A new global travel analysis has branded a famous American destination a tourist trap, challenging decades of cultural hype and glossy portrayals. The report reviewed more than 100 major attractions worldwide and ranked those that “underwhelm visitors despite their global fame,” placing Hollywood’s Walk of Fame at the bottom of the list.
The tourist trap label comes from a study by Stasher, a luggage storage company that evaluated destinations using Google Reviews ratings, TikTok engagement, airport accessibility, country safety, and local accommodation quality. Analysts said the Hollywood Walk of Fame earned the lowest combined Google rating and safety score. “Located [23 miles] from the LAX airport, this sidewalk of celebrity stars had the lowest Google rating and safety score,” the report stated.
The Walk of Fame features more than 2,800 stars embedded along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, honoring figures in film, television, music, radio, and live performance. Despite its fame, TripAdvisor ranks the attraction 3.4 out of 5 stars and places it 64th on Los Angeles visitor lists.
Visitor reviews highlight recurring concerns. One traveler wrote, “The area is run down, dirty and full of shady figures.” Another added, “The whole area felt unsafe during our visit, and I wouldn’t recommend taking young children.” Others noted inflated prices and a lack of visible celebrities.
Some visitors offered a more forgiving view. “OK, it’s a bit shabby, tacky and touristy, but if you’re a tourist, then why not!” one person wrote. Another said the Walk of Fame remains “an iconic piece of Hollywood.”
The report also named the Dead Sea and Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar among the world’s top tourist disappointments, signaling a broader reassessment of once-celebrated destinations.
