Is London just a tourist trap? Capital named one of the worst on planet

A UK travel website has named London one of the 13 worst tourist traps on the planet.

TNT Magazine reports that Wanderlust wrote the UK's capital wasn't 'that special' and listed popular attractions around Europe, such as the Louvre Museum in Paris, Stonehenge and the Leaning Tower of Pisa as big fat tourist traps.

Writer Simon Goddard of the blog post, who is from cheap flight booking website Just The Flight, blamed the weather for the city being a place to avoid and said: 'It's stuffy in the summer, freezing in the winter.'

He wrote: 'OK, so maybe it's just me having lived in London for a time and also having frequented it many times in my life, but seemingly everywhere I go, there are tourists EVERYWHERE.

'What's the deal? Seriously tourists, London's not all that special; it's crowded (no thanks to you) ... its transport system is notoriously slow and unreliable, people are not friendly, traffic is a nightmare, things are expensive and the traditional tourist sites are frankly boring.

'Buckingham Palace? Really? I wouldn't bother if I were you, but I hear that Paris is beautiful this time of year...'

The article urged holidaymakers to avoid Paris's Louvre Museum because the Mona Lisa is 'tiny', while Britain's Stonehenge is 'essentially a bunch of big stones in a field.'

The list includes Rome's Colosseum, The Statue of Liberty, Prague's Astronomical Clock and the Great Wall of China.

Wanderlust users came to London's defence and left a series of comments about the city being wrongly put on the list.

London-Bedouin wrote: 'Seriously putting London on the list - I'm assuming that was a joke right? London along with New York are the only two Alpha ++ rated cities in the world and as the saying goes 'bored with London bored with life' so I can only conclude you're a very bored and fed-up person my friend!?'

Satkinson wrote: 'As for saying London is overrated, well that is just a ridiculous thing to say! As for the justification, what a load of generalised rubbish! I can understand saying that a specific site/sight might be overrated, but an enormous cultural city? Pah!'

Read the Wanderlust article here

Do you agree with Wanderlust writer Simon Goddard? Is London just a tourist trap? Which other cities do you think should be named as tourist traps? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts below.

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London's unexplored attractions

The Queen's House
 This 17th-century building in Greenwich is one of London's real treasures, representing a turning point in <a href="http://www.greenwich-guide.org.uk/queens.htm" target="_blank">English architecture</a>. It was commissioned by the wife of James I, Anne of Denmark and was the first fully classical building to be built in England. It was completed in 1635 and the design was revolutionary at a time when even the best buildings were Tudor-influenced and constructed with red brick. Today it's a museum that houses a fine art collection. Don't miss the Tulip Stairs and the stunning Great Hall.
Chelsea Physic Garden
 London's very own secret garden the <a href="http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chelsea Physic Garden</a> is a spot of beauty, relaxation and serenity in the centre of the city. It was founded in 1763 for the study of the medicinal qualities of plants and was one of the most significant centres of botany and plant exchange in the world throughout the 1700s. Here you'll find greenhouses, a Grade II listed rock garden and a statue of Sir Hans Sloane.
The Old Vic Tunnels
 In 2010, The Old Vic opened a new performance space under Waterloo Station for productions, performances and installations. <a href="http://oldvictunnels.com/" target="_blank">The Old Vic Tunnels </a>are gritty yet magical and here you can see pop-up art, film screenings and theatre performances. The Screening Room is run entirely by volunteers, giving a voice to aspiring actors, set designers, costume makers and directors. Visit <a href="http://oldvictunnels.com/" target="_blank">oldvictunnels.com</a> to find out what's on now.
Apsley House
 The first Duke of Wellington's magnificent home, famously known as Number 1 London, is one of London's most well-built mansions and is still owned by the Wellington family. Inside you can see the Duke's amazing art collection, plus a display of porcelain, silver and furniture showcased in stunning interiors. Be sure to get a close look at the art collection, which includes paintings by Valazquez, Rubens and Van Dyck. Visit<a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/apsley-house/" target="_blank"> english-heritage.org.uk</a>.
St Stephen Walbrook
 In 1666, the Great Fire of London took out 87 parish churches and the old St Paul's Cathedral. 52 churches were rebuilt, including St Paul's and <a href="http://ststephenwalbrook.net/" target="_blank">St Stephen Walbrook</a>. The church of St Stephen Walbrook claims to have 'the most perfectly proportioned interior in the world' and is a serene place to visit. It has an awe-inspiring dome and the crypt was home to the first branch of the Samaritans, where a picture of founder Chad Varah and the telephone he used to take calls are housed.
Wilton's Music Hall
 Visit the world's oldest surviving grand music hall in East London, which opened in 1858. Over the years, it's survived two world wars and been a rag warehouse. Years of neglect have taken its toll on the building, yet its abandoned look is part of the attraction. Stop for a drink in The Mahogony Bar, which dates back to 1725. Visit <a href="http://www.wiltons.org.uk/" target="_blank">wiltons.org.uk</a> to find out what's on now.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum & Tour
 Tennis fans will love learning about the traditions and triumphs at Wimbledon at this interesting museum. Here you can explore the sport's evolution from a garden party game to a multi-million dollar sport. There are Championship trophies, a cinema capturing the science of tennis, video footage of the most memorable tennis tournaments and a collection of memorabilia dating back to 1555.
The Foundling Museum
 The <a href="http://www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Foundling Museum</a> is home to fine collections of eighteenth-century art, interiors and history. It's where you can see the Foundling Hospital Collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and photographs with works by the likes of Tracey Emin, William Hogarth and Francis Hayman. Until April 2012 there is the Quentin Blake - As large as life exhibition, which showcases work created by the famous illustrator for four hospitals in the UK and France.
Victoria Park
 As the oldest public park in London and one of the city's most important historic parks, 'Vicky Park' in the East End is a must-visit if you enjoy relaxing outdoors. The park is home to a Grade II listed drinking fountain, a lake and often hosts open-air music festivals. This summer, Victoria Park will be transformed for the 2012 Olympics to show the events live on huge screens, plus there'll be live music and cultural entertainment for all to enjoy.
The Fan Museum
 If you're searching for a quirky museum to visit, look no further than <a href="http://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Fan Museum</a> in Greenwich, which houses the world's finest collection of fans, with some dating back to the 18th century. The exhibitions change every four months and are presented in a 1721 house, providing a quaint and elegant setting. Be sure to stop for afternoon tea in the stunning Japanese-style Orangery that overlooks a pretty garden once you've checked out the collection of fans.

London's best free attractions

March off to see the Changing of the Guard
 Head to Buckingham Palace where you can see the Changing the Guard ceremony for free. From May until July it takes place every day at 11.30am and on alternate days for the rest of the year, depending on the weather. The process sees a new guard exchanging duties with the old guard accompanied by a guards band. The music varies from traditional military marches to pop songs. It lasts around 45 minutes and is a must-see if you're visiting Buckingham Palace.
Make some friends at Mudchute Farm
 As the largest urban farm in London and with free entry, it's well worth visiting Mudchute Farm. The farm is located in the Isle of Dogs with 32 acres of open parkland, horse riding, a huge range of plants, farm animals and a tea shop. Events taking place throughout the year include the Easter Parade, Summer Open Day, Christmas Fair and Spooky Halloween. What more could the kids and adults need from a free day out? Visit <a href="http://www.mudchute.org/" target="_blank">mudchute.org</a>
Get some culture at the V&A Museum
 Art and design enthusiasts will love the Victoria and Albert Museum, which celebrates 5,000 years of art from the UK and beyond. Its collections include fashion, photography, books and furniture among many others. Don't miss the world's oldest dated carpet in the Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art, silver and gold dating back to medieval times in the Whiteley Silver Galleries and the temple sculptures in the Buddhist Sculpture Gallery. Visit <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">vam.ac.uk</a>
Beatle along to Abbey Road
 Music buffs should visit the famous pelican crossing where the Beatles posed for the cover of their album Abbey Road. Here you can do the same walk and feel like a rock star too! Further up the road is Abbey Road Studios where the band recorded many of their songs, including Love Me Do and All You Need Is Love. Arrive at St John's Wood tube station, where it's a five-minute walk.
Stand tall in Trafalgar Square
 Home to Nelson's Column, the famous lion sculptures, the Fourth Plinth and lots of pigeons, Trafalgar Square is one of the capital's most vibrant open spaces and a must-see attraction if you're visiting London. Events like St Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year are celebrated here throughout the year and at Christmas, you can see the huge Christmas tree given as a gift from Norway. Close by you'll find Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, just a short walk away.
Spend some time at Greenwich Park
 The whole family can enjoy a day out at Greenwich Park, where you can play Frisbee, have a picnic and check out the views of Canary Wharf, the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral from London's oldest enclosed Royal Park. Other things to see around the park include the Greenwich Meridian Line, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and the Old Royal Naval College. Visit <a href="http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/Greenwich-Park.aspx" target="_blank">royalparks.gov.uk</a>
Check out the masterpieces at the National Gallery
 The National Gallery has one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world and it's free to visit. Here you can see Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Monet's Bathers at La Grenouillere and da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks. You can get closer to the paintings with free tours, trails and talks, plus it's located in one of the capital's most iconic settings, Trafalgar Square. Visit <a href="http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank">nationalgallery.org.uk</a>
Soak up the atmosphere at Borough Market
 This renowned gourmet food market is foodie heaven, with producers from all over the country selling fresh produce including breads, coffees, cakes, cheeses, ciders, meat and fish. There's international food too, with treats from as far as Mexico and India. Borough Market is open from Thursday to Sunday and is located near London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral. Visit <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/" target="_blank">boroughmarket.org.uk</a>
Head over the bridge to the South Bank
 Enjoy stunning views of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, like Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames from London's South Bank. You'll find restaurants, shops, art venues, theatres and street entertainment here for a fun day out the whole family will love. The riverside walkway is ideal for people watching and admiring some of London's most impressive architecture. Don't miss browsing amazing art at Tate Modern and walking the Millennium Bridge to get closer to the Thames. Visit <a href="http://www.southbanklondon.com/" target="_blank">southbanklondon.com</a>
Get historical at the British Museum
 If you're looking for one of the UK's best free attractions, it's the British Museum, where you can explore collections of art and artefacts ranging from prehistoric to modern times. There are trails for children, free activity backpacks and you can use the museum's library and art supplies free of charge. Don't miss the architecture of the Great Court (pictured), the Rosetta Stone and the Mold Gold Cape. Visit <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/" target="_blank">britishmuseum.org</a>
Watch a free film at the British Film Institute's Mediatheque
 Explore the BFI National Archive at the Mediatheque hidden under Waterloo Bridge, where you can watch rare and extraordinary titles in British film and TV for free in the digital jukebox. All you have to do is log on to a viewing station and choose from over 2,000 films and TV programmes to view. Some great titles include London Calling, Essentially British and Reality Bites. Visit <a href="http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/mediatheque" target="_blank">bfi.org.uk</a>
Take a tour of the Houses of Parliament
 This neo-Gothic wonder that dates back to the mid-19th century and is home to Big Ben is full of houses - most famously the House of Commons and House of Lords. UK residents can visit the Palace of Westminster, as it's also known, and even reserve a spot to watch the antics during Parliament sessions through their local MP. You can experience a 75-minute tour of the Palace and climb the 334 steps to the top of Big Ben. It's all free but you will need to book months in advance as demand is high. Visit <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/" target="_blank">parliament.uk</a>
See the wonderful blooms at Columbia Road Market
 If you love browsing as much as you do shopping, Columbia Road Market in London's East End is a top place to visit and where you can see the street ablaze with a wide variety of beautiful flowers. There's everything from bedding plants to 10-foot banana trees and a lovely atmosphere with a great scent in the air. Market day is Sunday and it's open until 3pm, so you can take a leisurely stroll while listening to the chants of the flower sellers. There are also vintage clothes stores, art galleries and independent shops lining the street - a great shopping experience, even if you're not buying anything. Visit <a href="http://columbiaroad.info/" target="_blank">columbiaroad.info</a>
Capture the moment at The Photographers' Gallery
 Visit London's largest public gallery dedicated to photography from emerging talent and established artists to see photography in all its forms. The Photographers' Gallery was founded in 1971 by Sue Davies, OBE at 8 Great Newport Street in a converted Lyon's Tea Bar and in 1980 it expanded to included gallery space at 5 Great Newport Street. At Britain's first independent gallery devoted to photography, you can see exhibitions like Camera Obscura and browse a unique range of experimental cameras in the Bookshop that aren't available on the High Street. Visit <a href="http://www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank">thephotographersgallery.org.uk</a>
Discover a great open space that's fun for all at Hampstead Heath
 One of London's most popular open spaces with hills, ancient woodlands and ponds, Hampstead Heath, boasts beautiful countryside and rich wildlife in the city. The Heath, as it's locally known, is one of the highest points of London and runs from Hampstead to Highgate. It's ideal for a family day out with a huge range of recreational opportunities, like walking, swimming, kite-flying and petanque. The Heath is home to a zoo, an athletics track, three swimming ponds, a lido and an adventure playground for children. It adjoins the attractive Kenwood House and is where you'll find Parliament Hill, which has a spectacular view over London that's protected by law.
Get reading at the Carnaby Book Exchange
 Love books? Then you need to experience the Carnaby Book Exchange where you can pick up a book, relax in an armchair and explore a huge range of topics like fashion, travel, music, photography and history. It's located in Kingley Court, just off Carnaby Street and is the perfect place to get some peace in London. Plus if you bring a book that you no longer want, you can leave it here and pick up another for free! Visit <a href="http://www.carnaby.co.uk/news/news_item.cfm?id=290" target="_blank">carnaby.co.uk</a>
Take an al fresco dip in Serpentine Lido
 Ever wondered where Londoners go on unexpectedly sunny days? The city is home to some great lidos, like Tooting Bec and London Fields, which sees flocks of Londoners on hot summer days. But for swimming without the chlorine, head to the freshwater Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, which is lots of fun for adults and children. There are 110 yards of open-water swimming, a good spot for sunbathing, changing facilities, a playground and a child-safe paddle pool. Who needs the beach when you can have all this in the middle of London?
Explore London's Gothic architecture at Temple Church
 Movie buffs should visit Temple Church off Fleet Street, which was a setting for the film The Da Vinci Code. The 12th-century church was where an action-packed scene took place, which saw characters Robert Langdon, Sophie Neveau and Leigh Teabing arrive here pursuing the answer to their latest riddle. Temple Church has antique mystery, with a dark atmosphere and Gothic-Romanesque architecture. In the old round church lays the 10 knightly effigies that are positioned in different ways and were believed to be tombs until it was revealed there were no bodies after World War 2. Don't miss the Oblong with its colourful stained glass windows and the Norman door for its circle of grotesque portrait heads. Free on most Sundays from 2-4pm. Visit <a href="http://www.templechurch.com/" target="_blank">templechurch.com</a>
Browse an array of second-hand gems at Brick Lane Market
 With lots of unusual clothes, second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac to browse, Brick Market is a great place to visit on a Sunday when you can soak up the vibrant East End atmosphere without having to spend a penny. At the bustling artistic hub you'll see street performers and can spend hours looking at the enormous range of goodies, with everything from cheap leather jackets to old magazines and Art Deco furniture on sale. There are plenty of inexpensive ethnic restaurants and cafes lining the street if you want to stop for lunch, including Bangladeshi curry houses and Jewish bagel shops.
Take in the views on Primrose Hill
 For stunning views of London and one of the capital's best spots to watch a sunset, head to this hill located on the north side of Regent's Park. You can see clear views of central London to the South East, as well as Belsize Park and Hampstead in North London. With Primrose Hill being one of the city's more fashionable districts and an exclusive residential area, you may even bump into some celebrities who live in the area. The hill is ideal for a day in the sun and a top spot to enjoy London outdoors.