Anyone who has visited iconic landmarks around the world, like the Louvre in Paris, the Great Wall of China, or the Pyramids of Giza, knows that long waiting lines are all part of the experience. So, one can always expect crowded landmarks while planning sightseeing trips. That said, if one makes a few adjustments to their plans and relies on certain tried-and-tested tips, they can avoid crowds and have an authentic, peaceful travel experience.
1. Head out as early as possible
The best time to visit popular tourist attractions worldwide is right before the opening time. Early morning visits to tourist spots can also be a good idea if one wants to avoid crowds. That said, one must first look up the opening hours of the landmark they are planning to visit. To do this, one can check the spot’s official website, if any. Also, one can look up reviews and recommendations on popular travel blogs, websites, magazines, or just search engines to find out how early one can visit the spot to avoid crowds. This research is crucial to avoid assuming the best time to visit. For example, heading out at 9 am in Paris or Florence can help one avoid huge lines of people waiting to experience tourist destinations.
On the other hand, at 9 am in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, the line of tourists would already stretch over several blocks. Additionally, in some places, early visiting hours could still mean crowds. For instance, to visit Trevi Fountain in Italy, one would have to deal with crowds even at 8 am.
2. Avoid peak tourist season
A great way to avoid crowds and explore a place authentically is to visit during the off-season. For instance, if going on a cruise, many recommend traveling during shoulder seasons—the weeks before and after peak tourist season—when fewer people plan to travel across popular water routes. Similarly, one can find the off-peak season for many popular tourist destinations for a crowd-free sightseeing experience. For example, if traveling to Lake Como, one can plan a trip outside of the June–September period, which is the popular season to visit. If planning to travel to Ireland in January, which is the off-season, one may be able to book a private stay in popular accommodations for the price of a dorm.
While traveling during shoulder seasons could mean affordable, comfortable exploration experiences, one will not be able to enjoy the peak season’s good weather and longer opening hours.
3. Go on a hike
It is common to find the maximum number of tourists in and around the most comfortable, accessible areas of any landmark. These areas could be car parks, facilities, and entrance gates, which offer great views of the landmark and are easy to reach.
For those who enjoy adventure and crowd-free viewing spots, taking on hiking trails, harder-to-reach spots, and alternative routes to explore popular attractions is a good idea. For instance, if visiting Southern Portugal during the peak tourist season in August, one can look for narrow coastal paths that connect the various popular beaches to find some of the most incredible views and fewer tourists. Alternatively, if traveling to Ireland, one can explore some of the waterfalls, like the famous Bruarsfoss, on foot while hiking.
4. Skip the official viewpoints
A simple tip for crowd-free sightseeing is to skip the official viewpoints, especially if the sight is landscape. These spots do not have to be viewed from their official and popular viewpoints. To get the best views but with fewer people around, one can go either left or right on the official viewpoint and get a proper look at these places in peace. Similarly, to make the most of the travel experience, one can look for hidden gems near major tourist sites. These spots are not usually found in most guidebooks. However, before heading out to these lesser-known destinations, one must ensure they are safe enough for tourists.
5. Venture beyond the city
One might plan to visit certain well-known places where crowds are completely unavoidable. In such cases, to ensure one has some crowd-free experiences, one can add to their itinerary a few days’ travel to areas outside the main city.
For instance, if visiting Edinburgh in August, when one of the largest performance arts festivals, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is held, one is bound to run into massive crowds. Tourists flock to this event to enjoy opera, music, theatre, and dance. During this time, one can enjoy Scotland’s capital for a while and then take a bus to the nearby Pentland hills to experience incredible views and smaller crowds. Similarly, when planning a vacation to Hanoi, one can take a bus north to SaPa for some fresh air and amazing hikes. Visiting places outside popular cities is a good way to avoid crowds and enjoy a more genuine exploration of the destination.
6. Book a private tour
Those who prioritize having their personal space, exploring a location at their own pace, and avoiding crowds at historic landmarks can sign up for private tours. Local travel experience providers generally organize these tours. Each tour would be limited to a small group of people to offer them relaxed sightseeing experiences. Private tours may also set up crowd-free explorations outside of peak tourist hours. For instance, when traveling to Napa, if one prefers an intimate experience, they can book a private wine tasting. With this package, one can take a leisurely walk around the vineyard without worrying about long lines and big crowds.