20 global landmarks tourists say aren’t worth the hype

To some, Stonehenge is a feat of human invention, especially given the time. But to others, it’s just a bunch of rocks. If you like giant rocks and green grass, you’d probably like Stonehenge. If not, save yourself the trip. 

The Blarney Stone is not just a giant rock despite what you might think. It’s a block of limestone that tourists bend over backward (literally) to kiss. Some visitors find it an endearing tradition while others see it as more of a painful nuisance. 

Many tourists take issue with the London Eye because it’s just a Ferris wheel. Naysayers will tell you to visit many other landmarks in the city before getting on this ride, assuring you that there are other ways to experience good views than a giant carnival attraction. 

Plymouth Rock is … quite small. Many tourists have been disappointed by its size, especially given its distance from Boston. History buffs will advise other tourists to stay in the city rather than venturing to Plymouth, as there’s plenty to do and see in the bigger city. 

Times Square is an iconic location in New York City, but there’s a reason locals avoid it. It’s a major tourist trap with hokey attractions that most visitors find just plain silly. Tourists stop at Times Square to say they’ve been there and then move on. 

It may surprise some, but plenty of tourists have been disenchanted by the Eiffel Tower. There are loads of people clamoring for a good picture, making it nearly impossible to get one, and it’s much smaller than many expect. 

Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s pride and joy, but some tourists haven’t been quite so taken with it. Like many landmarks, it’s smaller than many people expect, and they’ve found that paying for a closer look isn’t worth the money. 

According to some tourists, the Great Wall of China is only worth the hype at certain spots. The easiest to access is, unsurprisingly, packed with tourists, making it difficult to soak in its glory. To get the best experience, visitors suggest venturing out to a less busy spot. 

Cloud Gate, otherwise known as The Bean, in Chicago, is one of the city’s most notable landmarks, but it’s always surrounded by loads of people trying to get pictures. The tourism of it all has dulled its shine for many, especially considering there are other cities with the same sculpture. 

Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle, is a major tourist attraction in Romania, but some tourists think the lesser-known castles are worth seeing first. The architecture on other castles is just as dazzling, and there aren’t nearly as many people. 

Everyone has seen a cheesy picture of a tourist posing with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but many of those same tourists will tell you that once they got the picture, it was time to leave. There isn’t much else of consequence at the landmark. 

Tourists who’ve scoured Copenhagen will advise against going to see the Little Mermaid statue. It’s a ways away from anything else in the city and isn’t all that interesting. According to many who've visited, there are better ways to spend time in the city. 

Moulin Rouge has quite the reputation thanks to its many depictions in pop culture, but tourists who’ve been inside will tell you it’s overpriced and overhyped. There are better ways to spend money on entertainment in Paris. 

If you’re in Sydney, you might want to see Harbour Bridge, but tourists will tell you that the best way to see it is either on foot from a distance or on a ferry ride. Many who’ve spent money climbing it will tell you it’s not worth the insane cost. 

Nearly every visitor to Rome dreams of tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, but not many actually get the chance to because it’s so crowded. It’s a beautiful sight, but veteran tourists will suggest marveling from a distance rather than trying to get a close view. 

Christ the Redeemer can be seen up close, but it takes some effort. Many tourists who’ve made the effort have found it disappointing, thanks to the heat and time spent. Most will say you’re better off viewing it from down below. 

Yes, the Taj Mahal is one of the "Seven Wonders of the World," but tourists who’ve visited suggest researching the monument a bit before making the trip. It’s not easy to get to, and there are other more convenient sights to see in India unless you’ve really got your heart set on this one. 

The Palace of Versailles is an enormous and grand castle with lots of history, but you'll be disappointed if you're only there to get a picture of the Hall of Mirrors. Tourists will tell you that it's full of other tourists, making it difficult to actually get a good picture. It's not worth the jaunt from Paris unless you're interested in the other areas of the former home. 

The Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, was once an enthralling landmark to those who sort of stumbled upon it, but now that it’s so well-known, it’s lost its sense of wonder to many. It’s open all day, so if you really want to see it, visitors suggest going either very early in the morning or very late at night to avoid the crowds. 

Hobbiton wasn’t a landmark until just over 20 years ago when The Lord of the Rings film franchise started, but now it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. Tourists who’ve seen it might sway you against visiting as you won’t be able to stay at the attraction for long, and it’s just an exterior set piece.