A Budapest landmark ranked among the world’s biggest tourist disappointments

spring in Budapest
Photo: depositphotos.com

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 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.

Széchenyi baths in Budapest hungarian tourism
Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest. Photo: Unsplash

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.

Time Out Market Lisboa, Portugal

Since its opening in 2014, Time Out Market Lisboa has become a popular gastronomic destination. However, its success has led to issues of overcrowding, with over a quarter of reviewers expressing disappointment due to the dense crowds and difficulties in accessing the venue.

Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, attracts millions annually. Yet, one in four visitors reported negative experiences, mainly due to the overwhelming crowds that hinder the enjoyment of the site. The fountain’s closure for renovations in 2024 may have further contributed to visitor dissatisfaction.

Every year, tourists throw more than EUR 1 million worth of coins into the fountain in hopes of returning to Rome in the future:

As these findings show, it’s important to manage tourist expectations and experiences, especially at globally renowned sites. Issues such as overcrowding, accessibility, and additional costs significantly impact visitor satisfaction. For travellers, this serves as a reminder to research and plan visits carefully, considering potential challenges to fully enjoy these iconic destinations.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Tags

4 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *