Travel romance vs reality: famous destinations that often disappoint

Rome ruined

Nothing beats the excitement of visiting new places, but sometimes the reality of a destination or experience doesn’t even come close to our expectations. We’ve looked far and wide for the biggest let-downs around the world, so here's where not to get your hopes up for.

Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

It's easy to see why Dubrovnik – a history-soaked city spread out beside the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia – is a European holiday hotspot. The beautifully preserved medieval Old Town packs in palaces, buzzing plazas, churches and history museums, all fringed by hulking defensive walls. But its popularity comes at a price.

Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

Parts of the wildly popular HBO series Game of Thrones were filmed in Dubrovnik and a rush of visiting fans has put further pressure on a destination already struggling with overtourism. More than 10,000 people have been known to walk its walls in a single day, so a stroll around the Old Town might be a little less leisurely than anticipated. However, caps on visitor numbers and cruise ships are intended to ease the influx.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru's most famous attraction, and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu tops many a bucket list. You're probably familiar with images such as this one, depicting a bird's-eye view of the centuries-old ruins baked in sunshine and almost free of tourists. However, the reality is quite different.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Sadly, Machu Picchu has become something of a poster child for overtourism, with visitor numbers having risen to more than a million a year, many arriving by the popular Inca Trail. That has left the enigmatic ruins rather overcrowded. Visitor caps (at just over 4,000 people per day) and booking systems have been put in place, but this has done little to ease the chaos, with long lines and vast crowds recently leaving many disappointed visitors unable to enter.

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Times Square, New York City, New York, USA

We wouldn’t be lying if we said this was one of the most famous places in the world. Luring tourists in with its bright lights and skyscrapers covered with colourful ads, Times Square is what life in New York City is all about. Or is it?

Times Square, New York City, New York, USA

Locals avoid Times Square at all costs. That’s because most of New York City’s 60 million annual visitors want to take a photo at the famous intersection, meaning it’s nearly impassable.

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Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains is synonymous with picturesque hiking trails, sun-dappled forests, granite cliffs and powerful waterfalls. Home to more than 500 giant sequoia trees, the largest known trees on Earth, the national park is a testament to the raw and powerful beauty of nature.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

However, your wish for a remote holiday in the mountains won’t come true here unless you venture far beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. If you’re on your way to see Yosemite’s most popular spots like the Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Falls or Tunnel View, chances are you’ll be joined by hundreds of other travellers.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

The papal residence, built over the tomb of Saint Peter, is a magnificent place to visit. The Vatican Museums themselves feature one of the largest art collections in the world, including works by Leonardo, Raphael and Caravaggio. A key attraction is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. However, you'll need to be ready to queue and queue, and then queue some more.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

Vatican City is visited by roughly 25,000 people daily, so it’s no surprise you’ll spend most of your time waiting. First you have to queue for the security check at the entrance. Once that’s done and you’ve taken in the views of St Peter’s Square, you’ll have to wait again to enter the Vatican Museums. If you want to touch the toes of St Peter’s statue, expect to face a different queue. Entering the Sistine Chapel? Yes, it's another queue.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, Canada

This 450-foot-long (137m) suspension bridge, hanging lazily over the Capilano River with towering Douglas fir trees on either side, can seem a bit daunting from the start. And walking across the bridge, suspended 230 feet (70m) above the river, is definitely a spine-chilling activity if you’re not a fan of heights.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver, Canada

In reality this attraction in British Columbia, alongside the stomach-churning Cliff Walk, draws in more than a million visitors per year, so expect the bridge to sway and bounce. If you’re at all spooked by heights, this walk above the canopy is probably not for you.

The Great Wall of China, China

The 2,000-year-old Great Wall of China stretches almost 13,000 miles (21,000km). It was built to protect the historical northern border of China, and its architectural grandeur and historical significance are hard to ignore. But if you’re expecting to stroll down a deserted path that snakes through the countryside, you might want to think again…

The Great Wall of China, China

This famous landmark is usually visited by 10 million people every year. Badaling, which is the most famous and recognisable section of the wall, can be extremely overcrowded, especially on national holidays, and taking a picture without anyone in sight is near impossible.

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Mona Lisa, Paris, France

The most famous painting in the world, Leonardo’s Mona Lisa is shrouded in myth and speculation. With its worth estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars, it’s also one of the most valuable paintings on Earth. But there's just one problem with going to see the revered portrait, visited by history buffs and art enthusiasts alike...

Mona Lisa, Paris, France

You might not be able to see it at all. The painting is a lot smaller than people imagine, at only 30 inches (76cm) in height. It’s also protected by glass and a security barrier because of its value, and there could be too many people with selfie sticks for you to even catch a glimpse of the famous smile.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Imagine – you’re lying in the warm golden sun and breathing in the fresh ocean air coming off the South Atlantic on the most famous beach in the world. Sounds great, right? Apart from one thing...

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The two-mile (3.2km) stretch of Copacabana Beach is one of the busiest in the world. Thousands of people descend on the beach on a sunny day, so you’ll have to get there early to secure a good spot. Or better yet, head down the sand to Leme if you don’t enjoy the buzz.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

An architectural masterpiece, the Taj Mahal is a universally admired UNESCO World Heritage Site. The image of this marble marvel overlooking the reflection pool in the foreground is a travel classic. Shooting your own snap, however, is not quite so simple…

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

On winter mornings the Taj Mahal is often covered in thick fog, obstructing the beautiful sunrise views, and in summer pollution creates a layer of smog on hot days. The eight million people that visit the Taj Mahal every year also look forward to taking a photo on the Diana bench, where the British princess was photographed in 1992. Large crowds gather, so if you're determined to get that shot, you could be waiting hours.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

There is so much to see in Rome, especially when it comes to history, architecture and fine arts. Standing 86 feet (26m) high and 161 feet (49m) wide, Trevi is the city’s largest Baroque fountain and film enthusiasts will recognise it from classics like Roman Holiday and modern favourites like Angels & Demons.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

But it's also one of the most visited landmarks in Rome, located in the tiny Piazza di Trevi with tall buildings towering over it, leaving little space for tourists. Just taking a photo of this stunning fountain is a serious challenge – let alone getting close enough for the traditional good-luck coin toss.

Santorini, Greece

This Greek island’s terraced villages are a top spot for watching the romantic sunrises and sunsets over the Aegean Sea. Santorini is on many travel bucket lists, with visitors often eager to capture the unmistakable windmills and blue-and-white houses perched on the cliffs. It’s not quite as serene as it looks in pictures though…

Santorini, Greece

In peak season, there can be as many as 57 flights and four cruise ships bringing in approximately 10,000 people daily. The famed Greek island and its two main villages, Fira and Oia, can be so overcrowded during high season that local authorities vowed to limit the number of people allowed to visit the island each day to 8,000. However, this does not seem to have been implemented yet.

Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, France

Visiting one of Europe’s most famous palaces is a chance to walk in the footsteps of legendary French kings such as Louis XIV and Louis XV. With 17 mirror-clad arches reflecting the arcaded windows that look out to the garden, the Hall of Mirrors is one of the most remarkable features of the Palace of Versailles.

Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, France

Unfortunately, the space does lose a little of its magic when you’re sharing it with the more than fifteen million people that come to see it every year. Countless Tripadvisor reviews complain of overcrowding. In a bid to protect both the visitor experience and the historic palace itself, you'll now need to book a time slot to visit online.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Think of Paris and the Eiffel Tower will likely come to mind. Most of us have dreamed of a romantic evening at the foot of this iconic structure in the City of Love. However, don’t get your picnic basket ready just yet…

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

It might quickly lose its appeal when you settle down on the grass among hundreds of other picnic-goers in the Champ de Mars. Around seven million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year, so finding somewhere secluded enough for romance might prove rather tricky.

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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

This famous bay is a vision of emerald waters and towering limestone islands covered in greenery. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is a magical landscape and on many a Vietnam itinerary.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

But tourists and locals flock here daily, meaning hundreds of boats now obscure the views of the brilliant karst rock formations. The weather likes to play tricks too: generally, visibility is bad from January to mid-March, but even during the summer months Ha Long Bay can be shrouded in fog. With all this tourism comes pollution too – the bay has issues with litter and waste from the boats that ferry visitors, so you're advised to keep well away from the water.

The canals, Venice, Italy

When you go to Venice, you'll inevitably want to hop on board a gondola to see the city's famous sights from the water. What should be a serene, peaceful experience, though, is sometimes quite the opposite...

The canals, Venice, Italy

Tourism in Venice is booming, with around 30 million visitors a year. Naturally, the canals have become as crowded as the streets, so a gondola traffic jam is not an uncommon sight. However, the city is taking steps to combat overtourism. A tourist tax was introduced in 2023, and large cruise ships have already been banned from Venice's historic centre.

Mount Snowdon, Wales, UK

Scaling the highest mountain in Wales is on the bucket list for many British hiking enthusiasts. With nothing in the way to obscure views of the stunning Snowdonia National Park (and even Ireland on exceptionally clear days), reaching its summit feels like standing on top of the world. Only you probably won't be standing alone.

Mount Snowdon, Wales, UK

Freezing winter temperatures, heavy fog and strong winds can make the trek quite dangerous, so the mountain paths get very busy during summer months. There's also a mountain railway that takes non-hikers up the peak, so don’t be surprised if you find the place a little overcrowded.

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The beaches of the Maldives

A honeymoon favourite, this tropical destination in the Indian Ocean is almost a vision of paradise. With warm waters, white sands and plenty of luxurious resorts to choose from, it should be the ideal romantic getaway. But is it?

The beaches of the Maldives

The beauty of the Maldives is also its curse, as the archipelago is now struggling to keep up with the rubbish left behind by more than a million tourists every year. The garbage-dump island of Thilafushi was artificially built in 1991 to solve the refuse problem, but after an enormous growth in tourism over the last 10 years, it’s just not enough. Some of the rubbish is now starting to pollute the ocean and wash up on beaches on several other islands.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

The legendary sculptures carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore depict four of the most famous former US Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. But they're actually not all that easy to see...

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

Although the faces are roughly 60 feet (18.2m) high, it's tricky to make out their detail with the naked eye from the popular Presidential Trail.

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Equatorial line, Quito, Ecuador

In the grounds of the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, tourists walk down a thick yellow line that supposedly represents the Earth's equator. There's one big problem, though. It's not actually the equator at all.

Equatorial line, Quito, Ecuador

The real equator lies about a five-minute walk north of the line. In short, a French expedition in 1736 marked the wrong spot and the mistake wasn’t realised until GPS was invented. So if you want to visit the real equator, you’ll have to walk to the nearby Intiñan Solar Museum where the rather underwhelming line sits.

Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark

At Langelinie Pier, sitting on top of a rock is the sculpture of the Little Mermaid – one of the most photographed sights in Copenhagen. Made of bronze and granite, and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy-tale character, the mermaid bids farewell to travellers leaving Copenhagen's harbour. Although it’s quite possible they can’t even see her…

Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark

This waterfront landmark receives more than a million visitors each year, but once you’ve seen it for yourself, you really have to wonder why. At just four feet tall (122cm), she's much smaller than most images make out, and if that's not enough to dampen the experience, there’s a constant stream of tour buses pulling up to see it too.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

This famous slot canyon in the Navajo Nation in Arizona is an enchanting series of narrow passageways that have eroded over time, creating flowing shapes in the rock.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

Due to the bright but limited light reflecting off the canyon walls, it is often either too dark or too light to take a decent photo. A lot of the settings on your camera have to be manually adjusted, and often a tripod is the only way to get that gorgeous shot. If you’re just armed with your smartphone, you probably won't get the result you were hoping for.

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Trolltunga, Norway

This scenic Norwegian cliff, hanging some 2,297 feet (700m) above the lake Ringedalsvatnet, is part of one of Norway’s most popular hikes. Once you reach Trolltunga, the rock platform offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and unique photo opportunities. But it's not quite as serene as it looks in this picture...

Trolltunga, Norway

Due to its increased popularity, Trolltunga is now visited by close to 80,000 hikers a year. Although it might not seem that much at first, it creates an hour-long queue most days. It’s also worth bearing in mind that this Scandinavian country gets its fair share of rain and wind, so be sure to dress for the weather.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has remained largely intact, the three pyramids of Giza are a defining symbol of Egypt’s history. Surrounded by legend and myth, the pyramids and the nearby Great Sphinx of Giza remain among the world’s most visited tourist destinations.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

However, the area surrounding the complex is poorly managed. From a lack of signs and rubbish bins, to aggressive touts and vendors, it’s chaos all round (though a series of renovation and infrastructure projects are underway to ease this). The magic of the pyramids might also be somewhat ruined when you see how close they are to the city: once your visit is over, you can have a meal at KFC right in front of the sphinx. How charming.

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Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

There are many places to enjoy a family safari holiday in Africa, but the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is among the best-known, thanks to its exceptional population of lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as the annual great migration of zebras, gazelles and wildebeests to and from the Serengeti. That's not the only migration this area of the world enjoys though...

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Thousands of tourists come in their 4x4s to see these animals in their natural habitat, so don't expect to be the only intrepid safari vehicle on the plains. The soaring visitor numbers have severely damaged grasslands and caused an increase in settlements along the borders of the reserve, limiting the inhabitable area for the animals.

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Cherry Blossom Festival, Kyoto, Japan

This popular festival stems from the tradition of hanami – the ancient Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers. Known as sakura, the cherry trees in Kyoto blossom between March and April and can be seen in full bloom for only a few short weeks, making it a very busy time for the city…

Cherry Blossom Festival, Kyoto, Japan

Most sakura parks in Kyoto get very crowded during the cherry blossom season, as both tourists and locals come out in droves to picnic beneath the trees. It’s also worth remembering that the most common variety of cherry tree in Japan is the Somei Yoshino and its flowers are nearly pure white, unlike the bright pink blossoms we’re used to seeing in pictures.

Bruges, Belgium

This quaint Belgian city is famed for its medieval buildings, cobbled streets and beautiful canals. But just like other famously picturesque destinations, it’s too pretty for its own good.

Bruges, Belgium

Visited by around nine million people every year, Bruges is struggling to find space for everyone. Expect streets bursting with tourists, canal boats filled to the brim with sightseers and restaurants at full capacity.

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Loch Ness, Scotland, UK

Scotland is known for its rugged natural beauty and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands definitely fits the bill. One of the most visited places in Scotland, it lures visitors with Urquhart Castle and the chance to spot the elusive Loch Ness monster.

Loch Ness, Scotland, UK

However, while its beauty is undeniable, Scotland is also famous for its temperamental weather. Sunny days are few and far between here, so you can expect white, cloud-covered skies, a light drizzle and most likely a thick fog too.

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London Eye, London, England, UK

Since opening in 2000, this famed observation wheel quickly became one of the most visited attractions in London. However, over 20 years later travellers are still wondering whether it’s worth it. And rightly so.

London Eye, London, England, UK

On arrival expect the Queen’s Walk to be packed with tourists eager to get on the Eye. Queues here have been known to take more than two hours (unless you have Fast Track tickets) and once you actually get to the pods, it’s likely your photos will be ruined by the countless marks, scratches and spots covering the glass.

Salvation Mountain, California, USA

This man-made mountain took 28 years and half a million gallons of latex paint to finish. Now it’s become a popular roadside attraction in the Californian desert.

Salvation Mountain, California, USA

Unfortunately, it’s a lot smaller than pictures might lead you to believe. Just a blob of bright paint in the middle of an endless beige desert, it’s not enormously remarkable.

Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

A trip to Rome wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Spanish Steps. The 18th-century staircase connects Piazza di Spagna at the base with Piazza della Trinita dei Monti and the imposing Trinita dei Monti church at the top. But whether you’re looking to recreate scenes from Roman Holiday or The Talented Mr. Ripley, see history in the flesh or marvel at the £1.3 million ($1.5m) refurbishment, it might prove to be a bit tricky…

Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy

The 135-step stairway is as popular with tourists as it is with locals, especially in summer, meaning it can get rather crowded. In fact, in an attempt to deal with the hordes, authorities have now banned people from sitting on the steps, and tourists flouting this rule could face a fine of up to £342 ($435). You’ll have the best chance of snapping a brochure-worthy picture if you visit early in the morning or late at night.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The largest religious monument in the world is high on many a traveller's list. This ancient temple is especially popular during sunrise, when the early rays of the day tint the sky behind the temple varying hues of red, yellow, orange and pink.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A victim of its own beauty, Angkor Wat might not be the romantic sunrise setting you were hoping for. Summer sunrise here is generally just before 6am, but to get a good spot for taking photos, you’ll need to arrive at least an hour earlier, when it’s still quite cool and pitch-black outside. Be ready to stand your ground too, as it can get quite competitive when the sun comes up.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

This stunning black sand beach near Vik is a must-visit spot for Instagram influencers as they make their way around Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Locals will tell you that the dramatic basalt sea stacks just offshore were once trolls who got caught by the dawn sun after a big night out.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

Your chances of getting a dark and moody shot of the beach plummet dramatically whenever one of the many tourist coaches arrive and disgorge their passengers onto the volcanic sands. More annoyingly, they tend to gather in front of the hexagonal rocks that form the basalt column cliff (pictured) at the southern end of the beach, limiting your chances of snapping a decent photo of the puffins that nest here.

Tulum, Mexico

These spectacular ruins on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula are all that remain of one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans. It was as if they looked out across the glittering Caribbean Sea and sugar white sands and thought, “this will do.” Finished around 1450 AD, they are certainly the most beautifully located of Mexico’s ancient sites. And when the sun is shining and the sea is sparkling, they're easily the most photogenic too.

Tulum, Mexico

The ruins at Tulum are easily accessible, not just from the small town of the same name 2.5 miles (4.1km) miles to the north, but from the Yucatan hotspots of Playa del Carmen and Cancun as well. According to the local tourist board, more than 1.3 million people visited the Tulum ruins in 2022, with a staggering 3,717 people cramming into the relatively small site every day. They spill down onto the beach in front of it too, so you won’t find respite there either.​

Mount Everest, Nepal

Conquering Mount Everest doesn’t come cheap. The Nepalese government charges £8,900 ($11,000) for a climbing permit alone. You’ll also need to pay a refundable waste deposit of £3,250 ($4,000) and hire a local liaison officer for around £2,500 ($3,000). Throw in the cost of sherpas and supplies and the data experts at ExpedReview say you’re looking at an average price of £45,938.97 ($58,069) per person. For many, the steep price is worth it, just to be able to boast that they reached the top from the world’s highest peak.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Just don’t believe the images you see posted on mountaineering Instagram accounts. It’s not the solitary ‘man-against-nature’ experience many are expecting. Between March and May in 2023 – the climbing season – Nepal issued a record 463 permits to climb Everest, leading to dangerous log jam (pictured) as climbers make their final ascent through the 'death zone' to the summit of the world’s tallest peak.

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

With its dazzling white sands lapped by shallow emerald waters and bookended by smooth granite boulders, Anse Source d'Argent on the tiny island of La Digue in the Seychelles is often ranked top (or thereabouts) on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It is often touted as the most photographed beach in the world and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters here tops the bucket list of many a beach lover.

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

Yet as its fame has grown, so have the number of visitors. Six ferries shuttle across from Praslin each day, crowded with day trippers keen to have their photo taken on the world’s most beautiful beach – the first boat arrives at 07:15 and the last leaves at 17:00. Another thing to consider is that Anse Source d'Argent can only be accessed through the old L'Union Estate coconut plantation, which charges Rs150 (£8.78/$11.08) a day to visit, making it one of the few beaches in the Seychelles where you have to pay an entrance fee.

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