The focus of this year has been on compensating for lost time. In the aftermath of the pandemic, travelers swarmed Europe’s major cities and America’s national parks in a phenomenon known as “revenge travel,” revisiting or exploring destinations that had been off-limits during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, the post-pandemic landscape has witnessed significant changes. The transition to remote work led to the closure of many businesses, and not every tourist attraction emerged unscathed from this period of upheaval. Whether shutting down permanently or temporarily, here’s a compilation of places you won’t be able to visit in 2024.
- Centre Pompidou, Paris: The iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris, known for its modern architecture, will undergo a €260 million ($282 million) modernization program following the Summer Olympics. During this period, visitors won’t have access to the “Our Lady of the Pipes” until 2030.
- Splash Mountain, Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California: Disney’s well-known Splash Mountain, inspired by the controversial film “Song of the South,” had its final rides in 2023. It will reopen in a transformed version as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on “The Princess and the Frog.”
- Noma, Copenhagen: Renowned as the world’s best restaurant, Noma in Copenhagen will serve its last customers in 2024. However, it will return in 2025 as a “pioneering test kitchen dedicated to the work of food innovation and the development of new flavors.”
- Phantom of the Opera, New York City: After 35 years and nearly 14,000 performances, the iconic musical “Phantom of the Opera” took its final bow on the New York City stage in 2023.
- Pergamonmuseum, Berlin: Home to the famous Ishtar Gate, the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin will be closed until 2027 for an extensive upgrade project, creating a new central pedestrian zone and expanding exhibition halls.
- Elephant Trunk Rock, Taiwan: A popular photo spot in Taiwan, resembling an elephant’s trunk, collapsed into the sea in December 2023. Due to erosion and safety concerns, it had been inaccessible to the public since 2010.
- Park Hyatt, Tokyo: The Park Hyatt in Tokyo, considered the first Western-style luxury hotel in Japan’s capital, will undergo a “property-wide renewal” and temporarily close in May 2024, with the rooftop New York Bar closing for renovations starting January. Reopening is scheduled for 2025.
- Notre Dame, Paris: Following the devastating fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen in December 2024 after restoration efforts to restore its original look.
- Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC: The Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC, the first building to bear the name Smithsonian, closed in February 2023 for repairs and upgrades and is expected to remain off-limits for about five years.
- Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vineyard, Milan: The remains of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Italian vineyard, a tourist destination for half a century, have been privately purchased by billionaire Bernard Arnault. There is uncertainty about whether and when it will be accessible to travelers.
- Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser, Disney World: Despite a grand unveiling, the Star Wars-themed Galactic Cruiser at Walt Disney World closed in 2023. Described as a business decision by Disney, it offered an immersive experience with lightsaber training, encounters with characters, and more.
While these places are temporarily or permanently off-limits in 2024, there are alternative options and destinations to explore, ensuring that travelers can still find captivating experiences around the world.