15 Tourist Traps — or Not!

A recent MSN article listed 15 tourist traps that the writer recommended avoiding, claiming they weren’t worth the time and/or money.

I disagree with most of them, believing that they are things you need to do at least once in your life.

Read my reasoning here, compare with MSN writer Jon Douglas here, and then weigh in with your own opinion.

1. San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf:  C’mon, it’s free.  And on a sunny day, it’s a nice walk with a view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
2. Chicago’s Sears Tower:  OK, sure, you could go to the Hancock Tower instead, but you’ve got to see the view from one of these tall buildings.
3. Washington DC’s Spy Museum:  Maybe it’s my inner James Bond, but I had a good time here.  I went through the museum with a couple of co-workers, and we found plenty to look at, giggle about, and while away a rainy afternoon.
4. Las Vegas Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef:  Agreed.  Over priced and over rated.
5. New York City’s Times Square:  You’ve seen it on the New Year’s Eve Countdown, television news broadcasts, and in countless movies, and you need to see it in person.  You don’t have to stay there, and I certainly wouldn’t eat there, but you do need to see it.
6. London’s Changing of the Guard:  True confession.  I’ve never been to London.
7. Seattle’s Experience Music Project:  It’s in my home town, and I’ve somehow managed to never make it there.
8. Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace:  It’s a shopping mall and food court in a cool building.  Walk by it, take a look, and keep on walking.
9. Hollywood:  Checking out the Walk of Stars is free, and you can alway try to find the star of your favorite actor.  The rest of the neighborhood has little to offer.
10. Dublin’s Guiness Storehouse:  I’ve missed this one, too.
11. Orlando’s Animal Kingdom:  I tend to shy away from most things in Orlando.  Everything’s a little too plastic, too contrived, and too expensive.
12. Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa:  It’s one of those landmarks that you probably just have to see, even if there’s not much else in the area.
13. Chicago’s Navy Pier:  I’ve missed this on my numerous trips to Chicago.
14. Las Vegas’ Stratosphere Tower:  Pass on this one, not worth the time or money.  But if you’re playing in their casino, see if you can manage a comp.
15. London’s Madame Tussaud:  Never been to London.

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