Some of the world’s most popular and historic tourist sites are in danger of losing their appeal – with as tourists left disappointed by run-down streets, overcrowding, and ‘unsafe’ conditions.
Despite their global fame, many bucket-list destinations – including China’s Great Wall and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, have developed specific problems in recent years that have left visitors feeling underwhelmed, overcharged, and sometimes even fearful of their surroundings.
Recent research by luggage storage network Stasher analysed 101 of the world’s most iconic landmarks and narrowed them down to the ten worst-rated attractions based on the responses of travellers who’d visited them.
To calculate an overall score out of 10 for each site, the team used a comprehensive system combining Google Reviews ratings, average TikTok likes, distance from major airports, country safety rankings, and local accommodation quality.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles was named the world’s worst major tourist attraction, scoring just 2.67 out of 10, in the research – proving that celebrity nostalgia doesn’t necessarily guarantee a quality experience.
The Dead Sea (3.51) ranks as the second-worst, located 66 km from the nearest airport and burdened by a concerning safety rating of 3.108, while Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (3.86) struggles in third place, despite its cultural significance.
Jacob Wedderburn-Day, founder of Stasher, said: ‘Famous doesn’t always mean worthwhile. Poor transport links, overcrowding, or locations that require significant effort to reach all impact whether a destination lives up to expectations built by decades of photos and films.’
Read on to discover which tourist attractions are no longer living up to the hype…
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been named the world’s worst major tourist attraction, scoring just 2.67 out of 10
1. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been named the world’s worst major tourist attraction, scoring just 2.67 out of 10.
Located 38.1km from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this A-list landmark – made up of sidewalks of five-pointed pink stars – honours the accomplishments of the world’s most legendary actors, musicians, directors and producers.
Not only did it receive the lowest overall rating in the top ten, it also received the lowest Google rating and safety score of all landmarks analysed.
Once a symbol of glamour, it apparently now leaves many visitors underwhelmed by its heavy foot traffic, a lack of genuine attractions beyond the stars on the ground, and the surrounding area’s grittiness.
On Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame celebrates the world’s most legendary actors, musicians, directors and producers (Pictured: Gwen Stefani in 2023)
Down-at-heel? A broken and dirty LAPD Hollywood star at the Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea intersection of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles
2. The Dead Sea, Jordan
The Dead Sea ranks second-worst with a score of 3.51 out of 10.
The world’s deepest salt lake, which is bordered by Jordan, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Israel carrys a safety rating of 3.10 due to regional instability.
This natural wonder offers a unique floating experience – but concerns over accessibility and safety continue to grow.
Visitors often cite disappointing infrastructure, high prices, and environmental concerns as reasons that diminish what should be a bucket-list experience.
3. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Turkey
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar follows closely behind in third place, scoring 3.86 out of 10.
Despite its historical and cultural importance, this centuries-old covered market receives mixed reviews on Google, with complaints about overcrowding, pushy vendors, and inflated prices.
According to visitors, what should be a vibrant glimpse into Turkish tradition can quickly turn into a stressful and overwhelming shopping experience.
4. The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China ranks surprisingly low on the list, with an overall score of 4.43 and a safety rating of just 2.09.
Despite being regularly touted as one of the world’s most breathtaking historic experiences, its distance of 61.7 km from the nearest airport and reports of overcrowding and over-commercialisation have contributed to visitor frustration.
Interestingly, the remote location boasts the highest accommodation rating on the list at 9.3.
But while local stays impress, the overall experience still falls short of expectations.
The Great Wall of China ranks surprisingly low on the list, with an overall score of 4.43 and a safety rating of just 2.09
Despite amassing nearly 24,000 TikTok likes, and offering one of the world’s most breathtaking historic experiences, its distance of 61.7 km from the nearest airport and reports of overcrowding and commercialisation have contributed to visitor frustration
Pictured: The Great Wall in Badaling with lots of visitors on a sunny day in autumn
5. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
Victoria Harbour scores a modest 4.68 out of 10, influenced by a low safety rating of 2.09 and being 38.9 km from the airport.
Despite its world-famous skyline and nightly light shows, visitors often complain about pollution, high prices and lacklustre amenities, according to the Stasher research.
Accommodation quality in the area is rated the lowest on the list at just 6.7, which further lessens the appeal of this waterfront attraction.
6. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) comes next, scoring 4.80 out of 10.
With a safety rating of 1.51, it’s one of the least-safe destinations on the list – though it happens to be the closest to an airport, situated just 25.1 km away.
Despite its reputation for provocative exhibits and architectural brilliance, a Google rating of 4.3 and mixed visitor feedback gives the impression its steep prices, along with its appeal to niche audiences, limits its potential to thrive as a top tourist spot.
7. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge ranks seventh with a score of 4.85 out of 10 and a safety rating of 1.63.
While the prehistoric monument is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, it draws criticism for its restricted access and high admission fees.
With an average of just 3,440 likes on TikTok, it appears that the ancient site struggles to capture modern visitors’ imaginations as much as its mystique might suggest.
Stonehenge ranks seventh with a score of 4.85 out of 10 and a safety rating of 1.63
With an average of just 3,440 likes on TikTok, it appears that the ancient site struggles to capture modern visitors’ imaginations as much as its mystique might suggest
8. Disneyland Paris, France
Disneyland Paris earns a score of 4.90, with a safety rating of 1.97 and a distance of 43.8 km from the airport.
Although it maintains a solid 4.5 Google rating, visitors frequently report overcrowding, long queues, and steep prices that dampen their experience at the ‘happiest place on Earth.’
Once a dream destination for families, many now describe the bucket-list attraction as more exhausting than enchanting.
9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, ranks ninth with a score of 4.98.
Despite its 4.5 Google rating and status as one of the world’s leading natural wonders, it faces accessibility challenges due to its remote location, 43 km from the airport.
A safety rating of 1.97 also reflects the physical risks of climbing and the limited infrastructure supporting the area, making it a destination best suited for seasoned adventurers rather than casual tourists.
Rounding out the list is Machu Picchu with a score of 5.00 – the highest among the ten worst-rated attractions
Overcrowding, strict entry limits, and the toll of mass tourism have all contributed to its declining visitor satisfaction, despite its undeniable historical and cultural allure
10. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Cusco Region, Peru
Rounding out the list is Machu Picchu with a score of 5.00 – the highest among the ten worst-rated attractions.
It holds an impressive 4.8 Google rating and remains a bucket-list dream for many.
However, its remote location, 109 km from the nearest airport, and a safety rating of 2.07 make it a demanding journey.
Overcrowding, strict entry limits, and the toll of mass tourism have all contributed to its declining visitor satisfaction, despite its undeniable historical and cultural allure.
