What TripAdvisor users think of 16 of the world's most popular landmarks
From being punched by a small child at the Pyramids to there being no lift in Notre Dame. Some people will just never be happy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.They're some of the world's most beautiful sites, but that doesn't mean they're immune to criticism on the internet.
TripAdvisor, home to everything you need to know about travelling, let's users leave their comments about hotel stays, flights, tourist spots and famous landmarks.
Some are more cutting than others.
Great Wall of China, China - "too big"
Malky R: “if bricks are your thing you may or may not enjoy this (I didn't), if bricks and walls are not your thing best to avoid, if you can, too big.”
OrlandoJunior: “I only could see the far portions of the wall in close mountains. People sitting on the ground, millions of kids running like they were in a playground, garbage everywhere, people smoking, eating and even sleeping on the floor!”
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris - "there's no elevator"
Shelman02: “It is ridiculous to 'sell' so expensive an famous interior view, and we had to climb 425 steps (no elevator in case children could not make it).”
Mimzam2014: “We got in free of charge but while we're in we were discouraged from talking and people were more interested in taking pictures.”
Eiffel Tower, Paris - "I don't get it"
Drsuess2000: “I was hit by a beggar when i wouldn't sign her bogus sponsor sheet, she penned me across the face!!”
Biggeer: “Honestly it's a bunch of metal in a rather phallic shape. I don't get it and was not impressed.”
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco - "It's the wrong colour"
Erika B: “Many visitors and locals don't know this, but the GG Bridge is the #1 suicide destination in the United States. It is in urgent need of being made safe for folks who are looking for a lethal weapon.”
Elmeryethel: “When we got there, my wife, Ebel, and I we unhappy to find the color of the bridge was not exactly as it was in all the photos in all the advertisings.”
Cristo Redentor, Brazil - "Just a big statue"
Feliceh: “I was excited to see this site. However after taking the tram up we could only see the feet as a cloud had descended.”
Cerrodragon: “Make sure its going to be sunny or you will waist your money. Other than that its just a big statue.”
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco - "Where are the restaurants?"
alliwu0128: “it was sort of disgusting with fences and it was small! it should have resturaunts and a sand beach like place to sit on! NOT Concrete!”
Lakemonster2014: “Should be turned into the Govenor's mansion. Just look at California's capitol Sacramento. Not a decent restaurant in the place.”
The Duomo Cathedral, Milan - "A pigeon ate my corn here"
JPDP: “I have seen over 50 cathedrals around the world so far, and Duomo Milano was by far the worst of them all.”
Shunyi L: “I was in front of the Duomo with my friend and a man suddenly grabbed my hand and started to put in it corn, a flock of pigeons started to fly towards me and eat the corn in my hand.”
St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City - "Not for feminists"
Mach42: “Incredible building but totally OTT decor wise - more gold and sparkles than a Mardi Gras parade.”
Sarah L: “Free to go in but a long line yet again. Such sore feet. Not a place for feminists, I won't say anymore.”
The Taj Mahal, India - "Like a fun house - that isn't fun"
bilbo42: “But as a Trip Advisor reviewer, I am warning you not to go inside. The outside is lovely. Inside is like a fun house that isn't fun.”
Superskinjen: “Don't do it. Don't even think of going at night unless there's a moon high in the sky at visiting hours.”
Sydney Opera House, Sydney - "A GOOD IDEA IN THE 60S..."
Sam M: “Only in Australia could you be ripped off as bad as this!!! Ridiculous prices for a boring building In a boring city!!!!”
Mastertusk: “It may have seemed like a good idea in the 60's but this Sydney 'icon' is past its use by date...”
Downing Street, London - "There was a protest in the way"
Markharoldart: “It is a sad joke. Standing at one end with a crowd of other people nothing of inerest to see - even if the PM appears - so what it is a person -big deal.”
Susanne09: “We could not get very close at all. My English husband very disappointed. There was a protest march on as well.”
Houses of Parliament, London - "Ruined by politicians"
LYNNE R: “Totally spoilt by the "people" inside. The only good thing about the building is that you get an excellent photo of Big Ben outside of the place.”
Ken87_12: “It was alright, i suppose i should care, im british... But it was boring, it was amazing that mr fawks almost blew it up and we now have bonfire night... i suppose”
Niagara Falls, US - "Garbage"
angel_62106: “Pure Garbage Pure Garbage Pure Garbage. This is a huge rip off. It makes you think that your going inside but really its the back of a hotel painted.”
Huge if true.
sub z: “Idiots only turn the lights on at night from 8:30PM to 10PM. “
Statue of Liberty, New York - "Just another statue"
Pnlop: “Lady Liberty sure is beautiful, but she's not worth spending your whole day waiting in a queue with rude people coming regularly to tell you to "follow this line" or to "move along there" or "not to do that" or to "hurry up". “
hjammer j: “it was bad cause i dont like the sight its just a statue”
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt - "Ruined by the locals"
Oct2005: “I didn't have any time to just look and take it all in as I spent my time running away from the constant hassel of the sellers. My boyfriend even got punched in the back by a small child because he wouldn't buy a postcard.”
Astleyduo: “I would like to say that my visit here was completely ruined by the awful local people that are allowed to hijack this place.”
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC - "Just a statue"
Jenna P, California: “While the Memorial is breathtaking, the trash surrounding it was awful. Trash was everywhere. I asked workers about it and they said trash is only picked up twice a day. I was appalled and disappointed that that is how I will remember the Lincoln Memorial”
Jamie A, New York: Titled ‘Just a statue’ Jamie said: “It was cool to see once and to walk around the area, but it didn't get me too excited. It's not really my thing.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments