most overcrowded tourist spot in europe

These are Europe’s most overcrowded tourist attractions, according to TripAdvisor reviews

Fascinating landmarks with plenty of history, bustling streets full of culture and natural beauty that is simply breathtaking.  There are many reasons why Europe and its cities draw millions of tourists from all over the world each and every year.

But attractions that entice so many visitors bring the problem of overtourism. 

In fact, some of Europe’s most beloved attractions have become too popular for their own good, with long queues, obstructed views and busy streets. 

Many cities have started implementing tourist taxes to try and combat the problem, but tourists themselves have even started to shy away from visiting certain attractions during the peak months to avoid having a negative experience.

After all, it’s easy for the magic of a destination to get lost in the hustle and bustle of big crowds.

So, for anyone looking to avoid the hordes, we’ve found out which European attractions are said to be the most overcrowded by scraping Tripadvisor reviews for phrases relating to this and then ranking destinations based on the percentage of its reviews mentioning this issue. 

Take a look below!

Interesting Findings:

• Looking at the number mentioning overcrowding alone (and not taking into consideration the overall review total), it is the Trevi Fountain that sees the most complaints with over 1,600 comments mentioning its crowds.
• Interestingly, the Sagrada Familia is the tourist attraction with the most overall English language Tripadvisor reviews in the study, but it scored impressively low (66th) for those comments complaining about overcrowding. 
• And when it comes to the least crowded tourist attractions, it was impressive to see some world-famous and highly visited attractions in the top spots including Germany’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial of the Berlin Wall, as well as the Hungarian Parliament Building.
• Looking at the UK specifically, it is Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh that had the least reviews mentioning crowds, followed by London’s Tower Bridge in England. On the other side of the coin is the King’s official residence, Buckingham Palace, which draws the most crowds.

1. Palace of Versailles, France

Taking the top spot for the most overcrowded tourist attractions is one of France’s most iconic landmarks, the Palace of Versailles. Located just outside of Paris, the decadent palace is the former royal residence of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette so it’s no surprise that visitors flock to the attraction. Around 15 million of them each year, in fact. 

But such numbers have led to significant congestion, particularly in the famous Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens. News outlets haven’t been shy in sharing the challenges faced by the palace’s staff in managing the crowds and maintaining the heritage of the building under these conditions. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that the tourist attraction had over 700 reviews mentioning it being overcrowded.

2. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

In second position is Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. It is the first stop for many after landing at Reykjavik airport, with the attraction drawing tourists to its geothermally heated water which is rich in minerals and said to be good for the skin. Not to mention the breathtaking landscapes seen from the water!

An attraction that only saw around 50,000 annual visitors thirty years ago, today welcomes around 1.3 million through its doors each year and has become a ‘must do’ when visiting Iceland. However, the influx in visitors has prompted concerns about the sustainability of the Blue Lagoon due to the increased pressure on its infrastructure and natural environment. Perhaps it’s not surprising then, that the attraction had close to 1,000 reviews mentioning its crowds.

3. Széchenyi Baths, Hungary

Hungary’s Széchenyi Baths round up the top three most overcrowded tourist attractions in Europe. It is the biggest and most popular of all the thermal baths in Budapest, as well as being one of the largest natural hot spring spa baths in Europe. Having been open since 1913, the baths have welcomed many people to its warm medicinal waters, with a current annual tourist figure of around 1.5 million. 

However, the historic site has become a victim of its own success with many tourism blogs and guides recommending people to visit early in the morning to avoid the ‘hordes’! These large numbers can lead to crowded pools and long waiting times, which is not the serene experience many seek – and they’re not shy about sharing this either, with almost 850 reviews on Tripadvisor mentioning the overcrowding.

4. Bran Castle, Romania

Up next is Romania’s most famous tourist attraction, Bran Castle. Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle”, it draws tourists based on its legendary association with Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel. Not to mention its picturesque location on top of a hill in Transylvania, overlooking the Carpathian Mountains. 

In 2023, Bran Castle welcomed more than 1 million visitors from all over the world. But with lots of people comes… lots of people. During the peak season, Bran Castle can get crowded with long waiting lines at the ticket counter, as well as inside the castle itself due to its narrow passageways.

5. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Finalising the top five most overcrowded tourist attractions is Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. People are drawn to its natural beauty, with cascading waterfalls and lush forests, and the well-maintained walking trails that allow them to experience these up close. The UNESCO World Heritage site has become a ‘must-visit’ for nature lovers and photographers all over the world. 

Now attracting over 1 million tourists each year, the national park can get really busy, particularly during the peak tourist season, with over 300 reviews mentioning it being too crowded. In 2017, there was even the risk of the Croatian UNESCO World Heritage Site being removed from this list due to the overwhelming number of visitors and the impact on the park’s delicate ecosystems.

Methodology

A list was compiled of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe, using Tripadvisor and other credible sources.

We then scraped Tripadvisor to find the number of reviews mentioning the phrases ‘overcrowded’ and ‘too crowded’, dividing this by the total number of English language reviews of the attraction.

Data was correct as of June 2024 and a full dataset is available upon request.

Other posts in this category:

Business class bargains: airlines with the smallest price difference between economy and business, sober getaway: the booziest cities to avoid for an alcohol-free holiday, hidden gems that are, well, not so hidden, the best cities in the world for different generations, the european cities most overloaded with tourists, the cities with the best food diversity & experience.

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Overtourism in European destinations - Statistics & Facts

Many destinations in Europe are experiencing a tourism boom and although economically the industry is making a positive contribution , there have been rising concerns surrounding the impact mass tourism has on the environment and the need to curb so called ‘overtourism’. Cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam and Venice are among the worst destinations for overtourism , with local authorities forced to deal with pressure from residents unhappy with the disruption from the influx of visitors. In Barcelona protests have been held by locals frustrated with the increasing number of tourists . In Amsterdam an increase in tourist taxes is already being implemented, along with marketing campaigns for outer city destinations, in an effort to reduce the number of stopover travelers and prevent overcrowding in popular areas. Locals in smaller destinations in particular have felt the effect of increasing tourism. Almost half of residents in the picturesque Belgian town of Bruges for instance, believed that tourism has caused it to become overcrowded . In Venice, the situation has become more critical, prompting the city to actively implement strategies to combat increasing tourist numbers that are said to be pushing the local population out of the city. With less than one million inhabitants, Venice still received 3.9 million foreign visitors in 2015 and recorded 1.6 million cruise passengers in 2016. These large-scale tourist numbers have led to calls for a ban on giant cruise ships, which aside from dwarfing the city have been known to damage Venice’s lagoon. Similar concerns have been raised around the number of cruise ships in other Mediterranean destinations such as Dubrovnik, where local authorities plan to limit visitor numbers inside the city walls. Many natural destinations also recognize the potential damage overtourism can have on the natural environment. According to a survey in 2016, 79 percent of Icelanders believed tourist pressure on Icelandic nature was too high. A large proportion also felt that the most popular natural attractions, such as the geysers, had too many visitors in the summer. However despite their concerns, only 18 percent of Icelanders agreed that there should be a cap on tourist numbers . Similarly in Bruges, despite the displeasure of overcrowding, most residents still recognize tourism’s contribution to the income and standard of living in the city. Sustainable practices appear to be key in managing the balance between the advantages and disadvantages of tourism; 2017 was announced as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, developed by the United Nations to help combat issues of overtourism and promote sustainable methods within the industry. In regards to the responsible parties for sustainable tourism practices , a survey of UK holidaymakers suggested it was up to the local government of the destination to ensure environmental standards and acceptable working conditions were met. It also showed that only 17 percent of travelers in 2017 planned to research the impact of tourism on their next destination. This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text. Show more - Description Published by Statista Research Department , Mar 1, 2024

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These European cities are the most overcrowded with tourists right now

A new study compares cities’ number of yearly visitors with their local populations

Travellers and tourists are – usually – a good thing for local economies. People come and explore places, spending money and helping to sustain local livelihoods. 

However, in certain destinations, the level of tourism   has become a bit much – to the point where several places around the world are  actively taking measures to clamp down on their visitor numbers . Overtourism not only leads to overcrowding and inflated cost of living for locals, but it can have a seriously negative impact on travellers themselves. After all, if locals are pushed out of a destination, all the character of that place gets pushed out, too.

So which destinations around the world are the most crowded with tourists right now? To find out, home rental agency Holidu totted up the number of yearly tourists to European cities and compared it to those cities' local populations.

According to Holidu, the European city most overloaded with tourists is Dubrovnik . The walled Croatian city apparently has 36 yearly visitors per permanent inhabitant, in part due to its small size and popularity as a summer day trip and festival destination. 

Next up on the list was a tie between  Venice , Bruges and Rhodes , which all have 21 tourists per inhabitant.

Here are the cities in Europe with the most tourists per inhabitant, according to Holidu’s study.

1. Dubrovnik , Croatia

2. Venice , Italy

= Bruges , Belgium

= Rhodes , Greece

5.  Reykjavik , Iceland

6.  Florence , Italy

= Heraklion , Greece

8.  Amsterdam , Netherlands

9.  Dublin , Ireland

10. Tallinn , Estonia

None of which should come as too big a surprise, tbh! After all, most of the above destinations are either exceptionally popular tourist spots or rather small (or both). You can read Holidu’s full study here – then check out our guide to the best European city breaks for 2023 , plenty of which are currently far from overcrowded with visitors.

Did you see that this country is officially the best in the world for wine (and no, it’s not France) ?

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Unexpected UK tourist attraction named the most overcrowded hotspot in Europe

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Heading on holiday to Europe this summer?

Well, once you’ve worked out how to stay cool during the stifling heatwave , the next order of business is avoiding the crowds.

Of course, it’s great that some of the world’s most impressive sites have bounced back post-pandemic in terms of visitor numbers, but too many tourists often equals steep prices and accidental damage or pollution.

And let’s face it, no one wants to spend their precious annual leave in a queue, or shuffling amongst other tourists.

Thankfully, new research, conducted by luxury travel company,  The Thinking Traveller , has ranked the most overcrowded tourist attractions in Europe that you might want to avoid.

Analysing TripAdvisor reviews, the list was compiled by finding locations with the most mentions of ‘crowded’ and ‘busy’.

And, it’s bad news for those heading to Scotland. Edinburgh Castle was named the most overcrowded destination on the continent.

Next up was Buckingham Palace , followed by Siam Park, the waterpark in Tenerife .

Other iconic sites such as the Grand Canal in Venice, and the Louvre in Paris also made the list.

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So, if you’re planning on ticking these big sights off your list this summer get their early, or accept you’ll be joining the crowds…

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Top 10 overcrowded tourist attractions in Europe

• Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
• Buckingham Palace, London
• Siam Park, Tenerife
• Canal Grande, Venice
• Roman Baths, Bath
• Tower of London, London
• Louvre Museum, Paris
• Acropolis, Athens
• The British Museum, London
• Musée d’Orsay, Paris

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

My 13 Favorite European Cities To Avoid The Crowds

• Destinations

Before I get to list my favorite European cities with fewer crowds, my top tip is to avoid traveling to Europe during summer, especially in August. Instead, travel in the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) or even off-season (November-March, though remember that Christmas and the New Year are always busy). But I do understand that traveling out of season isn’t always possible. So if you are looking for some alternative European destinations, cities that fly under the radar but are just as special, then read on…

1. Symi, Greece

Greece is a perfect holiday destination. There are beaches galore, and you’ll find plenty to explore from history to boat trips and snorkeling. Fortunately, there are so many Greek islands that it’s relatively easy to find one free from crowds. Tucked between Rhodes and Kos, Symi is a world away from those tourist hotspots. Accessible only by ferry, you’ll arrive at one of the prettiest harbors in the world, with stunning pastel houses sprawling up the hillside. You can visit the island’s monastery, or take a bus up the hill to the little town. Little water “busses” cruise around the island, stopping at tiny coves which are only accessible from the water, and which have incredibly clear turquoise water. Many of these tiny beaches have a small tavern with delicious fresh fish. I can’t think of a better way to relax.

2. Thessaloniki, Greece

This is one of Greece’s best destinations for foodies, a melting pot of influences ranging from Arabia to Armenia. Restaurants here serve glorious gyros (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), flaky bougatsa (breakfast pastry), and inventive mezedes (appetizers). The market district is a labyrinth of tavernas and market stalls. There’s a promenade along the Aegean Sea and the upper town, called Ano Poli, which is full of crumbling Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman buildings, many of which are World Heritage Sites. You could start your day on one of the local sandy beaches, and finish it watching the sunset over the harbor from the upper town. 

3. Bologna, Italy 

Bologna , Italy’s top gastronomic destination, has a charming red-brick old town of colonnaded squares. Piazza Maggiore is the heart of the old town, with a lively university district to the south, food-filled alleys to the east, and interesting churches and medieval towers. The university, home to 80,000 students, has a magnificent anatomical theatre dating back to 1637. Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Art Gallery) has a magnificent collection of artwork, which unlike elsewhere in Italy, is not so crowded that you are left peering over a sea of heads to see. 

Pro Tip: Go in shoulder-season March or April for warm, sunny weather; December has fine Christmas markets.

4. Pitigliano, Italy

If you really want to find one of the best places in Tuscany without being shoulder-to-shoulder with the tourists of Florence or San Gimignano, then head a little further south and explore the town of Pitigliano. Located between the western coast and the town of Orvieto, Pitigliano is the place to go to explore small artisan shops or eat pizza under a shady tree; this is a town where you can explore the streets without worrying about getting lost in the crowds. 

Pro Tip: Stay in a local Agriturismo (farm stay) like Le Sorgenti Agriturismo for a relaxing escape from the city.   

5. Lyon, France

Lyon is a beautiful city of riverfronts, medieval streets, and café-filled squares. Less hurried and more laidback than Paris, this is the gastronomic capital of France. Beyond food, the city has a World Heritage-listed old town full of French Gothic and Renaissance buildings, plus a hilltop Roman amphitheater. There are no queues at the Musee des Beaux-Arts Lyon, which houses the biggest collection of Impressionist art outside of Paris. Lyon is also the birthplace of modern cinema, and the Musée Lumière celebrates the Lumière brothers, inventors of cinematography. 

Pro Tip: I’d suggest staying between the Saône and Rhône rivers, in one of the 15 rooms at the Hotel Vaubecour .  

6. Bordeaux, France

Arriving in Bordeaux , it is immediately apparent that you’ve arrived in the wine capital of the world. Before you hit the wineries, explore La Cite du Vin, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of wine production. The self-guided tour winds up on the 8th floor, where you can enjoy a glass of wine with some breath-taking views. Bordeaux is more than just grapes and fine wine though. There’s stunning gothic-style architecture, like the 15th-century Tour Pey Berland (the bell tower of the Bordeaux Cathedral). There’s also the city’s fabulous food and drink scene. Head to the west side of the river and café hop between Place de la Bourse and the Museum of Fine Arts, and then head to the Marché des Capucins (food market) to sample local cheese and wine – I’d recommend the oysters. 

7. Elaphiti Islands, Croatia 

Croatia has become popular in recent years, thanks in a large part to the series Game of Thrones . But while Dubrovnik is packed with tourists in the summer months, just a 40-minute ferry ride away are the quiet Elaphiti Islands. Kolocep and Lopud Islands are car-free, which makes for a pretty and peaceful paradise (you can get around by golf cart, but everything is within walking distance). Sunj Beach on Lopud Island has a shallow, sandy beach, where you can go snorkeling and see some pretty fish. For the more adventurous, you can go kayaking around the Elaphiti Islands, a great way to discover hidden bays and secluded beaches. 

Pro Tip: There’s an underwater cave near Sipan Island, which can only be reached by kayak. Don’t miss it if you have the chance!

8. Lumbarda, Croatia

A little further from Dubrovnik is Korcula Island with its picturesque village Lumbarda. Lumbarda is 5 miles from historic Korcula Town and is a pretty, hilly village situated around a small harbor overlooking the Skoji Archipelago. There are several welcoming and friendly restaurants and bars which offer fabulous views of the Adriatic. You can rent bikes, paddle boards, and kayaks. The water is pristine, visibility for snorkeling is fantastic, and the sea is luxuriously warm for swimming. There’s also an easy coastal path where you can walk and enjoy beautiful views over the sea, especially at sunset.

Pro Tip: On a Friday evening, the village square hosts a Fisherman’s Market, where local people set up stalls selling wine, dinners (mostly fresh-caught fish), and delicious, local desserts.

9. Utrecht, Netherlands 

How is it possible that the Netherland’s fourth-largest city is so relatively unknown? Only an hour’s train ride from Schiphol Airport and just half an hour from central Amsterdam, Utrecht is a relaxed alternative to Amsterdam, with similar architecture and canals, but none of the tourist tat or crowds. Compact and mostly pedestrian (though cyclists are everywhere), Utrecht is easily walked, with architectural treats and antiques dealers on every corner, and several splendid castles in the surrounding countryside. The town has a number of notable music festivals in the summer, and the Netherlands Film Festival is held here annually in autumn.  

Pro Tip: Don’t miss climbing to the top of the 700-year-old Dom Tower for fabulous views over the gabled merchants’ houses and narrow canals of this quaint but buzzing city. 

10. Valencia, Spain 

Valencia , Spain’s third-largest city, is a 4-hour train trip from Barcelona, yet has much fewer visitors. Great for shopping and home to a fascinating science museum, aquarium, and opera house, Valencia also has fantastic, inventive restaurants, and streets filled with locals rather than just tourists. Walk through the city to see medieval buildings, art deco apartments, and the Turia Gardens which meander through the center of town. Valencia Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece opened in 1262, Museo de Bellas Artes houses 2,000 artworks dating from the 14th through 17th centuries, and Mercado Central is one of the country’s best food markets.

11. Frigiliana, Spain

When thinking of visiting Spain in summer, you might be picturing beaches filled with sun beds and umbrellas, all-inclusive hotels, and streets lined with Irish bars. But look further afield and you can find some really special places off the beaten path, like the picturesque area of Frigiliana. Described as the “prettiest village in Andalusia” by the Spanish tourism authority, this quaint area is only a few minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Marbella, yet it seems a world away. It has a traditional Spanish vibe, with no big hotels and no tourist crowds. There are many nearby tourist attractions, like hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains (the impressive hanging bridges are fun), visiting the nearby Caves of Nerja (caverns that stretch underground for almost 3.5 miles), or going to see how the “other half” live in Puerto Banus (the Costa del Sol ’s playground for the rich and famous, and the most expensive leisure port in Europe).

12. Stuttgart, Germany 

Stuttgart is a city that packs a punch without the swarms of tourists you’ll find in the nearby cities of Munich and Frankfurt. The Schlossplatz (Palace Square) is the vibrant heart of the city, with the baroque palace standing regally in the background. Killesberg Hill Park is the green oasis in the middle of the city where you can enjoy the Biergardens or climb to the top of the Killesberg tower for views of the city below. For the car aficionados, there are two car museums (Porsche and Mercedes Benz) to keep you busy. Stuttgart is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting other small towns in the area, such as the famous Triberg with its waterfall, black forest clocks, and cake.

Pro Tip: A good place to stay is the centrally located Maritim Hotel . 

13. Graz, Austria 

Graz is Austria ‘s second-largest city but is little-known to many. Only a 2 and a half hour scenic train ride from Vienna, this city, with a population of 270,000, has none of Vienna’s pretensions, yet still has enough history and culture to be interesting. The Renaissance old town is lived in with shopping streets such as Herrengasse and Sporgasse winding their way through the town. Above, walking paths and battlements on Schlossberg rock provide some impressive views, and the Styrian Armory (the world’s largest collection of arms and armor) is surprisingly interesting. 

And there you have it, my suggestions for some alternative European destinations that you can head for when you want to escape the crowds but don’t want to miss out on a fantastic European vacation.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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This city in new york was named the number one city in america, here's why, 9 scenic, but underrated casino cities that are great alternatives to las vegas.

There are a lot of places throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the rest of the world where tourism is one of the most important sources of income for the locals and their government. However, while gaining international fame as a vacation destination is obviously quite lucrative, it comes with a lot of downsides too.

Overtourism has become a prominent issue in some of the world's most beloved spots that affects everyone involved. It sometimes causes economic and environmental issues for the city, while raining on the parade of visitors whose opportunities to enjoy their vacation have been limited by other tourists and government-mandated restrictions.

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10 10. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world for plenty of reasons. The city is home to the Canals of Amsterdam, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Europe, and boasts a prolific scene for artists and art enthusiasts alike, so it's no surprise that the streets are overrun by visitors.

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In 2018, over 18 million tourists came to see it for themselves, causing the locals to begin to worry that their city was being overtaken by tourists. Netherlands officials have made the decision to stop advertising the country as a whole as a tourist destination, in hopes of managing the crowds.

9 9. Santorini

Santorini is a Greek island that lives a bit of a double life. During the offseason, it's quiet, idyllic and laid-back - but during tourist season, it's like an entirely different place. Every inch is packed full of tourists from all over the world. Some come for the beautiful sights including the natural scenery and the unique, white-washed architecture, while others come for the non-stop partying that takes over the nightlife scene.

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Overtourism has become a threat to the lifestyle of the local population and the overall appearance of the city, since they weren't quite prepared for the 66% increase in overnight visitors that the last 5 years has brought them. Truthfully, it might be better for anyone who's looking for a good party to skip Santorini entirely - after all, there's no shortage of good places to party in the world.

The most popular tourist destination in France, Paris is probably one of the first places that comes to mind when the average person considers taking a trip to Europe. It's easy to understand why the city is so popular, since it seems to have something for everyone. Delicious cuisine, historical significance, ground-breaking art - and even some uniquely creepy things, like the Catacombs. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of places to go and things to do in Paris.

However, overtourism has started to become an increasingly real concern. One of the city's most popular attractions, the Louvre museum, was recently closed to the public after the workers walked out due to overcrowding - luckily, it's been reopened after negotiations between union representatives and management, but it's still a sign of just how serious the crowds can get in Paris.

Ever since Elizabeth Gilbert's travel memoir, Eat Pray Love , released in 2006, Bali has seen an impressive increase in its annual tourism numbers. Even those who haven't read the book (or seen the movie starring Julia Roberts) have heard of Bali for its beautiful beaches and bountiful culture that leaves most visitors feeling spiritually enriched just for having been there.

Unfortunately, overtourism comes with some serious consequences for pretty much everyone involved. The island's natural beauty is threatened by littering, the locals are sometimes left struggling to navigate their own home, and of course, the travelers themselves have to fight with crowds in order to get anything done!

Some of the most influential things in the entire world can be found in the heart of Rome, a one-of-a-kind city that's packed full of historical, artistic, architectural, and religious significance. It makes perfect sense as one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide.

However, the seemingly never-ending crowds make it difficult for some travelers to truly fall in love with the city. Obviously, there are security risks from how overpopulated the streets are, and it's just plain annoying to try to maneuver through throngs while trying to enjoy a vacation.

5 5. Barcelona

Barcelona is a beautiful city that's located in Spain. Less than 2 million people actually live there, but over 30 million travelers choose to take their vacations there. It's widely considered to be one of the most attractive cities in all of Europe, known for the beauty of its streets, but there's a very serious problem that's growing progressively worse over time: overtourism.

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Some of the city's most popular streets are nearly impossible to navigate because of the crowds of visitors, making it difficult for both the locals and the visitors themselves to find very much enjoyment in seeing the sights of Barcelona.

4 4. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a city in Croatia that has seen an overwhelming spike in tourism due to its involvement with HBO's Game of Thrones . An area known as Old City was used as King's Landing, so fans of the show have started pouring in to see it for themselves, encouraged further by tour guides and other programs.

In recent years, hundreds of thousands of people have set out to visit Dubrovnik, which has been a struggle for the local population to keep up with. After all, there are less than 2,000 people actually living in the city, so it's easy to understand why shops, restaurants, and other businesses are struggling to keep up with the tourists.

3 3. Boracay

Boracay is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, so it's no surprise that it's a popular destination for tropical tourism. Over the years, it became known as an epicenter for wild beach parties - which, as is almost always the case, lead to an overwhelming amount of visitors and began to cause damage to the environment. Between litter, complications with sewage, and a handful of other problems, the island was forced to shut down for roughly 6 months in 2018.

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Even after reopening, tourism numbers are heavily restricted by the government, allowing only 6,000 visitors at a time, as opposed to the previous 19,000.

2 2. Venice

One of Italy's most popular vacation destinations, Venice is home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions in Europe, if not the entire world. The canals are internationally known for being a beautiful, romantic experience, which has served to attract many people from all over the world who are eager to see them in real life.

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Unfortunately, the constant crowds seem to detract from the overall enjoyment that visitors and even locals are able to find in the city. In order to try to gain some control over their tourism numbers, the city has enacted an entry fee that day-trippers will be required to pay, the amount of which varies based on how many other people are in the city.

1 1. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a citadel located on top of an Incan mountain in Peru. It is full of beautiful, ancient architecture and places with incredible spiritual significance that draws in visitors from all over the world.

In recent years, there have been over 5000 visitors per day, which is more than half of UNESCO's recommended daily limit of 2500. These numbers make it difficult for the locals to protect the area from disrespectful tourists who climb on the structures, steal pieces of the landmarks, and leave writing and drawings behind. In order to try to get ahead of this problem, new ticketing practices have been introduced by the officials, allowing visitors to stay for a maximum of four hours, during a specific time slot.

Luckily, the time not spent at Machu Picchu can easily be spent at one of Peru's other destinations .

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• Destinations

15 Best Alternative European Destinations to Avoid the Crowds

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: January 26, 2021
• Post category: Paid Guest Blog
• Post comments: 0 Comments

One of the many sad legacies that the pandemic will leave us with will be a fear of other people.  No longer will we experience the thrill of a crowd and for a long while after our vaccinations, a mass of other people will feel like a threat.  Whilst there will be a thirst for new experiences, for travel, few will feel comfortable heading off to a popular tourist destination.  Popular tourist destinations are popular tourist destinations for a reason, they are unique. There is only one Venice, there is only one Colosseum.  What this list attempts to suggest is that there are other destinations where you can enjoy a similar experience, without the crowds. It will of course be a different experience, but it might just turn out to be a much more rewarding one.

Useful links

• Europe’s Top Travel Guides
• Countries to visit after COVID
• Best time to travel in Europe
• Learn to avoid crowds
• Top Europe Travel Backpacks
• COVID Travel Kit

Alternatives to Popular Cities

Aveiro instead of venice.

Aveiro is sometimes called the Venice of Portugal, but that is to do it a disservice, however, if you are looking to spend time in a beautiful city with canals then you should give Aveiro your serious consideration.  Set on a lagoon on Portugal’s west coast, Aveiro is famous for its gorgeous pastel coloured Art Nouveau houses and the brightly coloured boats which ply the canals. Nearby are the sandy beaches of Costa Nova with its vibrant weatherboard cottages and outstanding seafood restaurants.  It’s well worth renting some local holiday accommodation and giving yourself time to explore the area.

Dordrecht instead of Amsterdam

Just an hour and ten minutes by train from Amsterdam, Holland’s oldest city is an historical treasure trove. The ancient city centre has over 1000 historic monuments, including the Grote Kirk, Huis van Gijn – the old mayor’s house and the 13 th century Augustine monastery, Het Haf.  It’s a great city for walking, or you can take a tour of the old harbours on an electric boat and when you are full to the brim with history, you can take time out and relax in one of the city’s outstanding restaurants.

Olomouc instead of Prague

Prague is a wonderful city but if you are looking for a similar architectural experience, without the crowds, hop on a train and make the two-hour journey to Olomouc.  The beautifully preserved old town is a World Heritage Site and a pleasure to explore on foot, enjoying as you do so, the 25 lavishly decorated fountains which adorn the squares.  St. Wenceslas Cathedral is a must see and boasts a spire which makes it one of the tallest buildings in the country.

Aarhus instead of Copenhagen

Three hours from Copenhagen by train, Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, famous for its outstanding range of museums and rich cultural life. Two of its most celebrated museums are The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe, and the Moesgaard Museum, famed for its stunning architectural design.  There is also plenty of night life to be enjoyed and of course, as you would expect, world class restaurants.

Alternatives to Popular Beach Destinations

Hvar island, croatia instead of ibiza.

Ok, it’s not Ibiza, but the ‘queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands’ is something quite remarkable, in fact it’s considered one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.  This is an unspoilt land of lavender, ancient olive trees and vineyards, with a rich cultural and historical heritage.  Explore the coastline and secluded coves by boat and though it may not be Ibiza, there is nightlife. Go now before everyone else discovers it.

Durdle Door, Dorset, instead of Nusa Penida, Bali

Your initial reaction may be that this is an alternative too far but bear with me. Nusa Penida is justly famous for its spectacular views of sublime beaches, but most of those beaches are inaccessible and those that are have dangerous currents. It’s also an eighteen-hour flight from the UK. Durdle Door is a comparably spectacular limestone arch, situated on coastline which is a World Heritage Site. Avoid school holidays and weekends, but if you time it right you’ll have this amazing view, with a beach from which you can bathe safely, all to yourself.

Ikaria instead of Mykonos

Get an old hippy to tell you about the Greek Islands in the sixties and they’ll wax lyrical about hopping from unspoilt island to unspoilt island. Sadly, too many people following in hippy footsteps have turned most Greek islands into 24-hour party money machines. But there is at least one survivor: 10 miles southwest of Samos lies Ikaria, one of world’s five blue zones , regions remarkable for their longevity and health. The mountain landscapes and unspoilt beaches of Ikaria are dotted with religious and archaeological sites and if you crave a Greek island experience, without the tourism, seek it out before it’s too late.

Kotor, Montenegro, instead of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Post ‘Game of Thrones’, Dubrovnik (Kings’ Landing) has become even more popular with tourists, so if you are looking for a dramatic, fortified coastal town, you should consider Kotor on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The old town, a World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, ancient churches and orange roofed houses is set against an imposing backdrop of towering mountains.  If you are feeling energetic, you can hike up to Kotor fortress and admire the stunning views, if you’re not, you can browse the fascinating little shops or enjoy the delicious seafood.

Alternatives to Popular Towns

Brixham, u.k. instead of st. ives.

The twin attractions of the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum ensure that St. Ives is always busy, so why not explore the less glamorous but equally fascinating fishing port of Brixham.  Life in Brixham centres around the harbour and Brixham’s famous fish market but there are many other diversions to entertain a visitor to the town.  Take a boat trip or kayak if you are feeling more adventurous. Visit the Berry Head Nature Reserve or Greenway, the private holiday home of the author Agatha Christie.

Conques, instead of Rocamadour, France

Rocamadour is the French clifftop village known for its complex of religious buildings, accessed by the Grand Escalier. In summer, the staircase is an endless procession of jostling tourists. The much less well known Conques, on the old pilgrim route to Compostela and in the heart of the Lot valley is one of the most beautiful villages in France.  Its abbey is a masterpiece of Romanesque art, famous for its mass of carving and its golden reliquary and the ancient streets with their half-timbered houses are full of charm.

St Wolfgang, instead of Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is famed as Austria’s most beautiful town, an accolade which means that you can never enjoy it without the company of hordes of people. St Wolfgang also sits beside a mountain ringed lake, which is cruised by ferries, including an 1873 steamer. The Schafbergbahn is a steam powered railway which climbs to the summit of Mt. Shafberg from which there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It should not be too hard to find accommodation in the town with wonderful views over lake and mountains.

Alternatives to Tourist Hot Spots

Pula arena, croatia, instead of the colosseum, rome.

Pula Arena is among the world’s six largest remaining Roman amphitheatres and the only one to have the four side towers still preserved. Built at the same time as the Colosseum, this amphitheatre originally had seating for 20,000 people. Today, the amphitheatre is still very much a working environment, film festivals, concerts and mock gladiator fights are held in the arena and in the underground passages, once used by gladiators, exhibitions explaining the history of olive and wine production are staged.

Myvatyn Nature Baths instead of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous spa and one of its most popular tourist attractions, if you want to go, you’ll need to book your entry weeks in advance, so why not consider an alternative spa experience. The Myvatyn Nature Baths are situated a short drive from Hverir in Northeast Iceland, they offer similar facilities to the Blue Lagoon, but they are much less crowded. So, if you fancy seeing the midnight sun, bathing in water at 38 degrees, in the middle of a lunar landscape and not surrounded by people, then Myvatyn might just be exactly what you are looking for.

Konigssee, Germany, instead of Geirangerfjord, Norway

Geirangerfjord, its deep blue waters surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks, is the most famous fjord in Norway. If you are looking for a similar, less popular location, consider Konigssee. This natural lake is in the southeast of Bavaria, close to the Austrian border and thirty kilometres south of Salzburg. Encircled by mountains, numerous waterfalls drain into its clear waters. At the western end of the lake sits the Baroque monastery of St. Bartholoma and high above sits Eagle’s Nest, which is now a restaurant with stunning panoramic views.

Peneda Geres National Park, Portugal, instead of the Italian Lakes.

The Italian lakes are undeniably beautiful, they are also undeniably busy. In summer, their roads become a tortuous shimmering snake of endless traffic jams. By contrast, the Peneda Geres National Park offers a spectacular variety of stunning landscapes and a wealth of biodiversity. Hike the wild landscapes, confident that you won’t encounter crowds or traffic jams. Enjoy ancient ruins, thermal bath and wonderful local cuisine and most of all, enjoy unspoilt nature.

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Travel Guide

These are the 10 most overcrowded tourist attractions in europe this summer.

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Final Up to date 9 hours in the past

Vacationers are headed to Europe in document numbers this summer time, with one concern high of thoughts – overcrowding. 

Everybody needs to truly be capable to get pleasure from town they’re visiting, proper?

Huge crowds at your vacation spot’s predominant sights preserve you from seeing what you got here to see .

De-stressing your summer time Europe journey can imply arriving early for probably the most overcrowded sights, and even avoiding them solely.

Journey web site The Thinking Traveller analyzed overcrowding key phrases in 1000’s of TripAdvisor opinions for sights in Europe this summer time that can assist you plan across the crowds.

Listed below are the ten most overcrowded vacationer sights in Europe this summer time:

1. Edinburgh Fortress, Scotland 

This checklist is dominated by U.Okay. sights, however Scotland’s iconic Edinburgh Fortress takes gold. 

Final 12 months, 3.2 million worldwide guests traveled to Edinburgh, and 1.3 million vacationers visited Edinburgh Fortress particularly. 

Edinburgh is without doubt one of the high 5 trending summer time locations in 2023, in keeping with Hopper, so these fortress visitation numbers aren’t more likely to decelerate anytime quickly.

Overcrowding isn’t a brand new downside for this historic web site, although.

In 2018, 10,000 vacationers a day overwhelmed the fortress’s workers and threatened to close down the attraction. On the time, Edinburgh World Heritage raised alarm bells that town was “struggling the identical destiny as Venice” and on observe to grow to be a “hole museum shell” resulting from unsustainably excessive numbers of vacationers. 

To flee the crowds and discover a fortress close to Edinburgh metropolis, guests would possibly attempt Lauriston Fortress or Craigmillar Fortress as a substitute.

2. Buckingham Palace, London, England

Greater than a 3rd of the 16 million vacationers visiting London annually checklist Buckingham Palace as a ‘should see’ high desire.

Whereas solely 121,000 guests paid for a ticket to tour the royal residence final 12 months, numerous others – estimated at greater than 5 million – got here to see it totally free from exterior the palace gates. 

California vacationer Becky M described her disappointment when she arrived at Buckingham Palace a half hour earlier than the altering of the guard, solely to understand that vacationers wanted to get there at the very least 2 hours early to even see the tippy tops of the guards’ hats. 

She wasn’t in a position to get shut sufficient to the gate to see the enduring occasion she got here to London for. “You’ll be able to’t get any photos,” she stated. “And you actually gained’t perceive what the heck is happening.”

Vacationers can keep away from the crowds this summer time with different royal locations like Kensington Palace and The Family Cavalry Museum.

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3. Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain

Siam Park is probably the most visited amusement park in Spain, and has been named the finest waterpark on this planet by TripAdvisor for almost a decade.

As soon as opened by the Princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the park encompasses a Southeast Asian theme.

With summer time temperatures in Spain generally reaching highs of 47° C (117° F), It’s straightforward to see why almost 2 million guests flock to Siam Park to chill down.

Vacationers can attempt hidden Spanish seashores like Playa el Puertito as a substitute, or head to those lesser known Mediterranean islands to beat the warmth and the crowds with a pleasant swim.

4. Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

Almost 9 million vacationers visited the small canal metropolis of Venice final 12 months.

With over 100,000 vacationers per day throughout peak season, Veneto’s slender cobblestone alleys and tiny water taxis can simply get too crowded to perform.

This summer time, vacationers outnumber locals by greater than 2 to1.

Whereas town has launched an entry charge to attempt to deal with overtourism, guests to town’s pretty Grand Canal can nonetheless anticipate to be packed like sardines into overcrowded bridges. And we hate to be the bearer of dangerous information, however chances are high you gained’t handle to get the enduring photograph op both.

Vacationers can intention for shoulder season, or take a look at these 4 lesser known destinations with picturesque canals as a substitute. 

5. The Roman Baths, Bathtub, England

These Roman Baths have been welcoming guests for almost 2,000 years. 

It’s no shock that greater than 6 million vacationers come to see this iconic attraction annually. Nonetheless, town’s slender streets and the attraction’ tight quarters make a go to to England’s Roman Baths particularly chaotic.

The vacationer buses in entrance of The Roman Baths specifically create issues with “noise, air high quality, and visible intrusion, …unofficial parking, …and public security,” in keeping with Bath’s tourism board. 

If unspoiled Roman historical past is all you’re after on an English vacation, you continue to have loads of peaceable choices. Strive lesser-known Fishbourne Roman Palace, Caerwent, or Wroxeter. 

6. Tower of London, England

Over 3 million guests annually come to see the crown jewels and spectacular views from the Tower of London.

However 1-2 hour waits, overcrowded staircases, and brief cut-off dates on jewel rooms depart many vacationers questioning whether or not it’s well worth the crowds.

Customer Hannah went to the tower this June, and located that the crowds spoiled her expertise . “Wonderful place,” she wrote in her evaluation, “however the crowds had a huge impact on my day. 

“You might be herded like cattle via the entire sights and it’s actually too busy to get pleasure from correctly. The queue for the Crown Jewels was over an hour lengthy. I went Monday morning. At over £30 pp ($40) … can be good to see limits on the quantity of visitors per day.”

As an alternative of the Tower of London, London vacationers can view the jewel assortment at close by Victoria & Albert Museum totally free with fewer crowds and no cut-off dates. Queen Victoria‘s gorgeous sapphire and diamond crown is on everlasting public show there. 

If the Tower’s views are what you’re after, attempt the free viewing platform on the Tate Fashionable as a substitute.

7. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

A whopping 8 million individuals visited the Louvre Museum in Paris, France final 12 months. 

Vacationers hoping for a glimpse on the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo could be disenchanted after elbow-fighting with the roughly 30,000 each day guests for a partial view from afar. 

However don’t fear – there are much less crowded locations to get a little bit tradition within the Metropolis of Lights. For one thing historic, attempt Musée Carnavalet. For a extra trendy contact, attempt Fondation Louis Vuitton.

8. Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Over 6 million vacationers go to the Greek capital annually.

On daily basis, over 16,000 vacationers flock to the Acropolis, creating such severe overcrowding that Greece is introducing new crowd control measures this summer time for the primary time. 

The scenario is exacerbated by the bottleneck on the historic Propylaia, or gateway, the place these 1000’s of vacationers must cram via to enter.

It’s additionally fueled partially by giant cruise ships docking within the Greek capital.  

Lysandros Tsilidis of the highest tourism affiliation in Greece lately told The Observer that these cruise ships have “the dimensions of a small state on board, and at the very least 30% of all of these passengers could have pre-purchased tickets to go to the Acropolis.”

For a dose of Athens’ historic historical past with out the insane crowds, guests can head to Plaka or Mount Lycabettus.

9. The British Museum, London, England

The British Museum receives a staggering 6.5 million guests per 12 months. Whereas the oldest public museum on this planet is fairly spacious, vacationers right here nonetheless really feel the consequences of huge crowds. 

Vacationer SJ visited the museum this month and had this to say: “ The museum itself is big and but it appeared each room or hall was filled with individuals , so it made it onerous to see a variety of the artifacts correctly or take a look at them for lengthy sufficient.”

For some under-the-radar tradition, London vacationers can get pleasure from Guildhall Artwork Gallery, The Queen’s Home, or Leighton Home Museum with fewer fellow vacationers.

10. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France

Just like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay is as iconic as it’s crowded.

This museum welcomes over 3 million guests per 12 months , with crowds of almost 7,000 per day within the low season and much more in peak summer time months.

When you’ve got your coronary heart set on Musée d’Orsay, attempt an early morning Wednesday go to for the smallest crowds on common.

Higher but, head to the lesser-known Musée de la Vie Romantique to view works from comparable time durations with out hordes of vacationers.

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Travel Guide

These are the 10 most overcrowded tourist attractions in europe this summer.

Share The Article

Last Updated 1 second in the past

Travelers are headed to Europe in document numbers this summer time, with one concern prime of thoughts – overcrowding. 

Everyone desires to really have the ability to get pleasure from the town they’re visiting, proper?

Massive crowds at your vacation spot’s important points of interest preserve you from seeing what you got here to see .

De-stressing your summer time Europe journey can imply arriving early for essentially the most overcrowded points of interest, and even avoiding them totally.

Travel website The Thinking Traveller analyzed overcrowding key phrases in hundreds of TripAdvisor critiques for points of interest in Europe this summer time that can assist you plan across the crowds.

Here are the ten most overcrowded vacationer points of interest in Europe this summer time:

1. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland 

This checklist is dominated by U.Okay. points of interest, however Scotland’s iconic Edinburgh Castle takes gold. 

Last yr, 3.2 million worldwide guests traveled to Edinburgh, and 1.3 million vacationers visited Edinburgh Castle particularly. 

Edinburgh is likely one of the prime 5 trending summer time locations in 2023, in accordance with Hopper, so these fortress visitation numbers aren’t prone to decelerate anytime quickly.

Overcrowding isn’t a brand new downside for this historic website, although.

In 2018, 10,000 vacationers a day overwhelmed the fortress’s employees and threatened to close down the attraction. At the time, Edinburgh World Heritage raised alarm bells that the town was “suffering the same fate as Venice” and on observe to develop into a “hollow museum shell” attributable to unsustainably excessive numbers of vacationers. 

To escape the crowds and discover a fortress close to Edinburgh metropolis, guests would possibly strive Lauriston Castle or Craigmillar Castle as a substitute.

2. Buckingham Palace, London, England

More than a 3rd of the 16 million vacationers visiting London annually checklist Buckingham Palace as a ‘must see’ prime choice.

While solely 121,000 guests paid for a ticket to tour the royal residence final yr, numerous others – estimated at greater than 5 million – got here to see it free of charge from outdoors the palace gates. 

California vacationer Becky M described her disappointment when she arrived at Buckingham Palace a half hour earlier than the altering of the guard, solely to understand that vacationers wanted to get there at the very least 2 hours early to even see the tippy tops of the guards’ hats. 

She wasn’t in a position to get shut sufficient to the gate to see the long-lasting occasion she got here to London for. “You can’t get any pictures,” she stated. “And you really won’t understand what the heck is going on.”

Tourists can keep away from the crowds this summer time with different royal locations like Kensington Palace and The Household Cavalry Museum.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

3. Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain

Siam Park is essentially the most visited amusement park in Spain, and has been named the greatest waterpark on the planet by TripAdvisor for practically a decade.

Once opened by the Princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the park includes a Southeast Asian theme.

With summer time temperatures in Spain typically reaching highs of 47° C (117° F), It’s straightforward to see why practically 2 million guests flock to Siam Park to chill down.

Tourists can strive hidden Spanish seashores like Playa el Puertito as a substitute, or head to those lesser known Mediterranean islands to beat the warmth and the crowds with a pleasant swim.

4. Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

Nearly 9 million vacationers visited the small canal metropolis of Venice final yr.

With over 100,000 vacationers per day throughout peak season, Veneto’s slim cobblestone alleys and tiny water taxis can simply get too crowded to perform.

This summer time, vacationers outnumber locals by greater than 2 to1.

While the town has launched an entry charge to attempt to deal with overtourism, guests to the town’s pretty Grand Canal can nonetheless anticipate to be packed like sardines into overcrowded bridges. And we hate to be the bearer of dangerous information, however likelihood is you received’t handle to get the long-lasting picture op both.

Tourists can intention for shoulder season, or try these 4 lesser known destinations with picturesque canals as a substitute. 

5. The Roman Baths, Bath, England

These Roman Baths have been welcoming guests for practically 2,000 years. 

It’s no shock that greater than 6 million vacationers come to see this iconic attraction annually. However, the town’s slim streets and the attraction’ tight quarters make a go to to England’s Roman Baths particularly chaotic.

The vacationer buses in entrance of The Roman Baths particularly create issues with “noise, air quality, and visual intrusion, …unofficial parking, …and public safety,” in accordance with Bath’s tourism board. 

If unspoiled Roman historical past is all you’re after on an English vacation, you continue to have loads of peaceable choices. Try lesser-known Fishbourne Roman Palace, Caerwent, or Wroxeter. 

6. Tower of London, England

Over 3 million guests annually come to see the crown jewels and spectacular views from the Tower of London.

But 1-2 hour waits, overcrowded staircases, and brief deadlines on jewel rooms depart many vacationers questioning whether or not it’s well worth the crowds.

Visitor Hannah went to the tower this June, and located that the crowds spoiled her expertise . “Amazing place,” she wrote in her evaluation, “however the crowds had a huge impact on my day. 

“You are herded like cattle through all of the attractions and it’s really too busy to enjoy properly. The queue for the Crown Jewels was over an hour long. I went Monday morning. At over £30 pp ($40) … would be good to see limits on the amount of guests per day.”

Instead of the Tower of London, London vacationers can view the jewel assortment at close by Victoria & Albert Museum free of charge with fewer crowds and no deadlines. Queen Victoria‘s beautiful sapphire and diamond crown is on everlasting public show there. 

If the Tower’s views are what you’re after, strive the free viewing platform on the Tate Modern as a substitute.

7. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

A whopping 8 million folks visited the Louvre Museum in Paris, France final yr. 

Travelers hoping for a glimpse on the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo could be upset after elbow-fighting with the roughly 30,000 day by day guests for a partial view from afar. 

But don’t fear – there are much less crowded locations to get just a little tradition within the City of Lights. For one thing historic, strive Musée Carnavalet. For a extra fashionable contact, strive Fondation Louis Vuitton.

8. Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Over 6 million vacationers go to the Greek capital annually.

Every day, over 16,000 vacationers flock to the Acropolis, creating such severe overcrowding that Greece is introducing new crowd control measures this summer time for the primary time. 

The state of affairs is exacerbated by the bottleneck on the historic Propylaia, or gateway, the place these hundreds of vacationers must cram by way of to enter.

It’s additionally fueled partially by massive cruise ships docking within the Greek capital.  

Lysandros Tsilidis of the highest tourism affiliation in Greece lately told The Observer that these cruise ships have “the size of a small state on board, and at least 30% of all of those passengers will have pre-purchased tickets to visit the Acropolis.”

For a dose of Athens’ historic historical past with out the insane crowds, guests can head to Plaka or Mount Lycabettus.

9. The British Museum, London, England

The British Museum receives a staggering 6.5 million guests per yr. While the oldest public museum on the planet is fairly spacious, vacationers right here nonetheless really feel the consequences of massive crowds. 

Tourist SJ visited the museum this month and had this to say: “ The museum itself is huge and yet it seemed every room or corridor was packed with people , so it made it hard to see a lot of the artifacts properly or look at them for long enough.”

For some under-the-radar tradition, London vacationers can get pleasure from Guildhall Art Gallery, The Queen’s House, or Leighton House Museum with fewer fellow vacationers.

10. Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France

Like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay is as iconic as it’s crowded.

This museum welcomes over 3 million guests per yr , with crowds of practically 7,000 per day within the low season and much more in peak summer time months.

If you’ve gotten your coronary heart set on Musée d’Orsay, strive an early morning Wednesday go to for the smallest crowds on common.

Better but, head to the lesser-known Musée de la Vie Romantique to view works from comparable time intervals with out hordes of vacationers.

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More From Forbes

The 15 best beautiful secret beaches in europe, according to new ranking.

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Pasjaca beach below cliffs in Konavle region of Dalmatia, Croatia

Summer is here, the time of year when beaches become the goal of most travelers around the world who dream of warm seas, white sand and secret, quiet and sunny shores.

Including the best hidden paradisical, remote, magic beaches from Croatia and Spain to Turkey, Greece and Portugal, the European Best Destinations, EBD , organizations has unveiled its list of iconic beaches in Europe that “the locals like to keep secret.”

Secluded, sun-kissed beaches, free of crowds, hotels, cafes and noise are ever more rare as social media burst with listings of the world’s “secret beaches,” most of which are anything but that anymore .

Some of the hidden beaches where only the locals ‘in the know’ go are, naturally, not easy to reach and require some effort to get there. Reaching them is part of the experience.

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As EBD explains “they are not always easy to access as some are located on European islands. What they are offering is priceless quiet, privacy, pure beauty and crystal clear waters.”

The easiest to get to by plane? “The ones located in the Algarve, Portugal.”

The new ranking includes six beaches in Greece (three on the island of Milos), four in Spain, three in Portugal (two in the Algarve, one in the Natural Arrabida Park, which was already awarded five years ago for the most beautiful beach in Europe, the "Praiga de Galapos.")

Pasjaca beach in Konavle Cavtat - Croatia

1. Pasjaca beach, Konavle Cavtat, Croatia

The small, hidden, sand-and-gravel Pasjaca beach in the Konavle region, southern Croatia, appears at the top of the EBD ranking of the best secret beaches in Europe.

Nested at the foot of the Konavle cliff where it meets the Adriatic Sea, it’s a narrow coastal strip of unique beauty.

At 30 kilometers from Dubrovnik , one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Europe, this hidden beach “is a real miracle,” according to EBD:

“In 1955, a tunnel was created from the fields upstream (often flooded) to the sea. The remaining rocks were used to build the roads or were left on the seaside. In a few years, the waves transformed these rocks into pebbles then into sand. Pasjaca beach was born.”

This destination was also awarded the title of Most Exclusive Destination in Europe and Most Beautiful Bay in Europe.

Not far from “must visit” Dubrovnik is Cavtat , also in the Konavle region and known as the ‘Croatian Tuscany.’ “The picturesque charming town of Cavtat is probably the most famous place in the region and its old town another well-kept secret with its lovely cafés and restaurants and a stunning waterfront lined with palm trees that has been favorably compared to Saint Tropez.”

Tsigrado beach in Milos island, Greece

2. Tsigrado beach, Milos, Greece

Tsigrado is hidden from view. It’s accessible only by a ladder raised between two rocks that affords access to a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters.

Perfect for snorkeling and exploring the numerous sea caves around it, this secluded beach is tucked away amid high cliffs, rocky passages and caverns.

Need one more reason to discover Tsigrado beach? The island of Milos , known for its turquoise waters, the wild beauty of its coastline, mineral resources and gorgeous sunsets, is ranked as one of the best destinations in Greece and most beautiful islands in Greece .

Praia da Ponta Pequena - Albufeira - Algarve - Portugal

3. Praia da Ponta Pequena, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal

This magnificent little beach hidden in an open cave opens onto the sea with an arch of golden rocks. Because it gets almost entirely immersed during high tide, it’s obviously safest to go at low tide.

On the east cliff, there’s a natural arch that offers access to a neighboring beach.

A small trail runs almost the entire way to the beach, but access via sea is most recommended.

Aerial view of beach and coastline of Papafragas with caves and cliffs formed by volcanic activity

4. Papafragas beach, Milos, Greece

With three beaches classified among the most beautiful secret beaches in Europe, Milos, at the Cyclades’ southwestern extreme, offers a canvas of unique landscapes. Carved by volcanic activity, it offers 70-plus celebrated beaches.

A few meters wide, Papafragas beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, offering a real swimming lane towards the turquoise Mediterranean that coexists with caverns, azure waters and geological curiosities.

August is the windiest month in Milos, so EBD recommends a visit in spring or fall.

For more inspiration, consider the Best Beaches in Greece and Best Hidden Gems in Greece .

The beach of Cala Goloritzè, Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia

5. Cala Goloritze, Sardinia

Cala Goloritze, known as the most beautiful beach in Italy, is located on the east coast of the island of Sardinia, in the municipality of Baunei in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei.

Made of small white pebbles and sand, this beach — one of Sardinia’s most evocative — was created by a landslide in 1962 and its most famous sight is a high pinnacle of 143 meters rising above the cove.

It can be reached by sea, but the boat will drop you 100 meters from the beach. From there, you can continue by inflatable boat. It can also be reached on foot via a small path located on the plateau of Colgo. It takes 90 minutes to two hours of walking to get there.

Ballota beach, Llanes, Asturias, Spain

6. Ballota beach, Llanes, Asturias, Spain

Graced with fine sand and green surroundings, this hidden beach is one of the ‘secrets’ of the Spanish region of Asturias , located in the central-eastern area of ​​the municipality of Llanes.

Nature, calm and crystalline sea, Ballota beach is 350 meters long and 62 meters wide in an almost perfect shell shape.

It’s two hours from Bilbao and only 30 minutes from the beautiful town of Ribadessella.

Playa de Cuevas del Mar beach in northern Spain

7. Cuevas del Mar, Llanes, Asturias, Spain

“Asturias is definitely a destination to put at the top of your travel wish list if you like secret wild beache s and nature,” EBD advises.

This sheltered beach, thanks to the rock formations that surround it, is perfect for families and provides parking upstream.

A deep, narrow, fine-sand beach flanked by rock formations with arches and tunnels, it offers magnificent panoramas of one of the most beautiful regions of Spain .

Arch on Kastelli beach, Kato Koufonisi, Small Cyclades, Greece

8. Kastelli Beach, Kato Koufinisi, Greece

There are many secret beaches on the beautiful Greek island of Kato Koufonisi, located in the Small Cyclades between the islands of Nexos and Santorini.

One of the Koufonissia islands referred to by the locals as the ‘Mykonos of the Small Cyclades,’ Kato is actually comprised of two islands: Ano Koufonisi, a lively, popular tourist spot in the Aegean, and the almost-uninhabited Kato Koufonisi.

The Kastelli beach arch is one of the most iconic places of the island, a showcase of Aegean Beauty. It can be discovered by boat from the island of Koufonissi or from Santorini or Mykonos . Or, take a four-hour ferry from Athens.

Joao d'Arens Beach, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal

9. Joao d'Arens beach, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal

This secret beach is as magical as it is difficult to access.

Located between Portimao and Alvor, in the Algarve , Portugal , it can be discovered after a hike or for an afternoon of relaxation and swimming. Praia Joao de Arens is accessible by a slightly steep path not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or strollers. At low tide you can reach the second part of the beach located near Ponta Joao d'Arens.

The easiest way to get there is to park in the "Caminho da Praia do Joao d'Arens" and walk 10 minutes. Due to its seclusion, the beach its popular among naturists, “but you are not obliged to undress,” advises EBD. “Cohabitation goes very well in this little corner of paradise.”

Butterfly Valley in Oludeniz, Fethiye, Mugla, Turkey

10. Butterfly Valley beach, Turkey

This beach of rare beauty is located in the Butterfly Valley, on Turkey’s famous, 500-kilometer Lycian Way and only accessible by water. The 86,000 square-meter protected Butterfly Valley is home to roughly 100 species of butterflies, including the endemic orange, black and white Jersey Tiger.

“Be sure to climb the hill at the top of the beach to take photos — and be careful, though, as the hiking trail is not secure,” writes EBD.

“The easiest way to reach this beach is to book a boat from Ölüdeniz beach to discover Kelebekler Vadisi beach and stop there for a few moments or a few hours. During your stay, be sure to visit Ölüdeniz Beach, a 15-minute drive from Kelebekler Vadisi beach and ranked among the Best Beaches in Turkey .”

View of the volcanic open cave of Sykia, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece

11. Sykia Beach, Milos Island, Greece

Situated on the west part of Milos island, this little “cocoon beach” in the heart of a sea cave can be approached better by the sea with a boat.

Inside a jaw-dropping ‘open cave’ because the roof collapsed long ago, it boasts unique views of the sky and astonishing white rock formations.

While one of the best ways to visit Sykia is to book a private boat as it’s almost inaccessible, you can still get there by walking for an hour.

Torrente de Pareis, island of Mallorca, Balearic islands

12. Torrente de Parreis beach, Mallorca, Spain

Torrent de Pareis on the island of Mallorca in Spain ’s Balearic islands is located amid natural scenery in the middle of a deep ravine near the village of Sa Calobra. The eponymous torrent flows into the sea here.

High mountains, a beautiful bay, a nice little beach, and an incredible canyon with 300-meter-tall mountain walls make Torrent de Pareis a unique natural attraction.

The drive to the nearest town is special with its impressive view of the Tramontana mountain range, although not a trip for those prone to motion sickness.

There are two ways to reach the beach: walking (an adventure in itself as it passes two narrow caves) or booking a boat from the beautiful town of Söller.

Rodas beach, Cies Island in Galicia National Park

13. Cíes Islands, Vigo, Galicia, Spain

The hidden islands off Vigo (Galicia) don’t appear among the “most popular” listings. Of rare beauty, with crystal water and fine, white sand in the midst of wild and beautiful nature, the Cíes are an archipelago off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain, at the mouth of the Ria de Vigo.

They were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and are included in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park created in 2002.

Ferries depart from Vigo for the Cíes Islands every day. These protected islands can only accommodate a maximum of 2,200 visitors a day, so it is best to book your tickets in advance at the Vigo Tourist Office.

EBD advises to visit "Rodas beach," voted as one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in the world, but don’t miss the beautiful Figueiras beach.

The sandy beach and narrow inlet at Seitan Limania on the Chania peninsula of Crete

14. Seitan Beach, Limania, Crete, Greece

This remote sandy beach in a cove surrounded by rock formation is located in the Akrotiri Peninsula, 22 kilometers northeast of the city of Chania and two kilometers east of the village of Chordaki. Seitan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

The rocky underwater is perfect for snorkeling; swimming is popular but not recommended for non-swimmers due to strong currents.

The beach was once only accessible by boat but there’s now a narrow rocky downhill path from the parking lot, a 20-minutes drive from Chania.

During the high season, the beach is crowded with locals and goes quiet during the low season and on weekdays.

The paradise isle, Isola Bella in Taormina, Sicily

15. Isola Bella beach, Taormina, Sicily, Italy

The little "Isola Bella," aptly named "the beautiful island," is located in Taormina, Sicily. A beautiful destination, popular with celebrities (Audrey Hepburn loved it), it has become, with the Greek Theater , the symbol of Taormina.

The history of the island is a real estate transaction for the centuries. In 1806, Ferdinand I of Bourbon, King of Sicily, gave the island as a gift to the town of Taormina. In 1890, it was sold to a rich English noblewoman, Lady Florence Trevelyan , for 14,000 lire. At her deat, it went to a nephew — who sold it again.

The island was abandoned for several decades, until it was bought by the family Bosurgi of Messina in 1954 for the equivalent of about €20,000 euros. They built a cozy little house and pool, which became worth more than €3 million. It was auctioned several times and eventually declared a "nature reserve," and now managed by state agencies to ensure its preservation.

Isola Bella can be reached from downtown by taking the cable car on via Pirandello to Mazzarò and then walking for 200 meters. For those who enjoy a stroll, walk through Via Pirandello to a path that leads directly to the island.

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Europe's attractions that are worth the wait

6 July 2024

4 minutes

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Selecting the right attractions to visit during your getaway can be a challenge. You want to dive deep into the culture without wasting time on overhyped spots. With so many incredible sights across Europe, how do you determine which attractions truly deserve your time?

Europe is brimming with must-see spots. That's why we've curated a ranked list of European attractions worth the wait, based on factors such as sentiment analysis of Google Reviews, Google popular times data and crowd data. Our comprehensive "worth the wait" score pinpoints destinations that merit your attention.

Our “Worth the wait” score has been calculated by looking at the balance between an attraction's busyness and visitor enjoyment levels at each attraction. We then drew a comparison between the crowd data (busyness) and experience data (enjoyment) and ranked the outcomes by 100. From this we have been able to create the “worth the wait” score.

Our data revealed that the top European attraction worth the wait is France's Puy Du Fou, with a "Worth the wait" score of 98.77. Located in the Pays de la Loire region, this historical theme park attracts 2.3 million visitors annually. With an experience rating of 72.68, visitors are evidently captivated by the park's immersive shows and breathtaking gardens. Coupled with a crowd rating of 67.67 and an average crowd size of 1,206 across its 500-acres, it's clear why it holds our top spot.

In second place is Paris' Musée d'Orsay. Renowned for its impressive collection of impressionist paintings, the museum achieved a 98.66 "Worth the wait" score. Housing masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh, and with an average crowd size of 1,370, it offers ample space for visitors to appreciate art at their leisure.

Completing our top three attractions is Valencia's Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. With a 71.22 experience rating, this architectural marvel includes museums, gardens, and even an opera house. With an average crowd size of 1,171 and a crowd rating of 67.12, it is teeming with culture.

France's comic book themed Astérix Park ranks fourth with a "worth the wait" score of 94.91. A delight for all ages, the park boasts the second-lowest weekday crowd at 496 visitors. A visit during the week is recommended to avoid those rollercoaster queues.

London's Southbank Centre concludes our top five. As Europe's largest arts center, it garnered a 68.72 experience score and a noteworthy 92.10 "Worth the wait" score. Whether exploring the National Poetry Library or the Hayward Gallery, the Southbank Centre promises a memorable experience.

The most crowded attractions

Crowd sizes can influence your decision to visit an attraction. We’ve rounded up the top 10 to give you an insight into just how busy your destination might be.

Our crowd rating has been determined by analysing Statista data on inbound tourist arrivals. From this we have been able to estimate monthly visitor counts at each attraction. Using Google's popular times data, we’ve broken down visitor numbers by day and approximated hourly crowd sizes. Normalising this data, we then have our crowd rating.

France dominates with four of the ten busiest attractions. Notably, The Palace of Versailles is Europe's most crowded, boasting a crowd rating of 100. Once a residence for European elites, it now welcomes an estimated 15 million visitors annually. A mid-week visit might be more enjoyable, as crowds at the weekend almost double (46%) in size.

It's unsurprising that three of Paris' attractions rank among the busiest. The renowned Louvre Museum claims the second spot, drawing in about 7.8 million art enthusiasts yearly. Barcelona's Park Güell takes third, with a crowd rating of 97.43. This UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with Gaudí designs, attracts an average crowd size of 3,135.

Another  Paris gem, the Cité des Sciences et de L'Industrie, is Europe's largest science museum and ranks fourth. Germany's Europa-Park concludes our top five with a crowd score of 88.91.

Italy is second to France, hosting three of the top 10 crowded attractions. Both the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in  Rome see daily crowds exceeding 2,000. Pisa's iconic Leaning Tower is the tenth busiest, with a crowd score of 80.22.

Attractions offering the best experience

We've covered attractions worth the wait, but where can you expect the best experience? To determine this we sampled Google reviews for each attraction, analysing them with a machine-learning model. This measured the average sentiment level of a review, including a compound score reflecting the overall mood. We then scaled this score to create the final Experience Rating, where a higher score indicates a more positive experience.

The UK, Ireland, and Germany stand out in this category. Topping the list is Longleat, a British wildlife park and stately home, with a staggering 82.48 experience rating.

Following closely is the National Museum of Scotland in second place, boasting an 81.50 experience rating. Kew Gardens in London ranks third, offering a mesmerising journey through exotic flora and fauna.

Another botanical excursion, RHS Garden Wisley comes in fourth, its science-centered horticulture scoring an 80.55. Home to over 2.8 million objects, the Victoria and Albert Musuem came fifth. With archives spanning over 5,000 years of human history, its 79.74 experience score is well deserved.

Europa Park in Baden-Württemberg , Germany, occupies the sixth spot. With over 100 attractions, its inclusion in the top 10 is no surprise. Ireland shines with three entries: Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse at seventh, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park at ninth, and Fota Wildlife Park at tenth.

So, whether you're envisioning a memorable weekend in London , a cultural excursion in Edinburgh , or bracing yourself for the bustling crowds of Versailles , we offer a diverse range of hotels across Europe's major cities. After a day of exploration, rest and rejuvenate in comfort and style.

Methodology and sources

Crowd Rating: We identified the most visited European tourist attractions using Statista data and researched annual visitor numbers for each site. By analysing Statista data on inbound tourist arrivals, we estimated monthly visitor counts. Using Google's popular times data, we broke down visitor numbers by day and approximated hourly crowd sizes. Finally, we created a weighted index using mid-max normalisation to create a Crowd Rating.

Experience Rating: We calculated the Experience Rating by sampling Google reviews for each attraction and analysing them with a machine-learning model. This process measured the average sentiment, including a compound score reflecting the overall mood. We then scaled this score to create the final Experience Rating, where a higher score indicates a more positive experience.

Worth the Wait Score: We determined this score by evaluating the balance between busyness (implied wait times) and visitor enjoyment for each attraction. By comparing crowd data with sentiment data, attractions were rated out of 100, determining which ones are most worth the wait.

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Americans flood tourist hot spots across Europe after pandemic

By Chris Livesay , Analisa Novak

July 5, 2023 / 9:40 AM EDT / CBS News

As the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic fades, European tourism is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Once deserted streets have given way to bustling landmarks, fueled by a surge in American visitors. 

Compared to last year, American tourists to Europe have increased by 55%, setting new records. 

Airlines are helping by creating some new options to help make European trips more affordable for passengers.

Cities including Paris, London and Rome are now crowded with visitors — in stark contrast to the empty cobblestone streets seen during the recent years of lockdowns. 

To navigate through the crowds, tourists are adopting innovative approaches like embarking on Vespa sidecar tours. Luca Di Trappano, the founder of Vespa Sidecar Tour, said this year's surge in crowds exceeds anything he has seen before.

The increase in tourism is bringing relief to local businesses that bore the brunt of the pandemic's impact.  

Giuseppe Roscioli, the head of Rome's hotel association, sees the boom in tourism as a "magic moment" following nearly three years of widespread hotel closures. In response to the surge in demand, room prices have sharply increased — by 20% in Rome, 30% in London and a remarkable 50% in Paris. 

However, not all tourists are bringing positive attention. 

In June, two American tourists were caught pushing and throwing their electric scooters down the Spanish Steps in Rome, causing $25,000 worth of damage, according to local officials. 

In Rome, one tourist was caught using a key to carve his and his girlfriend's names into the Colosseum, which could cost him more than $16,000 in fines or five years in jail. 

Chris Livesay is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in Rome.

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