9 of the Most Underwhelming Tourist Destinations

“...it’s just a grayish lump the size of a beanbag chair with “1620” carved on it.”

We've all been there. You arrive to one of the world's most iconic spots and it's just... meh. We're taught about the magnificence of the Mona Lisa in school, Times Square features in an abundance of films and TV shows and the Taj Mahal is amongst the seven wonders of the world. However, you finally arrive and you can't help being slightly disappointed even if you're trying to convince yourself otherwise. In reality you find that it's over priced, over crowded and underwhelming. In our heads, we build up how amazing these locations must be to the point where it's almost impossible for them to live up our expectations.

These users discuss their own experiences of underwhelming destinations and they didn't hold back.

1. Times Square

Ah Times Square, a buzzing, eclectic place filled with characters and culture. Well, that's one way of phrasing it, or as steviec2 on Reddit puts it;

" ...it’s honestly just glorified ads everywhere you look. There’s nothing really special about Times Square - lots of people, chain restaurants (sub-par quality food), lots of homeless people on the streets, and random people trying to sell you stuff as you walk by.”

2. Mona Lisa

There's no denying that the Mona Lisa is one of the world's most iconic paintings. However, nowadays many argue that it's not worth the hassle to see in person with queues that last hours and once you get there it's mobbed with tourists trying to get the perfect selfie. justanartenthusiast on TripAdvisor was evidently not happy with their trip to the Louvre as they wrote;

"I've been wanting to see that mysterious look of the famous Mona Lisa for quite some time, but I couldn't see anything! She was at least FIVE METERS FAR from the line where people would be allowed to stand! IN A FREAKING BULLET PROOF GLASS."

3. Plymouth Rock

Even with low expectations from the outset, Omny87 on Reddit was still disappointed with the Massachusetts landmark. Perhaps they'll consider changing the name to a more fitting, "Plymouth Lump"?

“It’s just a rock. It’s not even a big rock, or a weird-looking rock; it’s just a grayish lump the size of a beanbag chair with “1620” carved on it. I didn’t pay anything to look at it and it still was a ripoff.

There’s a nice pizza place nearby though.”

4. Stonehenge

England's Stonehenge, in particular, holds many mixed reviews. Some saying that it's an amazing experience that's absolutely worth it whilst others criticise the fee charged to view the stones from a distance. Here's Glen Vowles' take from Facebook.

"Over priced, not impressed, wouldn't recommend it. Drive along the a303 and take a photo or stop on side road."

5. The Blarney Stone

Kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence, as the legend famously says. Roger744 says otherwise on TripAdvisor.

"...the view and gardens are nothing special and not worth the 12 euro entry. and certainly, kissing the stone is a massive waste of time as you have to wait a very long time to get to the top and unless you believe the legends of kissing the stone, it is completely pointless and leaves you with a sense of wondering of why you came there in the first place and wasted a whole afternoon out of your life."

6. Dubai

Dubai is known for its luxurious shopping and architecture. It's certainly a city of opulence but tehermuk on Reddit criticises the emphasis on man made buildings versus natural beauty.

“Unless you’re really into spending all day in an air conditioned building, then going to the air conditioned basement to get in an air conditioned car to travel to the air conditioned basement of another air conditioned building in which case, do I have a city for you!”

7. Hollywood

Most of us think of Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the film industry immediately comes to mind. Those preconceived notions of a celebrity filled distract are a far cry from slickerbob's review on Reddit.

“Hollywood generally smells like a combination of weed, delicious food, wet garbage, and human urine, a tourist trap with a handful of great eateries and about 4 movie studios scattered throughout”

8. The Taj Mahal

It's becoming increasingly common for masses of tourists to arrive armed with selfie sticks and iPhones, all battling for the ultimate selfie. The Taj Mahal is an astounding structure that thousands come to see everyday. Unfortunately, as misringuette says, the overcrowding takes away from the magic.

“Yes, it’s beautiful but it’s also overcrowded which ruins any serenity and every thing that there’s to see is visible on the pictures you’ve seen a thousand times before. The inside is dark, surprisingly small and you’re rushed through. Agra Fort, overlooking the Taj Mahal, by contrast is equally gorgeous, vibrant and teeming with history. I enjoyed it much more.”

9. The Little Mermaid

Disney fanatics travel from far and wide to learn the origin of their favourite childhood movie. The Little Mermaid sculpture is based on the Danish fairy tale by Hans Christen Andersen. I_hate_traveling (ok, maybe we should take this user's reviews with a pinch of salt) hadn't much more to say than... "meh".

"It's just so... meh. And too far away from the city center [sic], especially if it's freezing outside like the time I visited it. Just get a souvenir or a postcard or something."