Europe is filled with stunning destinations that attract millions of tourists every year. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Santorini’s cliffside views, these iconic places have been photographed countless times. However, many of these popular spots are now overcrowded, overpriced, and often fail to deliver the dreamy travel experience people expect.
For travellers seeking meaningful experiences, it’s worth exploring beyond the usual tourist trail. Visiting alternative destinations not only allows you to avoid crowds but also gives you a deeper, more authentic glimpse into European culture. Often, these lesser-known spots offer similar beauty, rich history, and incredible food at a fraction of the cost.
In this post, you’ll discover 15 popular European destinations to avoid and their equally breathtaking alternatives. Plus, I’ll share quick easy tips to plan smarter, a controversial understanding about mass tourism, and final thoughts to inspire your next European adventure.
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Quick Easy Tips
Travel in shoulder seasons. Avoid summer crowds by visiting in spring or autumn.
Search for alternatives on local blogs. Local writers often highlight underrated gems.
Stay outside city centres. Smaller neighbouring towns offer authentic experiences without tourist prices.
Use regional trains and buses. They’re cheaper and connect you to hidden villages.
Visit UNESCO sites that aren’t world-famous. They’re often just as beautiful without the crowds.
Ask locals for day trip suggestions. They’ll guide you to secret spots off the tourist map.
Follow hashtags of lesser-known destinations on Instagram. Discover real-time hidden gems.
Stay in family-run guesthouses. They provide insider tips and cultural immersion.
Book early morning or late evening slots for famous sites if you must visit them.
Always check if your alternative destination has local festivals or markets during your stay.
Many travellers feel that visiting iconic destinations is a non-negotiable part of seeing Europe. However, mass tourism has turned several of these places into overpriced and overcrowded attractions, often stripped of their original charm. Locals in places like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik struggle with rent hikes, crowded streets, and cultural dilution due to overtourism.
Another controversial truth is that social media heavily influences travel choices. The same Instagram photos drive millions to the same viewpoints, creating unrealistic expectations. Many travellers leave disappointed by the crowds and the disconnect between what they imagined and the reality on the ground.
Finally, there is an uncomfortable but honest debate about the responsibility of travellers. While it feels exciting to tick off bucket list destinations, supporting less-visited towns and regions helps distribute tourism income more fairly. Choosing alternative destinations can revitalise local economies, reduce environmental damage, and keep travel meaningful instead of performative.
Avoid These Popular Destinations in Europe
1. Avoid: Venice, Italy
Over-tourism has turned Venice into a crowded and expensive hotspot.
Cruise ships and day-trippers often overwhelm the city.
Visit Instead: Bologna, Italy
A food lover’s paradise, offering authentic Italian cuisine like fresh pasta and mortadella.
Home to Europe’s oldest university, giving it a vibrant student atmosphere.
Explore beautiful porticos and medieval architecture without the Venice crowds.
2. Avoid: Santorini, Greece
Overcrowded during peak season, with high accommodation costs.
Iconic spots like Oia can feel more like a photo-op than a relaxing escape.
Visit Instead: Milos, Greece
Why Visit:
Equally stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes.
Quieter and less commercialized, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Amazing seafood and charming fishing villages.
3. Avoid: Paris, France
Crowded landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre can feel rushed and overwhelming.
High prices for food, lodging, and attractions.
Visit Instead: Lyon, France
France’s culinary capital, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants and bustling food markets.
Rich history and stunning architecture, including Roman ruins and Renaissance-era buildings.
Quieter streets and a more laid-back vibe.
4. Avoid: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Overrun by cruise ships and fans of Game of Thrones during summer.
High prices for dining and accommodation compared to other Croatian destinations.
Visit Instead: Rovinj, Croatia
Why Visit:
A picturesque coastal town with Venetian-style architecture.
Fewer tourists and a relaxed ambiance.
Great seafood and access to beautiful nearby islands.
5. Avoid: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Over-tourism has strained the city, particularly in the Red Light District and canals.
Crowded streets can diminish the charm of the experience.
Visit Instead: Utrecht, Netherlands
Why Visit:
Similar canals and architecture to Amsterdam but with far fewer tourists.
A lively student city with plenty of cultural attractions and local charm.
Cozy cafés, museums, and picturesque wharf cellars.
6. Avoid: Barcelona, Spain
Overrun with tourists, particularly near La Rambla and Sagrada Família.
Locals have protested against over-tourism in recent years.
Visit Instead: Valencia, Spain
A mix of modern architecture (City of Arts and Sciences) and historical sites.
Known for being the birthplace of paella.
Beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere than Barcelona.
7. Avoid: Prague, Czech Republic
Packed with tourists in the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, especially during peak seasons.
Rising prices in central areas make it less budget-friendly.
Visit Instead: Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Why Visit:
A fairy-tale town with a stunning castle, cobblestone streets, and scenic river views.
Offers an authentic Czech experience with fewer crowds.
Affordable accommodation and dining.
8. Avoid: Rome, Italy
Overcrowded landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City can make the visit feel rushed.
Tourist traps abound near major attractions.
Visit Instead: Naples, Italy
Why Visit:
A raw, authentic Italian city known for its incredible pizza and street food.
Proximity to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast.
Rich historical sites, including underground ruins and castles.
9. Avoid: Salzburg, Austria
Why Avoid:
Popular as the birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music, it’s often swamped with tourists.
Small size makes it feel overcrowded during peak times.
Visit Instead: Graz, Austria
Why Visit:
Austria’s second-largest city, offering stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Known for its culinary scene and wine culture.
A vibrant student population gives it youthful energy.
10. Avoid: Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Why Avoid:
Overpriced and overcrowded, with a more commercialized vibe.
Not representative of Iceland’s natural geothermal wonders.
Visit Instead: Mývatn Nature Baths, Iceland
Why Visit:
A more serene and affordable geothermal experience.
Stunning natural surroundings and fewer tourists.
Located near other attractions like volcanic craters and lava fields.
11. Avoid: Cinque Terre, Italy
Frequently overcrowded with limited infrastructure to handle mass tourism.
Hiking trails and villages can feel congested.
Visit Instead: Portovenere, Italy
Why Visit:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with similar colorful cliffside villages.
Quieter and less commercialized, offering a more peaceful coastal experience.
Accessible by ferry from La Spezia.
12. Avoid: Edinburgh, Scotland
The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are often packed, especially during the summer and the Fringe Festival.
Accommodation prices can skyrocket during peak times.
Visit Instead: Stirling, Scotland
Why Visit:
A historic city with its own impressive castle and links to William Wallace.
Quieter streets and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Gateway to the Highlands for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Avoid: Munich, Germany
Why Avoid:
Overcrowded during Oktoberfest, with inflated prices for hotels and food.
Packed beer halls can make the experience overwhelming.
Visit Instead: Bamberg, Germany
Why Visit:
A charming UNESCO-listed town with its own beer culture.
Picturesque old town with medieval and baroque architecture.
Fewer tourists and a more intimate Bavarian experience.
14. Avoid: Budapest, Hungary
Increasingly popular among tourists, leading to crowded baths and higher prices in central areas.
Party tourism has impacted the local atmosphere.
Visit Instead: Pécs, Hungary
Why Visit:
A cultural hub with Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and vibrant art scenes.
Known for its relaxed vibe and fewer tourists.
Great wine from the Villány wine region.
15. Avoid: Interlaken, Switzerland
Why Avoid:
Overcrowded with adventure tourists, making it less peaceful.
High prices for activities and accommodation.
Visit Instead: Appenzell, Switzerland
Why Visit:
A picturesque village surrounded by rolling green hills and dramatic peaks.
Offers authentic Swiss charm, hiking trails, and cheese-making tours.
Much less touristy than Interlaken.
Final Thoughts
Travelling through Europe doesn’t have to mean standing in long lines or fighting through tourist crowds for the same photos everyone else takes. By choosing alternative destinations, you can immerse yourself in authentic local culture, enjoy lower prices, and create unique memories that few others share.
Next time you plan your European trip, consider swapping a famous city for a hidden gem nearby. Not only will you avoid the frustrations of overtourism, but you’ll also discover charming small towns, peaceful beaches, and historical sites that remain untouched by mass tourism.
Ultimately, travel should be about meaningful connection, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Exploring Europe’s underrated destinations allows you to experience the continent’s true beauty while travelling more responsibly and returning home with stories far richer than the average tourist snapshot.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.