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8 Overhyped Destinations Travellers Say They’d Never Return To

Discover 8 overhyped travel destinations that disappointed travellers worldwide, highlighting why some places don’t live up to the buzz and what makes them less appealing for a return visit.

September 28, 2025 / 15:49 IST
8 Overhyped Destinations Travellers Say They’d Never Return To (Image: Canva)

Not all of the known tourist places are worth the hype. Several places seem ideal on social media and may appear congested, expensive, and disappointing in real life. The following are eight places that have been said to be overrated or have not been worth a visit by the travellers:

Venice, Italy
The canals and the historical aspect of Venice are unquestionable, yet the city is a victim of overtourism. The congested streets, the costly gondola ride, and long queues in major places of interest in the city make it look like a theme park rather than a living city.

Bali, Indonesia
Being once a peaceful paradise, Bali is now a victim of its popularity. Tourists grumble about congested beaches, traffic and the high costs that obscure the natural beauty and spiritual values of the island.

Los Angeles, USA, Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard can be historic, yet it can be disappointing to the traveller. The Walk of Fame is commercialised and overcrowded, and the place is completely dominated by souvenir shops and costumed characters instead of the history of film.

Phuket, Thailand
Phuket has beautiful beaches, yet some travellers claim it is too commercialised. Crowded entertainment areas, overcharging tourists and environmental pressure have swept away much of the relaxed appeal it used to possess.

Dubai, UAE
The futuristic skyline and the luxury attractions of Dubai are enticing millions of people, yet the emphasis on malls and experiences created by machines can be cold. Cultural tourism or destinations also have more authentic cultural places that some travellers choose instead of its glamour and hypermodern style.

Santorini, Greece
Known because of its sunsets and houses that have been painted white, Santorini usually seems crowded, particularly during the cruise season. The experience may not be as idyllic as the postcards may be due to high accommodation prices and overbooked restaurants.

New York City, USA Times Square
Times Square is full of neon lights and therefore disappoints many who visit it after the initial excitement dies away. It is busy, loud, and full of chain restaurants as opposed to the New York experience that the tourists tend to seek.

The Leaning Tower in Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa may seem to be an anti-climactic iconic building. It has a small surrounding with souvenir shops and is usually crowded by tourists all attempting to capture the same photo, holding up.

These aren't unworthy destinations; it is just that the people who visit them usually have high hopes that are not matched by what they see. To have a more fulfilling experience, one may consider visiting the less popular places where they can find the true culture, reduced prices and more intimate recollections.

Nivritti Khatri
first published: Sep 28, 2025 03:49 pm

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