Laughable Negative Reviews of Well-Known Tourist Spots

By: Molly Denum | Last updated: Nov 08, 2023

Greetings, fellow travelers! Are you one of those who turn up their noses at anything they deem less than they deserve? If your answer is “no,” you’re probably a good person. But if your response is affirmative, you may relate to these reviewers who gave a paltry one-star to these popular – if not majestic – tourist destinations.

If you have been to the places listed in this article and did not like your travel experience, maybe one of your reviews is included in this list! So sit back, grab some popcorn, and prepare to read and/or laugh through some of the most ridiculous reviews you’ve ever seen.

The Eiffel Tower Is A Big Tin Of Decaying Metal

“Rusty junk” is how one reviewer described the Eiffel Tower. Either this person was just upset that they didn’t have a can of WD-40 on hand to give the tower a quick spritz, or are secretly a member of the “Anti-Rust Alliance,” a group dedicated to eradicating rust from the world, one tourist attraction at a time.

Advertisement

Source: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Still, it is sad they failed to appreciate that such a steel wonder has stood the test of time since its construction in the late 1800s in Paris. All 300 meters of its structure are a beacon of engineering ingenuity. It has also become an emblem of the City of Love as it attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.

Advertisement

“Meh” For The Manneken Pis

“A small statue of a little boy urinating, hardly the stuff of dreams” is how a reviewer described Manneken Pis – a beloved bronze sculpture in the heart of Brussels. Apparently, a statue of a little boy peeing doesn’t quite meet this reviewer’s lofty standards of what constitutes art. Maybe, they don’t know what art is, but they definitely know what they dislike.

Advertisement

Source: Peter Phipp/Getty Images

Is it just us, or did this reviewer miss the point of this whimsical sculpture that has been charming visitors to Brussels for centuries? The creation of the Manneken Pis dates back to the 15th century and is the brainchild of the talented Brabantine sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy, the Elder. He brought the statue to life in its current form in 1618 or 1619.

Hagia Sophia Is Better Viewed Online?

According to a reviewer who has been to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, it is a place you need not physically go to because “You can see everything on the internet and save yourself unnecessary queuing and money.” Therefore, there is no point in visiting the stunning sight.

Advertisement

Source: Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

Still, nothing beats experiencing a piece of history in real life. Who doesn’t want to see a once-grand Cathedral transformed into an Ottoman mosque and now a museum that attracts visitors internationally? The structure has been standing for more than 1,500 years, far longer than the internet has. It will also probably outlive anyone who prefers to see it virtually. 

The Leaning Tower Of Pisa Is Not Leaning Enough?

A reviewer who described the Leaning Tower of Pisa as “barely leaning” was probably expecting to see it stand at a 30-degree angle. We swear if the tower leaned far enough, the reviewer should stand under the tower and catch it. Maybe doing so would make the reviewer appreciate its current tilt.

Advertisement

Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as a marvel of medieval architecture and engineering. Originally, it was not leaning at all. It was the soft ground beneath its foundations that caused it to tilt, creating the unique and instantly recognizable structure everyone–except for the mentioned leaning tower reviewer–knows and loves today.

Grand Pile Of Dirt And Rocks In Arizona

When a reviewer described the Grand Canyon as “just a pile of dirt and rocks,” they probably weren’t listening when the tour guide explained that all the rocks were actually carved out over millions of years by the forces of nature.

Source: Stephen Yelverton Photography/Getty Images

The Grand Canyon is anything but just a pile of dirt and boulders. It’s a jaw-dropping natural wonder that is 227 miles in length and 18 miles wide. It attracts at least five million visitors from all over the world each year. From the towering cliffs to the rushing river, the Grand Canyon is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the incredible power of nature.

Advertisement

Nothing To Do In Florida’s Walt Disney World?

Apparently, only some people are into the Magic Kingdom. One reviewer described their trip to Walt Disney World Florida as “Terrible…(there’s) nothing to do.” They did not enjoy meeting their favorite Disney characters, riding thrilling roller coasters, experiencing world-class entertainment, and enjoying some of the best food around.

Source: Walt Disney World/Pinterest

With four awe-inspiring parks to explore, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom Park, it’s hard to imagine anyone leaving the happiest place on earth disappointed. With a staggering 150 million visitors flocking to Disney each year, it’s safe to say that the magic of Disney is alive and well.

Advertisement

Rome’s Colosseum Is A Dilapidated Building

The Colosseum is one of the most incredible structures ever built. So when a reviewer described it as filled with “Nothing interesting,” we believe all this reviewer saw in their eyes was a structure that was waiting to be demolished. After all, to the uninitiated, the Colosseum might look like an old, dilapidated building that was probably once an ancient, grand mall.

Source: venuestock/Getty Images

But, the Colosseum has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. This legendary amphitheater, built nearly 2000 years ago, was the site of countless epic battles and blood-soaked gladiatorial contests. It is an arena where the bravest and most skilled fighters battled for fame, fortune, and their very lives. 

Advertisement

The Historic Balcony Of Juliet In Verona

This reviewer’s opinion about the balcony of Juliet in Verona seemed to reveal how they felt about gender differences. “Girls seemed to love it, blokes standing around bored stiff,” they wrote. It looks like this balcony isn’t the only thing suffering from a lack of romance. According to this reviewer, Juliet’s balcony in Verona is less of a star-crossed lovers’ paradise and more of a gender-divided snooze-fest.

Source: nimu1956/Getty Images

It’s difficult to say what’s more entertaining–watching the lovestruck ladies gush over a fictional character’s balcony or watching their less-than-enthused male companions struggle to stifle their yawns. Either way, it’s clear that this tourist did not find this attraction a hotbed of passion.

Advertisement

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Was Desecrated By A Reviewer 

“Horrible” was what a reviewer thought of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Were they expecting a quaint little chapel with a few stained-glass windows? Maybe they have a personal vendetta against towering spires and intricate carvings.

Source: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Considering that the Sagrada Familia is a testament to the vision of its architect, Antoni Gaudi,  it’s hard to imagine what this person would find beautiful if this structure wasn’t up to their standards. Since 1882, the church has remained unfinished, with workers and designers continuing to bring Gaudi’s dream to life.

Advertisement

The Ugly Pyramids Of Giza?

When a tourist described the Pyramids of Giza as “Ugly. I say we bulldoze and build a giant Walmart and Costco,” it may be rational to think that a parking lot in the shape of a pyramid would be cool. While at it, maybe add in a shop for groceries in a place where one of the Seven Wonders of the World once stood.

Source: Nick Brundle Photography/Getty Images

Fortunately, ethics and respect for history would probably take over and make anyone think that the Pyramids of Giza are not only stunning but a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient civilizations. Bulldozing them would certainly be humanity’s loss.

Advertisement

Big Ben Is Not Big Enough

There’s no pleasing everyone. Imagine you made the largest four-faced chiming clock in 1859 and aptly named it Big Ben, only for your work to be denigrated by a London tourist in the 21st century by describing it as “medium Ben.” What’s next, calling the Eiffel Tower the “small iron stick?”

Source: Tetra Images/Getty Images

The tower stands at 316 feet and boasts an impressive 334-step climb from the ground level to the belfry. The tower’s base is a perfect square, measuring 40 feet on each side, and its majestic clock dials are an astounding 22.5 feet in diameter. But let’s call it “medium Ben” simply because we can.

Advertisement

Why Call It Arthur’s Seat When There Is No Seat?

When tourist Jet114175, wrote his review after visiting Edinburgh, Scotland’s Arthur’s Seat, and complained that there was “Not a chair in sight – had to sit on the wet patch of grass..it looked like I had soiled myself,” little did he expect that the area was an ancient volcano. Asking for a chair is similar to going to a Michelin-star restaurant and complaining about the lack of plastic utensils. 

Source: u/soldierrboy/Reddit

Maybe next time, he should bring a towel to sit on while basking in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh instead of worrying about his backside looking like a mud pie. After all, Arthur’s Seat is also the crown jewel of Scotland, and sitting on the grass is a small price to pay for such a majestic experience.

Advertisement

The Unworthy Yosemite 

Yosemite National Park, according to tourist “Bhabani P,” was “Not a worthy place at all..entry fees of $20..not worthy (even if) the entry is free.” We could agree that $20 may seem like a lot, but think about all the priceless memories you’ll make hiking through scenic trails, standing in awe of towering waterfalls, and dodging wild animals.

Source: Yajnesh Bhat/Getty Images

Also, no one needs to pay an entry fee because you can pay a mere $70 for an annual pass. That’s roughly equivalent to three trips to Starbucks. Once you see the breathtaking views and take in the fresh mountain air, you’ll forget all about that $20 and be thankful for the opportunity to experience such a magical place.

Advertisement

Anne Frank’s Hiding Place 

Tourist “Floor V” visited Anne Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam just once and found it “very claustrophobic.” Though this is what hiding places are supposed to be, this reviewer didn’t seem to like that, even if Anne Frank had no choice in the matter. 

Source: Pinterest

Even if Anne Frank wanted to, she couldn’t just pack her bags and leave whenever she felt like it. After all, she was not hiding from the Nazis in a luxury villa. So is it just us, or do some people have no sense of historical perspective?

Advertisement

The Not-So-Great Wall Of China 

Traveler “Blska1441” traversed the Great Wall of China and found the experience not so great. Specifically, he was “quite disappointed,” especially when he started climbing the wall. We can’t help but wonder if he thought the Great Wall of China was just a gentle slope or perhaps a set of stairs leading to a scenic lookout. 

Source: Xiaoyang Liu/Getty Images

It’s almost as if he expected the wall to come with a rollercoaster or a giant slide. Unfortunately, no one informed him, or maybe he was not listening to the tour guide’s advice that this ancient wonder was not built for anyone’s convenience but rather for defense against invaders. Maybe bring a Segway next time and see if that will improve your experience.

Advertisement

What Happens In Vegas If You Sleep Through Your Stay In Vegas?

If you go to Las Vegas expecting a full eight hours of a healthy good night’s sleep, prepare to adjust your expectations. However, that is what traveler “MBurroughs” thought would happen once he arrived in Sin City. So, being a good person, he advised everyone to stay away from the area “..unless you like to be up all night.” 

Source: B. Tanaka/Getty Images

Since a lot of people actually go to Las Vegas to stay up all night, we do not believe many would heed this traveler’s tip. Las Vegas is like a playground for adults where you can gamble your life savings away, sip on some overpriced drinks, and party until the sun comes up. If you’re not into that kind of stuff, then maybe Las Vegas isn’t for you.

Advertisement

Central Park Is Boring Park?

When tourist “Milo123456” went to Central Park, he found it merely filled with “grass, trees, overpriced cafes..” and so concluded it as a “boring” place to be. We do not understand why he did not see Central Park as a majestic green oasis amid the concrete jungle of New York City. 

Source: Michael Lee/Getty Images

Though we agree there are overpriced cafes, anyone can bring their own food and enjoy it while lounging on the grass. How can anyone find that boring? They may need to add some imagination and think of the squirrels as acrobats and the trees as skyscrapers.

Advertisement

Windsor Castle Is No Fun At All

We almost thought this review was written by Meghan Markle, but we were wrong! It was traveler “Shaz U” who visited Windsor Castle and found it to be “Just lots of rooms with loads of big paintings in them.” Excuse us for expecting the Queen to have a bit of decorum in her home. Why have fancy paintings and lavish furnishings when you can just sit on a milk crate in a damp basement, right?

Source: u/djcenturion/Reddit

Priceless historical artifacts and stunning architecture are also a bore. Surely, it’s more fun to stare at a blank wall any day. But, seriously, this tourist must have never appreciated the finer things in life, such as a good velvet rope or a well-placed chandelier.

Advertisement

The Roman Baths Are Senior Citizen Baths?

Who knew the pinnacle of excitement for the older generation was a hot spring that’s been around for thousands of years? This is what tourist “Keelan B” believed when he went to the Roman Baths and reviewed it as a place “..directed towards the older generation..it’s overpriced and boring.” 

Source: Pinterest

If you believe it is overpriced and you’re not willing to pay a few coins to soak in the same waters that Julius Caesar probably peed in, then maybe you’re just not cut out for the high life. As for being boring, it maybe depends on your definition of excitement. If you’re the type who needs flashing lights and a rollercoaster to feel alive, the Roman Baths aren’t for you.

Advertisement

Stonehenge Is Simply Not Rocks

When traveler “Honestlocal2012” described Stonehenge as simply a place with “a few rocks to look at and nothing to do,” we thought he was joking. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. It’s like saying the Mona Lisa is just a painting of a woman. Stonehenge is an iconic prehistoric monument, not a random pebble collection. It’s a great place to contemplate the mysteries of the universe, wonder about the people who built it, and take some cool Instagram selfies.

Source: Grant Faint/Getty Images

Stonehenge is not an amusement park where roller coasters abound–it has ancient, mysterious rocks. If you’re really lucky, you might even see a group of druids doing some mystical ritual. Then, you can pretend you’re part of a secret society. There are many things to do at Stonehenge as long as you let your imagination go wild.

Advertisement