In recent years, many European destinations have struggled with overtourism, leading to crowded streets, long wait times, and a diminished travel experience for visitors. Now, savvy travelers are seeking alternative destinations that offer similar cultural, historical, and scenic experiences without the overwhelming crowds.

Avoid these 15 overcrowded European destinations and check out their lesser-known alternatives that provide a more authentic and enjoyable travel experience.

Barcelona’s iconic architecture and vibrant culture make it a popular destination, but the crowds can be overwhelming.

Alternative: Girona, Spain
Girona offers a charming old town, medieval walls, and a rich history without the throngs of tourists. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in Catalan culture.

Venice is renowned for its canals and historic sites, but it’s often packed with tourists, especially during peak season.

Alternative: Trieste, Italy
Trieste, located on the northeastern coast of Italy, boasts beautiful architecture, a scenic waterfront, and a mix of Italian and Slovenian influences, providing a quieter experience.

Santorini’s picturesque views attract many visitors, resulting in crowded streets and booked accommodations.

Alternative: Naxos, Greece
Naxos offers stunning beaches, charming villages, and a rich history, all with fewer crowds than its more famous neighbor.

Dubrovnik’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but its popularity has led to overcrowding, particularly during the summer.

Alternative: Korcula, Croatia
Korcula, an island town, offers a similar medieval charm with beautiful beaches and fewer tourists, making it a great alternative for a more relaxed visit.

Amsterdam’s canals and cultural attractions draw millions of tourists annually, often leading to overcrowding.

Alternative: Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht provides beautiful canals, a lively cultural scene, and a historic city center, offering a more laid-back Dutch experience.

Paris is a perennial favorite for its iconic landmarks, but the crowds can detract from the experience.

Alternative: Lyon, France
Lyon offers rich history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning architecture with fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Prague’s fairy-tale architecture attracts many visitors, resulting in bustling streets and crowded attractions.
​
Alternative: Brno, Czech Republic
Brno provides a vibrant arts scene, impressive architecture, and a lively cultural atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds.

Rome’s historical sites draw large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Alternative: Palermo, Italy
Palermo offers stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine in a less crowded environment than Rome.

Edinburgh’s festivals and historic sites make it a popular destination, often leading to overcrowding during peak times.

Alternative: Stirling, Scotland
Stirling provides a rich history, including the famous Stirling Castle and a beautiful landscape, with fewer tourists.

Florence’s art and architecture attract many visitors, resulting in crowded museums and streets.

Alternative: Lucca, Italy
Lucca offers beautiful historic sites, well-preserved walls, and a charming atmosphere, making it a quieter yet equally enchanting destination.

Lisbon’s vibrant culture and scenic views draw many tourists, often leading to overcrowding.

Alternative: Porto, Portugal
Porto offers stunning views, a rich cultural scene, and a charming historic center, providing a more relaxed Portuguese experience.

Reykjavik’s natural wonders attract tourists year-round, often resulting in crowded attractions and high prices.

Alternative: Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri provides stunning landscapes, charming streets, and access to incredible natural attractions with fewer crowds than the capital.

Budapest’s beautiful architecture and thermal baths attract many visitors, often resulting in crowded streets and attractions.

Alternative: Szeged, Hungary
Szeged offers stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and a lively atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds.

Vienna’s cultural heritage and historical sites make it a popular destination, often leading to overcrowding.

Alternative: Graz, Austria
Graz offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively arts scene, providing a more relaxed Austrian experience.

Istanbul’s unique blend of cultures attracts many tourists, often leading to crowded streets and attractions.

Alternative: Bursa, Turkey
Bursa provides rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, offering a more relaxed Turkish experience.