Travelers Reveal Places That Were ‘Completely Disappointing’ in Real Life

Despite the frustrations noted in the post, global travel remains a booming industry, with a “robust and sustained travel demand” this year even amid growing geopolitical tension, notes the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Around 300 million tourists were reported to have traveled internationally in the first quarter of 2025, which is around 14 million more than in the same period last year, according to the UNWTO.

From tourist traps and overcommercialized cities to underwhelming landmarks and overpriced resorts, Reddit users did not hold back.

Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame, California

One cited Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles as a let-down, particularly the iconic Walk of Fame. “It seems so glamorous in movies and photos, but up close it’s crowded, gritty and full of pushy vendors and costumed characters,” wrote u/Substantial-Cost-429. “Interesting to see once, but definitely not like the postcard version.”

The Alamo, Texas

The historic Alamo site in San Antonio also came under fire. “You know how you always picture it in the middle of nowhere surrounded by sand? Well it’s not. It’s one block downtown San Antonio surrounded by high-rise buildings,” said u/False_Ad_555. “But the Riverwalk in San Antonio is amazing,” they added.

The Mona Lisa at the Louvre, France

Others expressed disappointment with international attractions.

Crowd control and expectations also played a role in disillusionment. “The Mona Lisa [painting] at the Louvre [museum in Paris],” wrote u/incunabula001. “You have to wait in a long a** line full of tourists only to get a few seconds to look at a (IMO [in my opinion]) underwhelming portrait with people doing obnoxious selfies around you.”

Oktoberfest, Germany

Even Oktoberfest, a world-famous beer festival in Germany, didn’t escape critique. “More specifically Munich,” said u/Critical-Wolverine29. “Now I’m not saying you won’t have a good time, it’s just if you want to go to a place … with a million other Americans singing Sweet Caroline [the song] with €30 [ around $34] chicken or schnitzel getting s***faced with €15 beers under a large tent with an oompa band, and spending €20 [around $23] and an hour long wait to ride the Ferris wheel, go right ahead!!”

A spokesperson for Oktoberfest told Newsweek: “What a shame u/Critical-Wolverine29 didn’t enjoy themself at Oktoberfest—but 6.7 million people did last year.”

Noting that entry to the beer festival is “completely free,” the spokesperson said “no ticket is needed; you can just wander in and let the fun begin.”

While many Americans have the famed festival on their bucket list, “around 80 percent of our guests actually come from Munich and Bavaria,” the spokesperson said. “It’s a real local celebration that everyone around the world is invited to enjoy.”

The spokesperson added that “weekends can get extra lively,” so those who prefer a more-relaxed visit are advised to go during the week. “There’s still plenty of atmosphere, but with more room to breathe and fewer queues at the popular rides,” the spokesperson said.

They also recommend one of the beer gardens attached to the big tents or the smaller, less-boisterous beer tents. “You can even just stroll through the festival grounds, grab some candy floss or sugar-roasted almonds, and simply soak up the atmosphere,” the spokesperson said.

“A ride on the big Ferris wheel is highly recommended for the fantastic views over the festival grounds, the city, and, if you’re lucky, even all the way to the Alps. The fee is actually €10 [around $11.60) for an adult (not €20) and €4 [around $4.60] for a child.”

Wave Rock, Australia

“Wave Rock, Western Australia. Basically the promo photo is it lol [laugh out loud],” said u/sp1ffm1ff. “A cool rock that is like 7 hours drive from the nearest city, in a tiny town with nothing much.”

Monaco

Monaco, known for its luxury and exclusivity, also received critical remarks. “Way too expensive for what it offers tourists,” wrote u/Plane-Trip1323. “Heavily priced drinks and empty streets, feels more like a theme park than an actual country.”

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Some mourned the loss of cultural integrity in places they once loved. “Phu Quoc, Vietnam … has been completely commodified for tourism’s sake,” wrote u/re3dbks. “Not what I remember from even 20 years ago …”

The Blarney Stone, Ireland

Other frustrations were more practical. U/RareGur3157 took issue with the famed Blarney Stone in Ireland: “You wait in long lines and dangle awkwardly over a castle ledge, but you also press your lips to a filthy, bacteria-covered slab that’s been kissed by thousands of strangers every day.”

A spokesperson for Tourism Ireland told Newsweek: “Tourism Ireland won’t be commenting on the story, but appreciate you bringing the opportunity to us.”

Newsweek has contacted the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the Louvre Museum, Visit Monaco, Tourism Western Australia, Vietnam National Authority of Tourism via email and the original poster via the Reddit messaging system for comment.