 years ago
This is a shame, I really still want to see the ancient wonders of Egypt but I can't bring myself to endure that behavior
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Instead of Cairo, go to Luxor. It's much smaller and more manageable, and it has the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Ramses (with an amazing light show in the evenings) and so much more. Yes, the locals can be a bit pushy, but nowhere near as bad as in other Arab places I've been to.
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Foxglove🇮🇪 2 years ago
Happily, I was there before it got so bad, and there was still empty space between Cairo and the pyramids
Keith Lancaster 2 years ago
I have heard so many negative reports about people visiting the pyramids. Such as seeing locals squat down in the sand and going to the toilet then simply pushing some sand over it. If you plan to visit Egypt then take lots of meds for tummy problems as their sanitation is pretty poor.
James King 1 year ago
Was there for a few months in 1993 and it wasn't too bad. Glad I saw them then.
#11
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.
Aria Whitaker 2 years ago
As a native North Carolinian....can confirm as well lol. We now stick to the NC Outer Banks....much cleaner, quieter and in some parts, cheaper.
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 2 years ago
Which is more irritating, the pushy people or the sand getting everywhere?
Poison Ivy/Boo 2 years ago
I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere.
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𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
Anywhere there are regular tourists, there are locals looking to cash in and sell them something. It's part of the human condition. Some people need to go to their own local tourist spots, dressed like an out-of-towner, and see their tourist spots are no different.
Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
Can we stop with the trailer park people comments? There are very good people who live in trailer parks by choice or due to insufficient income post retirement or disability or just about any reason you can think of. Living in a stick built house does not make anyone less trash or more trash than the next person (also btw living in a stick built isn’t as common as you think with Modular homes being a thing). You are taking every person that has, is, or will live in a trailer or Modular home and lumping them as less than and it is WRONG.
Joni Morgan 2 years ago
South of The Border in Dillon, SC on the way to Myrtle Beach (aka "Dirty Myrtle") is a big tourist trap. It used to be full of authentic Mexican items like sombreros and maracas, but it's loaded with cheap Chinese merch now. Lots of creeps loitering around too. Avoid it. "The area is themed in faux-Mexican style, alluding to Mexico's location south of its border with the United States. The rest area contains restaurants, gas stations, a video arcade, motel, truck stop, a small amusement park, a mini golf course, shopping, fireworks stores, and a motocross training complex."
Bidango Smith 2 years ago
Ah, but it's so close to Kitty Hawk, and that is (or was) worth the trip! The Wright Brothers Museum was amazing!
Aria Whitaker 2 years ago
You are thinking of North Carolina. Myrtle is in SC is not close to Kitty Hawk at ALL...it is almost a 6 hour drive. Plus the Wright Brothers Museum is here in NC, not SC.
Load More Replies... #12
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.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Can't stand them! Especially him. Why anyone would buy their overpriced junk is beyond me.
Jae 2 years ago
I went there once for my aunt. She is such a fan of Fixer Upper that she didn't even wait for me when I parked the car. Is the area nicely set up? Yes I won't discredit. Does it deserve the hype? Nope. As with Vegas, you are better much going "off Market" if you will. Better food, better shopping, less people.
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
Not my speed, but I wouldn't knock it. Some people like that sort of thing. Conventions of all kinds are exactly the same. Magnolia Market just sounds like a permanent "convention" for Fixer Upper fans.
Piet Zwanenburg 2 years ago
We visited, and it's fun to see, not a bad place at all, but yes, they make money from tourists.
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.
#13
From what I’ve heard, Dubai is atrocious if you’re not a multi-millionaire+
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Why does anyone find it acceptable to travel to a country with such appalling human rights?
NewBird 2 years ago
I guess lots of places have terrible human rights records, but Dubai doesn't seem to have anything to recommend it which might make a person want to turn a blind eye, so I agree.
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seana lammers 2 years ago
Seems like a sin-free (no gambling, drinking, etc.) version of Vegas.
PeepPeep the duck 2 years ago
Best analogy ever 😂 my friend says you just shop non stop and that’s all there is to do.
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Bols 2 years ago
But Switzerland has amazing nature and things to do besides shopping and Dubai is pretty much a big blingy mall in the middle of the desert
Load More Replies... #14
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.
Heather Evans 2 years 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).
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
This sounds like a rip-off to me if the only draw is a great view. If the picture above is accurate, it's just a normal footbridge, not even aesthetically worth seeing. There are plenty of other great views people can get for free.
ChickyChicky 2 years ago
I went during the holiday season and the lights were really pretty and magical. We walked around in the tree walk with the twinkly lights at night. We got a AAA discount and I think it was less than $200 for four people. There's a free shuttle bus from Downtown Vancouver so you don't need a car. We didn't buy any souveniers, and it wasn't super crowded because it had been raining earlier. So I liked it. But it's true that you can see similar nature all over the area for free.
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
HAHHAHA This is true. I'm sorry. I ... I live in Metro Vancouver - so I can tell you, uhm... holy c**p it's $80?????? FRAK, sorry - for that price, please visit Whistler. Whistler is worth it (and not just for the alliteration).
Couragetcd 2 years ago
A gondola ride sounds way better. Especially since I'm the only one in my family without a fear of heights.
frederick clause 2 years ago
But be prepared, it may be spectacular but it's not cheap.
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#15
If there is a rain forest cafe and a madame tousards, it’s a tourist trap.
Phil Green 2 years ago
Personally, I have always favoured Madame Toussaud's over any rip-offs, likes Madame Tousards!
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Is madame tousards a foreign knock-off of Madame Tussauds (... how come it's not Madame Tussaud's?)
#16
Mount Rushmore is small.
Elladine DesIsles 2 years ago
More importantly, it destroyed sacred Indigenous land. Bigger would not makr it better.
Zaphod 2 years ago
It is not "small", but it is far away. If you are ever in the area there are some cool things to see. If you drive through Custer State Park on Iron Mountain Road they have these cool circular wooden ramps built in for elevation gains. Also, there is a perfect view of Mt Rushmore framed by a car-sized, hand-carved tunnel. Deadwood and Spearfish are neat historical towns. Devil's Tower in WY is not far away.
Dr Jimmy 03 2 years ago
Better Choice: start your day at the Crazy Horse Monument, then take in Rushmore. Gives a more rounded view of US history.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
I glimpsed the Crazy Horse monument while driving through South Dakota a couple years ago. I find it much more impressive. Did you know that the four heads of Mount Rushmore could easily fit under Crazy Horse's arm?
Load More Replies... Steven Meyer 2 years ago
It took 14 years to completely finish mount Rushmore, yet the carving of crazy horse is not yet finished, and it's been 64 years in the making so far. The Indians are getting stiffed again!
#17
Times square for sure
Cassidy 2 years 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.
Keith Lancaster 2 years ago
The last bit of your comment made my heart flutter. Hope you are still together.
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Soleil SanMao 2 years ago
Time Square smells like urine and the stench that came from the subway, hell-nah
aubergine10003 2 years ago
Times Square is the WORST. Avoid at all costs! Love, a native New Yorker
Daddy’s Girl 2 years ago
I love walking around Times Square. But don’t eat there, too expensive. Find a side street like we did. We found an exquisite Japanese restaurant with the best Japanese food I’ve ever had. Go off the beaten track it’s worth it.
That One Weird Lesbian 2 years ago
I'm gonna have to agree a bit, but there are places in manhattan that are also super cool! Central Park has some cool places and it's pretty, one of my favorites in the city
Big Chungus 2 years ago
I went there for like a minute just to say I went there...it is way too busy and packed. Hells Kitchen is a lot of fun though
#18
Plymouth Rock. It’s likely not actually from 1620 and it’s a pretty small rock.
Couragetcd 2 years 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.
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago (edited)
The legend of Plymouth Rock is FAR bigger than the reality. The real rock is a tiny, nondescript rock with the year 1620 carved into it (that was carved in 1880). It's about 1/3 it's original size, because pieces of it were taken away for years, it was broken while moving it around, and worn down by centuries of people until it was finally protected by fencing and a building.
I heart Boo-BI-es 2 years ago
I used to work in the town of Plymouth and my Dad currently lives there. The rock is a waste of time in my opinion. Just enjoy being at the waterfront and if you don't make it over to the rock, you're not missing much. So much other history in Plymouth as well as on Cape Cod.
Glen Ellyn 2 years ago
I was there with my three children many years ago. We saw the small, inscribed rock. Not impressive at all. They were laying some new concrete within a few feet of it. My oldest son stepped in the new concrete by mistake, so we inadvertently left our mark.
Daddy’s Girl 2 years ago
Forget the rock but tour the reconstructed ship. I found it worth it.
Annik Perrot 2 years ago
Is that rock manmade? If not, it's probably way older than 1620, even if it's not the precise one history tells about.
#19
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.
Ace 2 years ago
Yes, it always amuses me when the Americans use that word without knowing what it means to much of the rest of the English-speaking world...
Load More Replies... Historyharlot93 2 years ago
I didn’t know what “F***y” meant until I used it in front of my English relatives. I was trying to get my squirming 6 year old girl cousin into a car seat and told her to “sit on your F***y!” They looked shocked, then laughed hysterically.
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Antonio Jimenez 2 years ago
It's Vegas without alcohol, gambling, and naked women. It's a safe place for families. Why is that a problem?
Fire Singer 2 years ago
My parents, who are probably those old people mentioned, went there this summer and loved it. :P I'm glad they had fun, don't think I'll go myself but I'm happy they liked it!
Couragetcd 2 years ago
I don't think that is worded the way they meant it to be. The only part like Vegas is that there are a lot of shows and concerts. Only more preachy. Then some family oriented activities. But it's a complete tourist trap like the Vegas strip.
Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
I cannot believe bp censored F***y. There are living people with that as their moniker.
#20
Gatlinburg, TN.
That place is a tourist hell-hole. Good luck actually finding historical buildings and monuments.
ThisIsMe 2 years ago
You have to know how to work Gatlinburg to enjoy it. As a kid, I loved it. As an adult, it is awesome people watching if you can get the right hotel. But really it is just where you stay so you can drive through the mountains or hike in the nat'l park adjacent. If you KNOW Gatlinburg, the real tourist trap is Pigeon Forge next door ;-)
Mara Was… A Surgeon 2 years ago
Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge, etc have been real nice all the times I've been. My mom is from real close over there and we sometimes visit family and stay in cabins. I enjoy it a lot. -a West Tennessean
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
I've been to Gatlinburg, and I must agree it is one big tourist trap. Dozens of stores all selling the same stupid c**p such as "Coed Naked [whatever]" and "Bear Whiz" T-shirts
JessieJ&LilyLovebug 2 years ago (edited)
Depends on why you go, and where you go when there...and Pigeon Forge is definitely worse. The traffic in both is the really crazy part. Absolutely insane. It can take literal hours to go a couple of miles. Learning the back roads was a game changer. However, if you go to see the scenery and nature, there are plenty of places to go, outside the tourist trap areas.
Mary G----no 2 years ago
I used to love Gatlinburg... we went to the Smokies area almost every summer when I was growing up. It really started going downhill when I was in college. So many shops all have the same c**p. And all the new stuff is insanely expensive to do. Soon there won't be any nature left at all.
Robin DJW 2 years ago
I was there with my parents in 1962. It was a tourist trap even then. It's how I learned what a tourist trap is. But I loved the candy store with the taffy puller in the window. Is it still there?
Scott Rogers 2 years ago
Yep. You can still get they toys with the taffy which was the best part (as a kid).
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#21
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
Brett Layton 2 years 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.
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
It's gotten exponentially worse over the last 5 years. It's now the Vegas of the south and you can't walk two steps without getting caught in a bachelorette party. Almost as bad as Asheville.
Colleen Glim 2 years ago
The country music hall of fame was definitely worth the trip. Restaurant row was not
Imnotthatpanda 2 years ago
We are Titan fans, so we go to a football game every few seasons. We enjoy that atmosphere a lot and the stadium on the river is really nice.
JessieJ&LilyLovebug 2 years ago
My parents went a couple of years ago, and were very disappointed.
John Dilligaf 2 years ago
As a native Tennessean who remembers lower Broadway, the music scene, and Nashville in general from back in the 70s - I agree. Although, admittedly, all the porno bookstores that used to be on lower Broadway are no great loss.
#22
Wall Drug (but I think that's the point)
A girl 2 years ago
It is a tourist trap but it's also a welcome break during the boring drive east on I90 from the Black Hills
PattyK 2 years ago
A necessary break when you have a bladder the size of a ping pong ball.
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Linda James 2 years ago
Had to stop after seeing all the "Only __ miles to Wall Drugs"! There's even a small version of the sign outside the train station in AMSTERDAM!
Couragetcd 2 years ago
I had to Google. I don't see myself going to SD, but this is definitely designed for the tourists to be trapped
Fakeslimshady 2 years ago
I'd recommend it. Badlands are really beautiful.
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Anna Chandler 2 years ago
How many miles of signs before you get there, I wonder. It seemed like a huge sign every quarter mile for 100 miles...
#23
Half of the "attractions" in the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area in Tennessee. Outside Dollywood, there's not much worth a damn.
seana lammers 2 years ago
Um hellooo … the Great Smokey Mountains and cultural history are some great ‘tourist’ suggestions.
Robin Roper 2 years ago
Clingsman Dome, Oconaluftee Indian Village, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala.
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 2 years ago
I thought that the purpose of getting a cabin in the area for vacation was for a less busy, get back to nature kind of experience. With wifi, of course.
Fire Singer 2 years ago
Is it bad to like these kitschy tourist traps though? I love these things, so long as they don't ruin the local community.
D Peterson 2 years ago
My grandparents & I used to spend a week in Gatlinburg every summer - about 50 years ago. It was wonderful! The hotels, motels, & cabins were close to everything, the restaurants had great food, & the mountains were beyond beautiful. Went back about 10 years ago & it was a nightmare! I have great memories! Unfortunately the Gatlinburg & Smoky Mountains I remember is gone.
Mara Was… A Surgeon 2 years ago
Again, agree to disagree. Not for everyone but I do really enjoy it over there
Mary G----no 2 years ago
There's plenty to do... you just have to look for it. Don't expect to get in your car, drive around, and something just jump out at you. There are lots of places to go in the Smokies, there's horseback riding, hiking, tubing, and a lot more. Look for some of the off-the-beaten-path stuff.
#24
Ripley’s Believe it or Not’s
Steven Meyer 2 years ago
At least the Ripley believer not in Texas is very close to the Alamo…… So you have other things to see.
Anna Chandler 2 years ago
I dig that place. The one across from the Alamo (now that is a tourist trap) has some cool historical items.
#25
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.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
"Why did Constantinople get the works? / That's nobody's business but the Turks."
Richard Graham 2 years ago
Istanbul was Constantinople Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople Been a long time gone, Constantinople Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night
Load More Replies... Couragetcd 2 years ago
That isn't a tourist trap. A tourist trap should not have a large possibility of a literal trap.
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
I've been to Istanbul, and if you stay in the parts that are not aimed at tourists, if you stay in an Ottoman house bed and breakfast, it is definitely no tourist trap.
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Lori Beauchamp 2 years ago
Solo woman here. Istanbul is one of my favorite places. Was treated with surprising respect from the locals. Just don't go clubbing.
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
... And I STILL keep having that song play in my head when I hear "Istanbul"... You know the one.
Jeff White 2 years ago
Have to strongly disagree. I (male U.S. citizen) have been to Istanbul four times. Each visit was exceedingly lovely and the city is in one top five places in the World I would recommend visiting (I've been to 30 countries). As with every extremely large city in the World, I would consider getting a guide for at least your first day.
Louisa Spoke 2 years ago
I’m sorry as a woman I have to disagree. I’ve been to Türkiye twice and I’m blond and I didn’t have any trouble. You must be respectful of their culture.
#26
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
BarkingSpider 2 years ago
And there are loads of other random places you can see sea lions on the coast.
Nicky 2 years ago
The Musee Mechanique there is incredible - they have mechanical entertainment that is over a hundred years old and visiting it is free! Also see the Boudin bakery and enjoy sourdough bread. Take the ferry for six dollars and see some beautiful scenery! The Exploratorium there is also fantastic!
Hi 2 years ago
Upvote for mechanique. It wasn't free though. I spent lots of quarters.
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LavenderHippoInAJar 2 years ago
There are so many interesting, fun things to do in SF. Fisherman's wharf is not one of them.
#27
Wisconsin Dells. But it’s actually a fun one.
Suck it Trebek 2 years ago
As a Wisconsinite I totally disagree. There's tons of awesome stuff to do there.
Lady Gypsy Rain 2 years ago
Pretty sure that’s why op said it’s still fun
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talliloo 2 years ago
i live outside of the dells and i try to avoid it at all costs, especially in the spring/summer/fall time so that means all the time. however, there were a couple of places that i thought my grandson biggest complaint: there are so many waterpark-hotels in the area that hire some locals during the off time but come spring they are laid off & foreign students are hired for the busy seasons. most hotels provide housing for them as well as their jobs. they sometimes buy a used car to use while they are here & then sell it when they leave but there have been some that quietly disappear into america when the job ends. how do i know this? because my son was hired by a couple of the hotels & kept on during the busy times and became friends with a few that overstayed. b***h about southern borders all you want-start looking at businesses that use foreign labor for profits. oh, & the female workers are often harrassed by senior staff and don't realize it's illegal here so they just accept it
Couragetcd 2 years ago
Wisconsin Dells is a tourist destination. The cheese shops might be considered a tourist trap since they have overpriced souvenirs.
Knitting Panda 1 year ago
I grew up close to the Dells. I moved out of state after college and people would ask me what it was about the area that first attracted tourists. I had no freakin' idea. I knew about the ducks because the family that started that business were friends with my parents, but none of the rest of it made any sense to me.
Pauly Donahue 2 years ago
Middle aged cheesehead here. I still like the Dells and go almost every year with friends. SO many options to do as much or little as you want. By 30 we stay in "dive hotels" and hang with locals unless kids are along. Sure, do the strip and major attractions. Ride the Ducks, poke around the outskirts, check out the bowling alley.
Historyharlot93 2 years ago
I love the Wisconsin Dells. I’ve done the boat tours many times. Plus, we go in July and sometimes I need to wear a cardigan sweater. For someone who can’t tolerate summer humidity, this is a blessing. Plus, the cheese is great and the Foreign Student workers are really fun to talk to.
#28
Certain parts of the city center of Amsterdam is the worst tourist trap s**thole I've been to.
Tanja Jonk 2 years 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.
Paul Scheermeijer 2 years ago
Zaanse Schans.. really? .. talk about a tourist trap and you recommend another...
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Whitney Keen 2 years ago
I loved amsterdam! The only part i found super touristy was the red light district. But the rest of the ciry was wonderful
Teufel Wulf 2 years ago
I had a lot more fun in Holland checking out Arnhem and Oosterbeek, a lot of military history, but few tourists. Local where friendly and surprised to find an american and german under the age of 30 who know anything about Operation Market Garden. And yes they even had hash shops.
Mini grizzly 2 years ago
Yeah the Wallen If you are going there at peak season it's covered in rubbish every morning and at the weekends it's a nightmare. It's overpriced as well. 20 euros for a waffle!!!! 20! At least it was when I was living in Amsterdam. Like 5 years ago.
Elizabeth Hill 1 year ago
That's the thing about Amsterdam! It's got some of the worst Brita you're ever going to meet there. Might as well go to any other lovely city in the Netherlands and get the same experience with less drunk people
Daddy’s Girl 2 years ago
I went many years ago and they were selling hash and hashish in open markets. And don’t get me started on the red light district. What a disappointment. But the museums were awesome!
#29
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.
Kim Kermes 2 years 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.
JayWantsACat 2 years ago
A baseball game is a tourist trap? LMAO. Sure. This is dumb. It's almost like fans of the visiting team or baseball, in general, would want to go to one of the best baseball stadiums in MLB. And who cares if they're tourists and didn't know it can get really cold at the games?
Dan Holden 2 years ago
How is going to a pro sports match of any sort a tourist trap? I don't think OP understood the assignment.
Jan Bowyer 2 years ago
Lots of out-of-town people equate California with sunny warmth. SFO has its own microclimate, and Pac Bell Park has a separate micro-micro climate. The Giants Dugout store makes a killing from the sale of blankets and sweatshirts during night games. NOT a stereotypical tourist trap. Go Giants!
Nancy Lynch 2 years ago
The Booth (many communication companies sponsored the park -phone 'booth') is a great place to watch baseball.
#30
Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Elladine DesIsles 2 years 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.
Lara Elliott 2 years ago
But have you seen the USA side???? It’s a PIT, and as an American I think Ontario is BEAUTIFUL and worth the trip… The US side is an embarrassment AND an unpleasant tourist trap!
Load More Replies... Hey! 2 years ago
I'm not sure why people say it's a tourist trap. We are Canadians and my husband and I brought our children there several times (5-6 times), bought the whole package of passes, did absolutely everything there, and it's worth the money spent. On another note, if you want to lose your money in the casinos or elsewhere along the way, there are many opportunities to do so. There's only one time we passed over the border but our 3 children were dead asleep and we only stayed to check the falls, the $ needed for a meal was too much of a hassle to change for one meal and Customs checked our kids, passports, resemblance, several times because they wouldn't wake up (you can play a trumpet and they wouldn't - we tried).
Scarlett O'Hara's Ghost 2 years ago
I disagree. Niagara falls NY is the trap. I grew up there and it's literally a trash heap! Leave it to NY ers to destroy a wonder of the world!
Ray Payseur 2 years ago
The Falls were great (I went to Canadian side) and I loved the firework show. The group I was with (girl scouts) went to a small town outside of the main area along the river and it was great. While there are tourist things, it isn't too bad. I can't imagine the American side
#31
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.
Andy 2 years 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
Kat K 2 years ago
true and also for people who want to chill and breath, maybe don´t go to one of the liveliest cities in the world...there is plenty of better places to do that
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Strontium Dog 2 years ago
One of the single most recognisable man made structures in the world and people are surprised and horrified to find out that others want to see it too. "So crowded!". Morons.
Suck it Trebek 2 years ago
I'm sorry. Tourist Trap or not, if I've spent the money to go to Paris I'm seeing one of the most iconic structures in the world. Sometimes tourists traps are considered that simply because they are popular and not because they aren't worth seeing.
𝐆𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦-𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 2 years ago
Famous buildings are crowded!? Color me surprised! Other places in Paris are crowded? Well it's only one of the largest, most famous cities in the world. Things are noisy/dirty/expensive? People are rude/scammers/hostile? Tell me you've never been to a big city before without telling me.
Alessa Gillespie 2 years ago
Paris is huge and beautiful! Are you really s******g on a whole city because you had a bad experience visiting one of the most over crowded sites in the world? Spoken like a true stereotypical tourist. There are hundreds of other sites to see and things to do that are less cliché if you want to avoid the crowds.
Giuseppe Palmisano 2 years ago
My wife and I went to the Eiffel Tower in 2017, and were constantly harassed by vendors trying to sell us everything from trinkets to beverages. They refuse to just leave you alone and enjoy yourself on the great lawn.
Ban-One 2 years ago
Just because something is highly popular doesn't make the sight itself a bad thing. Like you mentioned, it's mostly people. People in a rush. But Paris is a beautiful city with many many amazing sights. And lots of fantastic food. We went in October (we were also twice in summertime) and that month was great to visit. Climate still nice, yet not too busy.
What do you think ?
Sugar Shack 2 years 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.
Steve Hall 2 years ago
I grew up in Cental Florida, if it isn't a "tourist trap", it isn't worth going to see.
ElDiablo_562x666x3 2 years ago
If Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disney are on the list, Venice Beach / Santa Monica pier should be included also.
Teufel Wulf 2 years 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.
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David Jeffery 1 year 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.
Daniel Atkins 2 years 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.
Sugar Shack 2 years 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.
Steve Hall 2 years ago
I grew up in Cental Florida, if it isn't a "tourist trap", it isn't worth going to see.
ElDiablo_562x666x3 2 years ago
If Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disney are on the list, Venice Beach / Santa Monica pier should be included also.
Teufel Wulf 2 years 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.
Load More Replies... David Jeffery 1 year 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.
Daniel Atkins 2 years 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.
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