This year has been characterized by a phenomenon known as “revenge travel,” where individuals, eager to make up for lost time due to the pandemic, have flooded major cities in Europe and national parks in the United States. However, the post-pandemic world has witnessed significant changes, with the closure or temporary shutdown of various businesses and tourist attractions. Here’s a list of places you won’t be able to visit in 2024:
Centre Pompidou, Paris:
The iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris, known for its shockingly modern architecture, will undergo a 260 million euro ($282 million) modernization program after the Summer Olympics in 2024. It will be closed until 2030, offering a chance for art lovers to explore alternative attractions in Paris, such as Palais de Tokyo and Musee de Quai Branly.
Splash Mountain, Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California:
Disney’s well-known Splash Mountain, inspired by the film “Song of the South,” had its last rides in 2023. Both Splash Mountain attractions at Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida will be revamped into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.”
Noma, Copenhagen:
Noma, the world-famous Copenhagen restaurant renowned for popularizing New Nordic cuisine, will serve its last customers in 2024. However, it will reopen in 2025 as a pioneering test kitchen dedicated to food innovation and new flavor development. Food enthusiasts can explore alternative options in Lima, with Central currently holding the title of the world’s best restaurant.
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. Broadway still offers a vibrant theater scene, providing a variety of shows for theatergoers to enjoy.
Pergamonmuseum, Berlin:
The Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, home to the world-famous Ishtar Gate, will be closed until 2027 for an ambitious upgrade project. During the renovation, travelers can explore nearby attractions such as Das Panorama, showcasing some pieces from the Pergamonmuseum.
Elephant Trunk Rock, Taiwan:
The popular Taiwan photo spot, Elephant Trunk Rock, collapsed into the sea on December 15, 2023. Travelers can explore other beautiful destinations in Taiwan, such as the Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail and the Southern Cross-Island Highway.
Park Hyatt, Tokyo:
Considered the first Western-style luxury hotel in Tokyo, the Park Hyatt will close in May 2024 for a property-wide renewal, reopening in 2025. Travelers can use this opportunity to explore other top-notch accommodations in rural getaways like Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan and Treeful.
Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC:
The Smithsonian Castle, the first building bearing the name Smithsonian, closed in February 2023 for repairs and upgrades, lasting about five years. In the meantime, visitors can explore other Washington, DC museums like the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vineyard, Milan:
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Italian vineyard, a tourist destination for half a century, is now under private ownership, and it remains uncertain whether it will be accessible to the public in the future. Art enthusiasts can still explore Da Vinci’s famous artworks in museums like the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser, Disney World:
The Star Wars-themed Galactic Cruiser at Walt Disney World closed down in 2023, labeled as a business decision by Disney. Fans of Star Wars can opt for real-life filming locations, such as Hotel Sidi Driss in Tunisia and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, Iceland.
As the travel landscape evolves, there are always new and exciting destinations to discover, providing alternatives for those unable to visit certain places in 2024.