Do Tourists Ruin the World’s Most Famous Attractions?

(UPDATED: 2024) Are famous tourist attractions worth visiting when you have to constantly fight through crowds?

It’s not the simplest question to answer. Sometimes, the answer is yes. Sometimes, no. Travel is the best, but tourists are the worst. We destroy everything, but that’s a topic for another day. The question is whether or not the world’s most famous tourist attractions are still worth visiting in spite of the crowds.

Everyone wants the perfect trip or vacation, and we want it to feel unique. The allure of tourist attractions is often lost when crowds grow larger, so when do the crowds become too much? Here is a breakdown of some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, and whether these locations are still worth visiting in spite of crowds of tourists.

The Mona Lisa – Paris, France

No, no, no and no. What a waste of time!

The Louvre is the most famous, largest and most visited art museum in the world. It’s fantastic. It has everything.

The museum’s most famous piece is Da Vinci’s mysterious Mona Lisa. It’s probably the most famous artwork in the world, so that makes sense. I’m not an art critic, but please let me save you some time. If you have seen a picture of the Mona Lisa, that is sufficient.

There are thousands of pieces to see in this museum. It would take weeks, perhaps months, to see it all. Don’t waste your time fighting the crowds – seriously, the crowds are ludicrous – to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa behind a thick glass case. The painting is no more impressive in person, and there are other Da Vinci works in the Louvre. Not to mention, there are jaw-dropping Jacques-Louis David’s (one of my favorites) a few rooms away.

If you don’t believe me, check out these crowds around the Mona Lisa. There is now even a time limit for viewing the famous painting.

See the room, note the crowds, then move along and enjoy the rest of the museum.

Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Turkey

Yes. Absolutely. The Hagia Sophia is the most famous tourist attraction in Turkey for all the right reasons. It is historic, beautiful and daunting. Upon entering, it feels as if you are inside a mountain.

 

What about the tourist crowds? Surely, the most iconic tourist attraction in a city of 16+ million is busy, right?

Yes, this place is busy and crowded. The line to get in can take quite a while. I waited for well over an hour, but it was worth it. Directly opposite the Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque, a dazzling display of Ottoman Architecture. As the adjacent Blue Mosque is another popular tourist site, crowds are even larger in the area. This district of Istanbul, the Fatih District, is the hub of tourism in the city and home to several famous attractions.

The Hagia Sophia is not only a must-see for Istanbul. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the world, and, from an historical standpoint, represents a critical turning point in the history of the Western World.  Once inside, crowds disperse within the massive structure, leaving you plenty of room to explore.

Grand Canyon – Arizona, USA

This is easy. The Grand Canyon is busy, and there are plenty of tourists crowding the areas near park entrances. 

The Grand Canyon is stunning and perplexing. It is such a bewildering sight with the multitude of colors, layers and sheer enormity that, honestly, it looks fake. America’s favorite gorge is truly gargantuan. This giant hole in the ground is almost as large as the US state of Delaware. Such a big ditch attracts huge numbers of visitors. With over 6 million visitors annually, the Grand Canyon is the second-most popular national park in the US.

Is it worth traveling to the middle of nowhere – an hour outside of Flagstaff, Arizona – to see the Grand Canyon? With tens of thousands of other people every day?

Absolutely, yes. The visitor centers are very busy, but the Grand Canyon is over 200 miles long and 4 miles wide at its narrowest point. If you can’t find a perch or a corner to yourself, you aren’t trying. The South Rim Visitor Center is by far the busiest part of the park. All it takes is a short walk in any direction or a 5-minute drive and the scene is all yours.

Perhaps the Grand Canyon, one of the most famous natural tourist attractions in the world, is too busy in certain areas. Fortunately, the natural wonder is so large that it is relatively easy to lose the crowds and is well worth a visit.

Angkor Wat – Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a treasure of Southeast Asia. It is also one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region. Not long ago, the temple complex was a difficult place to reach. In recent years, as Cambodia has become more accessible, it seems everyone is going to Angkor Wat. The secret is out, but I do have some tips here!

Despite Angkor’s popularity, most of the images we see evoke ideas of an ancient civilization lost in the jungle. In reality, it is far from lost. Development in and around the park is limited, and preservation efforts have been effective; but the city of Siem Reap, a short drive from Angkor where all tourists stay, is built on tourism. Resorts, amusement parks and all. A buildup of this magnitude brings millions of people each year.

Angkor Wat is the most prominent and well known temple in an area of hundreds of temples, with sunrise being the most crowded time of day. Thousands of people wake in the pre-dawn darkness, hoping it’s the perfect morning for a magical photograph of the sun rising above the famous temple. What surprises many tourists is that morning magic at Angkor Wat includes a crowd with several thousand tourists all clamoring for the perfect shot in the same place.

The crowds are not exclusive to the main temple. Other popular choices near the center of the park also have their fair share of tourists. Crowds form and people actually line up to get the same photo as everyone else.

With the intense tourist crowds, has the magic disappeared? Frankly, yes. Angkor Wat is fantastic, but there are thousands and thousands of people around. Even the “low season” at Angkor is busy. Angkor Wat is the epitome of overtourism.

Cast aside any preconceived notion of visiting a lost temple in the remote Cambodian jungle. Civilization is right next door, and, again, the secret’s out.

Despite the crowds and disrespectful tourists (it’s a holy site, after all), a visit is still worth the long journey required to reach Angkor IF you’re willing to look beyond the most popular attractions. There are plenty of other ancient sites in the area without mobs of tourist crowds.

However, if a mystical Angkor Wat is the primary concern, it may be best to consider other destinations. That place doesn’t exist. Personally, I’m not in any kind of hurry to go back soon – and I loved Cambodia.

Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh, Scotland

The best view in Edinburgh is from Arthur’s Seat. From the top, views encompass much of the city all the way to the Firth of Forth.

The hike up to Arthur’s Seat, past the Salisbury Crags, presents little difficulty to most visitors. There’s no worry or need of technical skills. The only requirement is a bit of stamina. The path is rocky, but fairly wide along the way.

Arthur’s Seat is a popular point of interest for tourists and locals. On a nice day, there can certainly be crowds at the top. But don’t fret. It’s not as if you won’t have room to move and take photos. There is plenty of space and the view doesn’t change. It’s always great, making Arthur’s Seat a popular tourist attraction definitely worth a visit.

Edinburgh Castle, on the other hand, is a famous tourist attraction that does get incredibly busy. The castle is cool and photogenic, but it’s location in the tourist center of Edinburgh renders serious crowds.

Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic

The more-than-600-year-old Charles Bridge is the symbol of Prague. The old stone structure spans the Vltava River and links Prague Old Town with other famous tourist attractions such as Prague Castle and the John Lennon Wall.

The iconic structure is among the first stops for visitors to Prague. Thousands of them. This relatively small pedestrian bridge is inundated with tourists from sunrise to sunset. The only thing separating the tourists from one another is the dozens of vendors peddling overpriced trinkets.

It’s not just the bridge. The whole city center is overrun with tourists. Even with a few tips to avoid tourists in Prague, it is hard to find places without crowds. The Charles Bridge, in particular, is one of those places where the large number of tourists takes away from the atmosphere. It can’t be avoided in a visit to Prague, but enjoy it from afar. The river banks or islands are good places to sufficiently see the bridge. Of all the popular tourist sites in Prague, a walk on the Charles Bridge is one activity to skip.

Times Square – New York City, USA

New York City’s famous Times Square sucks. I’ve had the fortune of visiting the Big Apple several times (thanks in part to my sister, who used to call Manhattan home), and I cannot imagine a place less representative or authentic than the New York City Tourist Fair – I mean, Times Square.

Filled with bright, flashing signs, overpriced everything (even for New York) and loads of tourists, there is only one reason to go to Times Square: to see it. Once you’ve seen Times Square, move along. There are many other tourist hotspots in New York City more deserving of your time. Better yet, the city is one of the world’s great places to wander. Get moving!

Alhambra – Granada, Spain

Alhambra of Granada is one of the most visited and famous tourist attractions in Spain. The hilltop complex includes multiple palaces, gardens, ancient ruins and a fortress. Millions of tourists visit Alhambra each year.

The problem with visiting Alhambra in Granada is not that this popular tourist site is constantly crowded at every turn. The problem is tour groups. Tour groups descend on Alhambra and clog the sidewalks, small rooms and every potential photo op. Selfie sticks from these tour groups block views and annoy the hell out of other visitors. The hordes of tour groups in Alhambra are a frustration during a visit, but do these crowds ruin a visit to the site?

Alhambra tour groups come in waves, and, at times, they annoyingly clog the paths of this world-famous tourist attraction. That’s the good news. Aside from the groups, Alhambra is busy but not overwhelming. To avoid the crowds at Alhambra, visit in the offseason when there are fewer groups. If you find yourself stuck in the midst of a group, you can rush ahead (they generally move slowly) or exercise patience and just wait it out. Alhambra is worth a visit despite crowds. Be patient to allow plenty of time for the groups to get out of the way.

Khao San Road – Bangkok, Thailand

Another popular tourist site that sucks is Khao San Road. The epicenter of the Southeast Asian backpacker world is not a fair portrayal of Bangkok. It is the tourist’s Bangkok.

Thailand’s capital city is enormous. Not only is it home to over 10 million people, it is one of the most visited cities in the entire world by number of tourists. The city is full of popular, interesting tourist attractions worthy of your visit. Authentic Bangkok is not hard to find, either. All it takes is a little wandering.

Khao San Road is, at most, worth a look at night. Stroll through the madness, and try to resist the vendors and scantily-clad hostesses attempting to lure you in for dinner and drinks. And don’t go for a massage. Chances are it’s not actually a massage. Judging from the overall layer of grime on this street, even by Bangkok standards, it would be wise to eat elsewhere. And with hordes of inebriated tourists come lots of sticky hands. Mind your pockets.

A few blocks from Khao San Road, there are much cleaner and nicer restaurants. However, many of these are expensive. For the famous, cheap Thai prices, venture a little farther out and find a place with locals. This is not a difficult task in Bangkok, and, as an added bonus, the beer will be cheaper, too.

De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red-Light District – the Netherlands

Yes, go for a quick tour. A visit to Amsterdam’s infamous district of debauchery doesn’t mean you have to go whoring around yourself. And you don’t have to blaze up in coffee shops. Participation is up to you.

De Wallen, the official name of the red-light district, is a beautiful area of Amsterdam. Yes, it’s full of tourists and creepy women behind glass doors, but there is a lot more to this area than cloudy minds and herpes. During the daytime, the red-light district is tame. There are more tour groups wandering the narrow streets than creepy, concupiscent tourists.

 

The red-light district is in an area that is hundreds of years old. Canals cut through the alleys and provide scenes from photographer’s dreams. As for the tourists, there are a lot. But that applies to central Amsterdam as a whole – packed with tourists. The result, the bright side, is one of the best people-watching locales in the world, and there are some seriously eccentric individuals meandering through the red-glowing labyrinth of De Wallen.

Amsterdam’s most famous district is not the coolest place in the city. The capital of the Netherlands is much more than one small area full of tourists. However, despite the crowds and the negative connotations associated with the red-light district, it is one famous tourist attraction that is still worth a quick peep show.

French Quarter – New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

Another center of sin, though not quite so debaucherous as De Wallen, is the French Quarter in New Orleans. Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and unique (architecturally) neighborhoods in the United States, the French Quarter is New Orleans’ most famous tourist attraction and attracts thousands of visitors every day of the year. These numbers swell to uncomfortable levels during Mardi Gras celebrations.

New Orleans is unique among US cities and, personally, is one of my favorite cities in the world. The Big Easy is also home to some of the best food in the world. And loads of tourists. But is the French Quarter really so special that it is worth hanging out with loads of out-of-towners and paying tourist prices? Yes and no.

For a first-time visitor to New Orleans, the French Quarter is a must. But it should be noted that the area is not the go-to for locals. Rather, it’s become a novelty with a lot of faux-authenticity. And much of the famous food is grossly overpriced and toned down in flavor. The best of New Orleans eating is generally found elsewhere.

Authentic New Orleans isn’t confined to a single area. The French Quarter is a fun place to spend an afternoon, but finding the best of NOLA takes a little more effort. As for crowds, they are manageable most of the year. Daytime is always a better choice. Mardi Gras in the French Quarter is an unforgettable sight, but the crowds are unbearable, not to mention dangerously intoxicated and bordering on out-of-control. Visit New Orleans and see the French Quarter, but explore the rest of the city, too.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) – Transylvania, Romania

Bran Castle is the most famous landmark in Romania. The castle is synonymous with Transylvania and widely associated with the Dracula myth. This has led to all sorts of marketing associated with Bran Castle that is visible across the country.

As an historic structure, Bran Castle is interesting. Its placement atop an outcrop makes for an imposing, photogenic site. The labyrinthine interior of the fortress is a fascinating look at medieval architecture.

However, Bran Castle is a tourist trap. For starters, the reality is that the popular tourist destination has no actual connection with Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration of the Dracula myth. So, from an historic standpoint, Bran Castle is portrayed as something that it simply is not.

On top of that, the castle is packed with tourists. Tour groups clog the small rooms and narrow corridors. The popularity of this landmark extends to town, where everything revolves around Dracula. It makes an otherwise cool site a tedious experience.

So, is the famous Dracula Castle worth visiting?

Honestly, no. As a fortress, it is cool, but Romania has a lot of visible history in the form of castles and fortified cities across the country. Transylvania, in particular, has a high concentration of historic sites and landmarks. Your time can be better spent seeing other famous attractions and historic sites without the crowds and less affected by overtourism in general.

If you’re curious about the specifics of visiting Dracula’s Castle, or if you still want to have a look for yourself, check out our Bran Castle Guide.

Gothic Quarter – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities for tourists in the world. Millions and millions of people visit each year, many returning home having fallen in love with the Mediterranean metropolis in Spain. You can count me out of that bunch, but more on that coming soon.

The epicenter of tourism in Barcelona is the historic Gothic Quarter. This is the oldest part of the city. Here, you will find the photogenic streets and now-highly-sought-after instaworthy scenes.

I get it. Architecturally, this is the most attractive area in the city to most visitors. It is pretty. At times.

The Gothic Quarter is extremely busy. At times, it is frustrating to walk and maneuver through the thick crowds. Personally, what I find worse is the tacky souvenir shops. These are the kind of shops I would expect to find in Vegas or New Orleans. The chaos and crowds spill out into the surrounding area as well.

What’s more surprising is that I was told when I visited that “This isn’t even that busy. Wait until peak season.” I shudder at the thought, and it seems the citizens of Barcelona are in agreement.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is pretty. However, aside from siesta time, it tends to be a bit of a madhouse. There are other areas of Barcelona that I find more appealing, and Spain as a whole has so much more to offer.

The Acropolis – Athens, Greece

Seeing the Parthenon, set high atop the Acropolis of Athens – it’s one of those cool moments in life, when a famous photo from books is finally right before your own eyes. Reality is a little different.

That’s where my fascination ends. Up close, the Acropolis is one of the least enjoyable tourist attractions I’ve been to. The crowds are absolutely maddening. Hordes of people, crowds around every corner, bottleneck after bottleneck, all of us shuffling along to reach the next photo op that will surely be inundated with people. Oh, and that’s after you wait multiple lines behind hundreds of other people to enter.

For other reasons, which I will detail soon, a visit to the Acropolis isn’t among my favorite things to do, but the thick crowds really take away from an otherwise cool piece of history.

Of course, I am part of that crowd of tourists, and I don’t have a realistic or fair solution. Nonetheless, I enjoyed seeing the Acropolis very much… from afar. There are great places to take in the scene without the chaos (again, that info is coming soon).

I have one small caveat to tourists ruining a visit to the Acropolis of Athens. On my first visit, several years ago, there were less than a hundred people at the entire site. It was within an hour of closing and during low season. This is the likely explanation, but it is something to consider if you just want to see it up close without the madness.

Of course, from what locals shared during my most recent visit, the number of tourists arriving in Athens is earlier in the year, higher than ever and showing no signs of slowing down. At this point, there may not even be a low season.

The Pyramids – Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic and recognizable historic sights in the world. Egypt is synonymous with the Pyramids in the minds of many. Naturally, the colossal physical and historical stature of the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World draws millions of visitors each year.

One might think, “that place is going to be crawling with tourists.” That thought would not be wrong. It is true. The complex of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and other ruins in the area are absolutely as popular and busy as you might imagine.

The cool thing about visiting the Pyramids is that the site is huge. Combine the large scale of the complex with the sheer enormity of the structures themselves, and you actually have quite a bit of room to maneuver. Aside from the area near the main entrance to the site, the base of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, the crowds in Giza don’t take away from the visit. There is some variability in the crowds, depending on the season and time of day, but you can absolutely find space for yourself. It’s pretty easy to get photos that aren’t spoiled by the crowds.

With such a large site to roam and an incredibly large centerpiece, crowds of tourists do not take away from the excitement you feel when visiting the Pyramids of Giza.

So, Popular Tourist Sites…

After evaluating several of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, what is the verdict? Are they worth it?

In short, yes. But it’s still not that simple. Historical significance or a stunning view can make up for large crowds. Other attractions lose their appeal after the tourist invasion turns occupation. It is a subjective, case-by-case matter.

Tourists do ruin places, sometimes literally. I consider myself a traveler and not a “tourist.” But I know that no matter how I attempt to classify myself, at the end of the day, I am a tourist, too. We ruin things, and we know it. But we still go. And we will continue to go.

Travel prepared. Crowds of tourists often take away from the beauty and wonder of the world’s famous and popular attractions, so it is best to have additional plans to visit lesser-known places as well. But never let crowds of tourists stop you from exploring the world.

Even if the charm is gone, the view is obscured or the prices are inflated, seeing for yourself is the ultimate goal.  Go and get lost. Check out the popular tourist sites along the way. Millions of tourists see these places each year and love every minute of it. They are, after all, popular for a reason.