A new global ranking has identified the most overrated tourist attractions in Europe for 2025, with the UK, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, and Italy emerging as the top five countries disappointing travelers. According to a data-driven study by Radical Storage, which analyzed more than 95,000 reviews of the world’s most visited landmarks, many of Europe’s famed destinations are falling short of expectations due to overcrowding, inflated prices, poor service, and underwhelming experiences.
The findings highlight the growing frustration among tourists who feel some of the continent’s most celebrated landmarks fail to deliver the magic they promise. From the congested walkways of Alton Towers in the UK to the chaotic crowds at the Trevi Fountain in Italy, travelers are increasingly voicing their dissatisfaction with overhyped destinations.
Europe Dominates 2025 List of Disappointing Attractions
The study identified the five most disappointing tourist attractions in the world, all of which are located in Europe. These results suggest that the region’s biggest draws are struggling to balance popularity with visitor satisfaction.
1. Alton Towers Resort, UK
Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire takes the top spot as the world’s most disappointing attraction in 2025. The UK’s largest theme park received criticism for misleading pricing structures, hidden costs, and excessive wait times.
Nearly half (49.4%) of the reviews expressed negative sentiments, far exceeding the study’s average negative review rate of 10.9%. Complaints ranged from expensive queue-jumping passes to high-priced food and locker fees. Poor maintenance and subpar customer service further contributed to the park’s declining reputation.
Common Complaints:
- “Overpriced with hidden costs everywhere.”
- “Queues are ridiculous, even for basic rides.”
- “Felt less like a theme park and more like a cash grab.”
2. Széchenyi Baths, Hungary
Despite being one of Europe’s most famous thermal spas, Budapest’s Széchenyi Baths ranks second on the list due to issues of overcrowding and poor accessibility. Tourists reported long waits, chaotic locker systems, and indifferent staff, detracting from the intended relaxing experience.
Visitor Feedback:
- “Too many people, no room to relax.”
- “Staff was indifferent and not very helpful.”
- “Not what I envisioned for a wellness retreat.”
3. Siam Park, Spain
Tenerife’s Siam Park, widely marketed as Europe’s top water park, lands in third place for disappointing visitors. While its tropical theme and thrilling rides attract thousands, reports of rude staff, accessibility issues, and body-shaming incidents have marred its reputation.
Negative Experiences:
- “Very rude staff and zero empathy.”
- “Not accessible if you have mobility issues.”
- “Felt judged the entire time – ruined our vacation day.”
4. Time Out Market, Portugal
Lisbon’s Time Out Market, known for its diverse food stalls, ranks fourth due to overcrowding and perceived lack of authenticity. Visitors criticized the market for its excessive commercialization and difficulty in finding seating.
Tourist Complaints:
- “Packed to the brim. Couldn’t even find a seat.”
- “Nothing authentic. Feels like a food court dressed up for Instagram.”
- “Queues were endless, and the prices were unjustified.”
5. Trevi Fountain, Italy
Despite its iconic status, Rome’s Trevi Fountain is the fifth most disappointing tourist attraction. Visitors lamented extreme crowding, limited viewing access, and an overwhelming atmosphere that diminishes the site’s charm.
Criticisms:
- “It’s just a fountain, and it was surrounded by thousands of people.”
- “Could barely take a photo, it was chaos.”
- “Honestly, it felt like a tourist zoo.”
A temporary closure for renovations in 2024 may have further contributed to visitor dissatisfaction in early 2025.
Other Notable Disappointments Worldwide
Beyond Europe, several global attractions also ranked among the world’s most underwhelming:
Horseshoe Casino (Las Vegas, USA) – Outdated decor and lack of excitement.
Guinness Storehouse (Dublin, Ireland) – Long queues and minimal tasting opportunities.
Gardaland Park (Lake Garda, Italy) – High costs and poor accessibility.
Topkapı Palace (Istanbul, Turkey) – Overwhelming crowds and poor signage.
National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C., USA) – Described as underwhelming post-renovation.
Why Are Tourists Disappointed?
The study highlighted several recurring themes among the most criticized attractions:
Overcrowding: Nearly all top-rated complaints stemmed from excessive visitor numbers.
Poor Value for Money: Hidden fees, overpriced food, and expensive tickets frustrated travelers.
Lack of Authenticity: Many sites were perceived as overly commercialized and lacking cultural depth.
Accessibility Issues: Inadequate infrastructure for disabled visitors remains a persistent concern.
Implications for Tourism in 2025
The findings indicate a shift in traveler preferences, with more tourists prioritizing authenticity, sustainability, and comfort over simply visiting famous sites. Tourism operators in the UK, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, and Italy may need to rethink their approach, investing in crowd management, better customer service, and improved accessibility.
Promoting lesser-known destinations could also help alleviate pressure on overcrowded landmarks, providing travelers with a more fulfilling experience while preserving the integrity of iconic sites.
A Wake-Up Call for Over-Touristed Destinations
As some of Europe’s most famous attractions face growing criticism, this study serves as a wake-up call for the travel industry. While these destinations continue to attract millions, failure to address visitor concerns could erode their long-standing reputations.
For travelers, the study offers a reminder to look beyond social media hype and glossy brochures. Often, the most rewarding experiences lie in exploring hidden gems rather than following the tourist crowds.
