People travel to recharge. But, when attractions are crowded, travelers end up more stressed than relaxed. When this happens, the getaways become a bad case of expectation vs. reality, which isn’t what we want.
Unfortunately, there really are disappointingly crowded places in the world. Here are some of them.
1. Mona Lisa Exhibit
Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is almost everyone’s dream. It is displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The Mona Lisa is the most popular painting in the world and is exhibited in the largest room in the Louvre. But due to its size and the number of visitors, one can barely get a glimpse of Mona Lisa’s face.
2. NYC Pop-Up Museums
Anything Instagram-worthy attracts people. So, even the pop-up museums in New York City have become instant attractions, drawing in crowds. Pop-up museums are like exhibits that have elaborate setups.
Someone described these as backdrops that take away the actual immersive experience that real museums provide.
3. Caribbean Ports
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Ports in the Caribbean welcome cruise ship passengers. Hence, these can easily become crowded – both with aggressive vendors or scammers and disembarking passengers.
Because of this, tourists often think twice about getting off the ship. Imagine feeling drained before you can even explore.
4. Hollywood Boulevard
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When you say Hollywood, celebrities come to mind, not Hollywood Boulevard. People who have been here compare it to a worse version of Times Square because of the crowd.
Not only is it infested with tourists, but the place also looks and smells terrible. But, since it gives people access to all things Hollywood, it remains a popular destination.
5. Amsterdam
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Amsterdam has many historical sites. It attracts hundreds of tourists, making it difficult to go around and take pictures.
So, although it is a beautiful city, the uncontrollable crowd can be off-putting. It’s best to schedule your visit to Amsterdam strategically. The months of September, October, and November are ideal because of the mild weather. Summer months like April-May are also great for visiting Amsterdam. But if you are looking to have less expenses, tourism is cheap during the winter months.
6. Venice
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While Venice is a dream destination for some, August might not be the best time to visit this city. Kmi It is during this time that it draws a massive number of tourists.
Almost everyone is looking to experience a gondola ride along a romantic canal. If you want a leisurely tour, try off-peak seasons like October.
7. Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone National Park is a favorite during family and school trips. People are even willing to bear long queues and traffic jams.
This is great tourism, but the downside to this is that this also opens the natural reserve for exploitation. Overtourism is more harmful than beneficial.
8. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undeniably an iconic tourist attraction. People cannot resist doing the “catch the tower pose.” And because everyone wants to have a picture, it is almost impossible to get the perfect shot without people in the background.
Some travelers have shared the hack of going to the tower at least one hour earlier. There will surely be fewer people, and strolling around will be more relaxing.
9. Nassau, The Bahamas
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One place people call a tourist trap is Nassau in the Bahamas. This is, of course, if you don’t schedule your visit wisely.
It is on cruise itineraries. December to April are the busiest months, and the place can get so congested. There are pushy vendors selling overpriced goods. Hence, it can be more disappointing than welcoming for visitors.
9. Sistine Chapel
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The Sistine Chapel is great for religious and historical tours. However, instead of a peaceful, spiritual experience, people tend to leave feeling exhausted.
This is because of the huge crowd and the attendants who constantly yell, “No photos!” It is almost impossible to just marvel at Michaelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling.
11. Oxford Street
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Oxford Street in London is a busy shoppers’ haven. But, many who have been there agree that the shopping district no longer exudes metropolitan vibes.
Instead, it has turned into a dump where pickpockets and fraudsters abound. Without its good reputation, it is just a busy, crowded street. Even Londoners know to keep away from the area.
12. Niagara Falls
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Niagara Falls, in summer, has an unimaginable influx of visitors. Some describe going there as a beautiful nature excursion in a dangerous tourist trap.
It’s like everyone is taking a picture with everybody else. Some recommend going there in December when the water is frozen – an equally enthralling view, but with fewer people.
13. New York Times Square
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If you are familiar with Times Square in New York City, you know it is only a bunch of screens. However, the screens do look iconic and spectacular. These and the brightly lit intersections make a great panoramic background.
This is why many people think it is worth a visit. If you are aiming for a solo picture, don’t get your hopes up too much. This place is never uncrowded.
14. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Despite its popularity, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, does not seem to live up to expectations anymore. Gone are the clean, sandy shores, mouthwatering seafood cuisine, and inviting waters. Instead, people describe it as a rundown “Walmart of the Sea” because of the crowded and filthy beach.
15. Mount Rushmore
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A famous American landmark, Mount Rushmore is an attraction with historical value. It bears a sculpture of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
People are often left disappointed when they see how small it is. Also, with the ridiculous number of tourists, it is hard to take a decent photo.
16. Las Ramblas
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Las Ramblas in Spain is known as a pickpocket-infested destination. With the huge crowd, it is easy for thieves to do their thing. People tend to forget that it is an entertainment complex. You cannot enjoy a nice stroll because you have to wade through the crowd while looking out for your belongings.
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Korina is a licensed English and Journalism teacher. After leaving the academe, she decided to pursue what she loved most – writing. Travel, health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, and science and technology are some of the niches she is passionate about. When not working on freelance tasks, she spends her time deciphering the magical journey of being an introvert mom to an extrovert child.