When expectations don't match reality: The most ridiculous tourist complaints, from Niagara Falls being 'just falling water' to 'noisy' cowbells in rural Italy

There are some destinations around the world that are considered 'must-visits' by pretty much everyone – whether that's the Taj Mahal in India, Chicago's Bean or New York's big and bustling Times Square.But what happens when these age-old favourites don't live up to sky-high expectations? Some visitors fly all the way to Niagara Falls only to declare the natural phenomenon simply 'falling water'. Others have belittled Big Ben, the iconic London landmark that has towered over the capital since 1859, as nothing more than a 'big clock'. Some tourists to Paris have reportedly expressed disappointment that the Eiffel Tower is exactly as it appears on the tin: a tall tower.Indeed, particularly in today's world of social media, expectations don't always match reality.Here, we look at some of the most astonishing comments made by tourists about iconic sights around the world – from bemused disappointment to downright ridiculous complaints.The peaceful Italian mountains Cows in Brembana Valley have caused some tourists to complain about their noisy bellsThe scenic Brembana Valley provides a beautiful getaway in northern Italy for travellers wanting to get some headspace away from the noise and busyness of big city living.However, some tourists have taken issue with the cows that roam the area. Piera Cristina Villa and her husband Giambattista Bergomi own a holiday home in Serina and find the noisy bells worn by cows unbearable. 'It's impossible to holiday in Serina with the cows' bells less than 10m from the block of flats, day and night,' Mrs Villa wrote on Facebook, according to The Times. Meanwhile, Mr Bergomi reportedly described the sound as 'noise pollution' on TG4, a news programme. Yet despite complaints, Mayor Michele Villarboito has defended the cows as 'part of our history and culture'. The Eiffel Tower Meanwhile, others don't seem to appreciate the impressive architecture of the Eiffel TowerSituated in the heart of the City of Love, the Eiffel Tower is one of Paris' key landmarks, drawing in hordes of tourists year-round. Built in 1889, the iconic structure allows visitors to climb all the way up and enjoy sweeping views of the French capital.However, not everyone can appreciate the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and one tourist fumed on Reddit: 'It's a glorified cellphone tower, let's face it. I don't think it's pretty to look at. I don't think it's an architectural masterpiece.'The landmark is widely recognised around the world as an impressive example of structural engineering and 19th-century architecture. But such views don't seem to be shared by everyone who experiences it. Another visitor said: 'It's not a building that should be revered as an architectural masterpiece.' Someone else agreed and commented: 'It looks like an electric tower.' Niagara Falls Niagara Falls has been described as 'just water falling' by one visitorNiagara Falls is a group of three magnificent waterfalls stretching along the border between Canada and the United States. Often described as one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, millions make the trek to visit them each year.But despite the vast amount of water flowing over the Falls – more than 168,000 cubic metres over the crestline every minute, according to Niagara Parks – not everyone is impressed by the natural feat.'Worst tourist trap ever, a complete waste of time', one person raged on Google reviews. 'I have witnessed trash in the street looking more wonderful!!'Another described the Falls as, 'Just water falling, nothing special', and left a one-star rating.Someone else sarcastically quipped: 'Amazing falling water. Like I don't see that every morning when I have a shower.'Grand Canyon While the Grand Canyon has been called 'just a giant hole in the ground'Described by UNESCO as 'the most spectacular gorge in the world', the Grand Canyon is located in Arizona, America.At nearly 1,500m deep, the area is a geological wonder, holding millions of years of history. But for some, this iconic site is 'just colourful mountains in a crater', as one Google reviewer put it. Someone else called it a 'big old hole in the ground', and added that they 'Don't get the hype'.One visitor expected there to be more than just the natural landscape at the renowned National Park and fumed: 'The Grand Canyon is just a giant hole in the ground there is nothing in it no fast food chains no shopping mall not even a beauty salon.'Despite holding UNESCO World Heritage Status and preserving 4,704 known archaeological sites, there seems to be no pleasing some people!Big Ben London's Big Ben seems to have failed to impress some tourists, with a number let down by its size, and others failing to see its value as a landmark altogetherBig Ben is the most Instagrammed place in the UK, according to the UK Parliament, which describes it as 'much more than a clock'. But Parliament's clock tower seems to have failed to impress everyone. One person left a scathing Google review and said: 'Just a big clock. Been there, done that. 'Go there if you want to see the time. If you have your phone...no point.'Another put it down to being 'only a clock tower'. They added: 'Looks better in pictures, way less people.'Someone else went as far as claiming the tower should be called 'Average Size Ben' because they were disappointed by the size. 'Just a very annoying, loud, noisy small clock that's constantly under renovations', another visitor said. 'Could have been bigger, a digital clock would be better to read than the "Big Ben."'