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The world’s greatest monuments and attractions simply aren’t good enough for some people.
As these hilariously scathing one-star Tripadvisor reviews reveal.
Here are eight withering reviews of landmarks from Big Ben to the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon to Angkor Wat that prove there’s just no way to please some people.
For those not put off by these stinging summaries, eShores founder Gavin Lapidus offers top tips for getting the most out of each attraction.
Ben Nevis: “too steep” and “no shops”
A disgruntled reviewer walking the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, gave it a one-star review for being “too steep”.
Scotland’s Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, at 4,413 feet (1,345 m) high and attracts more than 130,000 visitors a year, according to the John Muir Trust.
But that wasn’t enough to impress one disgruntled reviewer, who found the mountain “too steep.”
‘Mountaingoatee_22‘ written: ‘Very steep and uneven roads that could do with some work. There are no bathrooms or shops from the bottom up. I was very hungry and thirsty.
‘When we reached the summit, it was covered in snow. It won’t be long until someone has an accident.
In another one-star review, another reviewer’tris g‘ complained about ‘terrible Wi-Fi’ and added: ‘I couldn’t log in to TikTok or Instagram. We’re in the 21st century and they can’t even install a phone antenna on top?
Mr. Lapidus, in eShores, said: ‘The climb will sometimes be steep. We always advise visitors to be well prepared for the hike, which will require strength and stamina, and to dress appropriately for the cold conditions at the summit.
“As Ben Nevis is a site of natural beauty, remember that you won’t find any shops or services on the mountain, so bring essentials such as water, snacks and a packed lunch.”
Statue of Liberty: “just a statue”
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy in the US and has stood in New York Harbor for 138 years.
Located in New York Harbor since 1886, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy in the United States, says the United States. National Park Service.
However, one reviewer seemed surprised to discover that the monument is actually “just a statue”, and apparently disappointingly small.
Writing on Tripadvisor, ‘georgiejoang‘ He said, ‘It’s just a statue in the middle of the water.’ Not as big as we thought. It’s also very expensive to go nearby, so a trip there isn’t really worth it.’
In his advice to visitors, Lapidus said: “Many photographs of the Statue of Liberty are taken with the distant Manhattan skyline in the background, and this perspective can make the statue appear larger than it really is.”
‘While still impressive, the Statue of Liberty stands at 305 feet [92m] – slightly smaller than Big Ben.
‘More important than its size, however, is the rich history that the Statue of Liberty represents. “We recommend visitors consider a guided tour, where they can learn about the importance of this iconic landmark.”
Big Ben: “just a big clock”
Suggesting why it is worth a visit, Mr Lapidus said: “Big Ben, which refers to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, is a historic landmark in a culturally important area of London.
Since its construction in 1859, Big Ben has become a symbol of the London skyline, but some critics were left baffled, with one comparing it to items displayed in his grandmother’s house.
“Nothing special really, I could just go [to] “I’m at my grandmother’s house and I see a clock, except Big Ben, 10 times bigger.” she joked’Leon N.‘.
Suggesting why it is worth a visit, Mr Lapidus said: ‘Big Ben, which refers to the Great Bell within the Elizabeth Tower, is a historic landmark in a culturally important area of London.
“It is surrounded by other notable landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, so we recommend visitors explore the entire area and immerse themselves in the history and stunning architecture.”
The Great Wall of China: “too old”
Dating back centuries, the Great Wall of China has a history dating back 2,000 years
The Great Wall of China is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken and the best preserved section stretching 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers).
And this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a history dating back 2,000 years. But that’s too far back for one critic, who called it “too old.”
In their one star review, ‘Ted B.‘ wrote: ‘This was terrible. It’s too old and looks like a mess. [sic].’
In his advice on how to make the most of a visit, Mr Lapidu suggests: “It is important to understand the weight of your history.
‘Its original purpose was to protect against invasion, and construction required intense labor and labor that was even more impressive at the time than it is today.
‘The Wall has many different sections spanning different landscapes, so some are very well preserved while others show the effects of time. For those who want to climb the wall, we recommend doing your research and making sure you visit a well-maintained section, such as Mutianyu.
Grand Canyon: ‘exaggerated sandy ditch’
A UNESCO world site, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA, is one of the “most spectacular examples of erosion in the world”, notes eShores
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA, encompasses 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent highlands.
A UNESCO world site, it is “one of the most spectacular examples of erosion in the world,” according to eShores.
However, one reviewer was disappointed, referring to the site as an “overblown sandy ditch.”
On Tripadvisor, he said: “I’ve been to several so-called landmarks in my life, but what the hell was this?” Just an overdone sandy ditch. Don’t really get the fascination.
“It took me two hours to get there; I should have stayed in my hotel and watched a DVD.”
To get the most out of the site, eShores recommends paying attention to weather conditions.
It said: ‘During the summer months, temperatures in the Grand Canyon can be high. If possible, avoid these months or, if you can’t avoid it, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon; you will be able to see an incredible sunrise or sunset as an added bonus.
‘Depending on elevation, the weather in the Grand Canyon can be drastically different. Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions by bringing waterproof clothing, a sun hat, and wearing SPF.
Angkor Wat: “needs a good cleaning”
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest religious structure in the world
Angkor Wat in Cambodia houses the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest religious structure, but one visitor seemed disappointed by the nearly 900-year-old site and titled his review: “In need of a good cleaning.”
‘M3133ISmikek‘ wrote: ‘What I found was a group of ancient temples that were in a serious state of disrepair, crumbling and falling, and some of the temples even had trees growing.’
The experts said: ‘It is important to remember that Angkor Wat is a religious site that is still used to this day for worship.
‘Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered and behave responsibly. Also, be careful with the monkeys.
Buckingham Palace: “just a big house”
With over 700 rooms spanning 39 acres, visitors from around the world flock to witness the glory of London’s Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the UK monarchs since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the King, according to the royal family. official website.
With more than 700 rooms spanning 39 acres, visitors come from all over the world to witness the magnificence of the structure. But one visitor perceived it as simply a “big house” and seemed concerned about the lack of satellite dishes.
‘stevenads‘ wrote: ‘A big house in London with more bedrooms than mine and probably more televisions, although I didn’t see any nor did I see a satellite dish.’
Eshore said: “If you are visiting the palace, make sure you arrive before 11am whether on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday to see the changing of the guard.”
‘Pick a spot on The Mall to get a close-up view of the guards parading. When the King is not in residence, usually between the end of July and the end of September, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to the public and are well worth a visit.’
Sydney Opera House: “like a normal oil painting”
One critic described the Sydney Opera House as “architecturally tragic”, while another recalled not much more than “brown concrete”.
The Sydney Opera House opened its doors in October 1973 and has since hosted performances by the likes of Sting, Bob Dylan and Prince, attracting millions of visitors each year.
But for one critic, it was ‘architecturally tragic‘, like ‘a normal oil painting’ and on the other hand, the key conclusion seemed to be ‘brown concrete‘ and ‘dim lighting’.
eShore experts said: ‘If you’re interested in getting up close and personal, we suggest taking a guided tour.
‘Your tour guide will explain the history and share some secrets of the Opera. The tour takes place every day and lasts approximately one hour.
‘Be careful, this tour includes up to 300 stairs without elevator access. A disabled access route is available with non-stair access.’