Many travelers are inspired to visit different countries based on the alluring content they see on social media, travel guides, and movies. However, these idealized portrayals can sometimes result in unsatisfactory experiences when tourists actually arrive at their destination.

Paris Syndrome is a recognized issue that affects first-time visitors to Paris. These individuals have such romanticized expectations of the city that they feel deeply disappointed when faced with the reality of their trip.

Interestingly, this phenomenon is not exclusive to Paris. According to experts from Radical Storage, tourists from around the world have found themselves feeling let down by their travels in various locations globally.

An analysis of 97,409 Google visitor reviews, across 100 of the most visited cities in the world, uncovered where the most lackluster holiday destinations are. 

From Cancún to to Kyoto, read on to discover the top ten most disappointing cities in the world for tourists. 

Negative reviews: 14.2% 

Despite being one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico – and even planned and built for tourists – Cancún tops the list for all the wrong reasons.

Despite its turquoise waters and luxury resorts, Cancún has emerged as the destination with the highest percentage of negative reviews, with travellers complaining about inflated prices, aggressive vendors, and a lack of authenticity. 

With the highest number of reviews mentioning ‘rip off’ and ‘disappoint,’ many visitors leave feeling they paid more for less.

2. Antalya, Turkey

Negative reviews: 12.2%

Second to Cancún is Antalya, often referred to as Turkey’s ‘tourism capital.’

Visitors cite over-commercialisation, overcrowded beaches and subpar customer service as some of the reasons they left Turkey’s fastest-growing city feeling deflated. 

They’ve warned future visitors expecting ancient charm and warm hospitality on arrival to beware of ‘tourist trap prices.’

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Negative reviews 11.9% 

In third place is another Central American beach resort, Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana is known for its all-inclusive resorts, but many travellers cite the experience as generic, expensive and repetitive. 

Complaints include poor infrastructure outside resort grounds, a lack of cultural depth and pushy street vendors.

One disgruntled visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘A country that takes every dollar you have, then charges you to leave. 

‘Everywhere we went, somebody was forcibly trying to sell you something.’

Negative reviews: 11.2% 

While steeped in history, Beijing has struggled to impress modern tourists. 

Pollution, overcrowding at major landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, ‘pushy pedestrians’ and a significant language barrier are commonly cited issues. 

One person on TripAdvisor warned: ‘Expects crowds. Nothing you can do to avoid that.’ 

Bureaucratic entry procedures and heavy surveillance also contribute to negative sentiments. 

5. Orlando, United States 

Negative reviews: 10.6% 

Orlando may be the theme park capital of the world, but its appeal can wear thin. 

High costs, long queues, extreme heat, and the perception of ‘plastic’ tourism have caused disappointment among tourists visiting the Florida city.

Outside the parks, travellers have reported finding little to explore, as well as often getting stuck in ‘heavy traffic.’ 

Negative reviews: 10.0% 

India’s financial capital is bustling with energy, but for many tourists, the atmosphere can feel overwhelming. 

Mumbai’s traffic congestion, pollution, petty theft and stark economic disparities have made it a challenging experience for some. 

Visitors also often report sensory overload and a lack of tourist-friendly facilities and infrastructure. 

One person wrote on Reddit: ‘Mumbai Traffic is no joke so try to plan your within-city journey during off-business hours. calculate your travel in hours and not in km or miles.’

Another warned: ‘One more thing to note is that while Mumbai is safe, petty theft can happen so I’d keep stuff in your front pockets and keep making sure to check on them.’ 

7. Honolulu, Hawaii 

Negative reviews: 9.9%

Despite its reputation as a tropical paradise, Honolulu disappoints many visitors due to sky-high prices, overcrowded beaches and over-commercialisation. 

Many travellers say the experience doesn’t justify the cost, especially compared to other Pacific island getaways. 

One former visitor wrote on Reddit: ‘I think that over tourism is a major issue I should’ve considered more.’ 

Another said: ‘I just came back from a work trip to Honolulu and ended up staying in Waikiki for the first time (usually in downtown but it was all booked). I hated it. 

‘I’m from Vegas and it reminded me of the Strip with all the people and congestion. I avoid the strip unless it’s absolutely necessary.’

8. Johor Bahru, Malaysia 

Negative reviews: 9.4% 

Johor Bahru, often visited as a stopover between Singapore and Malaysia, is frequently described as underwhelming. 

Complaints include poor maintenance and facilities, limited attractions, and a lack of cleanliness. 

Many travelers recommend skipping it altogether, with one person writing scathingly on TripAdvisor: ‘If you are looking for dirty, noisy, walking-unfriendly city, this is the place… 

‘There are no trash bins, there are no side walks and zebras crossing, no green parks or gardens.’

9. Kyoto, Japan

Negative reviews: 9.1%

Kyoto, known for its distinguished red temples and cherry blossoms, is increasingly seen as a victim of overcrowding and over-tourism. 

Tourists complain of packed shrines, unfriendly locals weary of tourism, and high prices for a less-than-intimate experience. 

One former visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘I went to Kyoto 10+ years ago and the crowd was nothing if compared to today.

‘We found ourselves having to line up for 1-2 hours minimum (standing with no seats) for lunch or dinner which was a big torture for any tourists who had already had very sore legs after full week/day of walking.’

10. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 

Negative reviews: 9.0% 

Rounding out the list in tenth place is another Mexican beach town: Playa del Carmen.

Once a bohemian alternative to Cancún, Playa del Carmen has become another commercialised hotspot. 

Crime concerns, aggressive sales tactics, and rising costs have pushed this destination into disappointing territory.

A former visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘Very noisy and stinky sewage smell in rooms and at the beach as well. Not a paradise in our minds! 

‘Walking to grocery store you have to be prepared to say “no gracias” a hundred times. Everything including eating out is more expensive than our Canadian prices.’