Then and Now: Famous Tourist Attractions That No Longer Exist

Imagine planning your dream vacation—only to discover the landmark you longed to see has vanished forever. Today, we travel through time with “Then and Now: Famous Tourist Attractions That No Longer Exist.” We’ll reveal the rise and fall of some of the world’s most iconic sites, exploring their stories and what—if anything—remains today

Wawona Tunnel Tree, Yosemite National Park

Our first stop is Yosemite’s legendary Wawona Tunnel Tree in California, USA. Carved in 1881 through a 2,100-year-old giant sequoia, it quickly became a must-visit spectacle—even President Theodore Roosevelt walked beneath its mighty arch in 1903. But after nearly a century of popularity, the tree fell during a harsh winter in 1969, likely weakened by that famous tunnel. Now, tunnels are no longer cut into the park’s ancient sequoias, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Pink and White Terraces, New Zealand

Next, we head to New Zealand for the lost “Eighth Wonder of the World”—the Pink and White Terraces of Lake Rotomahana. These stunning silica formations vanished overnight in 1886 when Mount Tarawera erupted. Today, the precise location of the terraces is debated, adding mystery to a landscape that remains breathtaking, even without its legendary features.

The Crystal Palace, London

Crossing to the United Kingdom: London’s Crystal Palace. Built in 1851 of glass and iron for the Great Exhibition, this Victorian marvel was later moved to Penge Place, serving as a cultural hub for 82 years. In 1936, a devastating fire reduced it to ruins. Today, visitors to Crystal Palace Park can spot remnants like the original terraces and sphinxes—a ghostly reminder of its grandeur.

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

Malta’s iconic Azure Window—a stunning limestone arch, beloved by filmmakers and photographers—formed when a coastal cave collapsed in the 19th century. But in March 2017, the Window itself was toppled by a storm. The site is now an underwater attraction for divers, its memory living on in images and on screen.

Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire

America’s Old Man of the Mountain—a natural granite profile gazing over New Hampshire—stood for 12,000 years. But in May 2003, erosion caused its tragic collapse. Locals built a memorial at its base, but the famous stone face seen on state signs and coins exists only in memory and photographs

Buddhas of Bamiyan, Afghanistan

The Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan was once home to two towering Buddha statues, carved in the 6th century and standing up to 180 feet tall. In 2001, the Taliban destroyed both, erasing a world treasure. Today, empty alcoves mark their absence, and the debate continues: Should they be rebuilt, or left as a stark reminder of loss?

Chacaltaya Glacier and Ski Resort, Bolivia

Bolivia’s Chacaltaya Glacier once hosted the world’s highest ski resort. But by 2009, climate change melted the glacier away, ending the ski era. Today, intrepid climbers still scale the mountain for epic views, but its snow-blanketed days are gone

Brighton’s West Pier, UK

Brighton’s West Pier was a lively Victorian destination for concerts and seaside fun. Closed in 1975, it suffered storm damage and a major fire in 2003. Now a skeletal shell rising from the sea, it remains a haunting favorite for photographers and history buffs

New York’s Central Park Casino

Once Central Park’s glamorous after-dark hotspot, the Casino was demolished in 1935 for being too exclusive. Its site is now Rumsey Playfield, still a gathering place—though the jazz-age revelry has become history

Original Penn Station, New York City

New York’s original Penn Station, opened in 1910, was a Beaux-Arts masterpiece—but was demolished in 1962 amid public outcry. Replaced by a less grand underground terminal, the old station’s loss motivated preservationists to save other historic NYC landmarks

Six Flags New Orleans

Six Flags New Orleans thrived from 2000 until Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, leaving the park abandoned. Eerie ruins became backdrops for movies, and while there’s talk of redevelopment, it stands as a symbol of lost fun—and resilience—today

Guaira Falls, Paraguay/Brazil

Guaira Falls, straddling Paraguay and Brazil, was one of the world’s mightiest waterfalls. In 1982, it was destroyed to build the Itaipu Dam, now a hydroelectric powerhouse. The sacrifice of natural beauty for progress remains controversial to this day

These vanished wonders prove that even the world’s great attractions aren’t guaranteed to last forever—lost to nature, progress, disaster, or neglect. Which of these places would you most have wanted to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!