How to Avoid Crowds in Europe

Statistics show nearly half the international tourist trips are to Western Europe. You can avoid the crowds at Europe's major attractions, historic sites, restaurants and hotels if you plan well and adjust your normal travel routines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Plan a trip to Europe in the off season to avoid crowds. High season is generally June through August. Fewer tourists visit during the shoulder season (between the low and high season) and during the winter.
2. Look for alternative attractions and historic sites during the high season in Europe. For instance, Avebury in England has a huge collection of prehistoric stones and not the crowds of Stonehenge.
3. Visit attractions at night. There are smaller crowds at Rome's Trevi Fountain at night, and a nighttime water taxi ride through Venice is both romantic and less crowded.
4. Book rooms in local hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts. Depending on the establishment, this can save you money as well.
5. Go early in the day. Visitors to Barcelona report the best time to avoid crowds at historic sites is when they open for business.
6. Move out of tourist districts to explore local eateries and neighborhoods. The only crowds in these areas are the people who live there, and you get a real flavor for daily life.

Tips & Warnings

• A local church graveyard may have as much history and intrigue for you as a popular cathedral--maybe more. If you're open to going outside the beaten tourist path, you'll not only avoid crowds in Europe but you're very likely to have a more interesting and enjoyable trip.