Five years ago, if you had asked me what parts of the world I’d like to see, I would have said “all of it.” Traveling is exhilarating, and I love collecting memories of new places that I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

But not every travel experience will be life-changing. In fact, some destinations might not even be worth it. Redditors have recently been discussing the popular tourist spots that they recommend avoiding at all costs, so we’ve gathered some of their thoughts below. From places that are overcrowded to ones that make travelers uneasy, enjoy scrolling through this list, and keep reading to find a chat with Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro!

#1

Couldn’t pay me to go to Dubai.

Image credits: geeves_007

#2

India and Egypt if you are a solo girl.

Image credits: Gold_Cauliflower_640

#3

Really surprised it hasn’t been said but…

Hollywood, California.

As someone who lives down the road and works in the area frequently, it is a shithole. Dirty and crime ridden.
A few cool things locals can do frequently on weeknights, but trust me when I say everything you see on TV really is smoke and mirrors.

Image credits: MP8877

To learn more about this topic from a travel expert, we reached out to Jhona Yellin, Editor at the travel blog offMetro. Jhona was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and share about some of the tourist attractions that she wouldn’t necessarily recommend to others.

“One prime example is our trip to Athens a few years back,” the expert says. “It was a miserable tale of overcrowding at its finest! Our visit during August, when the scorching heat failed to deter hordes of tourists, turned out to be more of a test of endurance than a leisurely exploration. Every historic site in Athens was overrun by selfie sticks, and even the secluded beaches were invaded by sun-seekers.”

“It was a classic case of too much of a good thing, and truth be told, we probably should have known better not to travel to a popular travel destination during peak season,” Jhona continued. “Having said all that, we still added the iconic Acropolis in Athens to our post about the best attractions in Europe.”

#4

Wherever 7000 passenger cruise ships can dock.

Image credits: mrbbrj

#5

So apparently India. Especially if you’re a female. Seen too many posts bout it.

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#6

Most middle eastern countries if you are gay.

Image credits: Genghis112

We were also curious if there were any popular places that Jhona hasn’t visited that she doesn’t have a strong desire to see. “Mallorca in Spain comes to mind,” she told Bored Panda. “Despite the allure of its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, the tales of endless parties and throngs of tourists make me hesitant to add it to my itinerary. Sometimes, the promise of paradise is overshadowed by the perils of popularity.”

#7

Any of the ones where tourists are despoiling nature and hurting the ecosystem. I feel like this includes much of Hawaii.

Image credits: limbodog

#8

It’s not as s****y as a lot of other spots mentioned here, but Plymouth Rock is super lame. Don’t do it.

Image credits: bjanas

#9

Your mormon friend’s church.

But sometimes, popular tourist destinations do live up to the hype. “Despite the hordes of selfie sticks and fanny packs, there are still some iconic destinations that manage to retain their allure,” Jhona says. “Take Paris, for instance. Sure, the Eiffel Tower may be swarming with tourists (any time of year!), but nothing can really dull the magic of watching the sunset from its lofty heights or savoring a croissant at a quaint café along the Seine.”

“Sometimes, enduring the crowds is a small price to pay for experiencing something truly iconic,” the travel expert added. “And probably the best way to enjoy Paris or any popular city destination – is by walking it. Check out our tips for walking tours in Paris.”

#10

I‘ve been to a lot of places mentioned here and had a lovely time. Maybe you‘re all just doing it wrong?

Some suggestions that have worked for me:

1. Don‘t travel somewhere on local holidays. Yeah Paris is full on easter weekend, shocker. Also avoid school vacation time.

2. There‘s usually one really crowded tourist street but in my experience, just going a short distance into a side street will be much more relaxed.

3. Learn a few words in the local language and don‘t be afraid go to local places. There are always ways to communicate, I guarantee it.

4. Don‘t chase spots you‘ve seen on instagram, if you have seen it, millions of others have seen it as well. There are usually similar but less crowded spots nearby.

5. Learn about the culture and history of the places and spots you visit beforehand, it makes it much more enjoyable and makes you aware of what‘s important and what may just be a tourist trap.

#11

Cabo. Went in honeymoon in 2017. We never left the tourist areas yet wife’s drink was still drugged. Thankfully the “free drink” they offered me, I declined. Also thankfully my wife was okay. Just needed to sleep it off.

I had a friend who also had a laced drink in Cabo last summer.

Image credits: -Economist-

#12

Dubai.

Image credits: DresdenPI

Jhona also went on to share some tips for travelers who will be heading to popular destinations. “Before embarking on any journey, it’s crucial to recognize that there aren’t really golden rules for traveling because every travel journey is a different story, that can either end up a dream or disaster,” she noted.

“However, some universal principles can enhance your experience. First up, research is your best friend. Understand the local customs, brush up on the language (even a few basic phrases can go a long way), and always try blending in like a savvy traveler, not a clueless tourist,” the expert suggests. “And here’s a pro tip: venture off the beaten path whenever possible. Seek out those hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that offer a taste of authenticity without the crowds.”

#13

Times Square. Shops, buskers, and those overly aggressive Muppet characters all trying to separate you from your cash. It’s just a few billboards and a place to buy cheaper Broadway tickets.

Image credits: anonanon764789

#14

A lot of people are naming “tourist destinations” that are actually just “tourist attractions.” As in, you come, you check it out for 15 minutes, and then you leave. If you go to Times Square or Hollywood and expect to spend all day there, that’s on you for not understand what the attraction is.

Image credits: NArcadia11

#15

Nassau. It’s in the Bahamas and most cruise lines always stop at that port. But it’s a whole town dedicated to trap tourists into buying overpriced stuff. They play music through the whole town and you can’t walk more than 2ft without someone trying to sell you something.

Image credits: Walkalonelyroad672

Jhona noted that timing is key when traveling as well, especially when it comes to popular tourist destinations. “Take our Athens trip I mentioned earlier as an example,” she says. “We made the mistake of visiting during August, peak summer! It was a chaotic mess that definitely tainted my experience. Lesson learned: In some cases – you need to avoid peak seasons like the plague, unless you enjoy battling crowds and sweating buckets.”

Visiting a popular place off season can also make for a more enjoyable trip. “Take Mallorca, for instance,” Jhona shared. “Despite its reputation for being overrun by tourists, visiting during the shoulder seasons can offer a more enjoyable experience. Spring and fall bring milder weather and fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate the island’s beauty without feeling like you’re in a sea of selfie sticks.”

#16

UK: Land’s End and John O’Groats are neither the northernmost nor southernmost points of the country but have become tourist attractions because people believe them to be. Both are utter c**p holes that exist only to relieve tourists of money for c**p souvenirs and overpriced drinks.

Image credits: hoganpaul

#17

Salem, Mass. Biggest tourist trap I’ve ever been to.

Image credits: scottcmu

#18

People should go to the grand canyon…. but not the side closest to Vegas. It’s a tourist scam. Take the time to go to any of the parks that access the canyon.

Image credits: Unicorn-nightmares

“When it comes to popular tourist destinations, understanding when to visit can make all the difference,” Jhona added. “For places like Venice or Santorini, avoiding the summer months when cruise ships descend can ensure a more peaceful experience. Instead, opt for the shoulder seasons or even winter when you can have these iconic spots all to yourself.”

“In essence, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to travel,” the expert says. “It’s all about doing your homework, understanding the local dynamics, and timing your visit wisely.”

#19

I’d say Paris Disneyland, if you want to spend the day in lines surrounded by crying children and angry parents pushing you, that’s the place for you.

Image credits: National_Oil8587

#20

New York City on New Year’s Eve.

#21

Bondi beach. Honestly one of the crappier beaches in Sydney that is so chock full of tourists that you’re swimming/relaxing with 8 million other people. If you can, go down the coast further – Wollongong, Kiama and Gerringong have beautiful beaches with much less traffic and friendlier people.

Image credits: tahsii

#22

Hollywood walk of fame.

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#23

The Liberty Bell is a bell. Don’t know what else I was expecting.

Image credits: scedar015

#24

The gondola ride is Venice is remarkably overrated.

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#25

The London Eye. What a crock of… they have the nerve to call a ride on a Ferris Wheel a ‘flight’.

Image credits: Half-bred

#26

Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany.
Yes it looks good. But it’s nether historical not is it anywhere convenient.
There are literally thousands and thousands of castles in Europe that acctualy are historical. So from the early middle ages and such. Visit those.
Neuschwanstein was literally build in 1869. So nothing all that special.

#27

Mount Rushmore.

Image credits: TheFrenchTickler1031

#28

Venice. Super crowded, smelled like raw sewage everywhere, super expensive. It’s a well oiled tourist trap and it was all so “meh.” My least favorite destination I’ve been to.

#29

I have a couple that will be unpopular:

Neuschwanstein Castle-Yes, you’ll get a great picture. The same picture that the other 500 people on the bridge are currently taking and the same one that a million people have seen over the years. There are a lot better castles in Germany to visit.

Venice-Venice didn’t do anything for me. If you want to see canals, go to somewhere like Bruges, Belgium instead. Better food, better beer, smaller crowds, etc. I’ve loved every other place I’ve visited in Italy, just not Venice.

#30

Stone henge was dinky compared to what i was expecting.

Image credits: LittleRed282

#31

Myrtle Beach.

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#32

Mount Everest.

Image credits: flamingNotMe

#33

I’ve been told that Niagara Falls is … disappointing – a lot of hype, but it’s just a big waterfall with a tourist center and souvenir shops.

Others have said that the Mona Lisa in the Louvre was disappointing. The painting isn’t very big, and there’s usually a huge crowd of people wanting to see it. I’ve seen copies in other places, including the Da Vinci museum in Rome. I don’t need to travel to Paris for that…

Image credits: Count2Zero

#34

Pyongyang.

Image credits: TNOfan2

#35

Alaska cruises.

6th station on Mt Fuji.

#36

If you go to belgium, do yourself a favor and skip brussels. ugliest European city with a weird vibe. anywhere else I’ve been to in Belgium was lovely.

#37

Pisa. It was a stop on our bus trip.  

Of all the places I’ve been in the world that have been little more than a picture and a postcard,  this one is the absolute worst. It’s not even that it’s particularly bad. It’s just, “of,  that’s the leaning tower of Pisa.” Well, ok then.  What are we going to do to kill the next few hours waiting to board the bus. Eat a crappy meal and swim through hoards of other bored tourists. 

Edit: I feel like i need to add more info because so many people are saying the same thing. This was one of the first stops on a bus tour. We had very little time in the area, and this was before smart phones and google maps. We had enough time to grab lunch and wander around the touristy parts, but not so much to go find the other great things the city had to offer. That’s why it was so disappointing. In other cities, we had more time to independently explore. And with modern technology, it would be much easier today, unfortunately this trip pre-dates having a computer in your pocket.

#38

Ping-pong show in Thailand.

Image credits: BeautifulEssay8

#39

While the smoky mountains national park is among the greatest national parks, pigeon forge and Gatlinburg are capitalist tourism dystopia.  .

#40

If you’re planning to see the Eiffel Tower, bring an extra 100. They charge you to even look at it now, and if you’re already paying to pass the gate, may as well pay to climb the damn thing. And if you’re already paying to climb it, may as well pay a little more to take the elevator. I remember when you could walk right under it for free.

Image credits: CaptainMobilis

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