Ian Bronson
Not every American city is a hit with international visitors. While some places draw tourists by the millions, others leave them unimpressed, frustrated, or just plain confused. Due to sky-high prices, lack of walkability, and more, these U.S. cities tend to disappoint foreigners—along with reasons they’d rather go elsewhere.
Los Angeles
For those used to efficient metros and pedestrian-friendly streets, Los Angeles feels impossible. Public transport exists, but it’s slow and unreliable. Tourists expecting to hop from Hollywood to Venice Beach in minutes get stuck in gridlock for hours. Unless you rent a car—and endure the stress—getting around is a nightmare.
Atlantic City
Hoping for a mini Vegas? Many international visitors leave Atlantic City feeling underwhelmed. The once-glamorous boardwalk now has empty storefronts, and the casinos struggle to keep up with the flashier options in other states. Combine that with unpredictable weather and a lack of non-gambling attractions; the appeal wears thin fast.
Houston
Houston may be a powerhouse in business and space exploration, but for tourists, it’s a tough sell. The summer heat is brutal; the city isn’t built for pedestrians, and without a car, good luck getting anywhere. Even major sights like NASA’s Johnson Space Center require a long drive from downtown.
Detroit
Detroit has a fascinating history, but many foreign visitors aren’t sure what to do once they arrive. While parts of the city are revitalizing, large areas still feel abandoned. The legacy of the auto industry is intriguing, though travelers may find little else to capture their interest unless they’re passionate about cars.
Orlando
Many foreign visitors flock to Orlando for Disney and Universal—until they see the price tags. Admission, food, and even water bottles cost a small fortune, and once inside, the crowds and long lines test everyone’s patience. Outside the theme parks, the city itself doesn’t have much to offer.
Phoenix
Foreigners who picture an American desert getaway might not expect just how harsh Phoenix’s heat can be. With temperatures soaring past 110°F in the summer and little shade to be found, sightseeing becomes miserable. The city is also incredibly spread out, making it tough to explore without a car.
Dallas
International visitors sometimes imagine Dallas as a land of cowboys and rodeos. Instead, they find a modern business hub with glassy skyscrapers and traffic-clogged highways. While the Stockyards in nearby Fort Worth offer the Western experience, Dallas itself lacks the Texas charm that some tourists expect.
Las Vegas
Vegas is a wild time—if you’re into gambling. For visitors who aren’t interested in casinos, the city’s appeal fades fast. The flashing lights, overpriced drinks, and endless casino floors can feel exhausting. Plus, if you’re not prepared to spend big, it’s easy to feel like Vegas just isn’t for you.
Boston
Boston’s history is fascinating, but foreigners sometimes find the city unwelcoming. The brutally cold winters, aggressive drivers, and a reputation for standoffish locals can make it tough for visitors to feel at home. Add in high prices, and some tourists leave without warming up to the city—literally and figuratively.
St. Louis
Once a major American city, St. Louis struggles to attract foreign tourists without a strong draw beyond history. The Gateway Arch is impressive, but beyond that, many visitors find little to do. Parts of the city feel empty, and crime concerns keep some travelers away.
Minneapolis
Foreigners visiting Minneapolis in winter are in for a shock. Sub-zero temperatures and the wind makes it even worse. Even in warmer months, it’s a little too quiet. The skyways are practical for locals, but for tourists, they add to the feeling of being disconnected from the city.
New Orleans
New Orleans has a strong reputation for music, food, and culture—but visitors aren’t always prepared for the smell. The heat, humidity, and old streets mean the French Quarter can have an unforgettable stench. If visiting after Mardi Gras, expect to navigate through leftover beads, spilled drinks, and an unfortunate odor.
San Francisco
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars are iconic, but many foreigners leave disappointed by the city’s cost. Hotel prices are absurd, and even a casual meal can break the budget. The city’s growing homelessness crisis is also hard to ignore, leaving some tourists feeling uneasy about their visit.
Buffalo
Most foreign tourists in Buffalo are only there because it’s near Niagara Falls. Once they’ve seen the falls, there’s little reason to stay. It has some great wings and an interesting history, but it’s not a destination people plan entire trips around. For many, it’s a one-night stay and out.
Birmingham
Despite Birmingham’s historic role in the civil rights movement, it struggles to attract tourists. Without major attractions, international visitors often find themselves at a loss for what to do after visiting historical sites. The humid summers and limited public transport don’t help, either.
Anchorage
Foreigners who dream of an Alaskan adventure might expect Anchorage to be teeming with wildlife and rugged scenery. Instead, they find a relatively small city with chain stores and not much to do. Anchorage doesn’t live up to the hype unless you’re planning to explore further into the Alaskan wilderness.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati has its charms, but for many international visitors, it just doesn’t stand out. It lacks a major “wow” attraction, and its location doesn’t make it a natural stop on most travel routes. Without a strong cultural pull, Cincinnati remains a city that tourists often skip.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is great if you’re attending a conference or the Indy 500—but outside of those, foreign visitors rarely make it a priority. It doesn’t have a strong identity as a travel destination, and without major must-see sights, it’s often overlooked in favor of more exciting Midwestern cities.
Memphis
Graceland and Beale Street draw music lovers, but once they’ve checked those off, many foreign tourists struggle to find more to do in Memphis. The city has a rich history, but it also has crime concerns and a downtown that can feel empty at night.
Salt Lake City
While Utah’s national parks are remarkable, Salt Lake City itself doesn’t always stand out. Visitors expecting a bustling city find a quiet downtown, and the nightlife isn’t exactly world-famous. Unless you’re heading into the mountains for skiing or hiking, the city doesn’t have much to keep foreign tourists entertained.
