Tourist sights are tourist sites for a reason. I think there is more than a reason. Some are legitimately full of history or interest, like the Tower of London

Tourist sights are tourist sites for a reason. I think there is more than a reason. Some are legitimately full of history or interest, like the Tower of London. Some might only appeal to a niche group of people whether you're a local or just visiting (As a fan of the Blues Brothers, I had to stop by the honorable Richard J. Daley Plaza in Chicago just to see where they got that Picasso). Some just have good marketing that the locals are in a better position to see through.