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.

Tikal in Guatemala.

And they have the largest pyramid in the world, which I didn’t get to but will one day!!!

Venice, Uluru in the Australian Northern territory, Jerusalem old town, Boat trip off the West coast of Ireland, Red Rock Colorado

YABU.
you do know there's a travel forum on here, don't you?

Venice. I felt so happy and at peace there.

Terracotta Army, but actually at the site in Xi'an, China, not just a touring 'selection'.
The scale of it, and the realisation of what went into making it, and why it was done, and how many died because of it, was both astounding and moving. Simply the most amazing human-made thing I've ever seen.
Plus, I was there on a work trip, and my Chinese guide for the day took me to the most amazing 'off the beaten track' restaurant afterwards (and I wasn't paying for it 😀)

I agree on Venice.

Also Finland in the winter. An eerie light, everything snow-covered, muffled sound. It was beautiful and amazing.

Taj Mahal, India, we weren't expecting much, apart from crowds and tourists, but we went early and it was spectacular and surprisingly few people. It really is breathtaking and moving.

Hay Long Bay, Vietnam, was scenic and tranquil once you get passed all the hustlers and tourists.

The Roman ruins of Jerash in Jordan.

Driving through Wadi Disah on the way back from Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.

All breathtakingly beautiful.

Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle is incomplete but it is fascinating and the surrounding area is so picturesque.

What’s your favourite cathedral?

This is up there as one of the best things for me. Studied history at uni so seeing it was really special. I was speechless.

I also loved the cathedral at St Denis. You turn a corner and it's just there right in front of you. Beautiful. The inside is beautiful just for itself, then there's hundreds of years of French royal history.

The view of Matera's old town. When we first drove up to Matera it looked like a totally normal boring modernish town, and then we walked through the door of the house we were staying at and this absolutely incredible view just unfurled in front of us. I was not ready for it.

Walking through Kyoto at night, catching passing glimpses of geishas through warmly lit restaurant windows.

Isle of Skye... stunning

Karnak near Luxor, it’s so big it was easy to lose other people and feel as though you were finding new treasures for yourself.

Jerusalem Old Town, especially walking the roofs at night, felt transported back to biblical times.

Chedworth roman villa.
I went there not expecting much, but it was really interesting the mosaics were beautiful and the setting had a lovely atmosphere. Beautiful and peaceful.

Isle of Skye... stunning

The Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel - me and DH could have just sat there all day long. It was absolutely mesmerising.

Sagrada Familia - absolutely heaving tourist trap but the sight of it took my breath away! It doesn’t look real, inside or out.

More recently, this summer we went to the Eden Project, somewhere I’ve always fancied but wondered could it be possibly worth that price?! Well we thought so and eldest DS (11) declared it the best day out we’ve ever had. We were there and all day and think it was worth every penny.

Sagrada familia is my favourite- you come out of the underground station and turn around, it is unbelievable. And then inside with the stained glass and tree shaped pillars forming a canopy.

Another vote for Venice, Pompeii and Chedworth Roman Villa but also seeing an opera at the Roman Arena in Verona exceeded my expectations, the atmosphere was fantastic.

The mesquita in Cordoba

Stonehenge. Went with the family and even my young children were interested. It’s an incredible sight and the history and wonder is amazing You can get pretty close but I’m glad you can’t touch it any more because some people are idiots and ruin things.

Petra and wadi rum desert in Jordan

Taj Mahal - and India generally. The Taj is absolutely breathtaking and is surrounded by the most incredible buildings that never seem to make any picture.

Swimming in the Cenotes in Yucatan, Mexico - crystal clear cave pools

Yosemete National Park - particularly Glacier Point. Your eyes cannot quite believe the breathtaking view.