12 Most Overrated Cities in the World + Alternatives
Have you ever been to a place that didn’t quite live up to the hype? You’re not alone. We’ve all experienced this at some point, and it’s what inspired me to compile a list of the most overrated cities in the world.
To create this post, I compared all major tourist destinations, looked at statistics, chatted with fellow travelers and ended up with a list of the 12 most overrated cities. The main reasons people consider places overrated is the cost of travel, available attractions and experiences, and whether or not they lived up to the hype.
Now, don’t get me wrong – the high cost of traveling to a city isn’t what makes it overrated. However, many of these cities are commercialized and overhyped in the media (thank you, Hollywood). So, once you get there, you may feel like it’s nothing like what you see on TV or even think that the city has no authenticity.
The list is in no particular order. These cities span across continents and don’t have much in common – except the fact that people deem them overrated. And this doesn’t mean you should avoid or postpone visiting any of these places. But it might be wise to adjust your expectations.
NOTE: This list is based on travelers’ experiences (and my own), so it’s subjective. If you don’t agree with any of the opinions expressed in this article, feel free to tell me why in the comments!
12 overrated cities & where to go instead
On to the list! In the following sections, you’ll see the most overrated cities and read about the reasons why they made this list. I also talk about the most overrated attractions in every city and advise what to visit instead. Finally, for each of the cities featured on this list, I provide an alternative, i.e., another city to visit instead.
And if you are planning to visit one of these cities, don’t let me dissuade you. This is why I included an alternative tourist attraction in each city for you to see on your visit!
1. New York City, USA
NYC is one of the most overrated cities in the US – in the entire world, in fact. Even though it’s often listed as one of the best cities in the world, many people are disappointed upon visiting.
People’s main issue with NYC is the price tag. Everything is simply too expensive – from accommodation and transport to food and activities. And it’s not all in your head – NY is the 7th most expensive city in the world and THE most expensive in the US.
Other factors that landed New York on the list include the high crime rates – although they’re going down, there’s still a real risk of robbery and assault.
There are also the never-ending crowds – last year (2023), 63.3 million people visited NYC. Add that to the nearly 8 million living there, and it’s no wonder the city is crowded!
Times Square, one of the city’s main landmarks, has been deemed overrated and a ‘tourist trap.’ People say it is too busy and too stressful to enjoy. Instead, I suggest visiting Grand Central Station – it’s also crowded, but not so much that you can’t enjoy it!
Best alternative: Chicago – it’s a city with a rich history, amazing architecture, plenty of green spaces, and many exciting events. And let’s not forget Chicago deep-dish pizza!
2. Paris, France
I know so many people who say Paris is one of the most overrated places they’ve ever visited! Not what you expected from the City of Light? Well, even though it might be illuminated, Paris is unfortunately not very clean – streets are littered with cigarette butts and dog poop.
Besides the dirty city streets, people also complained that it’s extremely expensive – a one-week trip to Paris will cost you ~€1,600 per person. Some people also complained that the locals are rude, especially if you address them in English.
Many of the top attractions are crowded; the Eiffel Tower alone gets 25,000 visitors per day! And the view is not what you might expect – there are metal bars obstructing your view of the city! The best alternative is the Montparnasse Tower – it has an amazing observation deck and tickets are more affordable.
Despite the downsides, I still think you should visit Paris at some point in your life – just don’t set your expectations too high!
Best alternative: Lyon – this French city boasts gorgeous historical and architectural landmarks, but it’s best known for its amazing cuisine. Foodies won’t be able to get enough!
3. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is Canada’s most well-known city but also, the most overrated one. Surprisingly, the biggest disappointment for visitors was the city’s main landmark – the CN Tower. People complained about the overpriced tickets (C$53/US$39) and the long queues to enter the tower.
And once people get to the top, they are disappointed by the view and exhausted by the long wait. But for an even better view, you can take a ferry to the Toronto Islands and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Toronto skyline!
Other complaints about the city mention the hectic traffic – Toronto ranks 17th in the world for most congested traffic – and, not surprisingly, the cold, with an average low temperature of -7C (18F). So, if you do visit Toronto, don’t do it in winter!
Best alternative: Montreal – this city is an excellent blend of European and American culture, with gourmet dining, a vibrant cultural scene, and charming architecture.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Based on a UK study, Bangkok is the most overrated city in the world, with 18.4% of visitors expressing disappointment with the city. The primary complaint was overcrowding – the local population, plus the large tourist crowds, make the city difficult to navigate.
Other recurring complaints include terrible traffic (15th most congested in the world), tourist scams, and not-so-affordable prices compared to the rest of the country.
Travelers say the city’s most disappointing attraction is Khaosan Road, Bangkok’s party central. I’d much rather suggest visiting Sukhumvit Road, this has plenty to offer, and it’s more popular among expats, so you get to see how locals live (and party!).
There are many other amazing places to stay in Thailand, so if I were you, I’d choose something else over Bangkok or head to another Asian capital.
Best alternative: Kuala Lumpur – this is a bustling capital city, home to the Petronas Towers, many unique attractions, and vibrant night markets offering delicious street food.
5. Dubai, UAE
People have been flocking to Dubai in recent years, and plenty have come back disappointed. Even though it’s a super-modern city with futuristic architecture and state-of-the-art technology, visitors say it lacks authenticity.
Once you get used to all the blinding lights, you’ll probably realize that the city is very expensive – you’ll need about US$250 per day for your Dubai trip.
Another big complaint from travelers is the cost of going to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The cheapest ticket costs US$50, and the queues are super long. The observation deck is packed with people, so you may not even get a good view.
You can visit the Burj Al Arab instead, but remember that a guided tour will cost you almost US$70 – not exactly cheap.
If you’re not bothered by those things, you’ll likely enjoy Dubai. But be warned, the heat during the summer months is unbearable, with average temperatures above 37C (100F)! Even in winter, the days are really hot (it is the desert, after all).
Best alternative: Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has some amazing beaches, cultural sites, a variety of activities, and is slightly more affordable than Dubai.
6. Venice, Italy
Italy is home to many popular destinations – Rome, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, and much, much more. There’s also Venice, hailed as one of the most overrated travel destinations in Europe. It is a unique city, but people say it feels like a tourist trap – the worst one in Europe!
The streets of Venice are crowded and dirty, hosting more than 20 million tourists per year. Many pickpockets roam the streets, but luckily, there are locals to warn you.
The main activity in the city is the gondola ride, and although I wouldn’t call it overrated, it’s expensive. A single ride (30-40 min) will cost you between €80 and €100 – a lot of money to spend for a short amount of time! If you don’t feel like splurging, you can explore the Venetian streets on foot for free!
Venice is still worth a visit, but maybe on a day trip from another Italian city, and definitely not during high season.
Best alternative: Bruges – often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ this Belgian city features beautiful canals lined with Flemish buildings and has THE best waffles.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Everyone thinks they need to visit Amsterdam at least once in their life – to party! Well, that’s a result of all the movies we’re seeing where Amsterdam is hailed as the party capital of Europe, and people get a free pass for all sorts of behavior.
After many complaints of rowdy, drunk tourists roaming the streets, the city is beginning to regulate this unwanted behavior. There have been restrictions on club opening/closing hours, as well as an initiative to redevelop the (in)famous Red Light District. This has come as a disappointment for many who go to Amsterdam for ‘no-rules’ partying.
The Red Light District is also the most overrated attraction in the city – it seems more depressing and dangerous than fun and exciting. The best thing to do instead is explore 9 Streets, Amsterdam with its gorgeous architecture and cute shops.
If you’re not a party animal, you’ll probably be happy with these new restrictions. Some people also didn’t like that there’s too much focus on marijuana (it’s legal)! However, the city is also starting to shift the focus away from marijuana tourism, so maybe Amsterdam will soon find a way out of this list.
Best alternative: Utrecht – with its beautiful canals, cozy cafes, parks, and amazing museums, this city is very similar to Amsterdam, although smaller and more affordable.
8. Los Angeles, USA
Nicknamed the ‘City of Angels,’ Los Angeles is actually one the most overrated US cities. Apparently, the Hollywood glamor you see on TV is not all that shiny in real life.
One of LA’s main downsides is its high price tag – expect to spend around US$260/day – but there are quite a few other things that turn people away. The city has been described as dirty and dangerous, with terrible traffic (3rd worst in the US) and a large homeless population – over 46,000 within the city limits.
By far, the most disappointing LA attraction is the Hollywood Walk of Fame – nothing but people’s names on the pavement in a not-so-great part of the city. There are plenty of other things to do on Hollywood Boulevard, but I’d recommend a visit to Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
Best alternative: San Diego – it has some incredible beaches and amazing weather year-round. The dining scene is amazing, and there are plenty of attractions to explore.
9. Athens, Greece
One of my biggest travel disappointments was Athens. I expected more from the cradle of civilization, famous for its ancient monuments. But there’s not much to write home about despite a couple of the attractions.
My main complaint is that the city is extremely dirty and overcrowded – it gets more than 6.4 million tourists every year, and it seems like it can’t sustain them. The traffic is difficult to navigate – on a world scale, Athens is at No.23 for worst traffic congestion.
One of the most overrated attractions in Athens is the Plaka District – it’s just overhyped and inauthentic. If you want to experience the true spirit of Athens, explore the nearby streets – it’ll be a much better experience.
Even though I expected more from a European capital, I still think Athens warrants at least a short visit.
Best alternative: Crete – the island has many historical landmarks, gorgeous beaches, and many tavernas to enjoy delicious seafood and traditional Greek cuisine.
10. Sydney, Australia
Australia is sometimes referred to as one of the most overrated countries, with Sydney being the most popular destination – and an over-hyped city. Like many other places on this list, Sydney is overpriced – you’ll need US$280 per day – and it attracts too many tourists, around 36 million per year.
Sydney Opera House, the city’s most notable attraction, is a disappointment for many people – they say there’s no reason to visit unless you’re attending a performance there. The best thing to do is take a picture of the Opera House from afar and move on to your next destination.
Best alternative: Brisbane – it boasts many beautiful beaches, parks, nice restaurants, and many museums and art galleries. Plus, it’s more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne.
11. Nassau, the Bahamas
When you see pictures of Nassau, it looks like a paradise. And I’m not disputing its natural beauty, but I do have an issue with how overpriced everything is – a one-week trip costs over US$1,300 per person!
Some people complained that the place lacks authentic charm and pointed out that it’s not very safe – the safety index for walking alone at night is low.
The main points of interest in Nassau are the beaches! Although you probably won’t be disappointed, you can visit any other island in the Caribbean and enjoy yourself just as much (if not more) – with lower price tags and fewer crowds.
Best alternative: Exuma Island – the island has beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, great restaurants, and more. Best of all – you can go swimming with pigs!
12. Las Vegas, USA
The last overrated city we’re going to talk about is Las Vegas. If you’re not a gambler, you’ll be disappointed by Vegas. There’s not much to do besides hit the casino – even the entertainment shows are at the casinos.
Like most major US cities, Las Vegas is pricey – you can expect to spend US$310 per day during your stay in Las Vegas! Don’t be surprised if you encounter drunk people in the streets or behind the wheel – over 5,000 people are arrested each year for drunk driving!
As I mentioned, casinos are THE places to visit, but if you’re looking for something else, then I recommend the Freemont Street Experience – it offers a lot more besides gambling.
Best alternative: Atlantic City – besides casinos, the city also has some great beaches and resorts, a popular boardwalk lined with cafes, and loads of shopping opportunities.
FAQs about the most overrated cities in the world
🤔 What does an overrated city mean?
An overrated city is one that has been commercialized and over-hyped in the media. These cities are often expensive, have bad traffic, and host some of the most disappointing attractions.
🗼 Is Paris overrated?
Many people say that Paris is overrated. The city is expensive and not very clean, and the Eiffel Tower disappoints many – tickets are expensive, queues are long, and the view is not that spectacular.
🏛️ What are the most overrated tourist attractions?
The most overrated tourist attractions include Times Square in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the CN Tower in Toronto, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia.
Final words on the most overrated cities in the world
We’ve reached the end of the list of the most overrated cities in the world! If you’ve ever been disappointed by any of the cities, now you have an alternative for your next trip.
Before we wrap up, let’s remember that we all have different travel preferences. What’s overrated for some people may be just right for you!
But wherever you go – don’t set your expectations too high. It’s always better to expect less and get more!
Have you ever been to any of the cities on this list? What was your impression? And have you ever been anywhere else that you think is overrated? Let me know in the comment section – I’m excited to hear your thoughts!
Have fun on your travels,
Hristina
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