Skip These 19 Tourist Traps and Visit These Amazing Alternatives Instead
Not all famous destinations live up to their reputation. Some places, while heavily promoted, end up being crowded, overpriced, or downright disappointing. But don’t worry—there are amazing alternatives that offer everything you’re looking for in a travel experience without the frustration.
If you’ve ever arrived somewhere and wanted to leave right away, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up 19 places that aren’t worth your time, and we’ll tell you where you should go instead for a much better adventure.
1. Hollywood, California
Hollywood is packed with tourists and underwhelming attractions. The Walk of Fame is cluttered, and the glamour of old Hollywood feels long gone.
Better Alternative: Santa Barbara, California. Escape the crowds and enjoy a laid-back vibe with stunning beaches, charming downtown, and beautiful vineyards nearby.
2. Times Square, New York City
Times Square is overcrowded, bright, and noisy—an assault on the senses. It’s mostly filled with chain restaurants, tacky souvenir shops, and endless traffic.
Better Alternative: Central Park, New York City. For a quieter experience, enjoy nature in the middle of the city.
Relax, people-watch, or explore iconic landmarks like Bow Bridge.
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3. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is known for its overdevelopment and touristy resorts, often crowded with partiers. The beaches can be packed, and the authentic charm of Mexico is missing.
Better Alternative: Tulum, Mexico. Tulum offers pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s perfect for travelers seeking nature and culture.
4. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is undeniably beautiful, but the town itself feels tacky and overly commercialized. The surrounding area is full of tourist traps that take away from the natural beauty.
Better Alternative: Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil. This breathtaking waterfall system is surrounded by lush rainforests and offers a far more immersive experience.
5. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Las Vegas is flashy, loud, and often overwhelming, with the constant lure of casinos and artificial entertainment. It can feel soulless and draining after a short visit.
Better Alternative: Sedona, Arizona. Sedona’s red rock landscapes and spiritual atmosphere offer a calming, natural retreat. It’s perfect for hiking, meditation, and breathtaking views.
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6. Venice, Italy
Venice is sinking under the weight of mass tourism. It’s overcrowded, expensive, and losing its authentic charm. Narrow streets are clogged with visitors, and the canals are often filled with motorboat traffic.
Better Alternative: Bologna, Italy. Bologna is a foodie’s paradise with medieval architecture and fewer crowds.
Enjoy traditional Italian life, stunning piazzas, and authentic cuisine.
7. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is underwhelming and smaller than most expect. The surrounding area lacks much to do after a short visit. It’s also a long drive to get there with few attractions nearby.
Better Alternative: Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Just an hour away, the Badlands offers dramatic landscapes with unique rock formations, hiking trails, and stunning views.
8. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
While iconic, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is surrounded by hawkers and feels like a quick photo-op rather than a destination. It’s one of those places where the hype doesn’t match the reality.
Better Alternative: Siena, Italy. Siena offers medieval architecture, incredible art, and a historic center that feels like a step back in time.
Its iconic square, Piazza del Campo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is beautiful but overpriced and overcrowded with luxury resorts. It’s hard to get an authentic experience amid the tourist infrastructure.
Better Alternative: Mo’orea, French Polynesia. Mo’orea offers stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a more relaxed, authentic vibe.
You’ll still get your tropical paradise but without the hefty price tag.
10. The Great Wall of China at Badaling
This section of the Great Wall is the most visited and can feel overrun with tourists.
It’s hard to appreciate its grandeur when you’re jostling for space.
Better Alternative: Jiankou, China. For a quieter, more rugged experience, visit the Jiankou section.
It’s less restored and gives you a more authentic, adventurous hike along the wall.
11. Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf is filled with tacky shops, overpriced restaurants, and crowds.
It’s far from the best way to experience the magic of San Francisco.
Better Alternative: Point Reyes National Seashore, California. Just a short drive away, Point Reyes offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and serene beaches, giving you a true California experience.
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12. Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s tourist hotspots are overcrowded, and development has started to impact the island’s natural beauty. It can feel too commercial for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Better Alternative: Lombok, Indonesia. Lombok offers a quieter, less developed version of Bali with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and peaceful villages.
13. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
While iconic, the Eiffel Tower is often packed with tourists and surrounded by aggressive souvenir sellers. Long lines and the crowded viewing platforms can dampen the experience.
Better Alternative: Montmartre, Paris. This historic neighborhood offers beautiful views of the city, charming streets, and artistic history, with far fewer tourists.
14. Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Mexico
Cancun’s hotel zone is filled with all-inclusive resorts and lacks local flavor. It’s a heavily commercialized area with little connection to Mexican culture.
Better Alternative: Isla Holbox, Mexico. This small island offers a laid-back atmosphere, car-free streets, and beautiful beaches.
It’s perfect for a relaxing, authentic escape
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15. Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s beauty is undeniable, but it’s packed with tourists, especially in summer.
The narrow streets and famous viewpoints are often too crowded to enjoy.
Better Alternative: Naxos, Greece. Naxos offers stunning beaches, charming villages, and authentic Greek culture without the crowds.
You’ll experience the same beauty with more space to breathe.
16. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is iconic, but you can’t get close to the stones, and the crowds make it feel less mystical. It’s a quick stop with limited interaction with the site.
Better Alternative: Avebury, England. Avebury offers a larger, more accessible stone circle where you can walk among the stones.
It’s less crowded and has a more peaceful atmosphere.
17. Loch Ness, Scotland
The search for Nessie is fun, but Loch Ness itself is often underwhelming for those expecting dramatic landscapes. It’s a long drive for a fairly ordinary lake.
Better Alternative: Isle of Skye, Scotland. The Isle of Skye offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland with rugged cliffs, mountain ranges, and stunning lochs.
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18. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids are incredible, but the experience is often marred by aggressive vendors and a tourist-heavy atmosphere. It can be difficult to enjoy the wonder of the site in peace.
Better Alternative: Dahshur, Egypt. Dahshur offers an off-the-beaten-path pyramid experience with far fewer tourists and more tranquility.
The Bent Pyramid is just as awe-inspiring without the crowds.
19. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is spectacular, but the growing number of visitors is starting to take a toll on the experience. The crowds can make it hard to fully appreciate the ancient site.
Better Alternative: Choquequirao, Peru. Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is less visited and offers an equally impressive Inca site with far fewer tourists.
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