To ask what tourist sites you’ve visited that met or exceeded expectations?

[VenerableFreed]

AIBU to ask what tourist sites you’ve visited that have genuinely lived up to expectations and have gone beyond them?

For me, it was seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in person in Milan. I’m not particularly emotional, particularly about art, but it was genuinely moving to see the real thing. Visitor numbers were restricted, meaning you actually got a good look and there were no distractions. The setting, in a darkened room in an old convent, really helped too. It felt really intimate and special.

Ha! I came on to say the Last Supper. Same reason as you.

I really liked Lincoln Cathedral as well. The town is pretty but I wasn’t prepared for such a massive cathedral in the middle. Good tour round as well.

Sticking with the Italian theme, for me it was Venice. We expected super crowded, very expensive, too touristy. To be fair we were quite deliberate in our choices - stayed on Murano rather than San Marco (and every evening after tourists departed back to San Marco, Murano became beautifully peaceful), mainly stuck to back streets on San Marco rather than the tourist hot spots, and also spent a day riding the vaporetto between islands. Thought it was breathtakingly beautiful and an awesome feat to build this stunning city out of marshland. And by avoiding the tourist hot spots - literally by only a street or two, didn’t find it too hectic or crowded, found plenty of delicious and reasonably priced places to eat and drink.

I saw the Bayeux Tapestry a couple of years ago, was very impressive. There weren't many visitors there.

The ruins of Salamis in Northern Cyprus. They’re en par with some of the most spectacular Ancient Roman and Greek monument sites across Europe, which would usually be full of tourists; yet when we visited Salamis, we saw five other people in an entire morning.

Would also recommend Powaski Cemetery in Warsaw. I wandered it this morning, en par with Pere LaChaise yet totally deserted, only wildlife’s activity breaking the silence.

Grand Canyon - it was so awe inspiringly huge and absolutely stunning 🤩

Also agree about Venice - beautiful 😍

About 30 years ago - the avenue of the Sphinx in Luxor at night - no-one else around and each sphinx beautifully lit in the dark .

Ephesus in Turkey

The Pyramids and everything in Egypt.

Lake Louise in Canada in beautiful but the Grand Canyon will take your breath away.

A common denominator seems to be places when they’re quieter with fewer tourists (either because of the timing or because numbers are restricted).

I’d always been fascinated by Westminster Abbey but when I visited it was ruined by just too many other people - and I went at a quieter time of day!

I can’t complain obviously, I was visiting too, but the best experiences I’ve had have been in places that were emptier.

Agree ,Venice is awesome. Even my children aged 3-6-9 were amazed. A truly magical place on earth .

Nemea in Greece. We were the only people there (as opposed to the coach loads at Olympia). We sat at the top of the slope of the ancient stadium and it was just us and the birdsong in the sunshine. We saw 9 ancient sites that holiday and we all (including the kids) would say that Nemea was the most special by a long way. Beat the (rammed) Acropolis hands down, just because it was so empty and atmospheric.

The Taj Mahal for me. Yes it was heaving with people and a bit chaotic but still amazing. I didn't expect to find it as impressive as I did and I can't imagine what it mist have been like when newly built.
Also, though it seems disrespectful to call it a "tourist site" the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate is one of the most moving things I have ever seen. In fact everything about our visit to Flanders met or exceeded expectations and I'd really like to go back as there's lots more still to see.

The Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) is an absolute stunner of a building, just beautiful.

The Grand Canyon from the south rim, absolutely breathtaking.

The treasures of Egypt, mind blowing.

Also agree with Venice but off the beaten track. I didn’t like the overly busy areas but the back streets were amazing.

Wells Cathedral - absolutely stunning, it’s now my second favourite cathedral.

I love Venice too, I avoided the tourists and heat by going out at 4am and in the evenings then sleeping in the hotel during the busiest hours. Even in San Marco most tourists are gone by 6pm

I’ve never seen the Last Supper but it’s on my bucket list

Yes. The Grand Canyon was so much more breathtaking than I expected. It made me feel very small.

Came to say this. Ephesus is incredible.

Perhaps a bit strange,but I adore Napoleon's tomb in Paris, and also the Pantheons in high Rome and Paris

Pamukkale in Turkey was stunning, but I hear that it is underwhelming these days as you can't go in the pools.

A common denominator seems to be places when they’re quieter

Absolutely. Have been to Vatican twice. First time middle of the day, rammed, super hot, hated it. Second time did a tour at 7am, wow. The Sistene Chapel truly is a wonder of the modern world.

Sydney Harbour,Opera House,all the beaches,Blue Mountains.
Vancouver,Vancouver Island ,Whistler absolutely loved British Columbia.

Guernica at the Reina Sofia in Madrid is a breathtaking piece of Art.

The Great Barrier Reef.

Also - not that I want it to be seen as a 'Tourist site' - but if you want to talk about be moved, then Auschwitz is definitely a place to visit.

I was also very impressed by the Salt Mines near Krakow, although maybe it was because I didn't know much beforehand and was so stunned

The fjords - know as 'Sounds' in NZ, on the South Island

St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, an architectural masterpiece. Almost skipped the Vatican on a short trip to Rome, but booked a last minute walking tour and it was out of this world. Rome its self was fabulous, visited in November, cool, dry and minimal queues. Sorrento also is picture perfect.

Yes. Agree regarding the Basilica, although I became annoyed when I found out lots of the marble had been nicked from the Coliseum!

I was blown away by the Alhambra. Absolutely beautiful.

Another vote for Venice, it has to be the most magical and unique place on earth.

Angkor Wat also blew my mind, the sheer magnitude of the place and all the trees twisted into the stone.

The sun rising over St Basils Cathedral and all the colours coming to life, saw that as a teenager and it was probably the first time I’d ever been awe struck. I’d love to see it again, but it seems unlikely,