These four U.S. cities were voted among the most inauthentic in the world

If you’ve ever come home from a trip feeling like you spent more time in souvenir shops than local hotspots, you're not alone. A new study from travel insurance provider InsureandGo suggests that several major U.S. cities have earned a reputation for coming off as tourist productions rather than authentic, lived-in places.

The study reviewed more than 1.3 million Google Maps reviews across 144 global cities, tracking how often travelers described experiences as "authentic," "local" or "traditional" versus "tourist trap" or "overpriced." An authenticity score was given to each city, highlighting where visitors felt plugged into real local culture versus where they felt herded into certain experiences.

The U.S. didn’t fare particularly well.

Chicago topped the global list as the least authentic city, earning a remarkably low score of 2 out of 100. That doesn't mean the city lacks character. It's famous for its architecture, food, museums and public greenspace. But reviewers consistently pointed to downtown attractions that feel crowded, expensive and heavily commercialized. Long lines, inflated prices and a focus on marquee sights appear to leave visitors feeling disconnected from the neighborhoods that locals actually love.

Las Vegas landed close behind at number three, which may not surprise anyone who has strolled the Strip. With its indoor canals, Eiffel Tower replicas and themed mega-resorts, Vegas has never pretended to be a window into local life. Reviewers praised the spectacle but rarely described it as genuine. The city scored low because it delivers fantasy by design, not local tradition.

Nashville came in at number four globally. Known as the heart of country music, it attracts fans eager to soak up musical history. But according to reviews, the famous Broadway strip now leans heavily toward branded bars and polished performances. Visitors noted that the more curated the experience becomes, the harder it is to stumble upon the raw, local music scene that built the city's reputation in the first place.

Boston rounds out the U.S. cities deemed the most inauthentic, at number six in the world. Its rich history and walkability draws millions, but travelers frequently described central areas of the city as crowded and geared toward visitors rather than residents.

It's worth noting that these rankings don't mean these cities aren't worth visiting. They're popular for a reason. The findings simply reflect how travelers feel when experiences seem staged, expensive or designed primarily for outsiders.

On the other end of the spectrum, cities like Bogotá, Lima and Taipei topped the authenticity rankings, with reviewers more often praising everyday markets, local food and cultural encounters. Unfortunately, no U.S. city made the list of the 20 most authentic cities in the world.

Ten Least Authentic Destinations Worldwide

1. Chicago
2. Venice
3. Las Vegas
4. Nashville
5. Hobart
6. Boston
7. London
8. Singapore
9. Sydney
10. Brussels