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These famous places are not worth visiting, according to the internet

Every traveler has that one place that just didn’t live up to the hype. Maybe the crowds were unbearable, maybe the magic didn’t quite click, or maybe you were expecting something… bigger. (For me, that location was the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt; having a KFC and Pizza Hut right there just takes away from the mystique, lol.)

So, a viral thread recently asked, “What’s a famous place not worth visiting?” and while one commenter wisely said, “There is no such place—go see for yourself,” that didn’t stop hundreds of others from chiming in with some surprisingly spicy takes.

Here’s a look at some of the most common answers…served with a side of humor and a reminder that travel is deeply personal.


View over the south and north rim part in grand canyon from the helicopter, USA
Editorial credit: Amanda Mohler / Shutterstock.com

10. The Grand Canyon

One person called it “The Big Ditch,” and hundreds agreed, which feels like an insult to geology everywhere. Still, if you’ve stared at a giant hole in the earth and thought, Cool, but what now?…you might understand where they’re coming from.

NEW YORK CITY - MAY 11: Times Square with tourists on May 11, 2013. Iconified as "The Crossroads of the World" it's the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway Theater District.953
Photo credit: KarlosWest // Shutterstock.com

9. Times Square, New York City

Neon lights, elbow-to-elbow crowds, and someone in a knockoff Spider-Man suit trying to charge you for a photo. One commenter summed it up best: “Just because it’s fun for you doesn’t mean it’s going to be fun for everyone.”

Anaheim, California/United States - 04/24/2019: Tourist walk across the street towards Disneyland theme park
Editorial credit: The Image Party / Shutterstock.com

8. Disneyland (and Disney-anything, apparently)

A few folks admitted the “Happiest Place on Earth” didn’t quite do it for them—too many lines, too much chaos, not enough magic. But hey, for others, that first bite of a Mickey-shaped pretzel is pure joy.

Plymouth Rock Massachusetts
Photo credit: Michael Sean OLeary / Shutterstock.com

7. Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts

This poor rock caught more flak than any landmark on the list. One commenter simply said: “Plymouth Rock.” Another added: “Still not sure why it’s famous.” It might be time for a PR refresh.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

“Vegas x100,” one person declared. Others agreed, calling it “fun for a weekend, exhausting after that.” Even The Sphere got dragged into the mix. For some, the flashing lights and 24-hour energy are exhilarating – for others, it’s sensory overload.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 1, 2016: Traffic on Hollywood Boulevard at dusk. The theater district is a famous tourist attraction.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

5. Hollywood Boulevard, California

Between the cracked Walk of Fame stars and the sea of costumed characters, not everyone found the glitz they expected. One traveler admitted, “I stayed in the car.” For some, it’s a quick photo stop- then straight to the beach.

Pisa, Italy - August 17, 2014: The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli).
PhotoFires / Shutterstock

4. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

“It’s leaning. That’s it.” Short, brutal, and fair. You get your photo pretending to hold it up, and then… lunch?

Bourbon Street
Photo credit: Canva

3. Bourbon Street, New Orleans

The energy is wild and the drinks are strong, but one local put it bluntly: “It’s a lot.” If your ideal night out includes neon hurricanes and strangers with beads, it’s your scene. If not, maybe stick to the Garden District. (While Bourbon Street might leave some folks disappointed, New Orleans is an AMAZING city to visit. There are so many fun things to do in NOLA!)

Nessie Tour Boat Exploring Loch Ness for Tourism
Stock1987 / Shutterstock

2. Loch Ness, Scotland

“It’s just a lake,” someone wrote. The highlight? A sticker on the boat window to fake your Nessie sighting. You have to respect the hustle.

1. The White House, Washington, D.C.

Some replies here were clearly tongue-in-cheek – political commentary disguised as travel advice. But others had a more practical gripe: disappointment at how little you actually see on a tour. Between the security, the crowds, and the fact that most of it’s off-limits, a few visitors left feeling underwhelmed. Still, for history buffs, it’s one of those “you have to see it once” spots.

If you’d rather focus on the pleasant surprises, check out the cities that impressed travelers way more than expected in 2025. Or, for the flip side, laugh along with these funny “expectation vs reality” travel photos that show even the best-laid plans can go hilariously off-course.

10 Cities That Impressed Travelers Way More Than Expected in 2025

New Delhi, India-May 21 2024: Indian tourists walking on Kartvya Path in front of India Gate during the heatwave season in Delhi and North India.
PradeepGaurs / Shutterstock

A new study reveals which destinations left visitors pleasantly surprised this year.

Read more: 10 Cities That Impressed Travelers Way More Than Expected in 2025

The 20 Most Boring Tourist Attractions in the U.S., Ranked

BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS - MAY 27, 2017: Lion Statue at the Brookfield Zoo South Gate. Roosevelt Fountain and the Carousel are in the background
Editorial credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

A new study by analyzed over 1,100 U.S. attractions on TripAdvisor and looked for boredom-related words like “boring,” “dull,” and “underwhelming.” The result? A list of places that tourists were most disappointed by, scaled by complaints per 1,000 reviews for fairness.

Read more: The 20 Most Boring Tourist Attractions in the U.S., Ranked

The Top Tourist Attraction in Each of the 50 U.S. States to Add to Your Bucket List

The Biltmont Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
Photo credit: ZakZeinert // Shutterstock.com

In this article, we venture through all 50 states, uncovering the single, must-visit tourist attraction that best encapsulates the spirit and essence of each one.

Read more: The Top Tourist Attraction in Each of the 50 U.S. States to Add to Your Bucket List

The Weirdest Tourist Attractions in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers

NEW YORK CITY - JUNE 13, 2013: Sculpture inside Museum of Sex. This is a famous city attraction.
Photo credit: pisaphotography // Shutterstock.com

Embarking on a cross-country adventure? Looking to explore the lesser-known and unconventional side of the United States? From colossal balls of twine to peculiar museums, the 50 states that make up this diverse nation are home to an array of strange and offbeat tourist attractions.

Read more: The Weirdest Tourist Attractions in Each of the 50 U.S. States, According to Travelers

10 Forgotten Tourist Spots in the United States Worth Exploring

Forrest Gump Point, red rock at Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona USA. Stunning view and scenic road in Utah during sunrise. Depth of long empty road.
Photo credit: Wisanu Boonrawd // Shutterstock.com

Tired of the usual tourist spots in the US? Want to uncover some amazing hidden gems? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve got the inside scoop on secret destinations straight from fellow Americans. Get ready to discover breathtaking state parks, picturesque drives, and more. This list has something for everyone. So grab your bags because it’s time to embark on an extraordinary adventure off the beaten path!

Read more: 10 Forgotten Tourist Spots in the United States Worth Exploring

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