2023's Most Overcrowded Tourist Hotspots: A Guide to Avoiding the Crowds

After several years of pandemic-related decline, the travel industry has made a strong comeback and is thriving. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that the industry will generate approximately $9.5 trillion in 2023, representing 95% of its pre-pandemic performance.

This resurgence is particularly noticeable at major tourist destinations worldwide, with many of them seeing record-breaking visitor numbers over the past year.

The increase in visitors can have positive economic effects for local businesses, but it also brings negative consequences such as higher noise levels, pollution, traffic, and strain on public resources. Additionally, residents may experience a lower quality of life and visitors may have a less enjoyable experience. In response, popular tourist destinations, including various European cities, have implemented measures to address overtourism, such as introducing or raising tourist taxes, launching campaigns to discourage problematic behavior from visitors, and placing limits on the number of people allowed at popular attractions.

It's a positive sign that an increasing number of travelers are aware of the dangers of overtourism and are willing to take action to alleviate the problem. According to a 2022 survey from Booking.com, 64% of respondents are willing to avoid crowded tourist sites, and 31% are even open to choosing an alternative destination to prevent overcrowding.

Looking ahead, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular destinations worldwide that have been dealing with overtourism issues in 2023, and explore the steps being taken to address the problem. Additionally, we'll provide tips for travelers on how to avoid or mitigate overcrowding in 2024.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been actively discouraging certain tourists from visiting the city.

Koen van Weel/ANP/Zuma

Amsterdam tourism officials in 2023 have openly criticized young British males, referring to them as "nuisance tourists" and discouraging their visits to the city. A video ad targeted UK searches for activities such as "pub crawl Amsterdam," "stag party Amsterdam," and "cheap hotel Amsterdam," and warned of the potential consequences of excessive drinking, drug use, or disruptive behavior.

The initiative forms part of the city's holistic strategy to decrease the impact of mass tourism, appeal to a diverse demographic, and improve the quality of life for locals, particularly in De Wallen, also referred to as the Red Light District. The "Amsterdam Tourism in Balance" regulation, which came into effect in 2021, stipulates that once the number of overnight visitors reaches 18 million, the city council is "required to take action".

A still from Amsterdam's "Stay Away" video campaign discouraging tourists from visiting for a "messy night."

From amsterdam.nl

Amsterdam urges rowdy young British tourists to avoid visiting

Following this, authorities have prohibited the public consumption of marijuana in De Wallen and have approved a plan to phase out cruise ships from the city.

Regardless of their behavior, all tourists visiting Amsterdam in 2024 can expect to face the highest tourist taxes in Europe. The city recently revealed that the daily levy for cruise ship day visitors will increase from 8 to 11 euros (approximately $8.50 to $11.60), and the nightly fee included in hotel room rates will rise to 12.5% of the room rate. Despite these measures, Amsterdam is projected to accommodate as many as 23 million overnight visitors per year by 2025, not to mention an additional 24 to 25 million day visits.

To avoid the crowds, consider visiting Amsterdam in January, February, or March, when it is less visited but can be cold and rainy. Alternatively, June is a good option for better weather, though it might have more crowds. If you want to experience Dutch culture without the masses, there are many worthwhile alternatives within an easy train ride from Amsterdam.

Athens

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Athens placed a cap on visitor numbers to the ancient Acropolis in the summer of 2023.

Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

A scorching heat wave in Europe didnt stop hordes of visitors from cramming into the Greek capital this summer.

The Acropolis, the most visited archaeological site in the country, was so crowded that officials limited the number of visitors to 20,000 per day through an hourly booking system. This system will be extended to over 25 other archaeological sites and monuments across Greece starting in April 2024. The popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos also experienced large crowds, indicating that Greece's appeal to travelers remains strong.

To avoid large crowds in Athens, it is best to visit outside of the busy months of July and August. April and May offer a peaceful experience before the summer rush, and September and October provide cooler weather and more room to explore the city's attractions.

For those wanting to visit the Acropolis, it is advisable to book a timeslot in the afternoon or early evening to avoid the morning crowds, especially those coming from cruise ships.

Finally, if you're considering adding an island visit to your off-season trip to Athens, keep in mind that there are reduced ferry services and many restaurants and lodging options may be closed, especially from January through March.

Tourists brave the scorching heat to visit the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis ancient hill in Athens, Greece on July 20, 2023. Due to the extreme Cerberus heatwave known as Charon, the Acropolis of Athens and other archaeological sites in Greece have reduced their opening hours. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

Greece starts limiting Acropolis daily visitors to tackle overtourism

Bali

Badly behaved visitors have prompted Bali to rethink its relationship with tourism.

Bali's popularity has soared following the success of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat Pray Love". The influx of tourists, from digital nomads to poorly behaved visitors, has overwhelmed the Indonesian province in recent years.

In spring 2023, provincial governor Wayan Koster mandated a list of do's and don'ts to be included on tourist passports in response to the growing issue of unruly visitors. The rules include prohibitions against swearing, touching sacred trees, and climbing structures.

Additionally, beginning February 14, 2024, international tourists traveling to Bali will be required to pay a new tax of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, approximately $10 USD. This tax must be paid regardless of whether the traveler has previously visited other destinations in Indonesia.

Government officials in Indonesia are raising concerns about the impact of overtourism on the country's popular destinations. Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, has emphasized the importance of transitioning to more sustainable tourism models and attracting visitors who are willing to stay longer and contribute to the local economy.

To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit during the rainy season (October to April), when there are fewer tourists, with the exception of December and January. July and August are the busiest months due to international visitors and Indonesia's school holidays. Exploring areas beyond Ubud, the cultural center of Bali, can also provide respite from the crowds.

Balinese entrepreneur Niluh Djelantik

Courtesy Niluh Djelantik

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Barcelona

Barcelona recently relocated a cruise terminal away from the city to help combat overtourism.

Angel Garcia/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Barcelona was one of the earliest European cities to prohibit new hotels in the city center and limit short-term room rentals. However, during the local and regional elections in May, overtourism became a major political issue, prompting the city to implement more measures to address the problem.

As part of these efforts, Barcelona closed its northern port terminal to cruise traffic in October after reaching an agreement with local authorities to move ships further away from the city. This decision will impact approximately 340 annual cruise dockings, according to data from port authorities.

From April 1, 2024, tourists (including cruise visitors) will be required to pay an increased "city surcharge" of 3.25 euros (approximately $3.50), up from 2.75 euros (about $3) in 2023.

However, many Barcelona residents believe that further action is necessary. Throughout the year, signs of collective frustration with the influx of tourists appeared in the form of banners, slogans, and graffiti urging visitors to "go home" on building facades.

Tips for avoiding the crowds: Like other popular European destinations, Barcelona can get quite crowded during the summer, particularly in July and August. The best times to visit are usually in the spring and autumn, except during Easter week, when both crowds and prices tend to be higher.

Barcelona is Europe's biggest cruise port.

Angel Garcia/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Barcelona pushes cruise ships out of its city center

Miami

There have been calls to restrict alcohol consumption in Miami amid complaints about noise and disorder.

In May 2023, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization of Miami-Dade County, released its 2022 tourism statistics. The figures revealed a record-breaking 26.5 million visitors and an estimated $20.8 billion in spending, representing an 8% increase from 2021. The bureau described these results as "a tourism home run."

Some local residents and neighborhoods are objecting to the excessive and uncontrolled crowds and their impact on the community. In a 2021 op-ed for The Miami Herald, urbanist Richard Florida cautioned city officials about the adverse effects of "blotto tourism," with visitors flocking to party and drink excessively, fueled by pent-up pandemic energy and facilitated by affordable airfares and accommodations. This trend is particularly affecting neighborhoods like Miami Beach, where Florida resides part-time.

Miami officials were strongly encouraged by Florida to take action against overtourism, referencing the challenges faced by cities like Amsterdam, Venice, and Rome. Florida suggested that Miami adopt measures similar to those implemented in these cities, such as regulations on alcohol consumption and efforts to reduce noise in the entertainment district.

According to Florida, residents are expressing growing apprehension about escalating crime and disorder, and believe that the city is becoming increasingly unsafe and less suitable for families. Florida emphasized that if no action is taken, families, particularly those with young children, may choose to leave the city, further eroding the cohesion of neighborhoods.

Avoiding the Crowds: Those willing to endure the stifling heat and humidity of South Florida summers will find fewer crowds. Miami's high season runs from November through April, when temperatures are more mild. In early December, the art set flocks to the city during Art Basel.

Miami's South Beach is at the center of a dispute over late-night drinking.

DANLIN Media GmbH/Adobe Stock

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Paris

Paris is poised for overcrowding in 2024 with the Summer Olympics likely to bring in extra crowds.

The City of Light, a beloved destination for style-conscious and culturally inclined tourists, has seen a surge in visitors in recent years. This is partly due to the overwhelming success of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" and the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics being held in the city.

In recent times, anyone who has visited the French capital has likely experienced overcrowding. Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower are constantly overcrowded with tourists, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons. In June 2022, the Louvre museum announced it would be limiting daily visitors to 30,000.

These measures are part of a larger effort announced by French tourism minister Olivia Grégoire in June 2023 to address the issue of overtourism across the country. One notable initiative is collaborating with travel influencers, a group often blamed for contributing to the problem, to help raise awareness about the negative impact of mass tourism.

Avoiding Crowds in Paris and Beyond: With the Summer Olympic Games set to draw large crowds in Paris in 2024, travelers can take advantage of the off-season from November to March, avoiding the tourist rush around Christmas. Beyond Paris, places like Lyon offer a charming city center, a vibrant art scene, and cultural attractions without the heavy tourist crowds.

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Vernier Jean-Bernard/JBV News/AB/Shutterstock

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Phuket

Post-Covid, Thailand's popular beach destination of Phuket has seen a surge of tourists.

Adryel Talamantes/Zuma

The Thai government finally lifted Covid-19 regulations in October 2022, and soon after, beach enthusiasts flocked back to Phuket, an island province off the mainland coast.

In 2023, a study by MoneyTransfers.com revealed that Phuket was crowned as the most overcrowded destination in the world, with a staggering 118 tourists for every local resident. The study also found that Pattaya and Krabi, both in Thailand, claimed the second and third spots, with 98.7 and 72.2 travelers per resident, respectively.

Many visitors on social media rave about Phuket's breathtaking natural beauty but also express concern about its overpopulation and pollution due to mass tourism. In response, Thailand's tourist authority is focusing on attracting responsible travelers, such as health and wellness enthusiasts, families with children, active seniors, and remote workers.

Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated in a press release that this will enhance Thailand's goal of achieving sustainable and high-value tourism growth.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds: Phuket's peak tourism season, typically from November to April, aligns with a drier climate. Travelers who visit during the monsoon season, from May to October, can benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices, but should be ready for some rainy weather.

An event was arranged to celebrate the reopening of Phuket to global visitors on Patong beach, drawing both locals and tourists. Despite some travelers managing to meet the stringent entry criteria and arriving on the island, Phuket continues to grapple with the profound impact the pandemic has had on its tourism sector. (Photo by Thomas De Cian/NurPhoto via AP)

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Venice

Venice is introducing a tax for day-trippers in 2024.

Remo Casilli/Reuters

The Grand Canal displaying fluorescent green water, unruly tourists, and crowded bridges and squares have highlighted the ongoing struggle with overtourism in this ancient Italian city. Officials have been slow to implement concrete plans to address the issue, with a proposed tourist tax for day-trippers facing objections and setbacks, and only recently releasing a fee schedule that won't take effect until April 2024.

The plan involves a 5-euro fee (approximately $5.45) for day-trippers aged 15 and above. This fee will only be applicable to tourists not staying the night and will be charged on 29 days in 2024, mainly falling on weekends during the high season from April to July. It will be enforced from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., which is regarded as the busiest time in Venice, with short-term visitors exempt outside of these hours. The impact of the tourist tax is uncertain for now. Despite this, Venice and its lagoon have managed to avoid being included on UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list, a decision that surprised many during a September meeting of the UN agency in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the World Heritage Committee affirmed that Venice continues to face significant challenges and urged Italy to remain committed to its protection.

To avoid the crowds in Venice, consider visiting from November through March when temperatures are chilly but manageable and there are fewer tourists, except during the Venice Carnival. Stay overnight to enjoy the city in the evening and early mornings and avoid the day-tripper fees.

Alternatively, consider visiting other less-crowded European destinations with unique waterways. Annecy, known as the "Venice of France," is a lakeside town in the French Alps with picturesque canals and cheerful houses. The Spreewald, referred to as the "Venice of Germany," is located about an hour outside of Berlin and offers winding canals through lush green forests. Both destinations provide a charming and less crowded alternative to Venice.