The world's most overcrowded destinations – and where to go instead

Alternative destinations

Thanks to cheap flights, easily-available accommodation and our insatiable appetite to explore the world, some of the most coveted destinations have found themselves flooded with millions upon millions of visitors every year. While tourism can be a fantastic boost to a nation’s economy, it can also put a strain on the infrastructure, damage the local environment and lead to overcrowding.

Read on to see 20 amazing alternatives to some of the world’s most overtouristed destinations...

Swap: Bruges, Belgium

Each year around eight million tourists flock to Belgium’s most famous medieval city, drawn to its cobbled streets, beguiling chocolate shops and mirror-like canals. But with visitors outnumbering locals by almost three to one on the busiest days, authorities have taken measures to limit the influx, including by reducing the quantity of tourist-facing advertising they give the city.

For: Ghent, Belgium

Just 24 miles (39km) away from Bruges is the significantly less touristy but no less enjoyable town of Ghent. Here, you’ll find cobbled streets flanked by colourful gingerbread houses and fairy-tale towers and turrets aplenty. Meander along the winding canals then head to De Dulle Griet where you’ll be able to choose from more than 250 Belgian beers. At Korenmarkt, the city's central square, stop at one of the street vendors to try cuberdons, the famous cone-shaped Belgian candy.

Swap: Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay Island may be just under four square miles (10sq km), but it was visited by more than two million tourists in 2023. Many were drawn to its sugar-soft sands and party scene, but in 2018 it was closed for a six-month rehabilitation project after the president of the Philippines called it "a cesspool". It’s said that after one party weekend, 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected from the beach.

For: Panglao Island, Philippines

This dazzling gem in the south-central Philippines also offers pristine beaches fringed by aquamarine sea. With its brilliant corals, dolphins and barracudas, it’s a haven for divers, but there’s plenty to explore on dry land too. Drive across the bridge to Bohol and you’ll find the famous Chocolate Hills – nearly 1,300 green-brown dome-shaped mounds scattered across the landscape.

Swap: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Thanks to its popularity with cruise ships and its status as a filming location for the hugely successful TV series Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has become a heaving international tourist hub. The massive influx of visitors has piled enormous strain onto the town’s infrastructure, leading UNESCO to warn that Dubrovnik’s World Heritage Site status was in jeopardy unless it reduced tourist numbers.

For: Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj’s terracotta rooftops, pastel-coloured Venetian buildings and majestic Baroque church make it every bit as enchanting as Dubrovnik. Perched on the North Adriatic, this pretty Istrian fishing harbour has narrow, cobbled streets, fantastic seafood and centuries of history to explore. For incredible views, visit the 18th-century Church of St Euphemia and climb to the top of the bell tower.

Swap: Tuscany, Italy

More than 40 million tourists visit Tuscany each year, drawn to the historic and picturesque cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa, as well as the cypress tree-peppered landscape. But with roughly 10 visitors for every local, there are concerns that mass tourism could overwhelm the region and dramatically increase the cost of living.

For: Umbria, Italy

Umbria is Tuscany’s lesser-known but just as beautiful little sister. Here you’ll find truffle-laced pasta, full-bodied wines and olive groves, all for a fraction of the cost. There’s no shortage of art either – visit the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi in Assisi, where you’ll find Giotto’s famous fresco telling the story of St Francis. The captivating hilltop town of Orvieto is another must-see, perched high on a rocky outcrop.

Swap: Barcelona, Spain

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, coastal location and party vibe, Barcelona is on many a bucket list. Add to that Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, and it’s not hard to see why an estimated 10 million visitors booked overnight stays in the city in 2023. But, recently, authorities have become increasingly concerned about overcrowding and an increase in antisocial behaviour. There are also environmental concerns around cruise ships, and the city's main squares have seen protests against overtourism.

For: Seville, Spain

With its gargantuan Gothic cathedral, moreish tapas and dazzling Museum of Fine Arts, Seville offers a fantastic – and quieter – alternative to Barcelona’s heaving streets. Visit the 14th-century Alcazar, one of the world’s oldest palaces. Here you’ll find sumptuous golden ceilings, ornate ceramic tiles and tranquil gardens dotted with glistening pools.

Swap: Maya Bay, Thailand

This stunning stretch of sand shot to fame in 2000, when Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach was released. But a peak of just under two million visitors in 2017, and more than 6,000 daily visitors have wreaked havoc on the tropical idyll. Thanks to pollution from boats, litter and sunscreen, it’s believed that more than 80% of the coral has now been devastated. In a bid to save Maya Bay from further destruction, Thai authorities closed the bay for three years between 2020 and 2022, and the beach continues to face annual closures.

For: Koh Ngai, Thailand

This tiny island on Thailand’s Andaman coast offers powdery coral sand, jungle-clad hills and panoramic sea views over limestone karsts. Don’t expect a party scene – there are few resorts here and no roads. Instead you’ll experience tranquillity, stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters. Kick back without the crowds and explore the coral reef, where you’ll find angelfish and clown fish.

Swap: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

With its glassy turquoise lakes, spectacular mountains and inviting hot springs, it’s not hard to see why more than four million tourists are drawn to Banff National Park each year. But Parks Canada is now considering introducing visitor restrictions – particularly to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – fearing that swelling crowds and congestion are threatening the fragile ecosystem and tarnishing visitor experience.

For: Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada

Instead of jostling for a snap of Lake Louise, why not hop over to British Columbia and visit Yoho National Park instead? Parks Canada is actively encouraging visitors to make the leap and for good reason. Here you’ll find azure lakes (Emerald Lake is a must-see), thundering waterfalls and 250 miles (400km) of trails. Better still, visitor numbers are eight times lower than they are in Banff.

Swap: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

For decades tourists have piled into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, excited by the possibility of an exhilarating trek to the top of its iconic, rusty-red monolith. But in 2019, after years of controversy, climbing Uluru itself (previously known as Ayers Rock) was finally banned. Not only is it an extremely sacred place for local Indigenous people, but tourists have been blamed for littering, eroding the rock’s ancient surface and polluting nearby waterholes.

For: Wilpena Pound, Southern Australia, Australia

Instead, make a journey to this majestic natural amphitheatre in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges National Park. Dating back some 800 million years, it has an almost-sheer outer rock face, but visitors can explore the inner basin on foot via a series of walks. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife which includes red kangaroos, eagles, dingos and several types of snake.

Swap: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is expected to attract up to 23 million overnight visitors in 2025, thanks to its historic canals, art galleries and notorious Red Light District. But there are fears that mass tourism is threatening the soul of the city, as new shops and restaurants increasingly cater to visitors and a lack of affordable housing is squeezing out locals. Bad behaviour among tourists is another major worry, and new measures include a ban on new hotels and 2023's 'stay away' campaign, aimed at discouraging tourists that might be travelling to the city for the wrong reasons.

For: Utrecht, Netherlands

It’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam but Utrecht offers tree-lined canals, medieval architecture and a vibrant cafe culture. Explore the winding waterways from a rowing boat or hire a bike and join the city’s many cyclists. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 465 steps up the Dom Tower where you can admire 13 enormous bells and soak up panoramic views over the city below. Utrecht also has a thriving music scene, with venues playing everything from classical to jazz and rock.

Swap: Blue Lagoon, Iceland

With its warm, milky-blue waters and dramatic volcanic landscape, there’s no doubt that Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a spectacular way to while away an afternoon. But it also comes with tourists, and lots of them. In 2022, 1.7 million people arrived, keen to wallow in the 37-40°C (98.6-104°F) waters, sweat it out in a sauna or steam room and plaster on a silica-rich face mask. Recently the lagoon has also experienced closures thanks to volcanic activity nearby.

For: Myvatn Nature Baths, Iceland

Instead, why not travel to Myvatn Nature Baths in the north of the island. They may not offer all the glitz of the Blue Lagoon but you’ll find similar milky-blue waters at similar temperatures, at around half the price. As well as the pools themselves, there are two geothermally heated steam baths, plus changing rooms with organic body products. Once you’ve had your fun, head to the cafe for goulash and the famous geyser bread, which is baked underground.

Swap: Stonehenge, England, UK

This mysterious prehistoric stone circle, perched on Wiltshire’s rolling fields, deservedly draws crowds from across the globe. But anyone hoping to soak up the atmosphere in solitude is likely to be disappointed – more than a million people visit Stonehenge each year and in peak season chances are you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with crowds of other tourists. Plus, you can't even get up-close to the stones – they're roped off for their own protection.

For: Avebury, England, UK

Just a 40-minute drive north from Stonehenge is the quiet village of Avebury, where you’ll find the largest stone circle in the world. This architectural sensation, which dates back to Neolithic times, is free to visit and only attracts a fraction of the tourists heading to Stonehenge.  You can wander at your leisure between the vast boulders, and out of season you may only have a few local sheep for company.

Swap: Mount Everest, Nepal

Everest’s once-pristine slopes are said to have become the world’s highest rubbish dump, thanks to the hordes that come to scale its snow-capped peak. In 2019 it was reported that more than three tonnes of rubbish had been removed from the area, including tents, used oxygen cylinders and plastic. The problem persists today due to overcrowding and a lack of waste infrastructure. Popularity and safety don't always go together, and Everest continues to see between five and 10 deaths per year.

For: Ladakh, India

Ladakh may not give you the chance to conquer the world’s highest peak, but the region does offer snow-dusted mountains, majestic scenery and hiking to suit most abilities. Here you can trek through the lower Himalayas, which are dotted with precariously positioned Buddhist monasteries and home to the endangered Tibetan antelope. Start your adventure in the town of Leh with its impressive nine-storey royal palace.

Swap: Machu Picchu, Peru

In 2017, UNESCO threatened to put Machu Picchu on its list of world heritage sites in danger, due to concerns that persistent overcrowding was damaging the fragile ruins. Visitor numbers have since been capped several times (the cap currently stands at 4,500 per day) and tourists are now requested to stick to specific trails rather than freely clambering over the ancient rocks. However, UNESCO authorities and other observers still fear that the Inca citadel remains vulnerable.

For: Choquequirao, Peru

Just 40 miles (64km) from Machu Picchu is Choquequirao, a lesser-known Inca citadel that’s thought to be three times bigger. The only snag is that in order to explore its magnificent terraces, palaces and temples, you currently need to undertake an exhilarating four-day hike. But the trek makes the end result even more worthwhile – plus it ensures you won’t be fighting off camera-wielding crowds once you get there.

Swap: Musee du Louvre, France

In 2019, thousands of excited tourists were thwarted in their attempts to visit the Louvre in Paris when staff went on strike. The reason? They claimed the museum was 'suffocating' as a result of overcrowding, and that conditions for visitors and employees were deteriorating. Little has changed since the pandemic, with 7.8 million visitors in 2022 and 8.9 million in 2023, all clamouring to glimpse famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous masterpiece.

For: Musee Marmottan Monet, France

While nothing can rival the sheer scale of the Louvre, the Musee Marmottan Monet offers a collection that’s sure to delight art buffs. It may look unassuming from the exterior but inside you’ll find one of the city’s largest Impressionism collections. There are more than 100 works by Monet himself, as well as paintings by Degas, Manet, Gaugin, Renoir and Pissarro. Best of all, you won’t find yourself battling the crowds.

Swap: Cinque Terre, Italy

With its pastel houses seemingly clinging to the cliffs, Italy’s Cinque Terre has become a magnet for tourists. But popularity comes at a cost to this community of five picturesque fishing villages, connected by train. Tourists continue to arrive in droves (around 2.5 million each year), putting a huge strain on the area’s fragile infrastructure.

For: Bonifacio, France

Dramatically poised on Corsica’s rugged limestone cliffs, many of Bonifacio’s buildings look like they’re almost suspended over the sea below. Explore the town’s meandering cobbled streets and take a walk to Capo Pertusato lighthouse, where you’ll find staggering views over the glistening waters. If you fancy a dip, take a hike along the coastal path to L'Arinella, a pretty beach where you’ll find peace and quiet aplenty.

Swap: Prague, Czechia

Roughly 7.4 million tourists visited Prague in 2023, drawn to its spectacular 9th-century castle, stunning spires and the famous Charles Bridge. The streets are increasingly congested with sightseeing groups and there are fears that mass pub crawls, fuelled by cheap beer, are rapidly eroding the locals' quality of life. In a bid to improve behaviour, posters are dotted throughout the city asking tourists to be quiet on the streets at night. Authorities are also mulling over a ban on 'silly costumes' – in an attempt to deter stag and hen dos.

For: Tallinn, Estonia

Like Prague, this Estonian city is home to fairy-tale spires, cobblestone streets and a myriad of pretty buildings, yet it has far fewer visitors. Wander around the impressive city walls, linked by 20 towers, then head to the Kohtuotsa viewing platform on Toompea Hill, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views out over the harbour below.

Swap: Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Nearly five million people visit this colossal natural wonder each year, keen to experience the mesmerising views and hiking trails that the vast chasm has to offer. As a result, conditions can get very congested in the most popular areas during busy periods, with long entry queues, a wait for buses and limited parking. And at the most iconic viewpoints the chances are you’ll find yourself in the midst of a crowd.

For: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

With its dramatic canyons, vivid rainbow rocks and bizarre, haunting beauty, Badlands National Park wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie. Granted, it doesn’t have the sheer magnitude of the Grand Canyon but it also doesn’t have the crowds. Explore on foot or by car, and you’re more likely to find yourself rubbing shoulders with bison or prairie dogs than hordes of other travellers.

Swap: Bali, Indonesia

Travellers flock to Bali for its palm-fringed beaches, tranquil rice fields and exotic temples, but in 2017 authorities declared a "garbage emergency" across a section of the island’s once-unspoilt coast. A mass clean-up ensued, but many still fear that overtourism is taking its toll on the island’s fragile environment. Meanwhile, a growing number of locals are also upset at what they consider to be disrespectful behaviour at sacred religious sites.

For: Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

This Indonesian archipelago offers jungle-clad islands, pristine beaches and stellar birdlife. Here, lush limestone karsts protrude from the azure sea which teems with tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, dolphins too. Start your travels at Waigeo Island where you can explore the richly forested interior, before embarking on an underwater adventure.

Swap: Budapest, Hungary

Beautiful Budapest has been drawing legions of visitors for years, thanks to its magnificent thermal baths, wide array of galleries and museums and stunning Vajdahunyad Castle. But its huge popularity has also led to a growing party scene which has enraged residents thanks to noise, littering and, at times, antisocial behaviour.

For: Tbilisi, Georgia

The stunning Georgian capital, situated on the banks of the Kura River, is a mesmerising blend of historic churches, deserted monasteries and cobblestone streets. Like Budapest, the city is known for its thermal spring baths, famed for their rejuvenating properties. Many locals still use the baths today, in the hope that the waters will help ease eczema, arthritis and digestive problems.

Swap: Venice, Italy

It’s won the hearts of billions of people from across the globe but Venice is suffering from a serious case of overcrowding. Every day, hordes flock to the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, chipping away at the city's already crumbling streets. Approximately 30 million people visit the beleaguered city every year, and current measures to combat overtourism include an entry fee for day-trippers and a ban on cruise ships entering the historic centre. Meanwhile, in 2019 the city experienced its second-worst flooding event since records began.

For: Bassano del Grappa, Italy

Escape the crowds and do Venice’s overstretched infrastructure a favour by making a trip to the medieval city of Bassano del Grappa instead. Just over an hour from Venice, it’s perched prettily on the River Brenta and offers stunning views of the Venetian Prealps. Once you’ve soaked up the Palladian architecture, Renaissance palaces and ancient churches, pay a visit to the Ponte degli Alpini, an enchanting wooden bridge that straddles the river’s banks.

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