Overcrowded European cities to avoid this high season – and their underrated alternatives to visit instead

20.07.2023 - 11:43 / wanderlust.co.uk / Christopher Columbus

Summer is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning more people are heading for Europe to make the most of the continent in the glorious weather. There's nothing wrong with that, but when considering your last-minute getaway during high season, we want to encourage you to think outside the box.

Many 'bucket list' cities are under increased threat from mass tourism, causing upset among residents, damage to important heritage sites, and generally making a destination feel inauthentic and unappealing to both visitors and locals.

Recently, travel tech company Holidu conducted research to identify the most overcrowded places in Europe. Here, we've selected five of the best-known cities from its top 20 list, and have suggested alternative and unspoilt metropolitans you should try visiting instead. 

This won’t come as a surprise, but Venice has been feeling the strain of overtourism for many years. During high season, around 100,000 people can tread its picturesque canal bridges and narrow cobbled alleys every day, causing overcrowding, polluted waters, and residents to feel pushed out of their homes. But in recent years, the city has put its foot down and introduced measures to fight the issue. As well as banning cruise ships after UNESCO warned the 'City of Canals' of the damage caused by hordes of passengers, Venice became the first in the world to introduce an entry fee for day-trippers, ensuring those who don't stay overnight are still contributing to its economy.

Perched on the opposite coastline to Venice, Genova is Liguria’s capital and the gateway to the Riviera, but remains a seriously underrated destination. As one of Italy’s busiest ports for centuries and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, it’s no surprise that it has a rich maritime history. Porto Antico, which has now been redesigned as pedestrianised cultural hub, has been active since the fifth century BC, and the Lanterna di Genova is the city’s 800-year-old lighthouse – the fifth tallest in the world. Head through medieval streets (similar to Venice's) to the Old Town and you’ll uncover several UNESCO-listed gems, with fine examples of medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Pick up a farinata before you leave: Genova’s much-loved chickpea crepe is still made with a recipe originating from the Roman times.

The Netherlands’ capital is another destination known for its on-going battle with tourists, with more than 20 million people visiting before the pandemic in 2019. Its canals are not only lined with narrow Dutch Baroque buildings, but also an abundance of partygoers. Amsterdam has gained a reputation for its nightlife – something this charming, historic destination wants to distance itself far from. In