15 Tourist Traps that are actually worth Visiting at least once in your life

As seasoned travelers, we often shy away from the overly popular, crowded spots that seem a bit too “touristy.” But over time, I’ve come to realize something: these places are popular for a reason.

Whether it’s a breathtaking natural wonder or a masterpiece of human creativity, there’s usually something truly special about them.

So, instead of avoiding them, I’ve made it a point to visit these iconic attractions—just with a smarter approach, like timing my visits to avoid the biggest crowds.

In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for tourist traps that are actually worth your time, along with tips to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

1. The Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

While it’s the ultimate tourist cliché, the Eiffel Tower offers stunning views of Paris from the top. Plus, its iconic status makes it a bucket-list experience. Consider visiting early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and book the ticket in advance to skip the line.

Here are some options.

If you can splurge, booking a hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris is the ultimate luxury. Some of the top ones are Hotel La Comtesse or Hôtel Le Walt by Inwood Hotels.

The area around the Eiffel Tower offers much more than just stunning views of the iconic landmark. You can enjoy a leisurely picnic at the Champ de Mars, take a Seine River cruise for scenic city views, or snap photos from Trocadéro Gardens.

For a quieter experience, explore the nearby Musée du Quai Branly or stroll along the charming Rue Cler for local treats. Don’t miss the chance to visit Pont de Bir-Hakeim for unique perspectives of the tower and the Seine!

2. Santorini – Greece

Yes, it’s crowded, but the views of whitewashed buildings against the blue Aegean Sea are unbeatable. Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to enjoy the charm without peak-season madness. This is an easy fix.

Some of the most beautiful hotels with stunning views are Rocabella Santorini Hotel & Spa and Nefeles Luxury Suites.

Santorini offers stunning sunsets in Oia, unique volcanic beaches like Red Beach, and charming villages such as Fira and Pyrgos. Don’t miss a boat tour of the caldera, wine tasting at local vineyards, or the ancient ruins of Akrotiri.

You can get to Santorini by direct flights from Athens or major European cities or by ferry from Athens and nearby islands.

3. Times Square – New York City, USA

Though chaotic and overwhelming, Times Square is a spectacle of lights, energy, and the essence of NYC. A quick visit to soak in the vibe and snap a few photos can be fun. It’s also a very touristy place to be for New Year’s Eve.

Remember that you would need to line up in the morning to secure your spot for midnight. I’m not sure if it’s worth standing in line all day, but some people do that.

I would go on any random working day and walk around.

4. Machu Picchu – Peru

It’s one of the most famous ancient cities in the world for a reason. The stunning architecture of the ancient Incas civilization and the surrounding natural beauty make it worth the effort, even if it’s busy.

I did the entire Inca Trail, which lasted 5 days, and it was amazing. However, many other ways are much easier and shorter, and you can find them all in my guide on how to get to Macchu Pichu.

Make sure you spend a few days in the beautiful Cuzco to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy this colorful city so rich in culture and history. It has become a little crowded and full of fake shamans promoting “ambiguous” Ayahuasca retreats.

Beware of that. Otherwise, I still consider Cusco one of my favorite places in Peru to stay for a while and take day trips to the surrounding areas to learn about the Andean culture and traditions.

Stay in one of the luxury hotels in Cusco if you wish to splurge for an extra-special experience.

5. The Blue Lagoon – Iceland

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a world-renowned geothermal spa renowned for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, which are both relaxing and rejuvenating.

Although expensive and crowded in a lava field near Grindavík, this geothermal spa offers a unique, relaxing experience. It’s a must-visit for its stunning surroundings and luxurious amenities.

To make your visit smoother, you should book your ticket in advance and go early for a more serene experience.

You can get there by car, as it’s only about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik or 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport.

Alternatively, many tours offer transfers, often combined with other attractions like the Golden Circle.

Tickets should be booked in advance on the official Blue Lagoon website, with prices starting around €60-€70 for the basic Comfort package, which includes entry, a silica mud mask, and a drink. Luxury packages are also available for a more premium experience.

Or if you have already booked other experiences on the Get Your Guide app, you can still get the ticket to the Blue Lagoon there, too. Here below you can find some options.

6. Venice – Italy

Venice might be crowded and touristy, but the city’s canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture are truly one of a kind. You cannot get off the beaten path when you are in Venice because the best part is where the crowd is.

The best thing you can do to escape the worst crowd is to avoid holidays (including carnival).

Venice is full of must-see sights that capture its unique charm. Start with St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Square, where Venetian history and grandeur come to life. The Doge’s Palace is another highlight, offering a glimpse into the city’s political and artistic heritage.

A gondola ride, a very touristy thing to do, is a must along the Grand Canal, which provides stunning views of historic palaces, and the Rialto Bridge is a perfect spot for photos and shopping.

Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs for its romantic yet poignant history. For a colorful escape, visit the nearby islands of Murano, known for its glassmaking, and Burano, famous for its vibrant houses.

7. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy

Yes, it’s packed with tourists, but standing in the middle of this ancient amphitheater and imagining its history is an awe-inspiring experience. If you are a photographer, you will love photographing the Colosseum at night as well.

To visit, book your tickets in advance online to skip the long lines, and consider a guided tour to fully appreciate its history and architecture.

Nearby, you can explore the Roman Forum, a sprawling complex of ruins that was the center of ancient Roman life, and Palatine Hill, offering panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss a walk to Piazza Venezia and the Altare della Patria, both within a short distance from the Colosseum.

Unfortunately, there is no good time to visit the Colosseum. My best advice is to avoid the holiday season.

8. The Great Wall of China – China

It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world, and walking along the wall offers breathtaking views and a sense of history. Choose less crowded sections like Mutianyu for a better experience.

9. The Taj Mahal – India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and with that fame comes the usual side effects—massive crowds, overpriced souvenirs, and pushy guides. The area around the entrance can feel chaotic and overly commercial, and the ticket price for foreigners is steep compared to what locals pay. It’s easy to see why some people call it a tourist trap.

But once you step through the gates and see the monument in person, all the hassle fades into the background. The symmetry, the marble details, and the quiet reflection pool create a moment that feels almost unreal. Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds—it’s absolutely worth it.

10. The Pyramids of Giza – Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are on just about every traveler’s bucket list—and they deliver on the wow factor. Towering above the desert just outside Cairo, they’re the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. But getting there can be a bit of a reality check. The site is packed with tourists, and it’s surrounded by aggressive touts offering camel rides, souvenirs, and photo ops. Scams are common, and some visitors leave feeling more stressed than inspired.

It’s also surprisingly urban. Many people expect the pyramids to be in the middle of the desert, but they’re right on the edge of the city, with fast food joints and high-rises visible from certain angles. That contrast can kill the magic if you’re not prepared for it.

Still, seeing the pyramids up close is something else entirely. Their scale, age, and the sheer mystery surrounding how they were built is awe-inspiring. If you plan ahead—arrive early, hire a trusted guide, and avoid the camel ride traps—you can have a great experience. Despite the chaos, standing in front of the Great Pyramid is a moment worth having.

11. Niagara Falls – Canada/USA

Niagara Falls is one of those places that feels both natural and theatrical at the same time. The sheer power of the water is impressive, and the mist hitting your face as you get close is something you don’t forget. But the area around the falls—especially on the Canadian side—is full-on tourist central. Think casinos, chain restaurants, wax museums, and neon-lit attractions that make it feel more like an amusement park than a natural wonder.

It’s easy to see why some travelers roll their eyes and call it a tourist trap. The crowds are intense in peak season, prices for everything are inflated, and the commercialization can feel over the top. If you’re expecting peaceful nature, you might be disappointed at first glance.

That said, the falls themselves are absolutely worth it. The boat tours like Maid of the Mist (or Hornblower on the Canadian side) get you right into the action, and the sound and force of the water is incredible up close. If you go early in the day or during the off-season, you can dodge the worst of the crowds and really take in the natural beauty, without all the flashing lights.

12. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles, USA

The Hollywood Walk of Fame sounds iconic—stars on the sidewalk, movie history, maybe a celebrity sighting or two. But when you get there, it’s not quite the glamorous experience most people imagine. The area around Hollywood Boulevard is gritty, often crowded, and full of people dressed as characters asking for tips in exchange for photos. Souvenir shops are everywhere, and the vibe can feel more like a tourist trap than a celebration of cinema.

It’s also surprisingly underwhelming. The stars themselves are just names on a sidewalk—many of which you may not even recognize—and the street is busy with traffic and noise. For first-timers, it can feel like a letdown compared to what Hollywood represents in pop culture.

Still, it’s one of those places you kind of have to see once. There’s something fun about spotting your favorite actor’s name or visiting the TCL Chinese Theatre nearby. If you go knowing it’s more kitschy than glamorous, you can enjoy it for what it is: a quirky slice of LA’s entertainment history.

13. Chichén Itzá – Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, and it gets busloads of tourists every single day. It’s well-organized but feels very polished, with rows of souvenir vendors lining the paths inside the site.

The crowds can make it hard to appreciate the ancient structures quietly, and unlike many other ruins in Mexico, you can’t climb the pyramid or explore freely. For some, that controlled, commercial feel makes it lose a bit of its charm.

Still, it’s a powerful place. El Castillo, the main pyramid, is an architectural masterpiece with astronomical significance that’s hard to grasp until you’re standing in front of it fully. If you arrive early (ideally right at opening), you’ll get a more peaceful visit and a better chance to take in the grandeur before the tours roll in. It’s overrun, yes—but for good reason.

14. Stonehenge – England

Stonehenge is mysterious and globally recognized, but many visitors come away feeling a little underwhelmed. You can’t walk right up to the stones anymore (unless you book a special access visit), and the site is relatively small compared to what people expect. The parking fees, ticket prices, and fenced-off path around the stones contribute to the “tourist trap” reputation.

But if you go in with the right expectations, it’s still a fascinating stop. The audio guide gives helpful context about the site’s history and purpose (which is still debated), and the alignment of the stones with solstices adds to the magic. It’s best paired with a visit to nearby ancient sites like Avebury or Old Sarum to make the experience more complete. Stonehenge might not feel as immersive as some hope, but it still carries a quiet, ancient energy that’s worth experiencing.

15. Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa – Dubai

Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa are two of the most visited attractions in Dubai, and it’s easy to see why. The mall is massive—more like a city than a shopping center—with everything from luxury brands and an indoor ice rink to an aquarium and endless dining options. Right next door, the Burj Khalifa towers over the skyline as the tallest building in the world. It’s all very over-the-top and built to impress.

But for many travelers, it also feels like the definition of a tourist trap. The observation decks are pricey, the lines can be long, and the mall, despite all its flash, is still a mall—just much fancier and more crowded. It’s all about consumption, and for some, it lacks soul or authenticity. You can easily spend a lot of money and come away feeling like you didn’t get a real taste of Dubai.

Still, it’s hard not to be wowed. The view from the Burj Khalifa, especially around sunset, is stunning, and watching the Dubai Fountain show with the skyline lit up behind it is genuinely beautiful. Even if it’s flashy and commercial, it’s a unique window into the modern face of the UAE—and a glimpse of what extreme ambition and money can build.

Tips for Enjoying Tourist Traps:

• Visit Early or Late: Avoid peak hours for a more enjoyable experience.
• Do Your Research: Know what to expect to avoid disappointment.
• Combine it with Nearby Attractions: This can make the trip feel more worthwhile.
• Focus on the Experience: Sometimes, it’s the atmosphere and sense of wonder that make the visit memorable.
• Hire a local guide to learn about history and legends