You are planning a good bucket list of iconic destinations that you want to try and might even blow you away. Then, you get there and you are all hyped up for that iconic monument as it has so many people visiting it. You see it, and you think to yourself: “Is that it?” That’s what happens to millions of tourists every year who plan their trip get to see the “grand” spectacle and are left underwhelmed, even disappointed. So here is list of 10 iconic destinations that everyone wants to try and visit but leave you disappointed, better to leave off your travel list (or go and be underwhelmed).
Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, USA
Said to be the same rock that has been there since the time the pilgrims arrived and disembarked off the Mayflower. This rock is said to not have been moved since and has many stories told about the historical significance of the Plymouth Rock.
Why it disappoints: That’s just it. It is a piece of rock. It is not even the same rock that the pilgrims used, that should be on smaller island nearby. So the stories surrounding he rock aren’t even substantiated and maybe not even factually correct. It probably has the same ratio of people visiting it to the same people left disappointed. A certified tourist trap and not the best destination if you looking for something more.
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen
A bronze statue sculpted by the late Edvard Eriksen; it was made to pay homage to Hans Christian Andersen’s the Little Mermaid. Displaying the transition of the mermaid to a human, this statue is meant to be statue that symbolizes the city itself.
Why it disappoints: People come expecting a majestic monument, but it’s a small, and rather understated statue. Beautiful in its own right, yes, but a it underwhelming to say the least. Locals call it the “Disappointing Mermaid” as it leaves many travelers frustrated. The industrial backdrop does not help its scenery. And it gets awfully crowded during peak travel season. Not something that you want on your buck list.
Manneken Pis in Brussels, Copenhagen
The Manneken Pis aka “Little Pissing Boy”is a bronze statue of a puer mingēns or boy urinating. Meant to be 1 of the iconic statues that define the city. Also a way how the city likes to satirize itself.
Why It Disappoints: While charming in its cheeky way, this tiny statue of a peeing boy gets too much hype. So visitors are sometimes baffled by the modest size and simplicity. Worst part is that the one on display is not even the original statue. That is stored in the City Museum for its protection.
Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Paris
Situated in the Lourve in Paris it is meant to be the star attraction of the museum. Everyone knows the Mona Lisa. One of the masterpiece artwork by Leonardo Di Vinci, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
Why It Disappoints: Not a city attraction per se, but many people say the painting itself is smaller than expected and hard to see due to the crowd. If you are there to get a good picture, think again. With the crowd coupled and the proximity due to security, it will leave you deflated. It is better to find other works of art in the Lourve, than the Mona Lisa.
Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
A part of Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War (1947–1991), as named by the Western Allies. Visited by Presidents and travelers alike, it is a representation of the Cold War.
Why It Disappoints: For such a historically charged spot, this tourist-focused replica leaves some visitors underwhelmed. The sense of Cold War history is still present, but the surroundings can feel more commercial than historical. Full of vendors waiting to sell you souvenirs.
Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles
The glitzy Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk along side Hollywood Boulevard that is a the main landmark attraction that brings in millions of visitors. It is a five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars embedded in the sidewalks that names important figure that are recognized for their contributions in motion picture, broadcast, theater arts or sports. On TV it looks especially glamorous during an induction ceremonies.
Why It Disappoints: As tourists often expect super glamorous, but end up faced with a crowded sidewalk among souvenir shops. It’s not uncommon to see people who were hoping for a red-carpet atmosphere feel let down.
Blarney Stone in Ireland
A piece of large limestone next to Blarney Castle in Ireland. It attracts many visitors who heard of the legend it grants rock kissers greater eloquence i.e ‘gift of gab’. Most also that it is also great to tour the castle grounds and gardens of Blarney Castle.
Why It Disappoints: Travelers go with the promise of a magical “gift of gab”. What they end up getting is lying on their backs to kiss an old stone on a crowded, germ-filled castle ledge. Not quite the mystical Irish experience some anticipate. It is always good to visit the castle grounds and gardens but its overcrowdedness make it less appealing.
Four Corners Monument in USA
Four Corners Monument is suppose to be the only point where 4 states interact (Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah) aka quadripoint. Sounds like an amazing experience to be in 4 states at the same time.
Why It Disappoints: The spot where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet is just a flat plaque in the desert. You can stand in four states at once, but apart from the photo op, there’s not much around. It charges $8 per person just feels overpriced especially when it surrounded by overpriced vendors. Then with the heat and virtually no amenities, it boils your nerves instead of inspiring patriotic fervor.
The Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy
The Spanish Steps is a steep flight of stairs on a slope that Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church, at the top. With all the romantic atmosphere in Italy it is suppose to be awe-inspiring to your walk to the Church established by the Holy See in early 18th century.
Why It Disappoints: They sound romantic, but they’re simply a staircase packed with tourists most times of day. Visitors expecting more often feel a bit let down, especially in a city full of more breathtaking landmarks. There is better spots to see in Rome.
Newby-McMahon Building in Wichita Falls, Texas
Built in 1919, this “skyscraper” stands at only 40 feet tall. The backstory is even better: a clever con artist reportedly duped investors by presenting blueprints that showed measurements in inches instead of feet. By the time they realized they’d financed a four-story building rather than a real skyscraper, it was too late.
Why It Disappoints: Tourists often go expecting a towering spectacle but find what’s basically a tall, skinny building. It’s quirky and historically interesting, yet it leaves many feeling like they’ve fallen for the same trick as those early investors! And it feels like a letdown when you see it is just apartment buildings like the projects you can easily find in many cities.
Straight Disappointing and Underwhelming: Do You Have Your Own?
There are many honorable mentions out there e.g Frog Rock, inside the Sydney Opera House or even Stonehenge. I will update these from time to time as it inflares you, me or any traveler that go there. Though if you want to go, maybe for the hype or to see it yourself, be prepared for the underwhelming experience. By the way, do you have any disappointing attractions that left you frustrated or underwhelmed? Would you care to share it with us? Please comment as it will be good to see.