European Cities to Visit to Avoid the Crowds

As flight prices from the United States to Europe fall, more Americans are planning last-minute holidays to the land across the pond. Popular European cities attract not only Americans but also other Europeans and visitors from across the globe, making some hot spots almost unbearable as crowds flood in and out throughout the high season. Consider the alternative European regions below to get away from the throngs of selfie sticks.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

More popular among the après-ski crowd during the winter months, Switzerland´s small ski villages are just as beautiful and not nearly as crowded in the summertime. Rent a chalet and breathe in views of the Alps each morning while you thank the skies you will not have to battle tourists and wait in lines.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Escape the hordes in Stockholm by visiting Sweden´s smaller city on the west coast. An amusement park, high-end shopping and endless meatballs await in this tamer town in Scandinavia.

Turin, Italy

The Po River and the Alps converge in this town in northern Italy where a smattering of visitors may roam but will be hardly noticeable compared with Rome and Venice. Pour Italian wine and enjoy pasta in peace in Italy´s original capital city.

Most Northern Cities

In July and August, Europeans tend to head south where it is warm to enjoy miles of Mediterranean sandy beaches. This makes visiting the northern region of the continent (including Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea countries) a prime alternative to the crowded coastlines.