20 Most Overrated Tourist Attractions, According to Tourists

Most people love to travel and we browse online pages to discover our dream getaways, especially after the vivid images of tourist attractions we see on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. Sometimes we see the images of these tourist attractions too good to be true, but do they live up to the hype? It appears some people have volunteered to reveal the truth behind these attractions. So, before you arrange your bags and make bookings, you should read these truths behind the most overrated tourist destinations around the world.

Stone Telegraph- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

The iconic Stone Telegraph seems to be one of the most overrated tourist attractions in the world today. This is the place where people post photos of them hanging on a cliff. You may be tempted to think that brave tourists are risking their lives to take these pictures for social media but in reality, it is an optical illusion. One more truth about this place is that you may have to wait for between 2 and 5 hours in line to take the pictures.

2. Pig Beach: Exuma, the Bahamas

Have you ever dreamt of going on a tourist visit just to hang out with pigs? This is a reality existing somewhere in the Bahamas where you can swim in crystal clear waters surrounded by those snuffing animals. Remember, not all encounters at the Pig Beach are pleasurable as they appear, there are reports of tourists being bitten by pigs at this tourist destination.

3. Haoyang Lake in Yangzhou, China

The Haoyang Lake is one of the popular tourist attractions for canoeing but it appears it is also over-hyped. This is one place where you can explore diverse ecosystems but traveling there during heavy rainfall can make the lake brownish and murky. You will also notice lots of thrash floating around the lake while some alligators lurk nearby. You will see social media images of these popular places making the water lush and green, you should plan to visit when there is less rainfall.

4. Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, it is most renowned for its iconic Baroque features and the legendary coin tosser. Unfortunately, the reality here according to some visitors does not match the hype. The massive crowd and the noise around this iconic place can overshadow your experience thus making it less enjoyable. The lack of maintenance of this iconic place can make it smell so bad and that can further diminish its appeal.

5. Red Dune Dessert in Dubai, UAE.

Dubai remains one of the best places for dazzling skyscrapers and lovely malls. The sand dunes are also popular for several tourist activities. You can sand-board on the shifting dunes, but you will realize that it can take hours to have your turn because authorities don’t want the place to be too crowded. If you think waiting in the long lines is not a big issue, then you should visit and enjoy your stay here.

6. Cam Thanh Village in Vietnam

Visiting the Cam Thanh village is one of the best ways of exploring Vietnam’s enchanting waterways. Hop on one of the wooden twirling basket boats that Vietnamese fishermen have used for fishing for centuries and navigate the coastal waterways. However, the reality is you will find as many tourists and fishermen populating the waterways hence the ride may not seem as pleasant as you hoped for, but you can still take beautiful pictures.

7. Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai Thailand

This is the place to see and ride those majestic elephants in Thailand, but the allure can be overhyped. You can create unforgettable memories by taking pictures with the giant monsters but never underestimate the playful nature of the baby elephants, they are wild animals who can hurt sometimes.

8. Lagoon Cristalina in Brazil

Lagoon Cristalina is a top tourist destination in Brazil though its allure can be over-hyped sometimes. It has a difficult terrain and the swamps present shallow waters with an enchanting orange hue which contrasts the lush green foliage while the beautiful blue sky completes the magnificent feel. You may see orange water in images on social media but you can quickly get disappointed when you notice a dull shade of green water upon your arrival.

9. Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok, Thailand

This tourist attraction is located in the Samut Songkhram province and it provides a shopping experience for tourists and locals along a railway track. Unfortunately, the hype surrounding this tourist destination comes with its risks. Trains along the route often pass at high speeds hence tourists and vendors need to be vigilant to avoid getting caught up in accidents. Some of the foods sold here become contaminated because they grace the bottom of the train tracks.

10. Private Jet Villa in Bali Indonesia

The private jet villa is located on a cliffside resort and it features a retired passenger jet that tourists and locals love to explore. The plane was relocated to the destination in 2021 and many people have used the opportunity of taking pictures in and out of it. As a visitor, you can pose on the jet’s wing tips, but you need to be careful of potential falls and other accident types.

11. Diamond Beach in Southern Iceland

Diamond Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland but it may not be as dazzling as the pictures you see on social media. It is characterized by dark sand and glittering icebergs that will hold your breath. Remember, the number of icebergs on this beach can vary depending on the season, and some other unpredictable factors, hence you have to plan your activities especially if there will be more icebergs than you envisaged. It can become a hit-or-miss experience at this beach.

12. Mont St. Michel in Normandy, France

You have probably seen a picture of a sprinter running towards a sprawling castle in France before- it could be Mont St. Michel. It was once a great kingdom that has not lost its shine but remains an Instagram-worthy destination that attracts almost 2.5 million visitors early.

13. Shibuya Skyscraper in Tokyo, Japan

Shibuya skyscraper in Tokyo has been used in creating the perfect picture posts on social media networks for years. You might be shocked that this iconic landmark may not be as mind-blowing as it looks in the pictures. It is a 360-degree open-air observation deck that is situated on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square and has been hailed by many as a great architecture. It is a great spot for panoramic views but foggy days can disrupt your viewability of Tokyo’s cityscape hence tourists can become disappointed when their cameras become cloudy.

14. Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Maranhao, Brazil

This beautiful destination is characterized by long beautiful sandy beaches and any tourist will instantly be captivated by the stunning view. The photos you will see online are crystal clear beaches with sharp contrast of white sands with shades of green and blue but this place is not that colorful. Though it has blue waters with white sands most of the pictures you see on social media have been edited to hype these colors.

15. Siwa Oasis Salt Pools in Egypt

Siwa Oasis is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt today, because it boasts of a unique allure that keeps tourists returning. The region may not be as bustling as the capital city, but it boasts of several attractions of which the Salt Pools are the main draw. There are hundreds of these pools and they come with high salt concentrations that ensure visitors can’t sink but the reality is that this tourist destination may not match the picturesque bright blue sea often portrayed on social media.

16. Antelope Canyon in Lechee, Arizona

This is an iconic stone structure that seems to be shaped by wind and time. It creates an amazing orange glow but the realist shows something different. Despite its orange glow appearance, this tourist attraction is not a testament to some ancient kingdoms that existed thousands of years ago. It was constructed as a studio for taking some images and remains part of a huge art exhibition. If you are looking for something more historical and genuine, this shouldn’t be the place to go.

17. Colorline Cruise, Norway to Germany

This is one cruise that has lured many to the idea of winning and dining on a cruise boat. The cruise will give you some of the most amazing sea views and the initial experience can be reinvigorating. Unfortunately, things can quickly take a new turn when the ship takes speed and the winds become wild while the horizon tilts. All these activities can make it difficult to hold your food and drinks down in their places. Before you take photos here, be sure to do so when the cruise ship is not at its top speed.

18. The Forests of Almaty in Kazakhstan

Forests in Almaty, Kazakhstan often transform into beautiful sights during the autumn displaying different colors of red, orange, and yellow leaves thus captivating locals and visitors. With the magical transformation of trees into diverse colors, these forests become the ideal environment to take pictures. However, some tourists advise that you approach the hype with some caution. The reason is that most of the pictures of this tourist destination are filters and the forests look like a night scene- though, they still appear beautiful but not as portrayed with bright orange and red leaves.

19. Fortuna Waterfall in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Fortuna Waterfalls are magical waterfalls that create a beautiful scenery attractive to tourists worldwide. You might have seen pictures of models taking pictures with these waterfalls in the background. The issue is, that the reality of this place may not always match its hype. You should be able to have a good swim here but taking the best pictures all seasons may not be a reality.

20. Influencer Pool in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is popular worldwide for many beautiful tourist attractions of which the Influencer Pool is one of them. These pools used to be peaceful and secluded but today they have become overcrowded with people trying to find hidden gems and take pictures for their Instagram posts. With Bali witnessing an influx of tourists, having the best time at the Influencer Pool may remain a tall dream for many, especially during the peak holiday season.