23 Overcrowded Tourist Spots to Avoid

When planning your next adventure, you might want to think twice before visiting the most well-known tourist hotspots. While these destinations are breathtaking, they’re also overwhelmed by tourists, making it difficult to enjoy your stay. These are some of the world’s most popular locations struggling with overcrowding.

The Strain of Santorini’s Popularity

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Santorini boasts world-renowned stunning views, but its small size makes it vulnerable to overcrowding. The influx of tourists leads to packed streets and overburdened infrastructure. Authorities are considering daily limits on cruise ships to protect the island’s charm.

The Crowds On Amsterdam’s Canals

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Amsterdam’s historic canals and especially its nightlife are major draws, resulting in crowded conditions. The city aims to spread visitors throughout the region to lessen the impact on central areas. Efforts include encouraging longer stays and off-peak visits.

Locals Versus Tourists in Barcelona

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The city’s vibrant culture attracts millions, causing tension with residents. Locals are unhappy about the overwhelming number of visitors disrupting their daily lives. The city’s attempts at easing the strain include limiting hotel licenses and promoting off-season travel. 

The Weight of Parisian Romance

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Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre are constantly crowded. Overcrowding leads to long lines and diminished experiences for visitors. The city is promoting alternative attractions to distribute tourist numbers more evenly.

Tradition Meets Tourism in Kyoto

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Kyoto’s beautiful temples draw millions of visitors, causing congestion in popular areas and making it impossible for locals to get on with their day-to-day lives. The city’s cultural heritage is at risk due to the sheer volume of tourists. Kyoto promotes lesser-known sites and visitor etiquette campaigns to reduce the impact on historic locations. 

The Pressure on the Ancient Ruins of Machu Picchu

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The UNESCO World Heritage site is facing wear and tear from heavy foot traffic. To preserve the ruins, local authorities are enforcing strict entry limits and timed visits. These measures help protect the site while allowing tourists to experience its majesty responsibly. 

The Venice Canals Are Overflowing with Crowds

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Venice’s charm is undeniable, but its canals are over-packed with tourists. This influx has led to environmental issues, like water pollution and damage to historic buildings. Rising living costs due to tourism also drive locals away, making it harder to maintain the city’s unique character. 

Preserving Rome’s History

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Rome’s ancient sites like the Colosseum and Vatican City attract millions of people each year. To protect these historic treasures, the city implemented timed tickets and limited entries. These measures help balance tourist access with preservation needs.

Protecting Dubrovnik

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Dubrovnik’s medieval beauty is threatened by its popularity, particularly from cruise ship passengers. The city is exploring ways to limit the number of daily visitors to preserve its character. Strategies include scheduling limits and promoting off-season travel.

Balancing Tourism and Nature in Bali

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Bali’s beaches and culture attract millions, but the influx causes traffic congestion and threatens the environment. Authorities are making efforts to promote eco-friendly tourism to protect the island’s resources.

Overcrowding in the Big Apple

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New York City’s attractions like Times Square and Central Park are always busy. The city is working to balance the needs of tourists and residents by spreading visitors more evenly across different neighborhoods. This helps reduce congestion in the most popular spots.

Reykjavik is Iceland’s Most Busy Gateway

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Reykjavik handles a significant portion of Iceland’s tourists, leading to overcrowding. The city promotes sustainable practices and encourages visitors to go to lesser-known areas. This helps distribute the environmental impact and provides a better experience.

Coastal Overload in Cinque Terre

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Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages face significant overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. Limiting daily visitor numbers and promoting alternative transportation methods help manage the crowds. These measures are essential to preserving the region’s unique charm.

Phuket’s Need for Tranquility

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Phuket’s popularity brings environmental challenges, with overcrowded beaches and stressed infrastructure. Efforts are focused on promoting sustainable tourism to protect the island’s natural beauty. This includes regulations on development and visitor management strategies.

Crushing Mallorca

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Mallorca is facing the consequences of over-tourism, with its beaches and towns constantly overcrowded. To maintain the island’s appeal, the local government is working on managing visitor numbers and promoting sustainable practices.

Prague’s Overly Crowded Charm

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The city of Prague attracts almost 7.5 million visitors each year, resulting in congested streets and sites. The city is exploring ways to manage this influx, including promoting lesser-visited areas and regulating short-term rentals.

Hawaii is a Paradise Under Pressure

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Hawaii’s natural beauty and unique culture make it a top destination, but the hordes of visitors have raised sustainability concerns. Responsible tourism practices are needed to protect the islands’ ecosystems. Initiatives include educating visitors on environmental impact and promoting conservation efforts. 

Key West Struggles with Its Popularity

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Key West’s laid-back charm draws numerous visitors, straining local resources. The small island faces issues with overcrowded beaches and streets. Local authorities are making efforts to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the area’s unique character.

Yellowstone National Park Under Siege

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Yellowstone’s stunning landscapes attract so many people that most of its trails and campsites get far too crowded during peak season. Park management is focusing on spreading visitors across less-trafficked areas. Education on respecting wildlife and natural features is also a priority.

San Francisco Feels Overwhelmed

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San Francisco’s attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island see heavy tourist traffic. The city works to manage this by promoting off-peak visits and alternative attractions. This helps balance the influx with local life.

Sunshine and Crowds in Miami

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Miami Beach’s warm weather, vibrant nightlife, and endless stream of special events draw large crowds year-round. The huge number of people causes issues with litter and strains the area’s infrastructure. To preserve its beaches and encourage sustainable tourism, the city is implementing measures like promoting off-season travel. 

Sin City’s Tourist Boom

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Las Vegas is a major tourist hub, with its casinos and entertainment options bringing in millions of tourists and tens of billions of dollars. This constant influx can lead to overcrowding on the Strip, and major hotels are often fully booked. Efforts to promote other attractions in Nevada help manage visitor numbers. 

Natural Beauty at Risk in Zion National Park

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Due to its stunning scenery, Zion is the fourth most popular national park in the country. Unfortunately, this causes a lot of heavy foot traffic, especially during peak seasons. The park service is working on visitor management strategies, including shuttle systems and timed entries, to protect the environment. Education on preserving natural habitats is also part of their conservation efforts. 

18 Countries Where Your Clothes Could Land You in Trouble

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Have you ever wondered how your dress choice could lead to more than just comments or stares? From religious sensitivities to political statements, here are 18 countries where your clothing could land you in jail.

Read: 18 Countries Where Your Clothes Could Land You in Trouble

18 of the Most Dangerous Places to Live in America

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Many things factor into what makes a place dangerous to live in. From weather conditions to more socio-economic issues. Either way, if you are planning on moving residence anytime soon, here are some of the most dangerous places to live in America that you might want to steer clear of.

Read: 18 of the Most Dangerous Places to Live in America

24 Reasons Why No One Likes American Tourists

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Americans love to explore the world, but recent trends suggest that they’re not always the most beloved of tourists. Many find themselves spending a fortune to visit new countries only to receive a frosty welcome from locals. This growing unpopularity can be traced back to certain behaviors and attitudes.

Read: 24 Reasons Why No One Likes American Tourists

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Lori Meek

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