The 25 best value tourist attractions (and the ones you can skip)

We’ve all waited hours in line for an overpriced and underwhelming “must-see” tourist landmark. So it’s nice to have a heads-up of the best value tourism attractions and the ones you can miss without getting FOMO.

The guys over at ClubMed did some digging into the entry fees of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. They then ranked the attractions based on the percentage of positive online sentiment.

Let’s just say the cheapest attraction didn’t automatically win first prize. Nor did the most expensive.

These are the top 25 tourist attractions guaranteed to give you bang for your buck. Just wait till you see which tourist icon made number one.

25. Schönbrunn Palace

Where: Vienna, Austria Price: AU$38.25 Online Sentiment Score: 92%

UNESCO World Heritage site, Schönbrunn Palace, was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. It is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historic monument in Austria.

Tours will give you a sneak peek into the lives of the imperial monarchy. You will see their elaborate staterooms and private apartments of Franz Joseph and Sisi.

Visitors will know what it’s like to wine and dine like an emperor and bed down like a princess. At the Schönbrunn Palace you can live like a royal at a fraction of the cost – no wonder it’s one of the best value tourist attractions.

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24. Fenway Park

Where: Massachusetts, United States Price: AU$30.34 Online Sentiment Score: 89.1%

Baseball fans rally around this best-value tourist attraction. Fenway Park is a baseball park in Boston, Massachusetts, near Kenmore Square.

It’s been the home for the Boston Red Sox since 1912, making it the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.

You can walk on the soil the Red Sox played their first-ever game on. Learn about the history of the team and the game. Plus look around the more-than-century-old stadium, which retains many of its original features.

23. Stonehenge

Where: Wiltshire, United Kingdom Price: AU$34.30 Online Sentiment Score: 91.4%

Stonehenge is perhaps the world’s most famous prehistoric monument. It might be even more mysterious than it is famous. Despite countless theories about the site’s purpose, from a sacrificial centre to a celestial timepiece, no one actually knows why it was constructed.

Even if you’re still bamboozled by the history behind it we guarantee you’ll still be amazed. The sheer size of the ring of massive stones is enough to blow anyone’s mind.

So is Stonehenge worth the hype? We think it definitely is.

22. Sydney Opera House

Where: Sydney, Australia Price: AU$42.00 Online Sentiment Score: 94.4%

Putting Australia on the map of best value tourist attractions is the Sydney Opera House. Do I think this should be higher up on the list? Certainly. Am I bias? Maybe.

The Sydney landmark is Australia’s most iconic performing arts venue. It also boasts the 20th century’s most famous architectural design – you have to see it to believe it. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a local, the Sydney Opera House has something for everyone.

Marvel at its architectural beauty, watch a show or dine in.

21. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Where: Pisa, Italy Price: AU$28.77 Online Sentiment Score: 89.6%

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the free-standing bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral. Despite being designed to be totally straight, the tower started to lean back in 1178 due to unstable foundations.

Over the next nine centuries, the tower’s lean became its star factor. Architects, engineers and builders would work to stabilise the lean so that it was safe for visitors.

Who would’ve thought an architectural oopsies would lead the bell tower to end up on this list of the world’s best value tourist attractions.

20. Yosemite National Park

Where: California, United States Price: AU$28.92 Online Sentiment Score: 89.9%

Best known for its dramatic waterfalls and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite National Park is an icon of America’s natural beauty.

The Californian nature park welcomes millions of guests that are drawn to deep valleys, grand meadows and diverse wildlife.

At 3027 square kilometres, you’ll have endless amounts of camping, hiking, picnicking and exploring to do at Yosemite National Park.

19. Grand Canyon

Where: Arizona, United States Price: AU$28.86 Online Sentiment Score: 90.2%

As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon really is one of the best value tourist attractions.

Even at 1.8km deep and 446km long, surprisingly the Grand Canyon isn’t the steepest or the longest canyon in the world. It was chosen as a natural wonder for its overall scale and beautifully coloured landscape.

Entry to the Grand Canyon is pretty cheap.

But if you have a bit of extra cash to splash, The Seven Natural Wonders organisation says a helicopter tour is the best way to appreciate the Grand Canyon.

18. York Dungeon

Where: York, United Kingdom Price: AU$23.37 Online Sentiment Score: 88.1%

York Dungeon isn’t just an attraction it’s a whole damn production. You’ll journey through York’s dreaded past as actors and designed stage sets help bring to life 2000 years of dark history.

You don’t just get to see a display of history but you can hear, feel and smell the real story of York thanks to special effects.

This one is a full-body experience that visitors say they “would defo do again.” That’s why it’s one of the best value tourist attractions in the world.

17. Hoover Dam

Where: Arizona, United States Price: AU$21.66 Online Sentiment Score: 89.9%

Hoover Dam isn’t good value for tourists AND for taxpayers. The dam protects southern California and Arizona from the disastrous flood.

It also supplies water and power to Los Angeles and to irrigate farm fields. That’s part of the reason why many call it “the greatest dam in the world”.

Built during the midst of the Great Depression, the Hoover Dam stands as a symbol of what American industry and workers are capable of.

16. Zion National Park

Where: Utah, United States Price: AU$28.90 Online Sentiment Score: 92.9%

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Zion National Park is a great day to get a daily dose of vitamin D. A great way to do that is to go for a hike. Take a trek on the Emerald Pools Trail or stroll to Weeping Rock.

If hiking doesn’t really do it for you, why not trot through pine forests on a horseback riding tour? Or spend the night camping and gaze at the kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and pinks on the sandstone at sunset.

15. Eiffel Tower

Where: Paris, France Price: AU$30.90 Online Sentiment Score: 94.1%

You wouldn’t be able to imagine Paris without its signature spike in the sky. Although Paris is lots of glitz and glam, the Paris tourist attraction is very good value.

Entry to the Eiffel Tower will get you to the second floor where you’ll be perched 125 metres high and get an unrivalled view of Paris. To get to level two you can either take the lift or the stairs.

If you have a little more change in your pocket, be brave and journey 276 metres to the top (you’ll have to take the elevator).

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14. Petronas Twin Towers

Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Price: AU$27.69 Online Sentiment Score: 92.8%

The Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s tallest twin towers and have remained so and unchallenged since 1996.

At 452 metres tall, looking up at these sky scapers is bound to give you a stiff neck. So grab a ticket and journey to the 86th floor.

From the SkyBridge that joins the two towers on the 41st floor, you will have an incredible view over KL. Head to the 83rd floor for a detailed guide.

13. Hagia Sophia

Where: Istanbul, Turkey Price: AU$23.45 Online Sentiment Score: 91.4%

Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most enduring monuments at nearly 15 centuries old. It has served as an important religious site for Orthodox Christians and Muslims.

It’s been converted from a museum back to a mosque. As an active worship space, visitor access is only allowed outside of prayer times and modest dress is required.

The mosque has been described as an “architectural masterpiece” and is even tagged as an eighth wonder of the world.

12. Acropolis of Athens

Where: Athens, Greece Price: AU$31.84 Online Sentiment Score: 95.3%

No trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The Acropolis is the most complete ancient Greek monumental complex to still exist.

On the same entry ticket, you can also visit the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – the patron goddess of Athens.

From November to March, admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. So you can stand on the soil where western civilisation was born for absolutely nothing. How’s that for a great value tourist attraction?

11. Taj Mahal

Where: Utter Pradesh, India Price: AU$22.38 Online Sentiment Score: 92.4%

The Taj Mahal is one of the ‘best value tourist attractions’, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building and one of the seven wonders of the world.

The ivory-white marble building is known all over the globe as a symbol of eternal love. Emperor Shah Jahan designed the building in memory of his late wife in 1632.

You have to see it to truly appreciate it.

10. Tivoli Gardens

Where: Copehagen, Denmark Price: AU$29.85 Online Sentiment Score: 95.5%

Let your inner child run free at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park in central Copenhagen.

Your entry ticket will get you to the front of musicals, ballets and concerts that take place inside – talk about a great value tourist attraction.

Tivoli Gardens is more than 175 years old, so its architecture and garden are wonderfully nostalgic. Don’t worry its rides have been updated to exceed the expectations of the modern-day thrill seeker.

9. Great Wall of China

Where: Dandong, China Price: AU$12.23 Online Sentiment Score: 88.6%

No, the Great Wall of China wasn’t built to keep the rabbits out. This awe-inspiring construction was built as a border defence system that safeguarded trading routes.

Unlike the name suggests, the construction is not just one wall but in fact, many walls that were built centuries apart.

The total length is a staggering 8850 kilometres. If you’re thinking of walking it all, it would take around 18 months of your life. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the Wall is open for the public to visit.

Our top tip is to hire a private guide to take you to sections of the wall that are less well-travelled.

8. Alhambra

Where: Granda, Spain Price: AU$23.63 Online Sentiment Score: 93.5%

A palace of the Moorish monarchs of Spain, The Alhambra is an exquisite example of the blend of the Muslim and Christian culture of Granada.

‘Alhambra’ in Arabic translates roughly to ‘The Red One’ after its reddish tone walls.

On your visit, you’ll be busy marvelling at the distinct medieval design and getting lost in its garden and fountains.

7. Colosseum

Where: Rome, Italy Price: AU$19.10 Online Sentiment Score: 93%

Just as the Harbour Bridge is to Sydney and the Eiffel Tour is to Paris, the Colosseum is to Rome. The famous silhouette is a must-see tourist attraction and it’s great value too.

The colossal 50,000-seat amphitheatre was used to host events such as gladiator fights, animal hunts, parades and chariot racing.

It’s been around since 80 AD and even though some of it has fallen or been excavated the Colosseum is still standing today.

6. Christ the Redeemer

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Price: AU$27.33 Online Sentiment Score: 96.6%

The 30m Christ the Redeemer statue is a Rio must-see.

The huge statue of Jesus sits atop Corcovado Mountain and offers the most amazing views of Rio de Janeiro.

This great value tourist attraction is all about the views. So try to get in earlier or later than all the crowds and haze.

5. TV Tower

Where: Berlin, Germany Price: AU$26.26 Online Sentiment Score: 96.5%

The TV Tower or Fernsehturm soaring 368 metres high above Berlin.

The tower is visible from most points in the city. But why just look at it from the ground when you can get right up in there?

Berlin’s TV tower has an observation deck and an adjoining bar (Bar 203). Enjoy a 360-degree view of Berlin with a drink in hand smug in the knowledge this is actually good value for money.

4. Rocky Mountains National Park

Where: Colorado, United States Price: AU$21.63 Online Sentiment Score: 95.2%

Outdoors-lovers this one is for you. Rocky Mountain National Park is the crown jewel of Colorado’s national parks.

It’s a spectacular natural playground that stretches 1075 square kilometres and includes 571 kilometres of hiking trails, 147 lakes and 77 mountains.

Experienced climbers will be challenged by the high peaks. While sightseeing families will love Coyote Valley where thousands of colourful wildflowers bloom.

3. Pyramids of Giza

Where: Cairo, Egypt Price: AU$14.45 Online Sentiment Score: 93.4%

 The sheer bulk of the Giza pyramids will have you asking how on earth they built them all those thousands of years ago?

The Pyramids are not in the middle of the desert, like many photos will make you believe. In fact, they’re just on the edge of the bustling city of Cairo.

A general admission ticket will get you into the Giza Pyramid Complex – which includes the Pyramids and the Sphinx area.

You will have to pay extra if you want to look inside the pyramids, but even those tickets are cheap. That’s why this has won bronze of the world’s best value tourist attractions.

2. Great Salt Lake

Where: Utah, United States Price: AU$4.33 Online Sentiment Score: 90.6%

It’s the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere. But what makes the Great Salt Lake so hypnotising is its two distinct colours.

A railway causeway splits the lake into a deep pink side and a cool blue side. The colour difference is caused by the different types of algae that live on either side and flourish in high salinity.

The lake won’t always be half pink in hue as the colour change only occurs in high-salt conditions. But when it does happen the contrast is striking.

1. Peterhof Grand Palace

Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia Price: AU$13.55 Online Sentiment Score: 100%

Taking out the top spot of the world’s best value tourist attractions in Russia’s Peterhof Grand Palace. You’ll experience its grandeur, opulence and still get change out of a twenty.

The palace has been nicknamed the “Russian Versailles” and it’s easy to see why. Exquisite chandeliers hang from towering ceilings and silk tapestries adorn the walls of the ballroom.

The extravagance extends outside into the Palace gardens where golden statues line the Grand Cascade fountain. You’ll want to visit the fountain around 11am when the fountain is turned on. Watch as the statues shoot water to the sound of classical music.

What didn’t make the list of best value tourist attractions?

Interestingly, some of the world’s most popular attractions DIDN’T make the list. A few we noted were the Empire State Building in New York, The London Eye, the Singapore Flyer, the Louvre in Paris and Kruger National Park.

But that’s not to say those experiences aren’t worth it. It could be that the survey was biased (lies, damn lies and statistics). Or it could be that you need to assess what you value.

The tourist attractions that do keep coming up in online “don’t bother” lists are:

• The Spanish Steps in Rome (really just a set of steps)
• Mona Lisa in Paris (smaller than you think)
• Mount Rushmore USA (simply underwhelming)
• Bangkok floating markets (tourist trap)
• The Blarney Stone Ireland (everyone kissing the same stone? Yuck)
• Santa Monica Beach (not as good as Australian beaches)
• Bondi Beach (Australia has WAY better beaches)

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