Whether you’re most enthused by ancient Roman arenas, original Van Gogh artworks or even world-famous pubs (Temple Bar, anyone?) there’s something uniquely exciting seeing a bucket-list historic destination in the flesh. What’s less exciting, however, is if your dreams are shattered by underwhelming or disappointing tourist sights.Some are just smaller than you expect (think: Mona Lisa) while others are rammed with tourists, such as Venice.But others are far worse than this – they are not what they claim to be at all.Here, we look at some of the ‘fake’ tourist landmarks that aren’t what they claim to be – have YOU been fooled by any of these? Checkpoint CharlieBERLIN, GERMANY Checkpoint Charlie, in Germany, has often been dubbed a ‘tourist trap’High up on, if not at the top of, most Berlin tourist itineraries is Checkpoint Charlie, the famous Cold War-era border crossing.It features souvenir stalls and draws scores of visitors, especially those seeking to get a photograph with a ‘soldier’ standing guard.But don’t be fooled – the guardhouse most will queue to photograph is not actually the original.After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the actual checkpoint was dismantled. This is merely a replica created to lure in the tourist crowds.The original metal guardhouse can actually be seen on display at the Allied Museum in the Zehlendorf district of Berlin.Plymouth RockMASSACHUSETTS, US Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is reportedly where Mayflower Pilgrims first landed in 1620Plymouth Rock is widely considered to be the place where William Bradford and other pilgrims arrived in the US in 1620.It’s been subject to much debate, with some questioning the authenticity of the rock – as well as the location. The rock has likely moved several times since 1620.Donna D Curtin, executive director of the Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, told AP: ‘It is unquestionably not in the exact same spot as it was 402 years ago.’Juliet’s BalconyVERONA, ITALY The balcony is where Romeo is said to have wooed Juliet in the Shakespeare playThe Casa di Giulietta, or ‘Juliet’s House’, is a 13th-century tower house located in Verona. Visitors from all corners of the globe flock to Verona each year to experience the romance firsthand – many believing the associated story is historically accurate.However, the house was once home to the Dal Cappello family, whose name bears a resemblance to the fictional Capulet family in the Shakespeare play. In the 20th century, between 1939 and 1940, the city embraced the myth and restored the house to reflect the setting described in Shakespeare’s play – including the iconic balcony where the star-crossed lovers declared their love for one another. King Arthur’s Round TableWINCHESTER, UK The Round Table of Arthurian legend can be found hanging in WinchesterThe Round Table, associated with the legend of King Arthur, is located in the Great Hall in Winchester – right?However, there’s one problem – King Arthur is traditionally said to have lived in the fifth or sixth century, while this table dates to the 13th century. ‘Though it has been proven to be an imitation of the legendary table around which King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table congregated,’ Atlas Obscura says, ‘this table hanging in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle itself dates back to late medieval times.’It is actually thought to have been created to celebrate an engagement festival or tournament around 1290.Peace VillageDMZ, KOREA On the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a so-called ‘Propaganda Village’Kijong-dong, officially called the Peace Village by North Korea, is more commonly known as ‘Propaganda Village’ outside the secretive country.It was built during the 1950s as an attempt to display what life was like in North Korea, and is located on the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).However, it is widely reported to be fake.From a distance it appears normal, but reports suggest that the apparent activity is largely staged. The buildings have facades that suggest people live there, and lights are turned on at night, but it is doubtful that there is anyone inside on a regular basis.Dracula’s CastleBRAN, ROMANIA Bran or Dracula Castle in Transylvania is a popular tourist attractionVisitors to Brasov can explore the legendary Dracula’s Castle while taking in the surrounding Transylvanian countryside.Increasingly popular with history fans, literary buffs and travellers seeking something out of the ordinary, Bran Castle (its official name) is an incredible sight to see.But is it really what Dracula fans expect? While the castle is a real 14th-century historic property, the Dracula link is more of a marketing ploy than a factual statement.It has few links to Vlad the Impaler (the real-life inspiration for Dracula), and Bram Stoker, the novel’s author, never even visited Romania.Palace of KnossosCRETE, GREECE The Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete is made up of real parts and replicasJoin the discussionShould tourist hotspots be honest about their origins, or is it all part of the travel experience?What’s your view?Parts of the Palace of Knossos, which dates back to the Minoan civilization and has links to the myth of the Minotaur, is real.But other parts of this Cretan palace are not authentic. Sir Arthur Evans, a renowned English archaeologist, helped to restore the palace in the 1900s.’Perhaps the most controversial aspect of his work was his decision to restore the Bronze Age palace, in use from around 1900 to 1350 BCE, using modern building materials,’ the Ashmolean Museum says. As such, the colourful walls and pillars are not entirely original.