These Are the Worst Cities in the World, According to Travelers

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Tired of boring vacations? Boy, we do have a fix for you! Check out these cities, as recommended by a vibrant online community, that are sure to spice up your travel experiences! From dodging bandits in Johannesburg to witnessing kidnappings, these cities offer an adventure you won’t soon forget. Just kidding. Exercise caution and be vigilant when exploring these destinations. There’s a reason these cities are considered the worst in the world!

1. Johannesburg, South Africa

Cape Town South Africa
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Johannesburg frequently comes up as a city that causes anxiety for many travelers. Residents of South Africa have voiced that while security concerns are pretty standard across the country, Johannesburg seems to outdo them all. One tale recounted by a visitor involves their business partner, who, before venturing into the city, made it a point to remove all her jewelry. Her explanation? It was safer in the glove compartment – despite the risk of theft – than being worn, as criminals wouldn’t hesitate to forcibly remove it.

2. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Port-au-Prince, Haiti
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While Haiti, in general, has been an uncomfortable destination for many, Port-au-Prince is a whole other ball game. The extent of poverty is heart-wrenching, as several members witnessed children eating mudpies. Additionally, the city is in a state of anarchy and is run by a network of gangs. Hence, gang violence is a daily occurrence. Travelers recommend not going there anytime soon.

3. Decatur, Georgia

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Someone describes Decatur as a filthy trash hole. The city stinks, quite literally. The kindest description of the smell would be to compare it to burnt toast. As for food, fish is a safe option only if you have it twice a year. You can’t be picky if you’re in Decatur. Don’t agree? One reader says, “Prove me wrong.”

4. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
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This city is not a favorite, according to one person. Let’s just say they don’t intend to return there even if someone paid them a CEO’s salary. Why? Well, it won’t matter because one simply would not survive long enough to spend that money.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Be careful the next time you wish for an eventful vacation. Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly a stunning destination; however, one user could have had a better experience.  Throughout their 4-day stay in the city, they somehow got robbed four times. To make matters worse, they even witnessed a kidnapping! They are scarred for life, and don’t recommend anyone ever goes there.

6. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
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Not only is Ashgabat an inaccessible location for visitors, but it is also a disappointing city. As one person mentions, the prevalent poverty contrasts with the sight of empty marble buildings. Even with all its glorious architecture, it is merely a ghost town. It’s truly horrible. One traveler said they can’t imagine why anyone would want to go to Ashgabat, but if you do and can actually get there, you’d better watch your back.

7. Gary, Indiana

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Gary is a strange city. Someone described it as the city version of backrooms, and I couldn’t agree more! Another person shares the time they got attacked by a pack of loose dogs, and no one helped. For the locals, it’s just another day. It may be in the U.S., but some travelers think it deserves to be on the list of worst cities in the world. 

8. Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq
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Once a glorious city, Baghdad is now in ruins, as witnessed by many people. A traveler mentions flying over the city by helicopter and seeing houses with swimming pools. Unfortunately, the pools weren’t for swimming but for collecting garbage. It’s a shame that one of the wealthiest cities in history collapsed due to war and crisis. Definitely use caution if you choose to travel there.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai
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Unlike many cities on this list, Dubai is despised by a user for its grandiosity. They find that the city lacks soul. They weren’t alone in this sentiment, and another user echoes the thought by calling Dubai a plastic city. Many people find the overly consumerist and artificial lifestyle to be depressing. Dubai is not for everyone, and wealth doesn’t always make things better.

10. Luton, England

Luton, England
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All horrible cities have a reason behind their poor reputation. However, for Luton, this is not the case. It faced no political crisis to warrant its unfavorable position, yet here we are.  As a former Luton resident shares, it has opportunities to improve, but because Luton is Luton, it is bound to be bad. I suppose the only way to find out why people hate the city is by visiting it.

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Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Travel has definitely improved over the past 100 years. And by the way, if you’re thinking 100 years ago was back in the 1800s, you might be showing your age…100 years ago was 1923 and Americans were hitting the road in their new-fangled automobiles.

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This article was produced and syndicated by Our Woven Journey. Credit

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Demi Michele is a seasoned traveler, turned freelance writer. Having explored most states and ventured internationally, her love for outdoor cafes, new cuisines, and cultural immersion shines through her wide range of articles. Based in Texas with her family and two Scottish Terriers, Demi turns her adventures into captivating travel narratives to share with readers.