Some sights are so iconic that they have come to stand as symbols for an entire city. When you see the Eiffel Tower, you automatically think of Paris. The Statue of Liberty stands for New York, the Golden Gate Bridge for San Francisco and the Elizabeth Tower (“Big Ben”) for London. Most of these sights are on the bucket list of many first-time visitors. After all, you want to have “the one” photo as well. But then you often arrive on site and are only disappointed: long queues, overrated sights, expensive entrance fees. The online language learning platform Preply has now found out which sights are particularly frequently rated as “overrated”, “disappointing” or “tourist trap”.
5th place: Las Ramblas
Barcelona/Spain
The approximately 1.2-kilometre-long promenade in the center of Barcelona is the first port of call for many visitors to the city. After all, this magnificent street is lined on both sides with magnificent and historic buildings. Numerous street artists, restaurants, bars and stores can also be found here. What sounds really tempting in theory, 1,203 reviewers describe as a “disappointing experience”.
4th place: The Little Mermaid
Copenhagen/Denmark
The bronze statue of the Little Mermaid, which sits on a stone in Copenhagen harbor, is one of the smallest sights in the world. The statue is just 1 m 25 tall. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, it has been on display since 1913. However, 1,248 people found this rather disappointing last year.
3rd place: Eiffel Tower
Paris/France
You probably wouldn’t expect this entry on the list of overrated sights. Because 3rd place is taken by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And this has actually been the case for years. 1,291 people rate the 330-meter-high iron half-timbered tower as “overrated”, “disappointing” or “tourist trap”. The building, which dates back to 1889, is truly impressive.
2nd Place: Checkpoint Charlie
Berlin, Germany
It is a place of world-historical significance: the former border crossing that connected East and West Berlin between 1961 and 1990. It was a checkpoint for military personnel and also the scene of spectacular escape attempts. Today, a replica of the control house is a reminder of this time. Travelers are rather disappointed: ”It is disappointing how a historical landmark of international importance could degenerate into a mere tourist trap,” writes travel guide Jürgen G. on Google.
1st Place: Times Square
New York City/USA
You don’t really want this first place. Because when it comes to overrated sights, Times Square is way out in front. 1,761 people were disappointed by the flashing and legendary streetscape in their reviews. The crowds and the hustle and bustle here are particularly off-putting for many people. There would be a lot to see. For example, around 40 theaters, cafés, restaurants, the Vogue editorial office and, of course, all the billboards.
Cover Image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
