Written by Anastasia Buckingham
DATE: 06/05/2025
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the city walls of Dubrovnik, the Parliament in Budapest, the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and the Tower of London... These are all iconic attractions that have faltered at the thought of appearing in the dreaded ranking of the world's most disappointing tourist sites, published in March 2025.
And bad news for Europe: among the 10 "winners" of this unflattering list by Radical Storage, 7 are located on the Old Continent!
So what are these places that left visitors wanting, and why didn’t they live up to their reputation?
We unveil the list of the most overrated European sites along with some beautiful alternatives to avoid these places that have become (a bit too) essential.
It’s up to everyone to form their own opinion because, after all, everyone has different tastes!
How was the ranking of the most disappointing tourist sites established?
Radical Storage, a global luggage storage network, established this ranking by analyzing 95,352 traveler reviews submitted on external platforms such as Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
The study focused on 200 of the most visited attractions in 34 countries.
To identify the most disappointing tourist sites, the analysis examined the frequency of negative keywords such as "boring", "overrated", "too expensive", or "overcrowded", as well as criteria like accessibility, value for money, and overall visitor experience.
The result? A majority of the least satisfying attractions are located in Europe.
Let’s break down this ranking... and we’ll also share some ideas in exchange for smarter travel.
The 7 most overrated tourist sites in Europe
Between crowded theme parks, mythical monuments stifled by their success, or unfulfilled promises, discover the European attractions that accumulate the most negative reviews.
A valuable piece of information to keep in mind before packing your bag, booking a visit slot, or purchasing your entry tickets!
1st : Alton Towers Resort (Staffordshire) – United Kingdom: 49.4% negative reviews
2nd: Szechenyi Baths in Budapest – Hungary : 37.2% negative reviews
3rd: Siam Park in Tenerife – Spain: 31.2% negative reviews
4th: Time Out Market in Lisbon – Portugal: 28.4% negative reviews
5th: The Trevi Fountain in Rome – Italy: 24.6% negative reviews
6th (tie): The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin – Ireland: 23.2% negative reviews
6th (tie): Gardaland Park in Castelnuovo del Garda – Italy: 23.2% negative reviews
Good to know!
In the top 10 of the most disappointing attractions in the world, 3 locations outside of European borders are also included:
- the Horseshoe casino in Las Vegas (United States)
- the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul (Turkey)
- the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. (United States)
Why is Alton Towers Resort disappointing?
The largest theme park in the United Kingdom, known for its roller coasters like The Smiler or Nemesis, nevertheless occupies the top spot in the Radical Storage ranking.
With nearly half of the negative reviews, visitors point to high prices (18% of reviews mention poor value for money) and poor customer service: misleading information about tickets, costly extras (food, VIP access), and endless queues.
Alton Towers Resort promises thrills but leaves some with a taste of frustration.
What to do instead of Alton Towers Resort?
If this ranking cools your enthusiasm, opt for Chessington World of Adventures, just 17 km from London compared to 230 km for Alton Towers. More economical (tickets from £17 - around €20), this park offers a good mix of thrilling attractions, themed zones, and a zoo. Ideal for a family outing.
Did you know?
Docked at Leith port, in Edinburgh (Scotland – United Kingdom), The Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II, is one of the least disappointing attractions in the world.
Szechenyi Baths: thermal relaxation or crowd bathing?
Famous for their vast thermal pools and neobaroque architecture, Szechenyi Thermal Baths unfortunately rank among the most disappointing experiences in Europe.
Overcrowding, excessive waiting times, and poor crowd management ruin the experience, to the point of ranking them among the five most expensive tourist sites for the quality offered.
The lack of maintenance of some facilities adds to visitors' frustration... A shame for a place historically dedicated to relaxation!
What alternative to Szechenyi Baths for relaxation in Budapest?
For a more peaceful and less touristy wellness break, head to other baths in the Hungarian capital, such as Lukács Baths.
Primarily frequented by locals, they offer indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a steam room, and a rooftop terrace.
Did you know?
Every day, Budapest draws more than 70 million liters of naturally hot, mineral-rich thermal water, making its baths one of the largest thermal centers in Europe.
What do tourists really criticize about Siam Park, located in Tenerife?
Considered the "best water park in the world", this tourist star of the Canary Islands paradoxically ranks 3rd among the most disappointing attractions, according to Radical Storage (31.2% negative reviews).
Despite its spectacular slides and exotic Thai theme, visitors report a often unfriendly welcome (recurring issues with staff politeness) and facilities poorly adapted for disabled individuals. Critics also point to long wait times and aging equipment, contrasting sharply with the international reputation of Siam Park.
Where to experience an aquatic adventure without going to Siam Park?
In the ocean! Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat. Numerous boat excursions depart from Costa Adeje or Los Gigantes, offering the chance to admire dolphins and whales year-round.
Did you know?
An even larger and more innovative Siam Park may be developed in Gran Canaria, featuring new attractions and structures to avoid long queues. The date has not yet been specified.
Time Out Market in Lisbon: to do or to avoid?
Inaugurated in 2014 in the Portuguese capital, Time Out Market in Lisbon is an indoor market that brings together a selection of popular restaurants and food stalls. While it aimed to become a gastronomic temple, it seems to have found its place in the pantheon of disappointments!
Indeed, its appealing concept and trendy atmosphere are overshadowed by the massive influx of visitors: 18.4% of reviews mention an overwhelming crowd, far above the average for other analyzed attractions (4.4%).
Between the very long (and discouraging!) waits at the counters and the difficulties in finding a seat, the charm of the place dissipates. Some tourists also consider the prices disproportionate compared to the size of the portions served.
In short, the experience seems far removed from the authenticity of traditional Lisbon markets.
Too crowded at Time Out Market? Try this other spot in Lisbon instead!
In a neighborhood with a village charm, Mercado de Campo de Ourique attracts 80% locals and fans of typical places. Recently renovated, this historic market from 1934 blends gourmet counters, seafood, and fresh produce at reasonable prices. In the evening, it becomes a friendly spot to share wines and regional dishes, far from any artificial trendiness.
Did you know?
The Time Out Market in Lisbon, a pioneer of the concept, was born from the idea of the eponymous magazine to gather the best culinary addresses under one roof. Today, there are 11 on 4 continents, with the latest opening in Osaka in March 2025. Manhattan is expected to follow in the fall.
The Trevi Fountain: a Roman must-see or a tourist trap?
Immortalized by Anita Ekberg's mythical bath in Fellini's La Dolce Vita, this baroque masterpiece from the 18th century captivates as much as it irritates travelers... and likely locals too!
Ranked as the 5th most disappointing attraction in the world (24.6% negative reviews), the Trevi Fountain suffers from its own success.
The reasons for this disillusionment with this symbol of the Italian capital? With nearly 12,000 visitors per day, the overwhelming crowd (16.9% of reviews) often transforms the visit into a stressful moment, far from the expected magic.
Temporary closures related to restoration work can also create some frustrations and disappointments.
But don't worry: tossing a coin into its basin remains possible... as long as you aim between two selfies and pray that your wish to return to Rome doesn't turn into a nervous breakdown!
Good news and tips for approaching the Trevi Fountain despite the crowd
Since December 2024, the Trevi Fountain limits access to 400 people at a time through a regulated pathway. To enjoy it without the crowd, prefer dawn or after 10 PM.
Bonus info! Just nearby, don't miss Palatine Hill: much less crowded and rated much better, with only 6.2% negative reviews.
Did you know?
Every year, nearly €1.5 million is collected from the Trevi Fountain to be donated to charitable causes. It is prohibited to retrieve the coins, which are vacuumed daily under police supervision. Offenders face a fine.
Should you visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin?
Voted "best tourist attraction in Europe 2023" at the World Travel Awards, this temple dedicated to stout (the famous Irish beer) does not escape criticism (23.2% negative reviews). A score that does not forgive and ranks the Guinness Storehouse 6th among the most overrated sites, according to Radical Storage.
Certainly, the Gravity Bar offers a spectacular panoramic view of Dublin and the interactive exhibits are not without merits, but the experience is often deemed too "industrial," with a "tourist factory" atmosphere (1.5 million visitors per year), a high entry fee (about €25), confusing organization, and the absence of a guide is frequently noted.
All these flaws tarnish the quality of the facilities that are otherwise recognized.
Proof that international awards do not always guarantee visitor satisfaction...
What to visit in Dublin in the same spirit as the Guinness Storehouse?
A less touristy but equally iconic alternative: the Jameson Bow St Distillery.
Founded in 1780, this cozy place invites you to discover the history and production of Irish whiskey through interactive tastings. The cherry on top; you can even create your own blend!
Did you know?
The Guinness Book of Records was created in 1954, based on an idea from the brewery's director at the time, but the Guinness family has never owned it. This cult book was initially designed to settle lively debates... in pubs!
Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for health; please drink responsibly.
Gardaland: Is it really worth the trip at this price?
Immersive themed areas, technological innovations, attractions for all ages (roller coasters for adults, fairy-tale universes for kids), and an ideal setting by Lake Garda... On paper, Gardaland has all the makings of a successful park. Yet, the "Italian Disneyland" receives 23.2% negative reviews, earning it a 6th place (tied with the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin) in the ranking of the most overrated tourist sites.
According to visitors, the reasons include prices deemed too high — between the ticket price and sometimes unjustified fast-pass supplements for lines lasting 10 to 20 minutes — a logistics system still needing improvement (unclear signage, not always intuitive app), and very variable wait times, which can climb to an hour in the summer.
Even with all the ingredients for success, the magic potion doesn't always work.
What to do instead of Gardaland in the same region?
For a more original and less crowded excursion than Gardaland, consider Movieland, just a few kilometers away. This theme park centered around cinema offers unique attractions like driving a Jeep in a Jurassic Park setting or surviving a life-sized video game.
Did you know?
Between Gardaland, Movieland, and the water parks like Acqua Paradise, Lake Garda is the Italian capital of themed leisure. Even the dinosaurs of Parco Natura Viva have made their home there!
Don't leave without us!
Unlike some tourist attractions, our various packages won’t disappoint you!
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