Reality or a figment of the imagination?
In 2025, your wanderlust may encounter unexpected roadblocks as some of the world's most iconic destinations temporarily close their doors. From the ancient steps of the Acropolis to the shadowy corridors of Paris' Catacombs, this year marks a pause for some of the globe's most treasured sites.
Under the banner of preservation and enhancement, these closures offer a moment of reflection on the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to protect our cultural and natural heritage. As you delve into this gallery, discover the surprising, and sometimes hidden, reasons behind the inaccessibility of these famed locations.
Click through to explore a world of closed doors and the stories they hold within.
This historic building is undergoing a comprehensive five-year renovation, starting in 2023, to modernize facilities while preserving its iconic architecture.
The iconic hotel is closing for a major renewal project and is set to reopen in 2025 with modernized amenities and refreshed interiors.
The world-famous three-Michelin-star restaurant is closing its doors in 2024 and will transition into a food lab by 2025, focusing on culinary innovation and exploring new flavors.
After a historic 35-year run, this beloved Broadway show took its final bow in 2023, marking the end of an era in theater.
Erosion led to the collapse of this famed natural structure in December 2023, removing a popular and valued natural landmark from the Taiwanese landscape.
The immersive Star Wars experience closed in 2023, ending its journey as a unique attraction in Disney World. Disney regarded the closure as a 'business decision.'
The beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disney World, Orlando, will be closed until 2026 to undergo major repairs and upgrades.
The museum is undergoing a major modernization program and is expected to remain closed until 2030 to revitalize its iconic architecture.
This museum is closed for extensive upgrades until 2027, enhancing visitor experience while preserving its cultural treasures.
To preserve its mystical Moai statues and archaeological sites, Easter Island is limiting visitor numbers. This strategy aims to protect the island's fragile environment and its rich cultural heritage from the impacts of tourism.
Acquired by a private owner, this historic vineyard is no longer accessible to the public, shifting from a tourist site to private property.
This classic and world-famous ride closed forever in 2023. It was renovated, rethemed, and is now Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
The famed Great Wall of China is closing its Jiankou section for a period. This section is closed for restoration to ensure the safety and preservation of the wall's historical integrity.
This iconic symbol of ancient Greece is undergoing vital restoration efforts. Portions of the site will be closed to ensure long-term preservation of its historical structures, including the Parthenon, ensuring they endure for future generations to admire.
To safeguard its unique geothermal features and diverse wildlife, certain areas of Yellowstone will close for infrastructure upgrades. These efforts aim to enhance visitor safety and environmental protection, ensuring the park’s natural wonders are preserved.
Respecting indigenous culture and environmental concerns, access to Uluru is being restricted. This decision honors the Anangu people's request, acknowledging Uluru's cultural significance and the need to preserve its natural state. Climbing the great rock was previously banned in 2017.
This architectural marvel, a testament to both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, will undergo interior restoration. These efforts are essential to maintain the structural integrity and historical value of this ancient monument.
The world's largest art museum is continuously evolving. Renovations in various wings, including some of its Egyptian and Near Eastern galleries, will temporarily limit access to parts of its vast collection, part of an ongoing endeavor to update and preserve the museum's offerings.
One of Hawaii's great attractions, the iconic Haiku Stairs, is being removed. The twisting staircase passes through a 2,800-foot mountain trail in Kaneohe, Eastern Oahu. It was created by the US Navy during World War II and was officially closed to the public in 1987. However, hikers and tourists continued to ignore signs and barriers, accessing the stairs which have become increasingly dangerous. Residents in the area have reportedly been dealing with disturbances from trespassers for decades, who put the treasured natural landmark at risk.
Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece continues its journey towards completion. Ongoing construction may restrict access to certain areas of the basilica, but these works are pivotal in realizing the full vision of this architectural wonder.
Essential maintenance on access bridges and safety upgrades are in progress. These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of visitors and the structural integrity of the pathways surrounding this magnificent natural wonder.
Due to environmental and safety concerns, climbing restrictions on Everest are being imposed. These measures aim to preserve the mountain's delicate ecosystem and ensure the safety of climbers on this challenging and revered peak.
To combat overcrowding and its effects on the city’s infrastructure and environment, Venice is implementing tourist quotas. This initiative seeks to maintain the city's historical charm and ecological balance, ensuring its survival as a unique world heritage site.
In 2025, the city will introduce a fee for tourists on day trips, ranging from €5-€10 (US$5.26-$10.52). They are also banning tour guides from using loudspeakers and lockboxes used by short-term rental companies like Airbnb to store keys.
This famous subterranean labyrinth, rich in history, will be closed for essential maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are necessary to preserve the integrity of the catacombs, ensuring the safety and enhanced experience for future visitors to this unique historical site.
Sources: (CNN) (Jasmine Alley)
See also: Tourists who've ruined historic artifacts and attractions
You may not be able to visit these popular destinations in 2025
Many sites are implementing restrictions due to overtourism
TRAVEL Restrictions
In 2025, your wanderlust may encounter unexpected roadblocks as some of the world's most iconic destinations temporarily close their doors. From the ancient steps of the Acropolis to the shadowy corridors of Paris' Catacombs, this year marks a pause for some of the globe's most treasured sites.
Under the banner of preservation and enhancement, these closures offer a moment of reflection on the delicate balance between our desire to explore and the need to protect our cultural and natural heritage. As you delve into this gallery, discover the surprising, and sometimes hidden, reasons behind the inaccessibility of these famed locations.
Click through to explore a world of closed doors and the stories they hold within.