There are certain places in the world with global fame. These are destinations highly beloved by tourists, so much so that many plan their holidays just to visit them. However, expectations don’t always align with reality, and – despite the beauty of the place – this can lead to disappointment. For this reason, a recent study set out to analyse which are the most disappointing tourist attractions in the world.
How were the most "disappointing" tourist attractions chosen?
But how do you measure tourists' disappointment and dissatisfaction? Reviews left on major platforms provide a good starting point. Using this data, the website Radical Storage created a ranking of the 10 most disappointing tourist attractions.
In total, more than 95,000 reviews of over 200 tourist sites worldwide were analysed to understand how visitors perceive iconic and popular locations. Eight of these attractions are in Europe, and two are in Italy.
Alton Towers, United Kingdom
Alton Towers is one of the UK's most famous theme parks, located in the heart of the English countryside in Staffordshire. The park offers a wide variety of attractions, from roller coasters to themed areas. However, despite being open since 1980 and its popularity, Alton Towers has received low satisfaction ratings from some visitors.
The most common complaints, according to reviews, focused on the value for money and customer service. Some visitors also pointed out unclear ticket information and hidden fees.
Széchenyi Baths, Hungary
The Széchenyi Baths are one of the most famous and visited thermal spas in Budapest, the Hungarian capital. This complex offers a wide range of thermal pools, saunas, and wellness services, attracting tourists from all over the world in search of relaxation and peace.
Despite its renowned fame and architectural beauty, Széchenyi Baths have been rated as disappointing by over a third of its visitors. The main complaints focus on excessive overcrowding and limited accessibility during peak times.
Siam Park, Spain
Siam Park is one of the most famous water parks in the world, located in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. Loved for its thrilling attractions and adrenaline-pumping slides, the park is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Spanish island during the warmer months. However, it has also received 31% negative reviews.
Among the most common complaints, visitors frequently mentioned the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities and the unfriendliness of the park staff.
Time Out Market, Portugal
In Lisbon, you'll find one of the largest markets in Europe, offering a wide selection of food and drinks from some of the city’s best chefs and restaurants. A regular feature on lists of things to see in Lisbon, the Time Out Market, which opened in 2014, also has 28.4% negative reviews.
The main complaints focus on the crowds and long wait times to order food and find a seat during the busiest parts of the day.
Trevi Fountain, Italy
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the most iconic symbols of the Italian capital and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. This Baroque masterpiece, designed by Nicola Salvi, draws visitors from all corners of the globe, eager to throw a coin in the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
The main complaints focus on the crowds and chaos that often surround the fountain, making it difficult to find a peaceful spot to admire the fountain and appreciate the details of each statue. Nearly a quarter of reviews are negative, with overcrowding being the primary issue. For this reason, a trial was launched last October to introduce a limited-entry policy for the Trevi Fountain.
Other destinations in the Top 10
The ranking is completed by other tourist sites across Europe and the world. The reasons for disappointment vary, and it's worth noting that they are often linked to individual experiences of tourists visiting the attractions:
- Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas (24% negative reviews)
- Guinness Storehouse, Dublin (23.2% negative reviews)
- Gardaland, Lake Garda (23.2% negative reviews)
- Topkapi Palace, Istanbul (23% negative reviews)
- National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C. (23% negative reviews)