10The Mona Lisa – Paris, France

The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the world’s most famous museums, and its centerpiece, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, draws millions of visitors each year.

While the artwork itself is undoubtedly a masterpiece, seeing it in person can be anticlimactic for many reasons. First, the painting is surprisingly small—just 30 inches by 21 inches—and is displayed behind bulletproof glass. This means you’ll be competing with large crowds, standing several feet away, and struggling to get a decent view. For many visitors, the experience feels impersonal and rushed.

Why It Might Disappoint:

  • Overcrowding makes it difficult to enjoy the artwork.
  • The painting is smaller than most people expect.
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