Hate crowds? Try these alternatives to famous destinations

Traveling can be a joy, but overcrowded destinations can dampen the experience. If you're looking to enjoy stunning locations without the masses, we've curated a list of alternatives that offer all the beauty and culture of popular spots, but with fewer people. Say goodbye to elbowing your way through attractions and hello to serene exploring.

Venice is known for its romantic canals and stunning architecture but is often overwhelmed by tourists, especially during peak season. Overtourism has become such a problem that it is trying a lot to discourage too many visitors, such as a new tourist tax, loudspeaker bans, and and Airbnb crackdown.

Just a short train ride away, Treviso offers charming canals, medieval walls, and a more relaxed atmosphere, without sacrificing the Venetian allure. Its historic center is dotted with picturesque streets and local shops, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Barcelona attracts millions with its Gaudí architecture and vibrant street life but can feel overcrowded. Locals are also getting fed up with tourists, as the industry converts local shops into generic spots for tourists.

Valencia boasts its own architectural wonders, like the City of Arts and Sciences, plus it has beautiful beaches and a quieter vibe. The city is also the birthplace of paella, offering foodies a delicious journey into Spanish cuisine.

Bali's beaches and temples draw large numbers of tourists, making it feel crowded. The influx of tourists can lead to bad traffic, overcrowded beaches and streets, a loss of natural beauty and culture as well as pollution.

Just east of Bali, Lombok offers stunning beaches, the majestic Mount Rinjani, and a more laid-back atmosphere. The island is also a gateway to the pristine Gili Islands, known for their superb snorkeling and diving.

Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings but is often packed with tourists. The island has just 15,000 residents but attracts around 2 million visitors per year, driving up prices to the point that some locals are living in caves, according to the Telegraph.

Naxos offers equally breathtaking Aegean views, ancient ruins, and less crowded beaches, making for a serene Greek island escape. The island is also known for its charming villages and local produce, including cheese and potatoes.

The City of Light attracts crowds to its many iconic sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre. But do you really want to be just another person pushing your way to see the Mona Lisa?

Lyon is rich in history, famous for its cuisine, and has a vibrant cultural scene, all with fewer tourists than Paris. The city is also known for its traboules, hidden passageways that date back to the Renaissance, offering a unique way to explore.

This ancient Incan city is a bucket-list destination for many but can be overrun by visitors. After UNESCO threatened to put the place on the “in danger” list due to overtourism, Peru limited visiting times and added other regulations such as the need to go with a guide.

Often dubbed the 'sister city' of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao offers a challenging trek with rewarding views and far fewer crowds. This site is larger than Machu Picchu but only a fraction of it has been excavated, presenting a real adventure for explorers.

Known for its medieval walls and scenic views, Dubrovnik has seen a surge in visitors, partly due to its role in popular TV shows like ‘Game of Thrones.’

Rovinj remains a hidden gem on the Istrian coast, with cobblestone streets, an artistic vibe, and stunning Adriatic Sea views. The town is also surrounded by lush islands perfect for day trips and nature excursions.

America's first national park is known for its wildlife and geothermal features but its main attractions can get very crowded, especially in summer. As travel blog Kids and Passports puts it: “Think Disney-during-Spring-Break crowd levels at the most popular sights.”

Lassen offers similar geothermal wonders, including hot springs and mud pots, with a fraction of Yellowstone's visitors. The park also boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

Amsterdam's canals and museums are must-sees, yet the city can feel overwhelmed by tourists. According to Responsible Travel, the overtourism is leading to the displacement of local people, making it especially hard for young families to afford housing in the city as more apartments are rented out to visitors.

Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with unique wharf cellars, a vibrant cultural scene, and a more relaxed pace than Amsterdam. Its medieval city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and charm.

Kyoto is famous for its temples and traditional tea houses but can be very crowded, especially during cherry blossom season. In 2022, an estimated 43 million people — around 30 times the city’s population — visited.

Kanazawa offers historic districts, beautiful gardens, and is much less crowded, providing a more authentic Japanese experience. The city is also renowned for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

A visit to this iconic monument can often mean navigating through throngs of tourists. In 2019, the government introduced measures to ease congestion after it received more than 9.9 million visitors 000 some 80,000 a day during peak season, according to China Daily.

For a more solitary Great Wall experience, the Jiankou section offers rugged beauty and a challenging hike, far from the crowded spots. This unrestored section of the wall provides a more authentic and adventurous experience, showcasing breathtaking natural scenery. It is steep and out of repair, making it a much more challenging walk.

Rome's ancient ruins and vibrant streets attract millions, leading to long lines at popular sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican. With narrow sidewalks and some small but popular squares, it can really be a challenge for both visitors and locals alike.

Bologna, with its historic center, magnificent food scene, and the oldest university in the world, offers rich culture without the crowds. Its porticoed streets provide a unique architectural experience, ideal for leisurely walks and culinary exploration.

Image: Petr Slováček / Unsplash

The Big Apple, known for its skyline, Broadway shows, and bustling streets, can feel overcrowded. Like most of the famous tourist destinations on the list, its popularity is displacing locals and driving up prices.

Image: Cris Tagupa / Unsplash

The 'City of Brotherly Love' boasts rich American history, vibrant arts, and less crowded urban exploration than NYC. The city's museum district and historic sites, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, offer deep dives into the nation's past.

London's landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace draw crowds from around the globe. In fact, more than half of tourists who visit the UK only visit London.

Bristol offers a blend of history, art, and maritime heritage, with a laid-back vibe compared to London. The city is also a hub for innovative music and street art, including works by Banksy. As with many of the alternative destinations, it is also better for the budget.

These islands are famous for their stunning beaches but have become overcrowded especially Maya Bay. According to Euronews, the uncontrolled mass tourism left the region’s delicate ecosystem in disarray.

Koh Lanta is less developed, offering serene beaches, diving, and a laid-back vibe, away from the crowds. The island is part of a marine national park, ensuring pristine natural beauty and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Prague's historic center is a UNESCO site but can be uncomfortably packed with tourists, especially around the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.

This fairy-tale town offers similar Bohemian architecture and charm without the Prague crowds. Its state castle and chateau, perched high above the Vltava River, provide stunning views and a step back in time.

Photo: Mike Swigunski / Unsplash

Ahh- the great outdoors. Yes.. but Banff's stunning mountain landscapes are a magnet for visitors, leading to crowded trails and viewpoints. Maybe not what you expect when you visit such a rugged destination.

Jasper provides equally breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery but is larger and less crowded than Banff. The park's Dark Sky Preserve offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world.

Tokyo's blend of high-tech wonders and traditional culture attracts many, but it can feel incredibly crowded. In 2023, the government unveiled new overtourism measures to improve infrastructure, which is sometimes unable to cope with the sheer number of visitors.

Fukuoka offers a rich culinary scene, beautiful parks, and a more relaxed urban experience than Tokyo. The city is renowned for its Hakata ramen, a must-try for visitors.

The nearby Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are must-visit sites but can be swarmed with tourists. A study by the World Tourism and Travel Council found it was one of the cities most at risk of overtourism in the next decade.

Photo: Hongbin / Unsplash

Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, offers a deep dive into ancient Egyptian history with fewer crowds. The city serves as a living museum with countless artifacts and monuments… though in the peak season, you definitely won't be alone here.

Photo: M Abnodey / Unsplash

Sydney's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are tourist magnets, leading to crowded experiences.

Adelaide is known for its festivals, food, and w i n e, offering a vibrant yet less crowded alternative to Sydney. The city is a gateway to several world-renowned wine regions, including the Barossa Valley.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches, Miami Beach can often feel too crowded or too chaotic… especially at times like the dreaded spring break. In 2023, it even declared a state of emergency over concerns of spring break crowds and a wave of violence. “We endure spring break... we don’t want it,” the mayor told journalists at the time.

Sarasota offers beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Miami Beach. The city is also home to the Ringling Museum of Art, showcasing an extensive collection of baroque art.

Cancún is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but can be overcrowded, especially during spring break.

Just a few hours from Cancún, Isla Holbox is a serene island paradise with beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and a laid-back atmosphere, away from the crowds.

Photo: Nathan Cima / Unsplash

Istanbul straddles two continents and is famous for its historical sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, attracting millions of tourists each year. The World Travel and Tourism Council ranked it second on the list of cities with overtourism risk in 2019.

Antalya offers a splendid mix of gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and the charming old city of Kaleiçi, with its narrow cobbled streets, historic Ottoman mansions, and the old Roman harbor. Though both cities are great, the weather here is also generally better, though it can get busy in peak beach season.

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