When people travel, one of the things on their list is hitting those must-see spots. I wouldn’t dream of skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Old Faithful in Yellowstone. But let’s be real—not every famous destination lives up to the hype.
I get it; everyone’s taste is different. What I find tacky, someone else might see as a must-Instagram moment. Still, I think the tourist traps on this list are more hassle than they’re worth—long lines, packed crowds, and a disappointing payoff.
My advice: Save your time and money for places that are more unique and truly memorable. Or at least, be prepared.
- Eiffel Tower, The Louvre… Wo, in fact, Paris
Don’t get me wrong, the Eiffel Tower is incredible—maybe just don’t bother going up it. The view from the top? Kind of underwhelming, especially since it doesn’t include the Eiffel Tower itself. And the lines? Endless.
If you want the best view of Paris, head to the Arc de Triumph at night or the Montparnasse Tower. Both offer stunning views that include the Eiffel Tower in the skyline.
Now, to the “Mona Lisa”
I get it, everyone wants to see the “Mona Lisa.” But honestly, it’s smaller than you’d expect, and the wait to see it is ridiculous. The Louvre has thousands of other pieces that are just as beautiful and way easier to appreciate.
And then there’s Paris itself… If you know, you know.
- Times Square & The Statue of Liberty
Times Square is the chaotic heart of NYC—loud and so overcrowded that it’s more stressful than fun. Unless you’re headed to a Broadway show, you may be better off taking a quick glance from 8th Avenue before moving on.
As for the Statue of Liberty, the view from the crown isn’t worth the effort it takes to get there. A key hack is to hop on the Staten Island ferry for a great view of Lady Liberty without all the hassle.
- Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is impressive, sure, but it’s so far away from the viewing platform that you really need binoculars to see much of anything. Unless you’re armed with a telephoto lens, you may not get the kind of picture you’re looking for. Finally, it’s always crowded.
- Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are ancient wonders but visiting them is a modern-day headache. Between the desert heat, tricky entrance fees, and claustrophobic tunnels, you may want to pass.
- Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is beautiful, but the crowds make it hard to enjoy. Guides loudly lead herds of tourists around, and it just kills the vibe. There are so many iconic churches in the UK—this one’s only worth it if it’s really on your list.
- Taj Mahal
This might be the most controversial destination on the list but it’s not about the site itself. The Taj Mahal offers a fantastic view but visiting it an exercise in patience—hours of driving, waiting, and jostling through crowds. It’s stunning, but the experience left me feeling more exhausted than awed.
- Niagara Falls
Waterfalls are breathtaking, but the surrounding tourist traps, not so much. Here, there is an unending array of gift shops, tacky restaurants and other attractions, as if Balogun Market set up shop beside one of Earth’s natural wonders…and blocked the view.
Now, am I saying you shouldn’t visit any of these sites? Not at all. However, you should know what you’re getting into. Information is everything and with this perspective of these tourist destinations, you’ll be able to make the best decisions.
