October 2, 2020 
17 Comments 
The Eiffel Tower. Big Ben. the Pyramids of Giza. All amazing works of architecture and iconic landmarks that are often cited as a reason to visit certain cities.
But, it would seem, they are less impressive when you’re standing in front of them.
Including one of Australia’s most famous landmarks.
Yep, some of the world’s most famous landmarks are also some of the most disappointing, says Uswitch analysis of 26,904 negative reviews left on Tripadvisor.
And some people spent days complaining about them.
Top of the list was the Eiffel Tower. Uswitch research revealed that visitors spent around 402 hours (17.5 days) complaining about the French landmark alone.
It was by far and beyond the most complained about attraction in the world, with 19,303 negative reviews in total from the 26,904 negative reviews Uswitch analysed.
In second was Rome’s Colosseum, with 1944 negative reviews equating to 1.7 days. London’s Big Ben was next with 1597 negative reviews (1.3 days), then the Pyramids of Giza (1460 reviews/1.26 days) and the Statue of Liberty (1089 reviews/.94 days).
What many consider to be Australia’s most iconic landmark (besides, possibly, the ‘big red rock’) – the Sydney Opera House – came in number seven, albeit with only 299 negative reviews.
Other disappointing landmarks in the top 11 included the Hollywood sign (#6), Taj Mahal, Berlin Wall, Grand Canyon South Rim and the Great Wall of China in positions eight to 10, respectively.
It seems, though, these landmarks cop the blunt end of the stick, as, according to a Travel Weekly report, people are 21 per cent more likely to leave a negative review than a positive one.
What is the most disappointing landmark or attraction you’ve experienced? Tell us in the comments section below which, in your opinion, is the most disappointing in the world and the most disappointing in Australia and we’ll follow up with our own top three.
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Anyone who finds either the Sydney Opera House or the Taj Mahal disappointing must in fact be brain dead. They are both simply amazing. When I first came to Australia in 1980 I was blown away by the Opera House. Stunning. And when I saw the Taj Mahal I burst into tears it was so beyond beautiful. Perhaps some people just shouldn’t travel anywhere.
Flowerpot I totally agree with you although I haven’t visited the Taj Mahal, I was booked to go in March but the trip was cancelled. I hav e visited many of the places complained about and found them all amazing in their own way.
Waikiki Beach was a bit of a non-event for me. (Maybe I’ve seen too many great Aussie beaches.) And too many people, which made it even worse.
Surfers Paradise would have to be Australia’s worst. Ugly high rises too close to beach, plus sleaze.
I SO agree Winston Smith. Especially Waikiki Beach. I liked Kona beach better than Waikiki. We have much, much better beaches and more good beaches in Australia. The sand in Australia is also finer coral sand.
Yes. I agree about Kona, or many other beaches in Hawaii. (But sshhh, don’t tell everyone.)
Winston Smith, as an Aussie, you’re right that the beaches here surpass the rest of the world. If you want a beach holiday, stay put! Agree about Surfers Paradise though.
most of the beaches in Bali and Thailand are pretty ordinary
We like to knock others, but we have our own disappointing places. Here in Tassie, there are so many places that are good to get to, but with devastated logged out horrors to drive through to get there. I find the Stanley Nut great from a distance, but it is a weed ridden flat rock after you bust a gut getting to the top – the view of the Pt latta factory is not pleasant, and the shops are often shut when you want a cuppa afterwards!
The East Coast scenery is great too, but after the first few hours it is all the same. Seen one rocky beach, seen them all. Then try to find a decent restaurant for lunch or dinner…
Maybe we are just a bunch of whingers – but I found almost nothing to whinge about in Scandinavia, or Namibia.
A trip from Perth to Darwin was fantastic but I found Monkey Mia very disappointing.
I would rank Stonehenge as my biggest disappointment. Small and in accessible, not like the Scottish ones in Orkney.
Australia has always been fantastic
Migrant
I visited Stonehenge on a cold, windy, somewhat wet day and I think for that reason thought it wonderful. Glad I did not go on a peaceful sunny day as then I might have agreed with you!
Yes but what are the complaints about? I’d guess they most likely to be crowds, waiting times to get in/up and perhaps cost of entry.
I have been to many of these landmarks and cant say I was disappointed with any of them. You just have to plan and pick your times to visit. Many places are now beginning to limit numbers of visitors because areas are being loved to death. There is much encouragement to visit areas nearby instead to spread the love. At leadt before COVID-19.
“Yes but what are the complaints about?”
For a bit of fun I sometimes look at the negative reviews on Tripadvisor. It can be good entertainment. Some are pathetic.
My favourite would have to be person who stayed at an “eco-villa” in a fairly remote part of the Flinders Ranges, and complained that one of the two toilets in the villa did not have a soft close lid.
There is so much more to travelling than landmarks.
But for many, landmarks are the drawcard that gets them there in the first place.
From my point of view, the Bungle Bungles are a very poor example of early Australian architecture. I consider that they should be torn down and rebuilt from the ground up, utilizing convict labour… thus demonstrating to the indigenous population what the invaders of a few centuries ago were capable of. Design and finish is what it’s all about.