I’ve Traveled Across Europe 12 Places I’d Avoid and 11 Hidden Gems You Should See Instead
Planning a trip across Europe? Let me save you the disappointment. As I hopped from one iconic city to the next, I quickly realized that hype doesn’t always equal magic.
Some places felt like crowded photo ops with little soul while others, far from the spotlight, completely stole my heart. If you’re after charm, authenticity, and real wow moments, skip the overhyped and head for the hidden gems.
Here are 12 spots I’d pass on next time and 11 that made the whole journey unforgettable.
1. Venice, Italy (Avoid)
If you’ve ever imagined floating quietly down Venetian canals, the reality might surprise you. The crowds are relentless, especially during peak months, making peaceful moments nearly impossible.
How did it become like this? Tourists pour in daily, causing prices to skyrocket and authenticity to slip away. It’s hard to connect with local culture when surrounded by souvenir shops.
A fun fact: Venice receives around 20 million visitors each year, but only about 50,000 residents live in the city. For me, the magic of Venice was drowned out by the hustle, noise, and constant jostling for space.
2. Hallstatt, Austria (Avoid)
This tiny village looks dreamy in photos, but in person, it feels more like a movie set. Where serenity should reign, selfie sticks poke the air as crowds shuffle through narrow lanes.
Are you hoping for Alpine calm? You’ll find instead busloads of day-trippers, long lines for mediocre snacks, and barely any real interaction with locals.
Though Hallstatt’s beauty is undeniable, the constant crush of people makes it hard to appreciate. Did you know some visitors even confused it for a theme park? The charm, for me, evaporated among the crowds.
3. Santorini, Greece (Avoid)
It’s tempting to chase those famous Santorini sunsets, but I found the experience more stressful than serene. Every evening, crowds swarm the best viewpoints, elbowing for a photo.
Walking through Oia’s alleys in high season means shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder—hardly the romantic stroll you might picture. Prices here are sky-high, and every corner caters to tourists.
When I visited, I saw more camera flashes than genuine smiles. Santorini’s magic is real, but it’s buried under waves of people. If tranquility is what you crave, this isn’t the best spot.
4. Charles Bridge, Prague (Avoid)
When I first walked onto Prague’s Charles Bridge, I expected history and charm. What I got instead was a bottleneck of tour groups, pickpockets, and stalls selling cheap souvenirs.
Where is the romance people talk about? It’s buried under endless noise and sales pitches. Even sunrise doesn’t guarantee solitude anymore.
Are you hoping for a memorable photo? Prepare for a sea of strangers in your frame. The magic of the bridge hides beneath the hustle and bustle of daily crowds.
5. Amsterdam’s Red Light District (Avoid)
How often do you dream of Amsterdam’s canals and culture? The Red Light District, though famous, feels more like a spectacle.
During my visit, the area overflowed with bachelor parties and gawkers rather than genuine Dutch experiences. The vibe seemed less vibrant and more uncomfortable, especially at night.
Did you know the city is actively trying to reduce tourism in this neighborhood? For me, the overwhelming crowds and commercialism drowned out any authentic local charm.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia (Avoid)
Where do medieval dreams and reality collide? In Dubrovnik, I found the old town swamped by cruise ship groups. Every corner echoed with the click of cameras and tour guides’ microphones.
Trying to walk the famous walls became an exercise in patience, not pleasure. Even finding a quiet cafe felt impossible.
Though the city’s beauty is legendary, the crowds made it feel more like a film set than a living place. I couldn’t shake the sense I was lost in a theme park.
7. Stonehenge, England (Avoid)
This ancient monument may look mysterious in books, but up close, it disappoints. When I arrived, fences kept visitors far from the stones, killing any sense of wonder.
It’s almost impossible to feel the monument’s ancient energy amid the lines and noise. Guided tours keep you moving quickly, so there’s little time to reflect.
Where magic should linger, I felt disconnected. Did you know you can’t even touch the stones? The experience felt distant—literally and emotionally.
8. La Rambla, Barcelona (Avoid)
If you crave Barcelona’s authentic soul, La Rambla will likely let you down. It’s a magnet for tourists, with little of the real city left.
Street performers and suspicious characters crowd the walkways, making it tricky to relax. The shops mostly offer tacky memorabilia, and prices are much higher than elsewhere.
Where are the locals? Mostly avoiding the area. I found better food and genuine spirit in side streets, away from the chaos.
9. Pisa, Italy (Avoid)
Did you expect to quietly marvel at the Leaning Tower? Think again. The square around it buzzes with tourists, all fighting for the same silly photo.
Vendors hawk overpriced trinkets, and the crowds never seem to thin. The experience, for me, felt more like waiting in line at an amusement park than exploring history.
Though the tower is an architectural wonder, the chaotic atmosphere made it tough to appreciate. Pisa’s charm gets lost amid the photo ops and constant chatter.
10. Bruges, Belgium (Avoid)
When I pictured Bruges, I saw fairy-tale canals and quiet strolls. Instead, throngs of tourists packed every picturesque corner.
It’s hard to savor a Belgian waffle or admire the architecture without jostling elbows. Even canal rides turn into crowded group tours.
Where is the peaceful magic everyone promises? For me, Bruges felt more like a postcard factory than a dreamy escape. Did you know it’s one of Belgium’s most visited cities? The crowds prove it.
11. Mont Saint-Michel, France (Avoid)
How does a historic abbey become so packed? Mont Saint-Michel’s narrow streets are often jammed wall-to-wall with groups.
I expected mystical beauty, but the loud crowds and waves of souvenir shops made it hard to connect. Even the famed omelets felt overpriced and underwhelming.
Though the island is iconic, the sheer number of visitors made my experience feel rushed and commercial. It’s tough to see the magic past the crowds and queues.
12. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (Avoid)
Where crystal lakes and waterfalls beckon, expect a constant stream of visitors. Plitvice’s natural beauty is striking, but hordes of tourists fill every path.
Walking the wooden walkways felt more like standing in line than hiking through nature. Even the tranquil waterfalls are hard to enjoy when people jostle for photos.
When I hoped for serenity, I found busy boardwalks and chatter. The magic of the waterfalls faded amid the crowds and camera flashes.
13. Ghent, Belgium (Hidden Gem)
How could a city with so much history remain peaceful? Ghent surprised me with its blend of vibrant student life and medieval charm.
The canals are lively but never packed, and local cafes serve delicious treats without tourist markups. It’s easy to wander cobbled streets and find quiet corners.
Are you hunting for authentic Belgian culture? In Ghent, I felt like a welcomed guest, not a statistic. The city’s spirit is genuine, creative, and quietly unforgettable.
14. Tarn Gorge, France (Hidden Gem)
When adventure calls, Tarn Gorge answers. Kayaking down the turquoise river between towering cliffs, I felt far from the usual crowds.
It’s a playground for nature lovers, with hiking trails and secret swimming spots along the way. The region is blissfully free from tourist buses.
Did you know the gorge has hidden caves explored by only the boldest? The peace and wild beauty here create an exhilarating escape.
15. Dinan, France (Hidden Gem)
Have you ever wished to step straight into a fairy tale? Dinan’s winding streets, ancient ramparts, and half-timbered houses deliver just that.
The small crowds let me wander in peace, discovering local artisans’ shops and charming bakeries. History echoes everywhere, yet the mood remains relaxed.
A quirky tidbit: Dinan’s clock tower once set the town’s rhythms and still offers panoramic views from the top. The magic here is gentle and authentic.
16. Ronda, Spain (Hidden Gem)
Where does history meet a breathtaking view? In Ronda, I found a town split by a gorge, with a bridge straight out of legend.
Strolling the quiet plazas at dusk, I was swept up by the slow pace and friendly locals. Tapas bars spill onto narrow lanes, but without the bustle of bigger cities.
Did you know the bridge inspired painters and poets? Ronda’s energy is bold but peaceful—a rare balance in Spain’s south.
17. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy (Hidden Gem)
How many towns can honestly claim to be a hidden treasure? Civita di Bagnoregio is one of them. Perched high on a hill, it’s accessible only by footbridge, keeping crowds to a minimum.
The stone houses and narrow alleys have a haunting beauty. Locals greet you warmly, and the silence is soothing.
Are you curious about history? This “dying town” has survived centuries, and its resilience is quietly inspiring.
18. Lofoten Islands, Norway (Hidden Gem)
If remote beauty excites you, the Lofoten Islands will steal your heart. Here, wild mountains tumble into crystal-clear fjords, and fishing cabins dot the shoreline.
The air feels fresh, and you can hike for hours without seeing another soul. Even in summer, the crowds are few and far between.
Did you know these islands lie above the Arctic Circle? The midnight sun and northern lights make Lofoten a rare spectacle.
19. Piran, Slovenia (Hidden Gem)
Are you craving coastal bliss without the crowds? Piran surprised me with its sun-drenched piazzas and calm harbor.
The town’s maze of alleys leads to hidden gelato shops and panoramic sea views. It’s easy to find a quiet bench to relax and watch boats drift by.
A fun fact: Piran’s architecture reflects centuries of Venetian rule. The mix of cultures gives the town a unique, laid-back charm.
20. Kotor, Montenegro (Hidden Gem)
How often do you stumble upon a walled city that feels untouched by time? Kotor’s fortifications rise above a glittering bay, with mountains as a backdrop.
I wandered narrow alleys lined with cats, finding secret cafes and ancient churches. The crowds stay small, even in summer.
Did you know Kotor’s bay is technically a fjord, though formed differently? Its beauty and history go hand in hand.
21. Sibiu, Romania (Hidden Gem)
Where history whispers from every building, Sibiu shines as a true surprise. This Transylvanian city boasts grand squares, pastel facades, and a warm local spirit.
It’s easy to stroll without bumping into crowds, even in high season. Art galleries and hidden courtyards pop up at every turn.
A quirky fact: Sibiu’s roofs have “eyes” that watch over the town, a unique architectural feature. The blend of old-world charm and creativity enchanted me.
22. Gjirokastër, Albania (Hidden Gem)
How did a city of stone win my heart? Gjirokastër’s hillside houses shine in the golden evening light, with barely a tourist in sight.
Locals welcome you like family, and the fortress offers epic views of the Drino Valley. Cobbled alleys twist past centuries-old homes.
A history tidbit: Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet remains blissfully under the radar. Its spirit is both ancient and alive.
23. Dingle Peninsula, Ireland (Hidden Gem)
Have you ever stood on a cliff, feeling the Atlantic wind? On the Dingle Peninsula, I found raw beauty in every direction—without the crowds.
The winding roads pass ancient stone forts, windswept beaches, and lively pubs where locals play music late into the night. Every stop brims with character.
A fun fact: Some scenes in Star Wars were filmed here, but the locals keep the real magic alive. The wild spirit of the west lingers in every wave.