Jessica Reid | 10 May 2022
The world's most complained about tourist attractions
These famous landmarks have received the highest amount of one and two star reviews on Tripadvisor, according to a new study...
These famous landmarks have received the highest amount of one and two star reviews on Tripadvisor, according to a new study...
The world's most famous tourist attractions call in millions of visitors each and every year, but sometimes they're not all they're cracked up to be. A new study by MrQ has uncovered the top ten most complained about attractions on Tripadvisor, which include favourites such as Buckingham Palace, the Empire State Building and the Palace of Versailles. We take a deeper look at these iconic landmarks to find out why they're causing such a fuss...
The Hollywood Walk of Fame from above (Shutterstock)
20% one and two star reviews
For somewhere with a focus on stars, it may be surprising the Hollywood Walk of Fame receives such a low-star rating from visitors. Most complain about it being overcrowded, dirty, and generally not living up to its expectations of what glamorous LA should be like. But the world’s most famous sidewalk does get some pleased customers, with many spending hours searching for their favourite celebrities engraved in the pavement, posing for photos, and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere.
The former royal reside has a selection of negative reviews (Shutterstock)
17% one and two star reviews
A mixed bag of complaints have been made about the former French royal residence. Most are associated with the horrendous queues and high costs of tickets. Plus, some have made remarks about the accessibility for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Although comments of ‘overrated’ are floating around, there’s many who say it’s a must-see attraction in Paris, and positive comments include the fascinating history, knowledgeable guides and being a generally beautiful château. A top tip from visitors: book the early morning tours to avoid the crowds.
Stonehenge can empty your pockets (Shutterstock)
8% one and two star reviews
A fascinating part of English heritage, or a glorified pile of rocks? The latter is how one person described their recent visit to Stonehenge in a review, which they awarded one star. Visitors have mostly complained about the staggering prices at Stonehenge, paying for the car park, entry to the site and a disappointing café. Others, however, have commented about the bad weather and lack of signal (we will leave you to judge these ones). It’s worth mentioning, there are many 'Excellent' reviews of the monument from people who are impressed by the stones and their mysterious history.
The Hollywood Sign may be better from further away (Shutterstock)
6% one and two star reviews
Back to LA we go. This time, the Hollywood Sign is taking the hit. These large letters may be iconic, but most people were unhappy with how close they could actually get to take a decent snap. Many make the hike up to the observation point, but experience a ‘dollop of disappointment at the end’, according to one complaint. On the bright side, most seem to enjoy the hike with its spectacular views across the city. If you're not a keen walker, there's probably better viewing points without the uphill trek.
Big Ben tells the wrong time (Shutterstock)
5% one and two star reviews
The low-rated reviews for Big Ben vary a great deal. It seems people are unhappy with the large clockface telling the wrong time, with one of our favourite comments being ‘my Apple watch is more accurate and prettier to look at, and even takes my pulse. What can Big Ben do?’. Someone else asked if they’ll get with the times and jazz it up with a ‘digital face’. Another even complained about it being called Big Ben, stating it should’ve been ‘Ginormous Georgia’. Ok, so most of these complaints are quite silly. Big Ben maintains its good reputation as one of London's top attractions, especially now its two-year restoration has come to an end.
Visitors find it hard to get a good picture of the White House (Shutterstock)
5% one and two star reviews
The home of the President of the United States of America. It may be better for him, though, as the experience for some visitors has disappointed. Short, uninformative tours which were quicker than the security checks, and difficulty getting pictures from the outside due to much of it now being walled off. ‘The smell of Mexican food made it bearable’, said one complaint. Other comments are more kind, with people just being happy to have a glimpse of one of the most famous buildings in the world.
The leaning tower of Pisa (Shutterstock)
5% one and two star reviews
Those who rated this leaning tower with one or two stars had some fair comments. A few advised the tour of the inside was not worth the money, and it was better viewing from the exterior. But a large proportion are more displeased with the area rather than the attractions itself. Parking is highlighted as a recurring problem, and there are complaints about pickpocketers in the area too. But the beauty of the architecture is not in in any doubt, and it’s worth mentioning many positive reviews found the tour inside fascinating.
The Empire State Building is a little busy (Shutterstock)
4% one and two star reviews
Busy, busy, busy! That’s what a selection of reviews have said about their visit to the Empire State Building in New York. Lifts crammed full of people, and viewing platforms overcrowded, with difficulty getting to the front to take photos. More negative reviews were made about not being able to see anything when the weather is overcast, and trouble getting refunds. Other than this though, the building remains ‘well worth the visit and the money’, with thousands of great reviews complimenting the views, Art Deco architecture and its incredible museum and exhibits.
Pyramids of Giza has some safety concerns (Shutterstock)
4% one and two star reviews
‘A sight to behold’ one reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor. Those who have grown up learning about this ancient wonder of the world are mostly thrilled when they get to see the awe-inspiring landmark up close. Though it seems, the people who were not impressed have fallen victim to scammers. The reviewers warn of many ‘fake guides’ trying to lure people away and demand money, leaving some feeling a little scared. Booking a tour guide in advance is definitely the safest way to go.
Are Buckingham Palace gardens not all they're cracked up to be? (Shutterstock)
3% one and two star reviews
London’s royal residence is a ‘royal rip off’ – according to one reviewer. Buckingham Palace’s negative comments seem to have one thing in common: the gardens. Lack of actual flowers was the main complaint, with people comparing it to a walk around a public park with acres of grass, trees and shrubs. Those who wanted to see flowers had to pay extra on top of their entry fee. This said, many were delighted with their experience, with much love and respect for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is free to watch.
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