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Released on May 7, 2024 at 10:13 pm
The beating heart of the Big Apple takes the booby prize in a new survey of the most hated tourist destinations around the world. AFP, via Getty Images
They’re not going to make time for it in their day.
An estimated 64.5 million tourists are expected to flock to New York by the end of 2024, just 2 million fewer than 2019’s record 66.6 million, but almost all of them are sure to at least stroll through Times Square.
According to a new survey, they’re going to hate it.
Times Square is well known as the world’s most visited tourist destination, but most visitors still want to see more. Matthew McDermott
Online language learning platform Preply analyzed visitor reviews of 81 iconic locations around the world to find out how much each place is loved – or hated.
The beating heart of the Big Apple has outperformed them all, earning the region the embarrassing title of “most overrated tourist destination” in the world.
The study looked at two popular review platforms to compile a long list of attractions, then narrowed it down to those with more than 1,000 reviews. The reviews were then analysed for negative terms such as “disappointing,” “overrated” and “tourist trap.”
According to the researchers, Times Square, known as the most visited tourist destination on Earth with around 50 million tourists a year, is the surest winner.
Critics complained about overcrowding and described the LED-lit area as dirty and boring.
Many tourists said they found the area “dirty” and “boring.” NurPhoto via Getty Images
“It’s so crowded, impossible to move around, too stressful to enjoy,” lamented one reviewer.
“High hopes and expectations and huge disappointment,” criticised another.
The incident comes at a time when the area has been hit by disturbing levels of street crime and a pandemic-related retail downturn that appears to be threatening its hard-won modern reputation as a safe and vibrant tourist destination.
The news comes as the region struggles to maintain its modern reputation as a safe and vibrant tourist destination. AFP via Getty Images
Other sites that disappointed visitors included Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Walk of Fame, Barcelona’s Las Ramblas pedestrianised shopping centre and even Iceland’s beautiful Blue Lagoon received a low ranking.
Preply expert Sylvia Johnson tells us that knowing a bit of the local language can help you avoid ending up in the wrong place.
“You don’t need to be fluent, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language will greatly enhance your travel experience,” Johnson said.
“Even a simple ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘please’ goes a long way in showing respect to locals and building connections.”
While you’re there, learn a bit about the local culture before you hop on the plane.
“Research your destination thoroughly and learn about local customs, dress codes and social etiquette,” the pro recommended.
“Understanding the culture not only helps you avoid disrespectful behavior, but it also allows you to become more immersed in the place you’re visiting and understand its nuances.”
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