Top 5 Most Crowded Tourist Cities in Europe

After the end of the pandemic, tourists from around the world are more eager than ever to travel. The most crowded place in Europe has 36 tourists per local resident. Read on to learn about these crowded places that should be avoided during the summer. This information is provided by the Holidu portal.

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia - 36 tourists per 1 resident Officially, Dubrovnik is the most overcrowded city in Europe! Dubrovnik, known for its stunning orange rooftops and the filming location for the famous "Game of Thrones," experiences an influx of tourists (36 per resident) during the summer months, especially in July and August. It is recommended to visit in early May or from mid-September to mid-October to avoid the crowds. While some events still take place in September, attracting foreign visitors, such as the International Late Summer Music Festival, most of the major summer crowds will have diminished.

2. Venice, Italy - 21 tourists per 1 resident Venice. With its narrow streets and small bridges, the city appears overcrowded. Venice has a complicated history with overtourism. The annual influx of tourists puts immense strain on the infrastructure. One of the main problems is the day-trippers, tourists who typically arrive on cruise ships for a few hours and do not contribute significantly to the city's economy. In August 2021, the city even banned cruise ships from passing through the center of Venice, and starting from January 16, 2023, Venice will require daily tourists to make reservations and pay an entry fee. It is recommended to visit the city from September to November and stay for at least 2-3 nights.

3. Bruges, Belgium - 21 tourists per 1 resident Third place is taken by the medieval architectural marvel, Bruges. This small town with a good reputation welcomes crowds starting from the end of May and throughout most of the summer, with 21 tourists per resident. Tourists flock here to enjoy the stunning architecture and picturesque canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a city worth visiting. However, since there are 21 tourists per resident, it is recommended to go during the shoulder season to beat the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, such as early May or September.

4. Rhodes, Greece - 21 tourists per 1 resident Next on the list is Rhodes, the largest of the South Sporades islands in Greece. Rhodes is known for its ancient ruins and stunning beach resorts, which explains why there are 21 tourists per resident. Along the medieval streets and palaces, you can witness history and enjoy beautiful beaches in one place. It is highly recommended to visit from April to May to avoid the peak resort season, crowds, and higher prices.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland - 16 tourists per 1 resident Famous for its scenic landscapes and rocky terrains, Iceland boasts breathtaking waterfalls, blue lagoons, extraordinary glaciers, and active volcanoes. Reykjavik is known for its vibrant nightlife and major music festivals. The peak season for Iceland (surprise, surprise) falls in the summer months from June to August. This is when the weather is warmest, and there is the most daylight. May and September are ideal months for a more peaceful vacation, as they offer fewer crowds.

You can also check out The Gaze's compiled list of the best European nudist beaches for sunbathing in the nude.