10 Most Overrated Travel Destinations And What to Visit Instead

Travel is supposed to be about discovery, yet certain places are more of a cliché checklist than an actual journey. Overhyped places have a habit of promising magic and instead offer crowds, high prices, and underwhelming reality. Decades of travelling have made me swap the "must-visit" sites for hidden gems that genuinely live up to expectations. Continue reading for my list of the world's most overhyped places—and where you should go instead.

Paris is famous, but people call it the most romantic destination more than it is. The Eiffel Tower is beautiful, but selfie-taking tourists and big tour groups can be a turn-off. Cafes are overpriced, and the "city of light" has more of an amusement park feel than a real city.

Go to Lyon Instead: France's third-largest city is a must-visit for foodies. Stroll through traboules (secret passageways), sip wine in intimate bouchons, and explore vibrant neighbourhoods like Croix-Rousse. Lyon offers a combination of history, cuisine, and local flair that will make you feel like you're experiencing the Paris of your dreams—minus the mayhem.

Venice has legendary sinking streets and gondola rides, but the truth is there are crowded alleys, expensive hotels, and hordes of cruise ship tourists. The magic gets lost when navigating selfie sticks in St. Mark's Square.

Go to Trieste Instead: This Adriatic Sea-facing coastal city near Slovenia features canals like Venice, old coffeehouses, and scenic Adriatic Sea views. Trieste's Miramare Castle and Piazza Unità d'Italia are like Venice without the crowds. And you can get Italian coffee without elbowing your way through tourists.

Maya Bay gained fame due to The Beach, but now its crystal-clear waters are filled with day-trippers. In 2018, the Thai government shut down the bay to allow nature to recover.

Head to Koh Lipe Instead: This tiny island in the Andaman Sea offers white beaches and vibrant coral reefs without the craziness. Snorkel in peace, sleep in beach bungalows, and observe sunsets from cosy bars. It's Thailand as it used to be.

The Maldives is referred to as a paradise, but overdevelopment and environmental stress make it seem unnatural. Resorts are secluded, costly, and not culturally integrated.

Visit Palawan, Philippines Instead: El Nido and Coron in Palawan share the same blue waters and luxury resorts at half the cost. Kayak through lagoons, snorkel with sea turtles, and slumber in eco-friendly lodges. The "elite" feel of the Maldives cannot compete with the pure beauty of Palawan.

Cannes is renowned for its film festival, although outside of the red carpet season, it's a sleepy town with overpriced restaurants and generic beaches.

Go to Nice Instead: An hour east, Nice offers French-Italian culture and Promenade des Anglais scenery. Walk Old Town markets, sample socca (chickpea pancakes), and climb Colline du Château for panoramic coastal views. It's the French Riviera minus the pretension.

Dubai's Burj Khalifa and indoor ski resorts are incredible engineering achievements, but the city has no character. It is all about spending money, and the desert heat is overwhelming.

Travel to Muscat, Oman Alternative: Oman's capital has Arabian culture but not the glitz. Visit Mutrah Souq, hike in Wadi Shab, and unwind in eco-resorts in mountain valleys. Unlike Dubai's artificial luxury, Muscat's blend of history and nature is authentic.

Bali has lovely rice terraces and temples, but it is too crowded. Traffic, trash, and party spots like Kuta make it exhausting.

Go to Lombok Instead: A boat ride away, Lombok offers Bali's charm without the tourists: warm locals and unspoiled beaches.

London is a significant city, but popular sites such as Big Ben and the London Eye are busy throughout the year. Expensive prices and rainy weather conditions make it more stressful.

Visit Edinburgh Alternative: Scotland's capital has a history and culture and few tourists. Visit Edinburgh Castle, hike up Arthur's Seat, and stroll along cobblestone streets. The annual Fringe Festival is as good as London's West End shows—and more lively.

The Taj Mahal is great, but rigid rules (no photographs, restricted entry times) and crowds make it a hassle. The pollution in Agra and pushy vendors contribute to the frustration.

Visit Hampi Instead: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka has ancient temples, boulder-strewn landscapes, and banana plantations. Rent a bike to explore Virupaksha Temple and Hemakuta Hill. Hampi's history feels more immersive than the Taj's photo-op chaos.

Monaco screams wealth, but there's little to do beyond the casinos and Grand Prix. It feels like a playground for the ultra-rich, not a real destination.

Visit Porto, Portugal Instead: Porto's colourful riverside, port wine cellars, and lively markets offer charm without the snobbery. Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge, eat Francesinha sandwiches, and watch fishermen unload their catch. It's authentic, affordable, and unforgettable.

Overrated destinations aren’t bad—they’re just overexposed. By swapping them for underrated alternatives, you’ll find deeper connections, fewer crowds, and richer experiences. Travel isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about discovering places that stay with you long after you leave. Next time, skip the hype and seek the hidden.