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The world's most underwhelming attractions

Ella Rayment-Ward

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There's nothing more disappointing than planning a trip based on pictures you've seen online, only to discover the reality doesn't live up to the hype.

Vision Direct has conducted a recent study to find the most underwhelming travel attractions.

Looking at TripAdvisor reviews as well as Instagram hashtags and TikTok views, Vision Direct has ranked the top locations that travellers don't seem to think meet their high expectations.

The locations have been given a percentage score with the higher total equating to it being more underwhelming.

Read on to find the ten destinations around the world that might be worth slashing off your bucket list.

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10. Guggenheim Bilbao, Spain
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10. Guggenheim Bilbao, Spain

Starting off the list of the most underwhelming sites to see is the Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain.

Located in Basque Country, Spain, the museum houses contemporary art in a unique structured building by the water.

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Despite its culturally rich interior and historical roots – it was inaugurated by King Juan Carlos I of Spain – the museum received a score of 65.5 per cent.

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9. The Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand
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9. The Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand

While it might be situated behind a scenic Thai backdrop, the Great Buddha monument is not a favourite amongst tourists.

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The Great Buddha statue is located in Thailand's Ang Thong Province.

But despite its iconic status, recent data found it ranked as the ninth most underwhelming travel destination.

Attribution: Getty
8. The White House, USA
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8. The White House, USA

It's one of, if not the most recognised political buildings in the world.

For many travelling to Washington D.C, the White House is a must to see in all its white pillar glory.

But it seems the site doesn't live up to the social media hype.

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Vision Direct found the iconic USA attraction was underwhelming for 70 per cent of visitors.

According to the reviews, one of the most disappointing parts of the visit for travellers was the months-long booking waitlist to tour the White House.

Attribution: Getty
7. Seoul Tower, South Korea
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7. Seoul Tower, South Korea

It seems the Seoul Tower in South Korea might be worth the miss for many.

Known for its sweeping cityscape views, Seoul Tower is typically considered a popular destination on the travel itinerary.

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Seoul Tower, South Korea
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Seoul Tower, South Korea

The new study has discovered the site has an underwhelming score of 75.7 per cent among visitors.

While the national landmark boasts panoramic views, the reviews revealed this is all depending on the weather making it a bit of an unreliable attraction.

Attribution: iStock
6. Tokyo Tower, Japan
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6. Tokyo Tower, Japan

Another tower attraction, Tokyo Tower has come in at sixth on the list.

At 250 metres high, the top deck of the tower gives visitors a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji.

But 77 per cent of travellers remain unimpressed. 

Attribution: iStock

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