40 Alternatives Travel Destinations to the Worlds Most Crowded Escape

Destinations with the same beauty and experiences as the world’s most overcrowded travel hotspots

Summary

RANKED: Worlds Most Crowded Travel Destinations and their dupe destination
Barcelona ranked the most overcrowded destination
Cancún, Mexico ranked the second most overcrowded destination
Porto ranked the third most overcrowded travel destination

Planning your next getaway and looking for quiet travel destinations? Did you know that “calmcations” deemed as one of the top travel trends of 2025, these are holidays purely focused on creating a sense of tranquillity.

With noise as a particular focus, the World Health Organisation rates noise pollution, particularly from traffic, as the second most important cause of ill health in Western Europe. In fact “quiet escapes” and “unplugged” getaways are becoming increasingly popular, to help those who are always on switch off.

But where are the most crowded travel destinations and where are the hidden travel gems to match calmcations? eSIM provider Nomad, delved into the number of tourists per square kilometer across the globe and uncovered the top 40 most crowded travel destinations and their destination dupes to help you find a similar experience with fewer crowds.

RANKED: Worlds Most Crowded Travel Destinations and their dupe destination

For this study, we have created 3 different rankings:

Tourist Density: This ranking identifies how physically crowded each destination is by measuring the density of international tourists in relation to the city’s urban land area.
Tourism Pressure on Locals: This measures the pressure tourism places on locals by comparing the number of annual tourists to the resident population.
Overall Tourism Intensity: To provide a more holistic view, we calculated an average ranking using both metrics, highlighting destinations experiencing both spatial crowding and social pressure.

Ranking	Place	Annual Tourists	Area (sq km)	Tourists per sq km	Dupe	Reasoning
1	Barcelona, Spain	20,373,886	101	201,722	Tarragona, Spain	Historic streets, beachside charm, and Catalan culture without the huge crowds
2	Cancún, Mexico	21,000,000	142	147,887	Zihuatanejo, Mexico	Laid-back beach town with clear waters and no all-inclusive chaos
3	Porto, Portugal	5,900,000	41	143,902	Guimarães, Portugal	Charming architecture, great food, and deep history with a cozy local feel
4	New York City, USA	65,000,000	472	137,712	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US	Big city energy, arts, and history but easier to explore
5	Dubrovnik, Croatia	1,350,000	12	112,500	Saint-Malo, France	Walled old town, coastal views, and medieval history without the cruise ships
6	Florence, Italy	11,000,000	102	107,843	Arezzo, Italy	Tuscan beauty, art, and history with fewer tourists
7	Kyoto, Japan	81,190,000	823	98,651	Kanazawa, Japan	Zen gardens, temples, and traditional vibes without the crowds
8	Lisbon, Portugal	8,800,000	100	88,000	Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy	Hilltop views, colorful streets, and sea breeze with local vibes
9	Hanoi, Vietnam	28,000,000	319	87,774	Huế, Vietnam	Deep history, river charm, and fewer honking scooters
10	Copenhagen, Denmark	34,100,000	526	64,829	Aarhus, Denmark	Cool design, bike culture, and great food with a local pace
11	Bruges, Belgium	8,300,000	141	58,865	Gdańsk, Poland	Colorful facades, canals, and medieval charm without the heavy foot traffic
12	Edinburgh, Scotland	5,340,000	102	52,353	Stirling, Scotland	Castles, cobblestones, and Scottish history in a smaller, more peaceful city
13	Orlando, USA	74,000,000	1,669	44,338	San Antonio, Texas, US	Family attractions, riverfront walks, and cultural mix with a more local feel
14	Amsterdam, Netherlands	9,400,000	219	42,922	Utrecht, Netherlands	Canals, bikes, and art culture without the party crowds
15	Los Angeles, USA	49,100,000	1,290	38,062	Encinitas, California	Laid-back surf culture, ocean views, and creative energy without the LA traffic and crowds
16	Queenstown, New Zealand	3,220,000	86	37,442	Wanaka, New Zealand	Mountain views, lake adventures, and outdoor fun without the rush
17	Santorini, Greece	3,400,000	91	37,363	Paros, Greece	Whitewashed houses, island sunsets, and crystal waters with more breathing room
18	Krakow, Poland	12,180,000	327	37,248	Vilnius, Lithuania	Old town charm, lively squares, and rich culture with fewer tourists
19	Las Vegas, USA	41,000,000	1,400	29,286	Reno, Nevada, US	Casinos, neon lights, and entertainment without the packed streets
20	Munich, Germany	8,500,000	311	27,331	Augsburg, Germany	Bavarian architecture, beer halls, and local history in a quieter setting
21	Prague, Czech Republic	7,440,000	298	24,966	Olomouc, Czech Republic	Baroque buildings, pretty squares, and student buzz without the tour groups
22	Dublin, Ireland	8,600,000	345	24,928	Westport, Ireland	Irish pubs, coastal charm, and music with a small-town vibe
23	London, UK	41,200,000	1,738	23,705	Bristol, UK	Creative scene, historic sites, and riverside walks with more local flavor
24	Tallinn, Estonia	3,600,000	159	22,642	Tartu, Estonia	Cobblestones, old town charm, and Baltic culture with a chill pace
25	Phuket, Thailand	11,300,000	543	20,810	Koh Phayam, Thailand	Soft sand, clear water, and island vibes without the party scene
26	Bangkok, Thailand	32,400,000	1,569	20,650	Udon Thani, Thailand	Markets, temples, and local life with a slower, more authentic rhythm
27	Vienna, Austria	8,200,000	415	19,759	Graz, Austria	Elegant streets, coffee culture, and baroque beauty with less bustle
28	Heraklion, Greece	4,600,000	245	18,776	Chios, Greece	Island traditions, great beaches, and ancient ruins without the ferry crowds
29	Paris, France	47,500,000	2,824	16,820	Lyon, France	Fine food, river walks, and elegant streets with a more local pace
30	Hong Kong, China	44,500,000	2,754	16,158	Kaohsiung, Taiwan	Harbor views, vibrant street life, and modern vibes with fewer crowds
31	Venice, Italy	5,664,611	415	13,650	Annecy, France	Canals, charming buildings, and waterside strolls without the cruise ships
32	Mykonos, Greece	1,120,000	86	13,023	Ios, Greece	Beaches, nightlife, and whitewashed alleys with fewer partygoers
33	Cozumel, Mexico	8,300,000	647	12,828	Isla Holbox, Mexico	White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and laid-back island feel with no cruise ships
34	Rome, Italy	13,000,000	1,285	10,117	Ravenna, Italy	Roman mosaics, historic streets, and quiet charm without the chaos
35	Reykjavik, Iceland	2,300,000	273	8,425	Tórshavn, Faroe Islands	Nordic views, colorful houses, and wild landscapes with hardly any crowds
36	Maldives	2,000,000	298	6,711	Cayo Guillermo, Cuba	Clear waters, overwater escapes, and soft sand without the hefty price tag
37	Mallorca, Spain	18,700,000	3,640	5,137	Gozo, Malta	Island hikes, stone villages, and blue coves with fewer beachgoers
38	Petra, Jordan	1,200,000	264	4,545	Ani, Turkey	Rock-cut ruins, dramatic scenery, and ancient vibes with barely any tourists
39	Sydney, Australia	33,700,000	12,367	2,725	Kiama, Australia	Ocean walks, surf beaches, and coastal charm with a small-town feel
40	Rhodes, Greece	3,500,000	1,401	2,498	Monemvasia, Greece	Walled towns, sea views, and medieval history without the crowds

Ranking	Place	Population	Annual Tourists	Tourists per resident	Dupe	Reasoning
1	Orlando, USA	307,573	74,000,000	241	San Antonio, Texas, US	Family attractions, riverfront walks, and cultural mix with a more local feel
2	Santorini, Greece	15,480	3,400,000	220	Paros, Greece	Whitewashed houses, island sunsets, and crystal waters with more breathing room
3	Queenstown, New Zealand	27,700	3,220,000	116	Wanaka, New Zealand	Mountain views, lake adventures, and outdoor fun without the rush
4	Mykonos, Greece	10,704	1,120,000	105	Ios, Greece	Beaches, nightlife, and whitewashed alleys with fewer partygoers
5	Cozumel, Mexico	88,626	8,300,000	94	Isla Holbox, Mexico	White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and laid-back island feel with no cruise ships
6	Petra, Jordan	14,000	1,200,000	86	Ani, Turkey	Rock-cut ruins, dramatic scenery, and ancient vibes with barely any tourists
7	Bruges, Belgium	118,509	8,300,000	70	Gdańsk, Poland	Colorful facades, canals, and medieval charm without the heavy foot traffic
8	Las Vegas, USA	641,903	41,000,000	64	Reno, Nevada, US	Casinos, neon lights, and entertainment without the packed streets
9	Kyoto, Japan	1,463,723	81,190,000	55	Kanazawa, Japan	Zen gardens, temples, and traditional vibes without the crowds
10	Dubrovnik, Croatia	26,922	1,350,000	50	Saint-Malo, France	Walled old town, coastal views, and medieval history without the cruise ships
11	Cancún, Mexico	628,306	21,000,000	33	Zihuatanejo, Mexico	Laid-back beach town with clear waters and no all-inclusive chaos
12	Florence, Italy	367,150	11,000,000	30	Arezzo, Italy	Tuscan beauty, art, and history with fewer tourists
13	Rhodes, Greece	127,613	3,500,000	27	Monemvasia, Greece	Walled towns, sea views, and medieval history without the crowds
14	Phuket, Thailand	416,582	11,300,000	27	Koh Phayam, Thailand	Soft sand, clear water, and island vibes without the party scene
15	Heraklion, Greece	179,302	4,600,000	26	Chios, Greece	Island traditions, great beaches, and ancient ruins without the ferry crowds
16	Copenhagen, Denmark	1,378,649	34,100,000	25	Aarhus, Denmark	Cool design, bike culture, and great food with a local pace
17	Porto, Portugal	248,769	5,900,000	24	Guimarães, Portugal	Charming architecture, great food, and deep history with a cozy local feel
18	Venice, Italy	258,685	5,664,611	22	Annecy, France	Canals, charming buildings, and waterside strolls without the cruise ships
19	Mallorca, Spain	940,332	18,700,000	20	Gozo, Malta	Island hikes, stone villages, and blue coves with fewer beachgoers
20	Reykjavik, Iceland	139,875	2,300,000	16	Tórshavn, Faroe Islands	Nordic views, colorful houses, and wild landscapes with hardly any crowds
21	Lisbon, Portugal	567,131	8,800,000	16	Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy	Hilltop views, colorful streets, and sea breeze with local vibes
22	Krakow, Poland	804,237	12,180,000	15	Vilnius, Lithuania	Old town charm, lively squares, and rich culture with fewer tourists
23	Los Angeles, USA	3,898,747	49,100,000	13	Encinitas, California	Laid-back surf culture, ocean views, and creative energy without the LA traffic and crowds
24	Barcelona, Spain	1,620,343	20,373,886	13	Tarragona, Spain	Historic streets, beachside charm, and Catalan culture without the huge crowds
25	Edinburgh, Scotland	514,990	5,340,000	10	Stirling, Scotland	Castles, cobblestones, and Scottish history in a smaller, more peaceful city
26	Tallinn, Estonia	453,864	3,600,000	8	Tartu, Estonia	Cobblestones, old town charm, and Baltic culture with a chill pace
27	New York City, USA	8,804,190	65,000,000	7	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US	Big city energy, arts, and history but easier to explore
28	Hanoi, Vietnam	4,238,500	28,000,000	7	Huế, Vietnam	Deep history, river charm, and fewer honking scooters
29	Amsterdam, Netherlands	1,477,213	9,400,000	6	Utrecht, Netherlands	Canals, bikes, and art culture without the party crowds
30	Sydney, Australia	5,450,496	33,700,000	6	Kiama, Australia	Ocean walks, surf beaches, and coastal charm with a small-town feel
31	Hawaii, USA	1,446,146	8,779,000	6	Tutuila, American Samoa	Lush green mountains, sandy beaches, and island warmth without the tourist resorts
32	Hong Kong, China	7,498,100	44,500,000	6	Kaohsiung, Taiwan	Harbor views, vibrant street life, and modern vibes with fewer crowds
33	Munich, Germany	1,510,378	8,500,000	6	Augsburg, Germany	Bavarian architecture, beer halls, and local history in a quieter setting
34	Dublin, Ireland	1,534,900	8,600,000	6	Westport, Ireland	Irish pubs, coastal charm, and music with a small-town vibe
35	Prague, Czech Republic	1,384,732	7,440,000	5	Olomouc, Czech Republic	Baroque buildings, pretty squares, and student buzz without the tour groups
36	London, UK	8,866,180	41,200,000	5	Bristol, UK	Creative scene, historic sites, and riverside walks with more local flavor
37	Paris, France	10,890,751	47,500,000	4	Lyon, France	Fine food, river walks, and elegant streets with a more local pace
38	Vienna, Austria	2,014,614	8,200,000	4	Graz, Austria	Elegant streets, coffee culture, and baroque beauty with less bustle
39	Maldives	515,132	2,000,000	4	Cayo Guillermo, Cuba	Clear waters, overwater escapes, and soft sand without the hefty price tag
40	Bangkok, Thailand	9,034,000	32,400,000	4	Udon Thani, Thailand	Markets, temples, and local life with a slower, more authentic rhythm

Ranking	Place	Tourist per sq km	Tourists per resident	Dupe	Reasoning
1	Cancún, Mexico	147,887	33	Zihuatanejo, Mexico	Laid-back beach town with clear waters and no all-inclusive chaos
2	Orlando, USA	44,338	241	San Antonio, Texas, US	Family attractions, riverfront walks, and cultural mix with a more local feel
3	Dubrovnik, Croatia	112,500	50	Saint-Malo, France	Walled old town, coastal views, and medieval history without the cruise ships
4	Kyoto, Japan	98,651	55	Kanazawa, Japan	Zen gardens, temples, and traditional vibes without the crowds
5	Florence, Italy	107,843	30	Arezzo, Italy	Tuscan beauty, art, and history with fewer tourists
6	Bruges, Belgium	58,865	70	Gdańsk, Poland	Colorful facades, canals, and medieval charm without the heavy foot traffic
7	Queenstown, New Zealand	37,442	116	Wanaka, New Zealand	Mountain views, lake adventures, and outdoor fun without the rush
8	Santorini, Greece	37,363	220	Paros, Greece	Whitewashed houses, island sunsets, and crystal waters with more breathing room
9	Porto, Portugal	143,902	24	Guimarães, Portugal	Charming architecture, great food, and deep history with a cozy local feel
10	Barcelona, Spain	201,722	13	Tarragona, Spain	Historic streets, beachside charm, and Catalan culture without the huge crowds
11	Copenhagen, Denmark	64,829	25	Aarhus, Denmark	Cool design, bike culture, and great food with a local pace
12	Las Vegas, USA	29,286	64	Reno, Nevada, US	Casinos, neon lights, and entertainment without the packed streets
13	Lisbon, Portugal	88,000	16	Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy	Hilltop views, colorful streets, and sea breeze with local vibes
14	New York City, USA	137,712	7	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US	Big city energy, arts, and history but easier to explore
15	Hanoi, Vietnam	87,774	7	Huế, Vietnam	Deep history, river charm, and fewer honking scooters
16	Edinburgh, Scotland	52,353	10	Stirling, Scotland	Castles, cobblestones, and Scottish history in a smaller, more peaceful city
17	Mykonos, Greece	13,023	105	Ios, Greece	Beaches, nightlife, and whitewashed alleys with fewer partygoers
18	Los Angeles, USA	38,062	13	Encinitas, California	Laid-back surf culture, ocean views, and creative energy without the LA traffic and crowds
19	Cozumel, Mexico	12,828	94	Isla Holbox, Mexico	White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and laid-back island feel with no cruise ships
20	Krakow, Poland	37,248	15	Vilnius, Lithuania	Old town charm, lively squares, and rich culture with fewer tourists
21	Phuket, Thailand	20,810	27	Koh Phayam, Thailand	Soft sand, clear water, and island vibes without the party scene
22	Heraklion, Greece	18,776	26	Chios, Greece	Island traditions, great beaches, and ancient ruins without the ferry crowds
23	Amsterdam, Netherlands	42,922	6	Utrecht, Netherlands	Canals, bikes, and art culture without the party crowds
24	Petra, Jordan	4,545	86	Ani, Turkey	Rock-cut ruins, dramatic scenery, and ancient vibes with barely any tourists
25	Venice, Italy	13,650	22	Annecy, France	Canals, charming buildings, and waterside strolls without the cruise ships
26	Tallinn, Estonia	22,642	8	Tartu, Estonia	Cobblestones, old town charm, and Baltic culture with a chill pace
27	Munich, Germany	27,331	6	Augsburg, Germany	Bavarian architecture, beer halls, and local history in a quieter setting
28	Dublin, Ireland	24,928	6	Westport, Ireland	Irish pubs, coastal charm, and music with a small-town vibe
29	Reykjavik, Iceland	8,425	16	Tórshavn, Faroe Islands	Nordic views, colorful houses, and wild landscapes with hardly any crowds
30	Prague, Czech Republic	24,966	5	Olomouc, Czech Republic	Baroque buildings, pretty squares, and student buzz without the tour groups
31	London, UK	23,705	5	Bristol, UK	Creative scene, historic sites, and riverside walks with more local flavor
32	Mallorca, Spain	5,137	20	Gozo, Malta	Island hikes, stone villages, and blue coves with fewer beachgoers
33	Rhodes, Greece	2,498	27	Monemvasia, Greece	Walled towns, sea views, and medieval history without the crowds
34	Hong Kong, China	16,158	6	Kaohsiung, Taiwan	Harbor views, vibrant street life, and modern vibes with fewer crowds
35	Bangkok, Thailand	20,650	4	Udon Thani, Thailand	Markets, temples, and local life with a slower, more authentic rhythm
36	Vienna, Austria	19,759	4	Graz, Austria	Elegant streets, coffee culture, and baroque beauty with less bustle
37	Paris, France	16,820	4	Lyon, France	Fine food, river walks, and elegant streets with a more local pace
38	Rome, Italy	10,117	3	Ravenna, Italy	Roman mosaics, historic streets, and quiet charm without the chaos
39	Maldives	6,711	4	Cayo Guillermo, Cuba	Clear waters, overwater escapes, and soft sand without the hefty price tag
40	Sydney, Australia	2,725	6	Kiama, Australia	Ocean walks, surf beaches, and coastal charm with a small-town feel

With these findings in mind, let’s take a closer look at the top three destinations that top the charts in tourist density. These cities might be world-famous for their culture, history, and stunning sights but they’re also well-known for being packed with tourists. If you’re planning a trip to one of these hotspots, you might want to consider their quieter (yet equally captivating) destination dupes. Let’s explore what makes each of these places so popular, and where you can go to enjoy a similar vibe, minus the overwhelming crowds.

Barcelona ranked the most overcrowded destination

Image, View of a Crowded Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain via Pexels

1. Crowded Park Guell in Barcelona.jpeg — Image, View of a Crowded Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain via Pexels

Based on tourist density, Barcelona is the most overcrowded destination, with a whopping 201,722 tourists per sq km! This comes as no surprise as Barcelona is bursting with unique architecture, beautiful beaches, rich history, vibrant food scene, world-famous football culture, lively nightlife, and excellent shopping. Why not check out our guide on 12 things to do in Barcelona beyond the tourist zone?

But if you’re looking for a less-crowded travel destination that offers the similar experiences within Spain then choose Tarragona. With an expected 17,241 tourists per sq km in Tarragona, that’s 184,480 less tourists compared to Barcelona. Tarragona offers a more relaxed and authentic Spanish experience than Barcelona, with stunning Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean. Its quieter beaches, charming old town, and rich Catalan culture make it perfect for those seeking history, scenic coastal views, and fewer crowds while still enjoying great food and a vibrant atmosphere. In fact Tarragona has so much to offer, including family friendly activities like Portaventura World, Europe's first theme park devoted to Ferrari, and encapsulates a wellness centre and golf course!

Looking to stay connected when traveling in Spain? Check out our useful guide on how to buy a SIM card for Spain.

Image, Tarragon, Aerial Photography of Concrete Buildings, via Pexels

2. aerial view Tarragona.jpeg — Image, Tarragon, Aerial Photography of Concrete Buildings, via Pexels

Cancún, Mexico ranked the second most overcrowded destination

Image, Aerial Shot of a Beautiful Resort on a Paradise via Pexels

3. resort Cancun.jpeg — Image, Aerial Shot of a Beautiful Resort on a Paradise via Pexels

It’s no surprise that Cancún in Mexico is the second most overcrowded tourist destination based on tourist density. Its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and warm weather draw huge crowds all year long! Boasting of luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and rich Mayan history, with nearby attractions like Chichén Itzá, cenotes, and Isla Mujeres, Cancún offers a perfect mix of experiences for any traveller. Not to mention, adventure seekers can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports, while those looking to relax can indulge in all-inclusive resorts and world-class spas. With a lively food scene featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood, Cancún is an ideal getaway for both relaxation and excitement.

But with an expected 147,887 tourists per sq km, you may want to think twice about booking this luxury getaway if you’re looking for somewhere with less tourists.

Zihuatanejo is an underrated travel destination and a fantastic alternative to Cancún for travelers seeking a more authentic and laid-back Mexican beach experience without the crowds and commercialized resorts. Nestled along the Pacific coast, it boasts pristine beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Unlike Cancún’s high-rise hotels, Zihuatanejo offers boutique accommodations, local seafood restaurants, and stunning sunsets over the bay. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and exploring nearby Ixtapa, while still experiencing the beauty of Mexico’s coastline in a more tranquil, unspoiled setting.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, check our Mexico SIM card guide on what to buy and how to buy, to stay connected whilst travelling.

Image, A Boat and a Person Surfing on Beach Waves via Pexels

4. Surfind and waves.jpeg — Image, A Boat and a Person Surfing on Beach Waves via Pexels

Porto ranked the third most overcrowded travel destination

5. Red tram.jpeg — Image, Red Tram via Pexels

Porto is a must-visit destination in Portugal, known for its stunning riverside views, historic charm, and world-famous port wine, so it comes as no surprise that it’s ranked the third most overcrowded tourist destination. The city’s picturesque Ribeira district, with its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere, is perfect for exploring on foot, while the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Douro River. Offering a variety of authentic experiences visitors can tour the famous wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, enjoy a cruise along the river, or explore landmarks like the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. With its authentic pastel de nata and copious selection of delicious cuisines, welcoming locals, and mix of history and modern culture, Porto is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

However Nomad has predicted a whopping 143,902 tourists per square kilometer in this charming city, ranking it the third most overcrowded tourist destination in the world based on tourist density. Looking for somewhere like Porto without the crowds? Guimarães is the perfect alternative to Porto for travelers looking for a quieter, more intimate experience while still enjoying Portugal’s charm and rich history.

Known as the “birthplace of Portugal,” Guimarães is a unique place to travel. It offers a beautifully preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much like Porto’s historic Ribeira district. Both cities feature narrow cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scenes, but Guimarães has fewer crowds, making it more relaxed. While Porto is famous for its wine cellars, Guimarães offers historic sites like Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, along with cozy cafés and local gastronomy. It’s the perfect choice for those who love history, authenticity, and a slower-paced exploration of Portugal.

If you’re looking to explore Portugal further, take a look at our guide on 5 Markets in Lisbon you don’t want to miss. Why not stay connected whilst travelling Portugal with an eSIM for travel? Check out the SIM cards Nomad offers for Portugal.

Image, Beautiful streets and architecture in the old town of Guimaraes, Portugal via Pexels

6. Streets of Guimaraes.jpeg — Image, Beautiful streets and architecture in the old town of Guimaraes, Portugal via Pexels

We hope you enjoy these suggestions for less crowded travel destinations and make the most of your calmcation.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration check out our destination guides, here are a few guides we think you’d enjoy:

Methodology

To determine the most overcrowded European destinations, Nomad analyzed 40 of the continent’s most popular tourist cities using three distinct metrics. This multi-dimensional approach was designed to highlight different aspects of overtourism: physical crowding, pressure on local communities, and an overall measure combining both factors.

1. Tourists per Square Kilometer (Tourist Density)

This metric evaluates how physically crowded a destination becomes during the year. Tourist density was calculated by dividing the total number of annual international visitors by the city's urban land area (in square kilometers). Cities were then ranked from highest to lowest, highlighting those where visitors are most densely packed into limited space.

2. Tourists per Resident (Tourism Pressure on Locals)

This ranking considers the social impact of tourism on residents. We calculated how many tourists each city receives per local resident annually. This highlights how intensely tourism affects day-to-day life for locals.

3. Combined Score (Overall Tourism Intensity)

To give a fuller picture, we created a third ranking that averages each city’s position in the two previous lists. This combined score helps identify destinations facing both high tourist density and strong pressure on local populations. Only cities with well-documented annual tourist figures and a clearly defined urban area were included to ensure data accuracy. Nomad then selected a "dupe destination" for each of the 40 overcrowded cities, choosing alternatives that offer similar cultural or geographical experiences but with significantly lower tourist density, providing travelers with more relaxed and sustainable options.