The Most 'Overrated' Tourist Traps Around The World That Are Truly Worth Visiting, According To Reviews

If you travel frequently, you may have grown jaded due to the stack of tourist traps seemingly on every corner in popular destinations. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California? Tripadvisor users will tell you to steer clear of cringey souvenir sites and restaurants that will have you balking at the bill. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France? Consider taking a picture from afar and foregoing the trip to the top. 

Years of experience have shown that the best spots tend to have the fewest crowds (and also happen to be where the locals go). However, you don't need to avoid every tourist attraction with a ticket booth and a long line. Some actually merit the wait and will have you whispering "wow" more times than you can count.

Explore rounded up the best "overrated" tourist traps around the world worth visiting by looking to the people who know them best: actual visitors. We combed through Tripadvisor reviews to see which famous sites had the most (often numbering in the thousands) and the best reviews (at least 4 stars) to make our picks.

With over 26 million visitors every year, San Francisco, California acts as a tourist site hub, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, and Lombard Street. According to Tripadvisor reviews, one of these attractions rarely disappoints: Alcatraz Island. More than 56,000 users have given the former federal penitentiary a collective 4.7 stars. Past visitor @R6628PAjohnc wrote, "What a magical experience, really enjoyed our trip to Alcatraz prison. To walk in the footsteps of Robert strode and Al capone and not forgetting actors such as telly savalas and clint eastwood, sean connery. A must do experience."

If you follow that advice, you'll join Alcatraz Island's 1.7 million annual visitors — as well as the 1,545 men who begrudgingly lived there, a list that includes famous faces like Al "Scarface" Capone, Meyer "Mickey" Cohen, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. You might even encounter the spirits of prisoners past that purportedly haunt Alcatraz Island.

Your visit will start with a scenic ferry ride to reach the island, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Then, you can choose from a selection of Alcatraz tours offering a look into San Francisco's past that all include a self-guided audio component: day, behind-the-scenes featuring normally off-limits areas, and night. Outside of the cellhouse, visitors will have the opportunity to take in gardens throughout the island, as well as spot brown pelicans.

More than 140 years after construction began, this architectural marvel still hasn't reached fruition — although that isn't due to a lack of sightseers. The Sagrada Familia, a church in Barcelona, Spain, has long received partial financing from €25-40 tourist fees paid its annual 4.7 million visitors. According to Tripadvisor users, it's worth the cost. The otherworldly-appearing church, which dominates the city skyline, has 4.7 stars on the site garnered from more than 167,000 reviews. "Nothing compares to this masterpiece of architecture and art," wrote @CherylJowitt. "The staff on site were amazingly helpful. Recommend to everyone visiting Barcelona."

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia is so ornate that the architect realized he wouldn't be able to finish it before his death more than 30 years later. He was right. Work on the project stopped for more than a decade due to damage from Spain's Civil War before restarting in 1954. Since then, architects have continued to work to bring Gaudi's vision to life, which will eventually also culminate in the tallest church on the planet. But in the meantime, visitors are still welcome to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site every day of the year. Travelers can choose from four entry options that grant them access to the inside of the church and its tower. Expect to gawk at the basilica's five naves constructed in the shape of a Latin cross and angled pillars streaming towards the ceiling.

Surrounded by high-end restaurants and hotels and sporting a minimum $76 admission fee, it's not hard to see why some people consider the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland a tourist trap. However, many Tripadvisor users disagree. More than 20,000 reviews have resulted in a 4.4-star rating for the famed geothermal spa. "Visiting the Blue Lagoon with my 11-year-old daughter was an unforgettable experience!" shared past visitor @mariakallin. "We spent several hours soaking in the warm, magical blue water, and being there in the evening made it even more special with the beautiful lighting."

The Blue Lagoon harnesses volcanic energy to heat its pool, which hovers at around 100 degrees. And the mineral-rich geothermal water within may offer health benefits to boot. Silica and algae could assist with skin hydration and elasticity, while the steam might help open pores and discharge toxins.

With its landscape and purported health benefits, the Blue Lagoon has become one of Iceland's most famous sites – tickets sell out fast. Plus, you'll find more to do there than just taking a dip in the water. Onsite restaurants serve Icelandic eats, while the lagoon features a swim-up bar. Visitors can also select from a menu of spa services like massages and facials. The cherry on top? It's just 15 miles or so from the airport. Just remember that all of these features come at a not-insignificant cost. You should also check for updates on seismic activity in the area before booking or heading out, as Iceland's volcanoes could throw a wrench into your plans.

Tourists, bachelorette parties getting hammered on go cups, and ghost tours fill the French Quarter, which spans just a little over a half-mile. Yet somehow, the New Orleans, Louisiana mainstay, never gets old (or boring) — no matter how touristy it seems. The district's more-than 22,000 Tripadvisor reviews and resulting 4.4 stars drive this reality home. "The French Quarter is simply a must visit whilst in New Orleans," stated past visitor @markd231. "The sights, sounds and Music of the French Quarter is simply amazing."

You won't run out of sights and sounds to enjoy, either. In the storied neighborhood, all types of visitors will find something fascinating to do, whether they want history, hauntings, food, or a few too many cocktails. The action centers around Jackson Square, a more-than 300-year-old green respite marked by the fairytale-like St. Louis Cathedral.

Those 300 years come with a share paranormal turmoil, as you'll learn on a ghost tour. These excursions take you through the goosebumps-worthy tales of New Orleans' vampire lore, above-ground cemeteries, and the supposedly haunted LaLaurie Mansion. If all that walking works up your appetite, you're in the right place. New Orleans has earned a reputation for its unmatched cuisine, with iconic spots ranging from the casual Café Du Monde renowned for its beignets to historic dining destination Broussard's. Cap it off with a hurricane cocktail from Pat O'Brien's.

When you think of Ancient Egypt, the pyramids likely come to mind immediately. These fixtures of Giza Necropolis, an archaeological site less than 20 kilometers outside of Cairo, have long mystified humanity, rightly earning their place as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although some sites as hyped up as the pyramids of Giza fall flat, these approximately 4,500-year-old structures have earned 4.6 stars on Tripadvisor garnered from over 9,000 reviews. "I used to just see it in my history Books back on my elementary days and now Ive got to chance to see the marvel of it and touch the stoned and feel the whispers of pharaohs," wrote previous visitor @rachelleroque05. "Definitely worth to visit!"

Every year, millions of people visit Giza Necropolis to see the site's three colossal pyramids (the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure), which serve as the final resting places for Egyptian royalty. Ancient Egyptians believed that their pharaohs could continue as gods in the afterlife as long as their spirits could find their physical bodies. The pyramids were built as gigantic markers to help them do just that, as well as to hold onto the royal goods they hoped to enjoy in the afterlife. As such, Giza Necropolis is named for the Greek word nekropolis, which translates to "city of the dead."

A place that invites you to spend endless cash sure sounds like a recipe for a tourist trap. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, a market that dates back to 1461, could easily play that role for you — if you let it. However, with so much character and one-of-a-kind items sold at thousands of shops, countless Tripadvisor users view the Grand Bazaar as a must-visit. The bazaar has earned 4 stars from over 12,000 reviews on the site. Previous visitor @eldT3606QI shared, "Oh, the vibrant energy of this place is absolutely infectious! I wouldn't trade the lively buzz for anything. It's a treasure trove of shops, overflowing with a dazzling array of delights. I adore exploring it all!"

Surrounded by stained glass windows and colorful ceilings under arched walkways, the Grand Bazaar offers shopping in a blast-from-the-past environment. It's much as the Ottoman Empire did centuries ago, when the Grand Bazaar functioned as the area's epicenter of goods. Although you will spot cheap tourist trinkets for sale, you will also see authentic Turkish items like rainbow-colored lanterns, hand-painted ceramics, pointed leather slippers, and silk scarves (an even more likely outcome if you explore the off-the-beaten-path walkways of the market). Just don't look too excited. The sellers expect negotiation, so put on your best haggling hat before pulling out your wallet. Make sure you also familiarize yourself with how Istanbul's charming tea culture influences the local shopping experience. 

Many places don't live up to their postcard appearances. That's not an issue for the Grand Canyon, which, at 1.2 million acres, can't even fit on a postcard. Perhaps those awe-inspiring, real-life views are why six million people visit this Arizona site annually, many of them repeat visitors. Nine hundred of those tourists have taken to Tripadvisor to give the Grand Canyon 5 stars. "This place is incredible! I have been here hundreds of times and never tire of it," contributor @tcbphoto shared. "I have never had a bad time there. It is unlike any place on earth. Definitely one of my favorites. There are not enough superlatives."

The worst part of visiting the Grand Canyon is trying to decide what to pack into your visit, as no time is enough at this vast natural wonder. Most tourists start with the South Rim, which is more popular and less rugged than the North Rim. Traverse the South Rim's Rim Trail, which includes Mathew Point, a great spot to watch the sun rise or set. The Trail of Time, an offshoot of the Rim Trail, is an ideal way to head, as it presents geological information about the colorful canyons before you. Then, see the best sights along Hermit Road, which can only be reached on foot or by seasonal shuttle. Or, check out the Grand Canyon's secret spot that deserves more attention.

Tours of the facilities that make the world's most popular beverages often pale in comparison to the fun of actually drinking the products. But that doesn't apply to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The top spot in the Irish capital has earned 4.5 stars from more than 49,000 Tripadvisor reviews. It's even one of the highest-ranking tourist attractions in all of Europe. User @rachelmC317ZJ wrote about their time there, "It was an incredible wealth of knowledge and just an all-around fun experience! We learned so much about the history of Guinness and Ireland's history as well! Could not recommend enough!"

To see it yourself, take the tour through seven floors of Guinness's former fermentation facility. It concludes with panoramic views from one of the highest spots in the city (lucky for you, the space also happens to be a bar). The tour also offers Guinness pints with visitor photos printed on the beer's foam, and an "academy" that shows how to pour a pint like a pro. For a deeper dive, book the connoisseur experience, which features an in-depth look at the history of Guinness and how it became the face of stout beer. The experience also includes plenty of beer tastings.

Any place called Hobbiton is bound to be a tourist trap, right? Don't judge this book by its cover. Tripadvisor reviewers hold Hobbiton, the 12-acre movie set used to film "Lord of the Rings," in high regard. It has earned 4.5 stars from more than 11,000 reviews. "Visiting Hobbiton is a must do!" declared @Established. "From the moment we arrived, we were transported into the enchanting world of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit.' The attention to detail in the set design is simply breathtaking — every hobbit hole, garden, and pathway felt alive with the magic of Middle-earth." While you're at it, check Explore's complete Lord of the Rings fan guide to New Zealand.

Throughout the sheep and cow farm that's been transformed into The Shire, visitors can take a walking tour that presents some of the films' most iconic spots. Plus, they'll check out 44 life-sized hobbit holes, including where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived, nestled throughout lush fields. Visitors even go inside one of the hobbit holes on Bagshot Row. Details abound, with hobbit hole adornments like chessboards, beehives, and mortar and pestles outside various "homes" bringing the film to life. Finish your journey at the Green Dragon Inn, which serves one-of-a-kind beers brewed onsite and only available at Hobbiton. But all of this comes at a price — the two-and-a-half hour tour costs $120 per adult and $60 per child.

It's thought that Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleepy Beauty Castle. And like the Disneyworld icon, Neuschwanstein has a look known all over the world. With 1.3 million annual visitors, the castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. And those visitors have much to say about it. Neuschwanstein has 4.5 stars garnered from more than 18,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. "This lives up to all expectations," wrote @VNORVI. "The castle is beautiful and has been perfectly preserved. The stories that go with it are also fascinating."

King Ludwig II, dubbed the "Fairytale King," created Neuschwanstein Castle. However, his work of art existed purely for show, as construction took place in 1869 when courts no longer needed to defend themselves from others. Its medieval style simply served as an homage to the past. Due to King Ludwig II's dedication to making the castle look flawless, it took three years longer to complete than originally planned — and the royal didn't even live long enough to see it to fruition.

To enjoy the ambiance of Neuschwanstein Castle with the least hassle, visitors should snag their tickets in advance. You can also embark on a hike in the surrounding area, affording you gorgeous views of the structure. If you choose to do this, you'll be walking in King Ludwig II's footsteps, who reportedly spent a great deal of time in the same area.

Jordan's ancient city of Petra, which dates back to at least the first century B.C., looks like an "Indiana Jones" movie set. But, to the delight of tourists everywhere, it's a real place packed with history and jaw-dropping palaces, temples, and tombs expertly carved into stone cliffs. The Nabataean Empire created Petra, which also served as its capital; however, it was abandoned three to four centuries later due to natural disasters.

Tourists won't abandon this site anytime soon, though. Petra has 4.5 stars gleaned from 18,000 Tripadvisor reviews. "Spending an entire day in Petra, from the golden hues of sunrise at 6 a.m. to the magical glow of sunset, was nothing short of extraordinary," shared @131rosez. "Walking the full trail twice, I was completely in awe — this place is beyond special. The sheer scale, history, and intricate carvings make it one of the most impressive places on Earth."

Attempting to avoid tourist traps while exploring the world can seem like an international game of whack-a-mole. No matter which yawn-inducing site you manage to avoid blowing your hard-earned money on, another one waits right around the corner, seemingly as part of a conspiracy to rob you of all your hard-earned cash. But, as we found by reading through countless Tripadvisor reviews, the situation isn't as bleak as it seems. Plenty of so-called tourist traps around the world have plenty to offer visitors.

To choose the best options, we first evaluated which sites had the most reviews. Since the attractions we selected are some of the most famous on the planet, these destinations had at least hundreds of Tripadvisor reviews. Many totaled in the thousands, such as the Sagrada Familia, which has a whopping 126,000. Then, we evaluated which of the destinations had earned at least 4 stars. The majority of these spots have 4.5 stars and a few have even garnered the rare 5 stars, like the beloved Grand Canyon. The result? A list of places sure to please despite their tourist trap reputations.