'Just not worth it': Popular tourist destinations you can skip for these places instead
A popular Australian tourist spot has been voted the most "worth it" destination to visit in the world.
Kings Canyon Lookout in Australia's Northern Territory has come out on top as the "most worth it" attraction in the world, according to data from InsureandGo, which analysed more than three million traveller reviews.
Victoria's Twelve Apostles also made the list, coming in at the seventh most "worth it" travel destination globally.
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Kings Canyon Lookout in Australia's Northern Territory has come out on top as the "most worth it" attraction in the world, Getty
Meanwhile, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia was ranked the number one "least worth it" tourist destination in the world.
Of course, everyone has different experiences of tourist hotspots, but there are some that we believe are so overrated, you'd have a better experience looking at them via Google Earth.
We've gathered the troops, including expert travel writers and everyday Aussies who love to travel, to reveal the tourist spots may want to give a miss, and which ones are criminally underrated.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
My first day in Paris was so awful I nearly booked a ticket out of the city - I'm not joking.
While some make the argument that Paris isn't worth the trip at all, once I made some tweaks to my sightseeing plans, I ended up having an incredible time.
My biggest recommendation? Avoid the Eiffel Tower and its direct vicinity at all costs.
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The best way to experience the iconic landmark is from afar. Mikala Theocharous
As someone who's been to the top, trust me when I say the view is not worth it.
That is, unless you want to be overstimulated, mugged, screamed at by people selling merch on the street and followed around by scammers.
The best way to experience the iconic landmark is from afar. Just walk a couple blocks away and turn around to see it - it's actually a much better experience.
I'm also not the only one with this opinion; the global data from InsureandGo putting the Eiffel Tower Summit as the 3rd worst "not worth it" attraction in the world.
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The Galeries Lafayette have a free rooftop with the best view of the city. Mikala Theocharous
If you're still looking for an iconic view of the Parisian skyline, head over to the historic and incredible Galeries Lafayette for some shopping, before heading to The Terrace (the rooftop) for the best FREE view of Paris.
The Mona Lisa at The Louvre, Paris
Unless you are a die-hard Da Vinci fan, give the Mona Lisa a miss.
A few people expressed disappointment over the famous portrait; it just doesn't live up to the hype.
Firstly, it's tiny.
It's nearly impossible to see it from afar, which is exactly how you'll witness it, as the crowd surrounding the painting is so massive, you'll be 50 metres away from it at most times.
If you manage to muscle your way to the front (which I did) it's still underwhelming up close. She's just a woman.
The other paintings in that hall outshine the Mona Lisa, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Ditch the Mona Lisa! There's way cooler things to see in the Louvre. Mikala Theocharous
One coworker told me they were disappointed by the painting, with another saying, "You get a better look on Google!"
The louvre is worth doing, but prioritise the grand Cour Marly and Cour Puget rooms instead. They're huge light-filled rooms home to some incredible statues.
However, not everyone agrees that the Louvre is worth doing at all, with the attraction ranking as the fourth most "not worth" it attractions in the world.
If you're really looking to avoid the crowds, ditch the Louvre altogether and check out the Musée d'Orsay instead.
If you're really looking to avoid the crowds, ditch the Louvre altogether and check out the Musée d'Orsay instead. Getty
Dubai, UAE
Travel expert Sami Lukis has been all over the globe, but she revealed there's one place she wouldn't visit again.
"I've learned that the greatest joy in travel comes from being able to appreciate all of the experiences - the good and the bad," she tells us.
"And I don't believe any travel is a waste of time.
Travel Writer Sami Lukis has been all over the globe, but she revealed there's one place she wouldn't visit again. Getty
"However, one destination I wouldn't rush back to is Dubai. It just wasn't my vibe."
She added that she had a "scary" situation in another country, advising women not to travel there alone.
"I had a scary experience in Istanbul, so I do caution other women about travelling alone in Türkiye."
Stonehenge, UK
Several colleagues mentioned Stonehenge was disappointing, largely due to how far away it is from anything, plus the overall underwhelming nature of the site.
One traveller described it as "small stones smacked between two highways."
Even our Travel Editor Kristine said, "I was so disappointed with how small the stones seemed in person. Compared to the scale on photos and on shows it really doesn't live up to what it's like in real life."
Several coworkers mentioned Stonehenge was disappointing. Getty
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
Its allure comes from the fact that nobody knows where the stones came from, why they are there, or how humans moved the stones into that position.
Instead we recommended seeing some historic sites around London instead.
Check out The Cotswolds to step into a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. Or head over to the ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East in London to get a taste of history.
For modern history buffs, The Churchill War Rooms in Westminster are also worth a visit.
Check out The Cotswolds to step into a scene straight out of a fantasy novel! Getty
London pub scene, UK
London's pub scene is good for a few beers after dinner, but we would not recommend eating at just any pub.
You may get stung with high prices and bad food - but fear not! We have the recommendations from a London-local.
Our London local recommended visiting the pub chain Wetherspoons or heading over to a Toby Carvery for an all-you-can-eat style roast buffet.
London's pub scene is good for a few beers after dinner, but we would not recommend eating at just any Pub. Getty
The best part about London is its multicultural food scene. Head to Emelia's Crafted Pasta for the best Italian food you'll find (outside of Italy).
Our Londoner also noted you can't visit the UK without trying a classic Chicken Tikka Masala - Brits love their curry.
Borough Market is okay; however, it's super crowded. Head to the restaurants nearby, like Bao Borough, for some peace, a killer Boa Bun, and a table.
Our London local recommended visiting the pub chain Wetherspoons or heading over to a Toby Carvery for an all-you-can-eat style roast buffet. Getty
Positano, Italy
Italy is an absolute must-visit. But it's also riddled with tourist traps.
Some of the most Instagram-worthy spots are, unfortunately, not worth the hype.
Positano, in my opinion, is the most overrated place in the world. It's beautiful as you're approaching on the ferry, but once you get off, it feels like a sensory nightmare.
Positano, in my opinion, is the most overrated place in the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto
There are literally thousands of people trying to squeeze onto a street that's only wide enough for one car. Good luck when a car actually does come down the road.
If you wanted to sip an Aperol Spritz and look out at the ocean, you'll have a hard time finding somewhere that will let you sit and drink without buying lunch.
Skip Positano and hit Capri instead, it's got similar views, a beach, and way fewer people.
Lake Como is worth the hype. Mikala Theocharous
If you want to avoid the Amalfi Coast altogether, spend a few days in Lake Como instead, I promise it actually is worth the hype.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre promises similar vibes to Positano, but nine.com.au Senior Travel Writer Sarah Swain says it's not worth the trek.
"Cinque Terre in Italy is beautiful, but it's the most over-touristy place ever," she says.
"It was okay before 10am, but after that, you literally couldn't walk down the street for all the tourists."
Cinque Terre promises similar vibes to Positano, but Nine.com.au Senior Travel Writer Sarah Swain said it's not worth the trek. Getty
If you're desperate to see Positano and Cinque Terre, but you want to avoid the tourists, try going in off-season.
Although the weather will be cold, the streets will be empty.
The Grand Canyon, USA
America's most prized tourist destination can be a let down if not done right, according travel veteran John Walsh.
"I remember the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. I was so excited to see one of the genuine wonders of the world," he explains to nine.com.au.
America's most prized tourist destination can be a letdown if not done right, according to The Getaway Expert. Getty
"We drove in from Flagstaff, Arizona and walked up to the edge and looked over the railing and after about five minutes, I was sort of done.
"It was just a big hole in the ground... I felt so guilty for not loving it more."
He says he visited the site again years later, but this time, from the sky.
"I did a helicopter tour and landed at the base and walked around," he says.
"That was a completely different experience and gave me a proper appreciation of it."
He added that he visited the site again years later, but this time, from the sky. Getty
If you can't afford to go on a helicopter tour of the canyon, give it a miss and visit Monument Valley instead.
"You would have seen it a million times in movies like Thelma and Louise," John says.
"This vast expanse of red earth with these structures called buttes sticking up out of the ground.
"It's a 28 km drive around a loop road that takes two to three hours with stops. You feel like you are in amongst it rather than just being an observer like at the Grand Canyon.
"Huge wow factor."
He says if you can't afford to go on a helicopter tour of the canyon, give it a miss and visit Monument Valley instead. Getty
Los Angeles, USA
One US city received an astounding "not worth the hype" from several travellers: Los Angeles.
While the city seems super glamorous in TV and movies, the reality for many is not that.
Several co-workers say they thought the city was dirty, creepy and sketchy.
One city received an astounding "not worth the hype" from several colleagues and co-workers: Los Angeles. Getty
Nine.com.au Senior Travel writer Jemima Skelley agreed, saying: "I am a hater of LA."
"Have been there a handful of times, stayed in all different areas. Did not like any of it," she says.
"Aside from a few fun bars, I didn't find any of the city appealing. Santa Monica is maybe the nicest part, but it is just like a less-good version of Australia."
Another colleague adds: "We hit every tourist spot - Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory and honestly, it's all so underwhelming and LA just has a weird kind of gross vibe that the movies don't show."
Nine.com.au Senior Travel writer Jemima Skelley agreed, saying: "I am a hater of LA." Getty
One traveller had a borderline traumatic experience with her family on Hollywood Boulevard.
"I remember thinking it was going to be this incredibly cool place that celebrities visited; instead, it was dirty and creepy," they share.
"We even had a weird Minnie Mouse impersonator covered in stains grab my sister, who was seven at the time, and refuse to let her go until we gave them money."
If you want to see California, the recommendation is to hire a car and spend your time in Orange County and San Diego instead.
San Francisco also has rave reviews.
This is, of course, not a definitive list and also just the opinion of our writers. Many travellers may have had completely different experiences in these places.
And if you want to be able to say you've climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower at least once in your life then definitely go for it.
