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10 Famous Tourist Attractions That Actually Live Up to the Hype
Niagara Falls at sunset with an orange rectangle and the words "Tourist Attractions That Live Up to the Hype" It's often difficult to determine which famous tourist attractions are little more than cheesy "tourist traps" and which are actually worth the hype.
For this reason, it can be tempting to simply avoid some of the most famous attractions altogether. Think about it this way, though: they're famous for a reason and many are absolutely worth a visit, at least once in your lifetime.
Here are some of our picks for the world's top tourist attractions that actually live up to the hype, along with insider tips for making your visit enjoyable.
10 Famous Tourist Attractions That Actually Live Up to the Hype
From awe-inspiring natural landmarks to incredible feats of engineering and even famous streets, these are some of the world's most famous tourist attractions that actually live up to the hype.
1. Niagara Falls
An overview of Niagara Falls, one of the world's most famous tourist attractions that's actually worth the hype, and a cruise boat in front of the falls.
It's no surprise that more than 8 million people visit Niagara Falls every year. Not only is it the oldest state park in America, it's also one of the fastest-moving waterfalls in the entire world. Technically, Niagara Falls is comprised of three equally-spectacular waterfalls: American, Bridal View, and Horseshoe Falls.
2. Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the incredible "Great 8" attractions in South Dakota, is well-deserving of a visit for several reasons. There is perhaps no more iconic symbol of Americana and democracy, but the real star of the show here is the incredible engineering feat.
400 men started constructing Mount Rushmore in 1927, sand-blasting the rock and carving the intricate facial features by hand. The masterpiece was finished in 1941, with each of the four faces at over 60 feet tall. Mount Rushmore cost nearly $1 million to complete and keep in mind, that was nearly 100 years ago!
3. The Colosseum
The Colosseum at dusk, one of the world's most famous tourist attractions
Speaking of insane engineering feats! The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built, measuring about 510 feet by 615 wide in an elliptical shape. It's made almost entirely of travertine stone and accommodated up to 50,000 spectators who would come to watch gladiator fights, hunts, and even executions.
4. French Quarter
Looking down a street on the French Quarter in New Orleans, a worthy famous tourist destination
New Orleans truly has a culture all its own. It's distinctly Southern, it's very French, it's an incredible blend of Old World and modern-day, and the food and music scenes are unmatched. The French Quarter, in particular, embodies every one of these aspects, as it's one of the oldest residential communities in America. Plus, it's right on the Mississippi River.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
The Colorado River flowing through the Grand Canyon, one of the most famous tourist destinations
Not many places on Earth can claim that they're both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. But the Grand Canyon can, which is precisely what makes it one of the most worthy tourist attractions anywhere.
The canyon, carved over eons by the Colorado River, is one mile deep, 277 miles long, and a staggering 18 miles across at its widest point.
6. Pike Place Market
The outside of the Pike Place Public Market in Seattle, one of America's most famous tourist attractions
The market houses over 500 vendors and has been continuously open since 1907, making it the oldest of its kind in the United States. It's also the site of the first-ever Starbucks, opened in 1971, a worthy stop in and of itself!
7. Great Barrier Reef
An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most famous tourist attractions
Another of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef stretches 1,430 miles off Australia's east coast, encompassing over 600 islands. 2,900 individual reefs, and thousands upon thousands of rare marine species. With nothing in the world even remotely comparable, this is one famous tourist attraction that's well worth its hype!
8. Yellowstone National Park
A natural spring in Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous tourist attractions that's actually worth visiting
America's oldest national park (actually, the world's oldest national park — Yellowstone was literally the very first one!) is also one of the most famous tourist attractions on Earth. Between the geysers, the wildlife, the mountains, and the waterfalls, it's easy to understand why.
9. Disney World
Disney characters in front of the castle at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world
Even if you're not a huge Disney fan, a visit to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a rite of passage. The cheerful characters, enchanting castle, vast variety of rides, Mickey ear-shaped everything, and all the delicious treats really do make this theme park the happiest place on Earth!
10. The Great Pyramid of Giza
Several tour buses in front of the Great Pyramid in Giza, one of the world's most famous tourist attractions
Mankind is still trying to make sense of how the Egyptian pyramids were constructed — by hand. Just for the chance to look up at it, the Great Pyramid is one of the most hype-worthy famous tourist attractions in the world.
The Great Pyramid stands 481 feet tall and was the tallest man-made structure on Earth for over 3,800 years. It contains 2.3 million stone blocks, some weighing up to 80 tons. To this day, scientists and experts have not solved the mystery as to how they were transported 500 miles.
Souvenirs for the World's Most Famous Tourist Attractions
Have you been to any of these famous tourist attractions and if so, what did you think? Are they worth the hype?
Regardless of where you've been, which destinations are still on your bucket list, and whether or not they're worth the hype, it's important to document your travels! One of the best ways to do that is with Travel Tokens from The Wander Club.
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