8 Globally Overhyped Tourist Spots That Might Let You Down (3 of 5)

4. Stonehenge — Salisbury Plain, England

Stonehenge is mystical, ancient, even magical—on paper. In person? It often disappoints. The “stones” feel distant, roped off, staged. No strolling through the circle, no touching them, just a slow carousel of tourists snapping identical photos from a fenced-off walkway. Those who dreamed of outdoor druidic connection might instead feel fenced out from the whole experience.

5. Leaning Tower of Pisa — Pisa, Italy

Ah, Pisa—home to the world’s most famous tilt. Sure, the tower leans; sure, it’s cute in photos. But after the thousandth forced “holding it up with your hands” selfie, reality sets in. This tower is small, surrounded by ticky-tacky souvenir shops, and ends up feeling more kitschy than classic. Many travelers say once you’ve got the photo, there’s little value beyond that.