48 of the most overrated tourist attractions in the world

Why it’s overrated: This lake in Scotland is an all-day, 12-hour bus tour from Edinburgh, all with the hopes to see a mythical creature. Is it worth the exhaustion? Wolko says “nope.” Because you spend all of your time on a bus, only to return, it can be a tiring day with little wonder.

What to do instead: If your budget and schedule allows, stay a bit longer and go to Loch Lomond. Here, Wolko says you can visit Stirling Castle, take a boat ride, and enjoy better, less tiring views of the countryside.

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Why it’s overrated: It’s not that Machu Picchu is overrated – considering it’s one of the most beautiful wonders of the world – but traveller Katherine Conway says the single-day hype leaves much to the imagination. If you take the bus winding up the mountain in the early morning, bum around the ruins, and call it a day, you might feel disappointed.

What to do instead: If you’re in shape and up for the challenge, Conway says doing the 4-day Salkantay Trek on the Inca Trail is worth your effort. “The experience of hiking and camping for three days before we got to Aguas Calientes, waking up at 3 a.m. to enter the gate when it opened at 5 a.m. and hike up those old Incan steps as the sky began to lighten, watching the rays of sun climb down the archaeological site, hiking up Huayna Picchu to overlook Machu Picchu – that was amazing,” she shares.

Why it’s overrated: Though plenty of people make their way to the Dead Sea to experience the sensation of floating, travel photographer Gary Arndt says it’s less than stellar when you get there. And sometimes? Painful, even. “You can’t swim in the Dead Sea because it is too salty and a person would be too buoyant. The best you can hope for is to awkwardly float. If you have the slightest nick, scratch, or cut anywhere on your skin, you will be in tremendous pain,” he explains.

What to do instead: For one of those views that’ll stick in your mind for decades, make the journey to Ein Gedi, or “the spring of the kid (young goat)” for an afternoon.

Why it’s overrated: As you comb through #Chicago tagged photos, you’ll probably be met with countless mirror selfies from The Bean. This sculpture is often overrun with tourists and doesn’t offer much history to the Windy City, according to Van Studson. You might want to snag a photo of your own – but that’s about all you’ll reap from the experience.

What to do instead: If weather permits, grab lunch to go and lounge in the beautiful Millennium Park to savour the sun and talk about your trip, sans crazy crowds.

Why it’s overrated: Travel blogger Elizabeth Blasi says while plenty of people think the beaches of Bali are sprawling with pretty waters and colourful sunsets, it’s actually a rather different story once you land. Most public spots are dirty, featuring washed-up plastic and rainy days.

What to do instead: If you still want to experience Bali, head to the rice fields of Ubud where you can speak with a Balinese healer and taste unique coffee beans. Or for a beach vacation? Blasi says nothing beats the nearby islands of Thailand.

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Why it’s overrated: When you’re channelling your inner A-lister, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur seem like a good idea. However, once you’re there? It’s not quite worth it to go up, since you can’t see the towers when you’re in them, according to Blasi.

What to do instead: For under $100 a night, you can stay at the Face Hotel Suites and swim in their infinity pool featuring an uninterrupted view of the towers themselves.

Why it’s overrated: You already know Singapore is expensive, but to stay in one of the iconic hotels, your jaw might drop to the ground. A night at Marina Bay Sands Hotel will cost you big bucks. While a bucket list item, it’s pretty outlandish for most travellers.

What to do instead: You don’t have to stay on the property to experience the view! Blasi says the non-guest observation deck doesn’t come with a pool, you can still get the photo you’re after. Or, for a different take, try the Singapore Flyer, Singapore’s Ferris wheel.

Why it’s overrated: It’s the largest mall in the country, meaning every shopper comes here until they drop. Blasi explains there are plenty of touristy attractions, including rides and food courts, and of course, lots and lots of people. This means every store will likely be packed, making trying on clothes and enjoying your time a tall order.

What to do instead: If you want to experience an impressive shopping centre, Blais suggest visiting the 10th largest mall – Sawgrass Mills in South Florida. “It is home to one of the largest concentrations of outlets in the country, meaning you’ll always get the best deal,” she says.

Why it’s overrated: If the most committed relationship you’ve ever been in is with your beloved morning brew from Starbucks, you probably want to visit your lover’s hometown and see where it all began. Traveller and Seattle native Jessica Tatham encourages everyone to skip the madness. How come? Not only will you wait in line for 45 minutes for the same drink you can get anywhere, but the small space makes it hot and uncomfortable.

What to do instead: Tatham says to snap a photo outside of the original and then head across the street, down the block, or to the next street over, since Starbucks are everywhere here.

Why it’s overrated: Though Tatham says the Great Wall can’t be missed if you find yourself in this region of the world, she also warns jetsetters to prepare themselves for craziness. As a tourist trap unlike any other, you can expect massive lines, expensive prices, and plenty of gimmicky experiences.

What to do instead: For a better, more relaxed venture to this iconic landmark, Tatham says to find a place outside of Beijing. The further away you are, the fewer people you’ll have to fight for a photo.