A Budapest landmark ranked among the world’s biggest tourist disappointments
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A recent study by Radical Storage analysed over 95,000 traveller reviews across 200 popular tourist attractions, revealing that several renowned European landmarks often fall short of visitor expectations. Notably, Budapest’s Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Hungary were highlighted among these sites.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
Established in 1913 in Budapest, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are celebrated as Europe’s largest medicinal baths, attracting numerous tourists seeking relaxation. However, the study by RadicalStorage found that over a third of the reviews expressed dissatisfaction, primarily due to overcrowding and accessibility issues. Specifically, 16.8% of the feedback mentioned problems related to these concerns. According to Euronews, the Budapest baths ranked third worst in the crowds and accessibility category.
Alton Towers, United Kingdom
Topping the list of disappointing attractions is Alton Towers, the UK’s largest theme park, spanning 910 acres with ten themed areas. Despite its expansive offerings, nearly half of its reviews were negative, with visitors citing poor value for money, misleading ticket information, and additional costs for food, beverages, and access to certain areas.
Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
Siam Park in Tenerife, Europe’s largest water park, opened in 2007 with high expectations. Nonetheless, almost a third of its reviews were unfavorable. Visitors frequently mentioned unhelpful staff and accessibility challenges, particularly highlighting that the park is not accommodating for individuals with disabilities or those with different body types.
Amazing vibes at Siam Park in Tenerife today ☀️ The amount of slides, pools and other attractions on offer at this huge water park is very impressive! pic.twitter.com/013u5VjxAl
— Theme Park Worldwide (@ThemeParkWW) February 24, 2025
We have been turned off of Szechenyi for a few years now by overcrowding and high prices. There are precious few Hungarians there because no one can afford it so it is a jam packed foreign crowd. As an alternative Palatinus on Margit sziget is spacious and much cheaper and when you come out you can walk around the island.
I love Szechenyi Baths and go every time I am in Budapest. With that said, the price really has gone up to the point that your average Hungarian can’t afford to go very often if at all. Yes, it can get crowded, but if you are a tourist complaining about all the other tourists at Szechenyi, then maybe you should give all the other tourists a break and not go.
Violet, you got the point right. Disney Wold & lots of other places have the same kinds of problems…even the mountains in Tibet, The Great Wall of China etc. People can go in the off season, save a bit, pack lunches from a grocery store, carry jugs of beverages….lots of ways to save. Maybe just need to do Staycations close to home more often & do the special trips once you have no debts & have savings as well. Then that extra doesn’t impact negatively. I personally loved the baths in winter months…tht peasoup fog above the warm waters is so extra enjoyable.
Violet, you got the point right. Disney Wold & lots of other places have the same kinds of problems…even the mountains in Tibet, The Great Wall of China etc. People can go in the off season, save a bit, pack lunches from a grocery store, carry jugs of beverages….lots of ways to save. Maybe just need to do Staycations close to home more often & do the special trips once you have no debts & have savings as well. Then that extra doesn’t impact negatively. I personally loved the baths in winter months…tht peasoup fog above the warm waters is so extra enjoyable.