But then you show up and the amazing site you were dreaming of seeing for so long is covered in scaffolding. It’s been closed off for renovations.
But when exactly do these closures happen? And how can we best prepare ourselves for these major inconveniences? We’ve got you covered.
Why Do Attractions Get Closed?
Practically every major tourist attraction has been shut down at some point in its history to undergo some kind of repair work.
These include the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, the Arc de Triomphe, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and many more.
Sadly, there are many reasons why a popular tourist attraction might get closed down.
1. The Site Has Been Damaged
The most likely cause of temporary closure is usually because the site in question has either suffered some kind of damage or requires repair work.
Of course, Paris’ Notre Dame is one of the most high-profile examples in recent memory and has been closed from the public for a few years now.
2. It’s Very Old
The structure may have been built a long time ago and the local authorities have decided now is the time to renovate a little.
3. It’s Suffering from Overtourism
Many attractions need to be closed off for temporary reconstruction because it’s being visited by way too many tourists.
While it has never been completely closed off from the public, the municipality of Venice has started to charge visitors an entree fee in an attempt to curb the large amounts of tourists flooding into the canal city.
4. It’s Being Used to Film a Movie
Another reason why famous attractions might be closed temporarily is because Hollywood’s biggest studios have paid a governing body enough money to film scenes at specific sites for their blockbuster movies.
It’s an old example, but Vienna’s Riesenrad Ferris Wheel was used for the Orson Welles classic “The Third Man.”
But what exactly can we do to be as prepared as possible for these huge inconveniences?
How to Prepare for Attraction Closures
There are a couple of things that tourists can do to stay up to date with the latest attraction closures.
Keep Checking the Website for Updates
Even after you have booked tickets for an attraction, you should keep returning to its official website to check for any important updates or announcements.
These sites will usually send automated emails to all customers if a closure coincides with their booking dates.
Check Trends on Social Media
We also recommend checking the hashtags of the relevant attractions on social media.
Normally, the most recent photos and videos on apps like Instagram and TikTok will indicate that everything is in order and that your site of choice is very much open to the public.