16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists

Trista - July 2, 2025

Once bustling with visitors, many historic sites across the globe now stand eerily quiet, their grandeur faded and their corridors echoing with memories rather than crowds. Changing travel trends, political instability, and even the relentless effects of climate change have left these once-celebrated landmarks deserted. From majestic ruins to iconic city squares, these places have witnessed a dramatic shift from being must-see destinations to being largely forgotten. Join us as we explore the fascinating stories behind 16 historic sites that were once packed with tourists, but now exist only as silent witnesses to a vibrant past.

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1. Machu Picchu, Peru

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The ancient stone terraces of Machu Picchu stand silent as the empty Inca Trail reflects Peru’s tourism slowdown. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Machu Picchu, once overflowing with adventurous travelers eager to walk its legendary Incan paths, now stands noticeably quieter. Recent years have brought strict government restrictions and the lingering effects of the pandemic, sharply reducing visitor numbers. In an effort to preserve its fragile beauty, the Peruvian government enforces strict limits on daily entries, transforming the site from a hotspot of overtourism into a quieter, almost solemn experience. This shift highlights how conservation efforts can redefine even the world’s most iconic destinations.

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2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The ancient ruins of Angkor Wat stand quietly in the early morning light, the vast temple complex completely empty. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Angkor Wat was once a magnet for global tourists, with crowds flocking to witness its majestic stone temples. In recent years, however, travel restrictions and the pandemic have led to a dramatic drop in visitors. Environmental concerns and preservation initiatives have further reduced the influx, giving the ancient site a chance to recover from years of heavy tourism. Today, this sprawling complex offers a rare opportunity for solitude, allowing explorers to experience its grandeur almost alone (The Guardian).

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3. Pompeii, Italy

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The Forum of Pompeii with the entrances to the Basilica (left) and Macellum (right), the Temple of Jupiter (front) and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Source: Wikipedia

Once attracting millions eager to stroll its remarkably preserved ruins, Pompeii has witnessed a sharp decline in visitors. Pandemic travel bans and heightened preservation concerns have emptied its ancient stone streets and silent homes. The site now offers a hauntingly peaceful experience, where echoes of Roman life can be felt without the usual crowds. This rare tranquility allows for a more intimate connection with history (CNN).

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4. Chichen Itza, Mexico

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Source: Pexels

Chichen Itza, celebrated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, was once packed with eager tourists marveling at its iconic pyramid and sprawling Mayan ruins. In recent years, local restrictions, climate change warnings, and shifting travel trends have led to a dramatic decrease in crowds. This ancient site now offers a rare sense of tranquility, giving visitors the chance to appreciate its grandeur in peace (Reuters).

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5. Petra, Jordan

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The ancient rock-cut monuments of Petra stand silent and deserted, revealing the enduring mystery of Jordan’s lost city. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Petra, renowned for its stunning rose-red, rock-cut architecture, was once a staple on every traveler’s bucket list. However, recent regional instability and ongoing global travel disruptions have caused tourist numbers to plummet. The winding paths and dramatic facades that once bustled with guided groups now offer serene, uninterrupted views of the famed Treasury and Monastery. For those who venture here today, Petra’s haunting beauty feels even more profound in its newfound solitude (Al Jazeera).

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6. The Great Wall of China

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling. Source: Wikipedia

Once packed with selfie-snapping tourists, the Great Wall of China now stretches through the countryside in near silence. Pandemic restrictions, environmental concerns, and a shift in domestic travel trends have all played a role in this dramatic decline. Some once-crowded sections now see only a trickle of visitors, making the wall’s immense scale and historic solitude even more striking (NPR).

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7. Palmyra, Syria

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Majestic ancient Roman colonnades rise from the deserted Syrian landscape, revealing the timeless grandeur of Palmyra’s archaeological ruins. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Once a shining symbol of Syria’s ancient grandeur, Palmyra has suffered extensive damage amid recent conflicts. The site’s majestic Roman colonnades and temples now stand eerily deserted, with ongoing security risks keeping tourists away. While restoration projects are underway to rescue its cultural treasures, the vibrant crowds that once explored Palmyra’s ruins have vanished (UNESCO). Today, the city’s haunting beauty is experienced only by a few, underscoring the fragility of historic heritage in times of unrest.

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8. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The majestic Giza pyramids rise quietly under a vast sky, their ancient stones untouched by crowds or tourists. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

The Pyramids of Giza, once surrounded by a steady stream of tour buses and eager visitors, have experienced a sharp decline in tourism. Geopolitical unrest followed by the global pandemic emptied the Giza plateau, leaving the ancient wonders bathed in unusual quiet. Today, those who make the journey find a striking solitude, allowing for a more intimate and contemplative experience among these world-famous monuments (National Geographic).

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9. The Colosseum, Italy

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The ancient Colosseum stands silent and majestic in a deserted Rome, its grand arches free from bustling crowds. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

The Colosseum in Rome has long been a must-see for millions of tourists, its iconic arches forming the backdrop for countless photos. However, travel restrictions and enhanced safety protocols have caused visitor numbers to plummet. For those who do venture inside, the ancient amphitheater now offers rare pockets of solitude, making it possible to truly absorb the grandeur and history of this legendary site (The Local Italy).

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10. Ayutthaya, Thailand

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Silent stone stupas and crumbling temple walls stand alone in the deserted ruins of ancient Ayutthaya, Thailand. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

Ayutthaya, once a vibrant hub for international travelers, now stands in quiet contrast to its former bustle. With global arrivals at historic lows and local tourism yet to rebound, the city’s sprawling temple ruins and crumbling stupas are nearly deserted. This newfound emptiness offers visitors a rare opportunity to wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site in peace, immersing themselves in its rich history without interruption (Bangkok Post).

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11. Easter Island, Chile

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Source: Pexels

Famed for its mysterious moai statues, Easter Island was once a pilgrimage for travelers seeking to unravel its ancient secrets. Recently, stricter travel regulations and local initiatives to safeguard the island’s delicate ecosystem have resulted in a dramatic decline in tourism. The windswept plains and solitary stone figures now stand undisturbed, offering a rare tranquility for the few who make the journey (Smithsonian Magazine). This new quietude invites deeper reflection on the island’s enduring mysteries.

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12. Tikal, Guatemala

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Plaza Mayor, Parque Nacional Tikal, Petén, Guatemala. Source: Wikipedia

Tikal, the legendary Mayan city rising from Guatemala’s jungle, was once bustling with explorers and history enthusiasts. Today, travel advisories and a renewed focus on conservation have significantly reduced tourist numbers. The site’s ancient pyramids and plazas are now enveloped in tranquility, with wildlife gradually reclaiming the grounds. For the fortunate few who visit, Tikal offers a rare sense of discovery amid its silent ruins (Lonely Planet).

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13. Alcatraz Island, USA

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
View of Alcatraz Island in August 2021. Source: Wikipedia

Alcatraz Island, once one of San Francisco’s most visited attractions, now feels deserted compared to its bustling past. Pandemic closures and a sluggish rebound in urban tourism have left the prison’s cell blocks and exercise yards unusually silent. This newfound emptiness offers a chillingly authentic atmosphere, giving visitors a unique perspective on the island’s storied history (SF Chronicle).

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14. Stonehenge, England

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Stonehenge stands silent and empty under a wide sky, its ancient stones forming a quiet circle in the English landscape. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

The enigmatic Stonehenge has long drawn throngs of visitors, especially during the magical solstice gatherings. In recent years, however, travel bans and revised visitor limits have led to a marked drop in attendance. Now, the ancient stone circle sits in tranquil solitude, allowing for a deeper sense of wonder and personal reflection. For those who visit today, Stonehenge offers an undisturbed and almost mystical experience (English Heritage).

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15. The Acropolis, Greece

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
The ancient ruins of the Parthenon stand majestically atop the empty Acropolis, bathed in serene Greek sunlight. | Image by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

The Acropolis in Athens, once bustling with tourists eager to stand beneath the Parthenon’s timeless columns, has become strikingly quiet. Travel restrictions and the lingering effects of the pandemic have thinned the crowds, leaving the ancient citadel in a state of peaceful solitude. Today, the Parthenon and its neighboring ruins stand as silent witnesses to history, offering visitors a rare, unhurried encounter with Greece’s storied past (Reuters).

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16. Versailles Palace, France

16 Historic Sites That Used to Be Packed – Now Deserted by Tourists
Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) in the Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France. Source: Wikipedia

The magnificent Palace of Versailles, once thronged with millions marveling at its gilded halls and legendary gardens, now stands in rare tranquility. Pandemic closures and shifting travel habits have resulted in empty corridors, where echoes of royal grandeur linger undisturbed. For those who visit today, Versailles offers a serene and intimate experience—an almost private audience with history itself (France24).

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