World's most disappointing tourist hotspots revealed
While many travellers tend to flock to must-see tourists attractions while exploring somewhere new on their holiday, it turns out not everyone is impressed with the hype.
A host of scathing online reviews have targeted landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and even Bondi Beach, calling the sites "unimpressive", "boring" and "pointless".
According to travellers, there are 15 tourist hotspots that don't live up to the hype, with many leaving the destinations feeling disappointed.
Mona Lisa - Paris, France
One of the most "disappointing" attractions, according to travellers, is da Vinci's masterpiece the Mona Lisa, which hangs in the Louvre in the French capital city.
According to online reviews, nearly four in ten (37.1 per cent) visitors posted negative comments about visiting the work, saying it did not live up to their expectations.
One review left on TripAdvisor described the experience as "a bit boring", adding, "The Mona Lisa was very small and not as beautiful as I thought it would be."
Several other reviews stated how irritating the experience of actually seeing the artwork was, with one person claiming the Louvre had a "zoo-like atmosphere".
The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
Tourists visiting France were double disappointed, after also being let down by the iconic Eiffel Tower, which many described as "not a very special place... it's just an iron building."
"It's boring, nothing special about it. You have to wait in a long queue just to go up and take pictures," another person wrote.
Others claimed the landmark is nothing but a "tourist trap", claiming it is "seriously underwhelming".
Stonehenge - England
For many, Stonehenge continues to be a wonder of mystery, as one of the most architecturally sophisticated ancient stone sculptures in the world, but for others, it's just a "big disappointment".
One reviewer went so far as to say it was the "biggest disappointment of my life", saying, "I was expecting so much more. Do not waste your time people. The only magical thing about this place is that somehow it has the power to draw people on to look at it."
Another person put simply, "It's a pile of rocks. Pointless."
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy
While many tourists visiting Italy opt to check out the famous leaning tower, others tend to lean away from it, calling it a "tourist trap".
One person reviewed the famous landmark, saying, "It's literally just a leaning tower. I wouldn’t make a stop here just to see it. It is overly crowded and hot in the summertime."
Others claim they were hassled by countless street sellers, writing, "The whole area is crawling with at times aggressive street hawkers who feel it is OK to keep hassling and trying to sell you tourist crap."
Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin, Germany
Set up as a reminder of the former border crossing and the partition between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie is often known as a must-see spot.
However, others have been left feeling let down by the historic spot.
One traveller rated the site just one star, writing, "The only place in Berlin where we encountered street traders who were deeply unpleasant. The museum is overpriced and very tired. The whole area was uninspiring and a complete waste of our time."
The Empire State Building - New York City, USA
Every year, thousands of people pay to head to the top of the iconic Empire State Building to catch a glimpse of the New York City skyline.
However, given the over-crowding of the observation platform and the hefty cost to enter, many have left feeling "underwhelmed" and "ripped-off".
One person reviewed the landmark, writing, "Wow! What a waste of $185 for a family of three to struggle to fight our way to finally see a view obscured by a metal crisscross railing. Long lines, rude staff, cheesy "museum", and overpriced. It's as bad as an amusement park."
Bondi Beach - Sydney, Australia
A trip to Bondi Beach is often at the top of a tourist's travel itinerary when heading Down Under for the first time.
But as the beach gains popularity, travellers have been increasingly underwhelmed by the picturesque beach given the over-crowding.
One review read, "The beach is all the hype and show but it's like having a bath with your entire family and a dozen strangers. It's packed on any normal day and should be regulated with a fence line and tickets so it's not like cramming sardines into a can."
Image credits: Getty Images