Discover these European destinations bursting with charm, history, and variety. From Rome’s living masterpiece to London’s legendary architecture and Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, there’s a lot to see.
But a new study finds that many attractions are overcrowded with tourists. To avoid crowds, consider these 10 less-crowded European destinations.
1. Paris
Known for its fashion, gastronomy, and culture, Paris is a major European hub. Cityscapes intersect with broad boulevards and the River Seine.
From the 12th-century Notre Dame cathedral to the towering Eiffel Tower, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to see in this romantic city. Beat the crowds at the Mona Lisa and visit on a Wednesday or Friday to experience the gallery in quieter conditions. Or head to the stately Musee d’Orsay, which showcases Impressionist masterpieces.
Or delve into history at the Place de la Concorde—it was here that French King Louis XVI was guillotined in 1793, to a military drumbeat. Or head out to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. It’s an incredible sight to behold. This is a must-visit destination for anyone in love with France.
2. Rome
It’s hard to talk about tourist destinations in Europe without mentioning Rome. This Italian capital has an ancient past but is also home to excellent modern art. This makes it a must-see for any culture vulture.
The Eternal City is a heavy-hitting tourism destination, with so many ancient treasures to see. From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum, you’ll want to devote a week or more to seeing the city’s highlights.
Vienna is another city that feels like a fairy tale—if you skip the crowds. Avoid summer vacations and visit during the spring, early in the summer or the fall (for example, November). This will provide nice weather and fewer tourists.
3. Athens
The Greek capital is bursting with history from mind-boggling ancient ruins to mesmerising museums. It’s also a sophisticated cosmopolitan hub with delicious gastronomic delights and an electrifying nightlife scene.
For cultural explorations, you can’t miss the National Museum of Greece, an imposing neoclassical temple housing the country’s finest antiquities. Or you can visit the Parthenon, the awe-inspiring temple that was once Athens’s emblem.
The best way to explore the famous Acropolis ruins is with a guided tour. A local guide can bring the ruins to life and help you get past the crowds.
4. London
The UK’s capital is a top tourist destination in Europe for many reasons. Its historic center—the site of the Great Fire of 1666—has been rebuilt since then and melds modern and classic styles. From here, you can walk to dozens of world-class museums on every corner.
The city’s huge green spaces like 250-acre Hyde Park offer the perfect balance of nature and sightseeing. There are playgrounds, boating and picnicking spots to keep families busy. You can also stroll by Big Ben and Westminster’s Abbey or watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
A guided tour is recommended when visiting the Vatican, as it’ll bring its surroundings to life and help you skip the lengthy lines for the Sistine Chapel. Mont-Saint-Michel is another UNESCO World Heritage site to visit. The dramatic, pointy island was home to one of the earliest monastic communities and featured in Anthony Doerr’s novel All the Light We Cannot See.
5. Cinque Terre
Tucked into a mountainous kink on the eastern end of the Italian Riviera, this area of cliff-lined villages can bolster even the most jaded spirits. Hike among its colorful towns and gorge on fishy seafood. Walk along the narrow stone paths as locals yell to each other through windows hung with laundry. And ogle the views from Punta Bonfiglio, the village best-known for its sunsets.
Other heavy-hitting tourist destinations include refined Florence, alluring Rome, and the opulent Versailles. And then there’s Istanbul, a city that feels both Europe and Asia – with the ecumenical Hagia Sophia and the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, among other highlights.
6. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, draws nearly five million visitors each year. The iconic structure has three levels and includes restaurants, a gift shop, and exhibits about the tower’s history. It is also the backdrop for stunning light shows after dark.
Vienna conjures up images of elegantly gowned women dancing Strauss waltzes and tossing their diets aside for a bite of decadent chocolatey Sachertorte. It’s a city of opulent Baroque palaces like Schonbrunn and medieval St. Stephen’s Cathedral and awe-inducing architecture including the medieval St. Peter’s Basilica.
Amsterdam’s meandering canals, referred to as the “Venice of the North,” are lined with tall, narrow row houses. The city is a great place for art enthusiasts, with the Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt’s House both top attractions. Those seeking something more modern can visit the Heineken Brewery. A guided tour is best to get a better understanding of the history and culture.
7. Colosseum
The largest ancient amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum is a must-visit when visiting Rome. The ruins show the power and wealth of the Roman empire. The opulent structure was used for gladiator contests and even re-enactments of battles. It also saw a lot of deaths – both human and animal!
The landmark is a symbol of the Roman Catholic Church and is featured on the five-cent euro coin. It is also a popular spot to visit for spiritual people.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a magical place that will leave you spellbound. Its prehistoric ring of massive stones is believed to be around 3000 BC. The area is also a favorite of rock and metal bands to play their concerts. It has appeared in numerous movies including the topical Gladiator starring Russell Crowe. The colossal structure is even mentioned in books like Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.
8. St. Peter’s Basilica
For many, the Vatican City is a must-see destination on any trip to Europe. A guided tour brings this extraordinary area to life, helping you to understand its incredible history and appreciate its remarkable treasures. A visit here isn’t complete without seeing the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling cannot be missed.
In Istanbul, visitors can straddle the boundary between East and West and learn about its richly varied heritage at the ecumenical Hagia Sophia and 15th century Topkapi Palace. This fascinating city is also a shopper’s paradise and home to the city’s most famous shopping street.
Compact Slovenia is a big-hitting tourist destination thanks to its capital, Ljubljana, burgeoning wine scene, and tempting pocket of mountains and lakes. This country is also a popular hiking destination and the site of some of the world’s most dramatic scenery.
9. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is the grandest stage of French absolutism. Louis XIV believed that he ruled by divine right, and his palace and gardens were designed to reflect this belief. Today, the opulent chateau and gardens are a national treasure that is visited by millions.
Prague is a fairy tale city, even if it does get pretty crowded. Wander through the Old Town, past St. Vitus Cathedral, and over Wenceslas Square before heading to the nearby castle for spectacular views.
Madrid is Spain’s capital, a vibrant city that has a lot to offer visitors from all over the world. The Alhambra is another Spanish must-see, a beautiful palace-fortress complex in Granada. Visiting Russia can be intimidating but it’s worth it to see the massive Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Taking a tour with a guide makes the experience much more meaningful.
10. Tower of London
The Tower of London has been many things over the centuries including a royal palace, a place of execution, an armory, a prison, and even a menagerie. Today, it’s a tourist attraction that offers visitors an interesting look at England’s history and culture.
One of the best things to do at the Tower of London is to watch the changing of the guards. The ceremony takes place daily, and it is an amazing sight to see!
This is also a great opportunity to see the famous ravens of the Tower of London. They are said to protect the tower, and it’s believed that if they left the site, the tower would fall! Creepy, right? Besides that, the Tower of London is home to other amazing attractions. Check out the White Tower, the Jewel House, and Tower Green.
