Is it possible to travel to Europe and not be shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists? Yes, but it's a challenge. To enjoy Europe without the crowds, you have to be smart about where you go and how you approach the destination.
Accepting every recommendation you receive from a friend or Instagram, or even respected publications, can land you in destinations that could be wonderful but are compromised by so many tourists.
I was horrified to see Lonely Planet's December 30th, 2024 post on the 33 best places to visit in Europe. Almost every destination on the list suffers from too many tourists. Many, like Venice and Barcelona, are implementing taxes and other measures to quell the tide of tourists. They are actively trying to keep tourists away as too many make life more difficult for locals and cause environmental and cultural damage.
I'd like to make another point: the list on Lonely Planet mentioned above is the type of source that ChatGPT is pulling from. You might want to read Trusted Travel Resources in a World of Artificial Intelligence for more on this.
Please read on for some specific destination suggestions and a few solid strategies to avoid the crush of travelers should you land in a place that is swarming with tourists.
Destinations to Help You Enjoy Europe Without the Crowds
Northern Europe Alternatives to Tourist Crowded Cities
If you were to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol early in the morning, you could spend daylight hours there then grab a train to Den Bosch to start your northern tour of Europe to less crowded cities.
Den Bosch, Netherlands – Den Bosch, formally know as ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is the provincial capital of North Brabant with a population of just over 150,000. It's bustling during the day, is quiet most weeknights, and comes more alive on weekend evenings. I spent five days in the small city. Don't miss the Binnendieze Boat Tour, the Noordbrabants Museum and the largest cathedral in the Netherlands with a whimsical statue of a woman holding a cell phone. Read Den Bosch: Solo Travel Beyond Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Leipzig, Germany – Once part of East Germany and cut off from Europe, Leipzig is now considered to be one of the coolest cities in Germany. It's compact, great for walking and cycling, is rich in music, culture, and history. Wonderful murals commemorate the city's contribution to the end of East Germany. Read Rick Steves on How One City Tore Down the Iron Curtain. Go at Christmas to enjoy the market that dates back to the 1400s.
Innsbruck, Austria – Located only 25 km from the Italian border, you can feel the mixture of German and Italian culture in Innsbruck, something of which the locals are quite proud. The Alps form a backdrop to the city and are so close that you can take a funicular from the city into the mountains for a spectacular view. The city itself is absolutely charming with a walking center that includes such treats as the Baroque Hofburg Palace. There are 13 ski areas nearby and plenty of hiking opportunities.
Bratislava, Slovakia – Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia but, unlike Prague, the capital of Czechia, it is not swamped with tourists. Like Vienna and Budapest, it is on the Danube River between the two cities. The old city is pedestrian-only and has many bars, cafes, and shops. Hiking and cycling trails are on the outskirts. On top of a hill overlooking the old town is the reconstructed Bratislava Castle.
Destinations in Southern Europe Without the Big Crowds
Tarragona, Spain – Located on the Mediterranean, Tarragona is most famous for its Roman ruins, beaches, bars, and seafood. Enjoy the plazas and cobblestone alleys and don't miss the Roman amphitheater which backs onto the sea and dates to the 2nd century CE when Tarragona was a Roman colony. The Castells, a human tower competition happens every two years in Tarraco Arena Plaça, an ancient bullfighting ring. If you are there during Carnival in February, go the short distance to Vilanova i la Geltrú (you can get there by train) for their candy wars.
Montpellier, France – Despite likely having more tourists than other cities on this list, Montpellier has been chosen largely for its Haussmann connection. Georges Eugène Haussmann, famous for redefining Paris in the late 1800s, less famously redesigned parts of Montpellier's city center. Unlike Paris, the city's medieval roots are still seen in the city center's alleys. Haussmann's Place de la Comédie is where to start your visit. From there you will have a variety of art galleries, shops, and museums to visit. Given its location, day trips to Nîmes, Marseille, Arles, and Avignon are possible.
Trieste, Italy – I spent a half day in Trieste but really wanted to stay longer. It is just down the road from Venice and on the border of Slovenia. Like most European cities along the Mediterranean, there are Roman ruins. The Piazza Unita d'Italia is the largest seaside piazza in Europe and Trieste's main square. It is Europe's largest coffee port and has been famous for coffee since the 1700s. There's the Miramare Castle, the Castello di San Giusto from the 15th century, the San Sabba Rice Mill National Monument, which is a former concentration camp that now serves as an educational museum, a maritime museum, botanical gardens, and WWII air-raid shelters. It's an underrated city.
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Slovenia's capital has become a little more touristed in recent years but it isn't out of control. I would recommend it. Lake Bled, on the other hand, is crowded with tourists. Go, as it is beautiful but know that it is going to be busy. An alternative to Lake Bled is Lake Bohinj. The great thing about this small city is the many day trips it offers within an hour, making it a great base for exploring Europe without big crowds.
European Destinations Where the Tourists Are Locals
A crowded destination seems less so when the tourists there are from neighbouring towns and countries. It feels less like sight seeing and more like site living. Brushing up against and chatting with other travelers who are from Europe is a much richer experience than the same experience with travelers from your home country.
Here are some recommendations for European destinations where the crowds are more likely to be other Europeans rather than outsiders.
Neuchâtel, Switzerland – I lived in Neuchâtel for 5 months a while back. There's the Fête des Vendanges de Neuchâtel at the end of September, a 1,000 year old castle, archeological sites, and a lovely town center. Watch for concerts being offered in the cathedral. Nearby are the Yverdon-les-Bains Thermal Spa and Avenches Roman Amphitheater.
Derry, Northern Ireland – While tourism to Derry (formally, Londonderry) has grown, most of the growth has come from the Republic of Ireland. Again, the tourists you encounter will most likely be Irish. You'll want to do a historic tour of this ancient walled city as well as a tour of the Bogside. If you've not yet seen it, watch The Derry Girls on Netflix. It's fabulous but you may need subtitles.
Arras, France – Arras is in the north of France. You can fly to Paris, then make your way to Arras and, should you want, make a stop in Giverny for Claude Monet's Gardens. Arras is known for its Baroque-style squares, the Town Hall and the Belfry which were hit hard during World War I and were reconstructed to their former glory. It is also near the Canadian National Vimy Memorial which is on Canadian land, given to Canada by the French government in thanks for taking the ridge in WWI. The monument is spectacular. The 30 minute tour is well worthwhile and not usually too busy, but I would call first.
Going to a Tourist Hotspot? Here's How to Avoid the Crowds
If you'll be visiting a busy destination, there are still ways to enjoy Europe without the crowds. Here are some tips for avoiding the congestion.
- Peak season strategy. If you have to travel during peak season (which, in some cases, is a good idea for weather and hours of daylight) get as close to the edge of the season, beginning or end, as possible.
- Get up early. Start exploring at or just before sunrise. The quiet will be wonderful and the light will be perfect for photos.
- Arrive late. This is especially important for cities that receive cruise ships. After the passengers have reboarded is the better time to experience the old city of Dubrovnik.
- Trade experience for money. Free access to a museum or attraction may be appealing but it will likely mean huge crowds. It is likely worth the price of admission to pay, arrive early, and enjoy the experience without too many people.
- Find shortcuts. Use current guidebooks to learn about “front of the line” offers (usually bought online) or entrances where the lines tend to be shorter.
- Off season option. The weather may not be with you, the days may be short, but you won't be pressed up against other tourists as you see some of the most popular sights. Keep in mind that places that rely on tourists may not be open.
Interested in exploring Canada without the crowds? Read Avoid Crowds for Better Experiences: Canadian Travel Destinations.
