Avoid Overtourism in These 10 European Destinations

Posted by Admin November 3, 2024 Travel

As we wrap up another year full of headlines about overtourism in Europe, it’s becoming clear that you have to arrive with a plan to sidestep the worst of the crowds.

Choosing a destination that’s slightly overlooked by the masses is a great way to start, and the following 10 places all still fly a bit under the radar while providing an A-list European travel experience.

Bern, Switzerland

The thousands of people who blow through Bern each year on their way to the alpine peaks on its skyline are missing out on one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Residents in the Swiss capital enjoy a peaceful pace of life that you can fully embrace as a visitor.

Start by joining locals on a stroll beside the aquamarine Aare River (or a swim in summer!) or a picnic in the Rose Garden, the latter offering gorgeous views of the Old Town. Then, tour the arcades of the Old Town, where you can admire the signature clock tower and array of fountains. Then, take the tram a few stops to the leafy Breitenrain neighborhood to sip craft brews at Barbière.

Where to stay: Hotel Alpenblick. Located around the corner from Barbière in one of the hippest ‘hoods in Bern, Hotel Alpenblick offers a warm welcome and a fun personality. The staff loves dishing out insider travel tips to this delightful city and one of them might just become a trip highlight.

Hamburg, Germany

Germany’s second-largest city remains under the radar for many travelers venturing through Europe, but that means those who visit have more of this hip harbor city to themselves. Hamburg boasts modern museums, excellent theater and some of the trendiest spots for food and drink in Germany. Throw in its rebellious, anti-establishment spirit and rich maritime history, and you have a mix like nowhere else in northern Europe.

Be sure to stay over a weekend, so you can experience the Sunday morning Fish Market on the harbor, where everything under the sun is sold, and revelers from the night before mix in with early-bird bargain-hunters to create an “only in Hamburg” social scene.

Where to stay: The Fontenay. This five-star hotel sits on the shores of Lake Alster, surrounded by a leafy park, yet a short walk from all the action. Enjoy the cityscape views at the Fontenay Bar before taking a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool.

Olomouc, Czechia

Calling Olomouc a “mini-Prague” feels like cheating, but it gets the point across. Indeed, much of what makes the Czech capital so adored is also here in spades, but without the mass tourism. Case in point is the main square, which features lovely pastel buildings with the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column at its center. Like anywhere in the Czech Republic, the beer culture is alive and well in Olomouc, with refreshing pilsners poured with precision all over the city.

Where to stay: Miss Sophie’s. Prague’s beloved boutique hotel group has expanded east into a historic 14th-century house with Miss Sophie’s signature blend of stylish decor and comfy-as-can-be beds.

Warsaw, Poland

Long overshadowed by Kraków, the vibrant capital of Poland is finally getting the attention it deserves. That said, Warsaw is still considered one of the least visited capitals in all of Europe. Here, you can experience the mix of big-city energy with trendy neighborhoods like the equally edgy and artsy Praga district.

Add to this a host of fascinating historical sites that tell the story of the resiliency of the city and a sensational food scene (sample delights from all over Poland in one place), and you have a recipe for your new favorite European city.

Where to stay: PURO Warsaw Downtown. Don’t fret, you’ll fit right in with the cool kids at this stylish spot. Modern rooms and a leafy rooftop bar are highlights, as is the excellent onsite Italian restaurant.

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Wales is known for its head-spinning landscapes, but its biggest city balances all the nature out perfectly with a dizzying array of cosmopolitan delights, all watched over by ancient Cardiff Castle. After strolling the Victorian-era shopping arcades and exploring Cardiff Bay the largest waterfront development in Europe), sample the local Welsh fare at the city’s great restaurants and pubs. Then, catch a Cardiff City soccer match, as the team plays one division down from the Premier League.

Where to stay: voco St David’s Cardiff. This recently reimagined hotel and spa sports a sail atop its roof and offers sweeping views across the Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina. The coastal theme continues in the rooms, all appointed with modern tastes in mind.

High Tatras, Slovakia

Upon arrival, you may not believe how picturesque the peaks of the High Tatras are or how easy it is to have much of this natural splendor to yourself. You will also soon learn that it’s precisely why this area of Slovakia is so special. Spend your time hiking the local peaks or luxuriating at the pool or the hotel spa: the choice is yours.

If located in Switzerland, the High Tatras would probably be a household name and the setting for a yearly gathering of global power players. But it’s not, so experiencing the High Tatras still feels like being let in a secret.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras. This luxury 5-star retreat nestled on the shores of Lake Strbske Pleso is one of the most romantic stays in the High Tatras. The suites and rooms at the hotel are located in three interconnected historical buildings and feature jaw-dropping views of the mountains.

Odense, Denmark

Denmark has mostly evaded the overtourism headaches, but its third-largest city and the birthplace of famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen stays especially serene, even at the height of summer. Explore the H.C. Andersen Museum to learn about the legendary author before heading out to the fringes of town to enjoy trendy Nordic cuisine at the Michelin-starred Restaurant ARO, which sits in an otherwise anonymous former industrial space. In fact, the entire island of Funen that Odense calls home is filled with serene forests, fairytale castles and cute coastal towns, all perfect for day trips.

Where to stay: Hotel Odeon. Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Odeon is full of the spirit of Odense, not to mention stylish Scandinavian furniture and fittings.

Graz, Austria

Even though Graz is Austria’s second-largest city, it somehow manages to stay off the radar for most travelers, and that’s all the better for those who make it. Split by the meandering Mur River and topped by the impressive Schlossberg hill with its iconic historic clock tower, Graz blends classic European charm with a playful streak of modern art and architecture.

One second, you are marveling at the cutting-edge architecture in the form of an art museum that resembles an alien spacecraft (Kunsthaus) and a futuristic island in the River Mur, the next you’re strolling by buildings sporting Italian architecture or getting lost in romantic courtyards or savoring a traditional dinner in the cozy atmosphere of Gasthaus Stainzerbauer.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Wiesler. Located right on the river and with views of the Schlossberg, this historic hotel has been given a modern facelift.

Dijon, France

Most travelers already know Dijon from its work in the mustard world (and make no mistake, a sampling of this mouthwatering local product is a must), but forget that this city is the capital of the Burgundy region. And Burgundy means wine. Dijon offers a true feast for the senses, with atmospheric Gothic architecture, gorgeous palaces, foodie-heaven markets and nearby vineyards. Settle in at one of the bars on La place Émile-Zola and take in the atmosphere of a city skipped over by too many North American travelers.

Where to stay: Mama Shelter. A recently opened outlet of the cool-as-can-be Mama Shelter family of hotels, it has quickly become the place to be seen sipping cocktails and local wine. In other words, the perfect counterpoint to the medieval cityscape outside its doors.

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp may be famous around the globe for its role in the precious gems trade, but it still qualifies as a diamond in the rough in the world of European travel. You’ll be in awe of the city from arrival because Antwerp Central railway station is one of the most beautiful on the continent, a true rail travel cathedral.

And you’ll be just as impressed by the gabled guild houses of the Grote Markt, the main square of the city, which rivals any other in Belgium—or Europe for that matter—in the beauty department. Explore the MAS Museum for a captivating journey through the city’s history and follow in the footsteps of tens of thousands of people (and perhaps a distant relative of yours) who emigrated to the New World at The Red Star Line Museum, dedicated to the shipping line that carried millions across the Atlantic. Then, stroll under the Scheldt River through a tunnel straight out of a Wes Anderson film.

Where to stay: Hotel Flora. A refuge from the bustling city outside, this boutique beauty is located in the heart of Antwerp with a tranquil garden that makes it feel like a whole different world.

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