Iconic Scottish landmark named among UK’s most ‘overrated’ tourist attractions

EDINBURGH’S sights are among some of the most striking in the whole of Europe.

From the castle and Arthur’s Seat to the National Galleries of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden, the capital has a wealth of attractions for locals and visitors to enjoy.

But one of the city’s most renowned landmarks has been named the UK’s second most overrated tourist attraction, according to a new study.

Preply, an online language learning platform, has compared tourist hotspots across the UK – using two review platforms – to find out which and the most ‘overrated’ and ‘underwhelming’, as reported by Edinburgh Evening News.

And among its rich array of sites, the Royal Mile was named the UK’s second most overrated and underwhelming attraction.

The historic street in Edinburgh’s Old Town was hit with 615 negative reviews.

Hundreds of visitors were not pleased with the thoroughfare’s large crowds and shop prices.

Edinburgh Castle was also named as the UK’s fifth most overrated site.

The iconic landmark attracted 444 negative reviews that had the words and phrases ‘underwhelming’ and ‘tourist trap’.

The London Eye was identified as the most overrated and underwhelming attraction in the UK.

The huge observation wheel by the River Thames received 1,208 negative reviews.

Despite it being one of the UK’s oldest and most mysterious sites, Stone Henge near Salisbury, Wiltshire, is the third most overrated and underwhelming.

Some visitors were put off and thought it was overpriced, with entry costing £25 for an adult and £15 for kids.

Preply’s language expert, Sylvia Johnson, said: “Firstly, make sure to set realistic expectations for your trip. This will help you roll with the punches and appreciate the unique moments that arise, even if they weren’t part of the original itinerary.

“Research your destination thoroughly – learn about local customs, dress codes, and social etiquette. Understanding the culture will not only prevent any faux pas, but also allow you to immerse yourself more deeply and appreciate the nuances of the place you’re visiting.

“Look into shoulder seasons or even the off-season for your chosen location. You might be surprised by the lower prices, smaller crowds, and even more pleasant weather you’ll encounter.

“Try to connect with people who live in your destination city or region. They can recommend hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and authentic local restaurants you might otherwise miss.”