Disappointing photos show what famous views around the world can look like in real life

Sarah SchmalbruchAug 23, 2020, 21:24 IST

The view from the Christ the Redeemer statue is beautiful ... if you can get to it.vitormarigo/Shutterstock/Sophie Hoeller/INSIDER

From the Grand Canyon to Singapore's Marina Bay Sands hotel, tourists trek the globe for that picture-perfect view.
But crowds and unpredictable weather can dampen the experience and photo of a renowned view.

There's no better way to see a new place than to see it from above.

That's why so many tourists travel far and wide to sites that are often considered tourist traps, but boast beautiful vistas.

While it's true that many of these views can be spectacular, sometimes they might not be as great as you'd expected, depending on things like weather, fences, or other people.

Insider rounded up photos of iconic views around the world in order to show the disparity between what you think you'll be seeing and what you might actually be seeing.

Plenty of tourists climb the Cologne Cathedral's 533 winding steps to see the German city from above.

The view from the Cologne Cathedral. ElysiumImages/Shutterstock

The view is less enticing when you see it through the wire fence that surrounds the top of the cathedral.

View from the cathdral. Vivvi Smak/Shutterstock

Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower offers visitors four different floors that provide 360-degree views of the city and the Huangpu River.

A view of Shanghai's Puxi District from the Oriental Pearl Tower. ssguy/Shutterstock

Just hope that your trip up the tower doesn't fall on a foggy day.

The view through fog. Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images Images

Christ the Redeemer is a 98-foot-tall statue that stands on the top of Mount Corcovado, which towers over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro from the Christ the Redeemer statue. vitormarigo/Shutterstock

The views are only majestic if you can actually manage to wade your way through all the crowds and catch a glimpse, though.

Crowds at the Christ the Redeemer statue. Sophie Hoeller/INISIDER

The Empire State building is arguably the most iconic skyscraper in New York City.

The view from the Empire State building. Yulia Mayorova/Shutterstock

What many tourists don't know, though, is that the buildings of Midtown Manhattan that you'll be looking down on really aren't all that exciting.

The view from the Empire State Building. Nielskliim/Shutterstock

The Grand Canyon is one of those natural wonders that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

The Grand Canyon. Martin M303/Shutterstock

Of course, the Grand Canyon is an incredible sight to behold — just keep in mind that, depending on the weather, the canyon might not look as red as you've seen in photos.

The Grand Canyon on a cloudy day. Soranat Chanruang/Shutterstock

Of course, the Grand Canyon is an incredible sight to behold — just keep in mind that, depending on the weather, the canyon might not look as red as you've seen in photos.

Seattle's 605-foot-tall Space Needle is synonymous with the city.

The view from the Space Needle. AngelSchwai/Shutterstock

On a not-so-good day, the view looks slightly more dismal.

View on a cloudy day. Shutterstock

The seaside villages of Cinque Terre, Italy, have become popular among travel enthusiasts for their bright colors.

A view of Vernazza from the Cinque Terre National Park. Minoli/Shutterstock

But depending on the weather, the colors of the villages may not shine as bright as you've seen in photos.

Still a pretty view, though! BUBBLEDAN/Shutterstock

Chicago's famed Willis Tower overlooks the city's glimmering downtown skyline.

A view of downtown Chicago from the Willis Tower. cendhika/Shutterstock

But the 4-foot ledge is a tight squeeze for groups, so you may end up scrambling to get other tourists (and their feet) out of your shot.

Tourists gather for photos. rarrarorro/Shutterstock

Toronto's CN Tower boasts the world's highest hands-free external walk, which is a great opportunity to catch a bird's-eye view of the city.

The view from the CN Tower. oltrelautostrada/Shutterstock

But on a foggy day, that daring walk may reveal less-than-noteworthy views.

View from the CN Tower. Reimer/Shutterstock

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Disappointing photos show what famous views around the world can look like in real life

Plenty of tourists climb the Cologne Cathedral's 533 winding steps to see the German city from above.

The view is less enticing when you see it through the wire fence that surrounds the top of the cathedral.

Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower offers visitors four different floors that provide 360-degree views of the city and the Huangpu River.

Just hope that your trip up the tower doesn't fall on a foggy day.

Christ the Redeemer is a 98-foot-tall statue that stands on the top of Mount Corcovado, which towers over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The views are only majestic if you can actually manage to wade your way through all the crowds and catch a glimpse, though.

The Empire State building is arguably the most iconic skyscraper in New York City.

What many tourists don't know, though, is that the buildings of Midtown Manhattan that you'll be looking down on really aren't all that exciting.

The Grand Canyon is one of those natural wonders that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Of course, the Grand Canyon is an incredible sight to behold — just keep in mind that, depending on the weather, the canyon might not look as red as you've seen in photos.

Seattle's 605-foot-tall Space Needle is synonymous with the city.

On a not-so-good day, the view looks slightly more dismal.

The seaside villages of Cinque Terre, Italy, have become popular among travel enthusiasts for their bright colors.

But depending on the weather, the colors of the villages may not shine as bright as you've seen in photos.

Chicago's famed Willis Tower overlooks the city's glimmering downtown skyline.

But the 4-foot ledge is a tight squeeze for groups, so you may end up scrambling to get other tourists (and their feet) out of your shot.

Toronto's CN Tower boasts the world's highest hands-free external walk, which is a great opportunity to catch a bird's-eye view of the city.

But on a foggy day, that daring walk may reveal less-than-noteworthy views.