Overtourism was an issue in 2024 and still is in 2025. An increasing number of cities, grappling with the less appealing aspects of mass tourism, are implementing measures to curb the influx of visitors. One strategy is not to go to these hotspots, but to find alternatives. And if we all do that, those alternatives will become hotspots.

For Gazet van Antwerpen, Renilde Bleys thought of alternative city destinations where you won’t encounter signs urging tourists to leave, each offering attractions as captivating as the more popular hotspots.

Venice? Treviso and Padua

Instead of visiting Venice in Italy, consider Treviso and Padua (Padova), Renilde Bleys writes. Venice, renowned for its gondola-filled canals, St. Mark’s Square, and picturesque streets, suffers from severe overcrowding, leading to a €10 tourist tax for day visitors. 

Treviso, approximately 40 kilometres from Venice, is often called the city of art and water—not for its canals, but for the meandering branches of the Botteniga river that flow through its centre. Treviso offers serene bike rides along its banks, charming streets, notable churches such as Santa Lucia (a former prison), and the chance to savour tiramisu, which originated here.

Padua, a 30-minute drive or train ride from Venice, has been a vibrant university city since 1222, once home to luminaries like Galileo. The city boasts the Orto Botanico, one of the oldest botanical gardens, and the Cappella degli Scrovegni, adorned with Giotto’s frescoes. Other highlights include the Basilica of Saint Anthony, resting place of the patron saint of children and the poor, and the historic Jewish Quarter, with its intricate streets and inviting shops.

Venice? Trieste

We haven’t been to Treviso or Padua, but we have been to Trieste. Our assessment  was: “Trieste is an unsung destination in Italy with an uncharacteristic (for Italy) history. But pretty buildings, great food and a not so touristy atmosphere make it a to discover destination. Looking for ‘hidden gems’ make these gems less hidden but well… that’s what it is. Many sights are reachable on foot, but not Miramare and the War for Peace Museum. At our speed, 1.5 days was a good timing.”

Barcelona? Girona and Bilbao 

For an alternative to Barcelona, visit Girona and Bilbao, Bleys says. 

While Barcelona dazzles with Antoni Gaudí’s architecture and the bustling Ramblas, it struggles with overtourism. Barcelona is the emblematic example of overtourism.

Girona, about 100 kilometres north of Barcelona, offers a compact yet enchanting medieval atmosphere. The city features houses perched above the Onyar river, well-preserved Jewish heritage, and scenic walks along its ancient city wall. ‘Game of Thrones‘ fans will recognise its streets as a filming location. 

Meanwhile, Bilbao is synonymous with the Guggenheim Museum, a titanium-clad marvel surrounded by public artworks, including Jeff Koons’ floral ‘Puppy‘. The city also boasts a rich maritime history, lively streets, and traditional Basque cuisine, including pintxos and cider.

Barcelona? Valencia

Again, both Girona and certainly Bilbao are on our to-do-list. Maybe Valencia is an alternative to Barcelona? Ot offers both old town vibes and a modern city setting. But isn’t Valencia overused as well? 

Amsterdam? Rotterdam and Leiden

Instead of Amsterdam, explore Rotterdam and Leiden, Bleys argues. 

Amsterdam’s charm is often overshadowed by the throngs of visitors in its cultural and red-light districts. Rotterdam offers a striking contrast with its modern architecture, including the iconic cube houses, the Markthal, and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. 

Leiden, smaller but equally delightful, features navigable canals, the birthplace of Barcelona?, and the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam? Utrecht

We haven’t been to Leiden, but I’d recommend Utrecht over Rotterdam for ‘Amsterdam vibes’.

Utrecht is the home of nijntje aka miffy, offers canals, a young student crowd and Het Spoorwegmuseum or the Dutch Railway Museum. Utrecht is very cosy.

Santorini? Paros and Naxos

Opt for Paros and Naxos over Santorini. While Santorini is famed for its white-and-blue buildings, it’s overrun by cruise passengers and is another prime example of a place suffering from overtourism. 

Paros offers similar aesthetics without the crowds. Once known for its prized marble, Paros is perfect for leisurely exploration, particularly in the serene village of Lefkes. 

Naxos, the largest and greenest Cyclades, combines stunning landscapes with historical treasures, including ancient temples and the Zeus Cave.

Santorini? …

Paros and Naxos are unknown to us. Regarding Greek isles, we’ve only been to Santorini (Thera or Thira) and Mykonos and indeed they are overcrowded.

But we couldn’t suggest you alternatives.

Paris? Montpellier or Nantes

Swap Paris for Montpellier or Nantes, Bleys advocates. Paris’ allure is undeniable, but Montpellier offers Mediterranean charm with its bustling Place de la Comédie and serene botanical garden. 

Danny has been to Montpellier and his report is only half-baked enthusiastic. 

Nantes, nicknamed ‘Little Paris‘, combines Breton heritage with modern attractions like the Passage Pommeraye arcade and the inventive Machines de l’Île.

Nantes is on the to-do-list. Brittany is a beautiful region. 

Paris? Bordeaux or Toulouse

Why not Bordeaux? Many in France chose Bordeaux over Paris to live in. Some even commute. Bordeaux is a large town, with typical French architecture and great food and wine.

And Toulouse? The Pink City has a southern vibe, a relatively small inner town and with the Airbus factory nearby, its very cosmopolitan.

Dubrovnik? Trogir or Split

Consider Trogir and Split rather than Dubrovnik in Croatia, Bleys suggests. Dubrovnik’s fame, bolstered by ‘Game of Thrones’, has turned its ancient walls into a tourist bottleneck. 

Split, featuring Diocletian’s Palace and lively markets, provides a more relaxed experience. Trogir, with its compact beauty, offers historic architecture and Venetian charm without overwhelming crowds.

Split is also popular with cruises so don’t expect it to be that calm. It’s a small but interesting city though. 

Alternatives in Croatia? We don’t know the country well enough. 

London? Liverpool and Brighton

“London Calling“: every so often, the allure of the English capital draws us across the pond to immerse ourselves in its vibrant energy. The hustle and bustle are part of the experience, but the country has so much more to offer, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned Anglophile, Bleys calls out.

Liverpool, for instance, is a city of many faces: a port city, Beatles city, football city, and museum city. Whatever you’re seeking in a city break, Liverpool delivers with its distinct British charm. The Tate Liverpool offers a haven for contemporary art enthusiasts, while the maritime and slavery museum explores the city’s pivotal role in both industries. The Royal Albert Dock, with its stunning Victorian architecture, adds a touch of history to the cityscape.

The British Music Experience Museum also calls Liverpool home, showcasing the evolution of British music through an extensive collection of memorabilia, stage outfits, and instruments from renowned artists. Football fans won’t be disappointed either, as the city boasts its own football museum, celebrating the sport’s enduring legacy in Liverpool.

Brighton, a favourite retreat for Londoners seeking relaxation, is a seaside town easily reachable by train from the capital. Known as a hotspot for hipsters, it boasts an array of trendy cafés, vegetarian bars, and vintage shops. The charming streets, lined with colourful houses, still retain a glimpse of Victorian-era life in Britain.

The surrounding area offers further attractions, such as the Seven Sisters, striking limestone cliffs that share no connection with the book series of the same name. 

During the late 18th century, Brighton became a royal retreat, with the Royal Pavilion serving as a summer residence for the royal family. This stunning structure, with its Indian and Chinese architectural influences, is a true visual delight. Another essential stop is the Brighton Pier, which has been listed as a national monument since 1971.

We fully agree the United Kingdom in general and England in particular are more than just London. There ís so much more and indeed Liverpool and Brighton are worth your time.

For Liverpool, just pack sweatpants and a tracksuit. It’s the uniform there. 

Rome? Verona and Turin

Lastly, replace Rome with Verona and Turin, Bleys concludes. Rome’s grandeur is often marred by excessive tourism. Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet‘, boasts Roman ruins like the Arena and the scenic Piazza delle Erbe. 

Turin impresses with its baroque palazzos, cinematic museums, and the iconic Mole Antonelliana, offering panoramic views of Piedmont.

We haven’t been to Verona but Danny toured Turin and liked it. It’s on my wish list. I looked into Turin for my birthday weekend in June, but they weren’t great flights. So we’re going to Copenhagen. 

Bleys ends with the message that these alternatives promise rich cultural experiences, fewer crowds, and a chance to discover hidden gems.

The sense and nonsense of alternatives

What are we talking about here, really? What are you looking for during your trip? 

If you just want some dépaysement, enjoy some great food, eating and having cocktails outdoors; if you want to have some fun beach and pool time; if you want to beautiful hike, … then sure these alternatives can work.

But chances are you want to visit Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Santorini, Paris, Dubrovnik, London and Rome because they are Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Santorini, Paris, Dubrovnik, London and Rome. 

Not only because they are ‘iconic’ and ‘big names’. But also because of the landmarks they offer. The Eiffel Tower is situated in Paris, the Colosseum and the Vatican are in Rome. You can’t move those landmarks.