7 strategies to escape large crowds at the globe’s top tourist destinations
Finding incredible places before they’re overrun by tourists is never easy, but often, the crowds have already arrived. Does that mean you should avoid the Eiffel Tower? Bypass the Colosseum? Or miss out on Machu Picchu?
No, these destinations remain essential for any traveler. I recently explored some of the world’s most frequented (and crowded) tourist sites to determine whether it’s possible to enjoy them with some tranquility. I also consulted well-traveled friends who had recently visited other popular locations. By applying the strategies below, you can still visit high-traffic attractions without having the experience overshadowed by large crowds.
Engage the services of a personal tour guide
A local guide is unmatched in navigating around busy areas. Unlike those leading organized tours, a private guide tailors the journey to your preferences. When minimizing crowds is your goal, a private guide has the expertise to choose the best locations and optimal times to visit.
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For hundreds of years, Angkor Wat lay hidden under the dense jungles of Southeast Asia, but it has now grown into a major attraction for visitors. During my trip to the site in 2005, the place was far less crowded, but today the scene is different. Still, the ruins span a vast area, and experienced guides are well aware of the schedules of large tour groups. In lower-income nations, hiring a private guide can also be surprisingly budget-friendly.
Cindy Sheahan, a frugal traveler who documents her adventures on her blog, DRD4-7R: Posts From a Flashpacker, explored Angkor Wat not long ago. She enlisted a guide for three consecutive days and mentioned how it profoundly transformed her visit.
Sheahan’s guide, Mr. Bolly of Asean Angkor Guide, took her and her companions to less crowded areas since large tour buses weren’t present. He also identified ideal locations for capturing photos. His fee ($250 for three days, covering air-conditioned transport) is quite affordable—particularly when divided among four people. Sheahan remarked, “I usually avoid paid tours and hesitated about this one, but it turned out to be a unique opportunity that justified the cost.”
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Arrive before the gates are unlocked
Showing up ahead of time is often recommended for popular tourist spots, but even the first wave of visitors can create congestion, so you need to stay ahead of them as well. When there’s already a queue forming at the entrance by opening time, arriving 15 to 30 minutes earlier might be necessary.
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During our 2017 trip to Petra, my friends and I took a guided tour on the first day, discovering the city’s history and landmarks. However, the crowds made it difficult to capture clear photos of the Treasury’s iconic facade. On the second day, we reached the gates before opening time. Though others were present, most were either on tours or strolling slowly. We hurried from the entrance straight to the Treasury and enjoyed nearly 20 minutes of uninterrupted access, allowing us to take all the desired photos without any distractions.
Spend the night in the vicinity
When locations are several hours away from the closest tourist hub, even those who wake up early will show up long after the entrance is unlocked. But by staying overnight nearby, you can enjoy extra rest and still reach the site ahead of the crowd.
The renowned ruins of Chichen Itza, for instance, are a popular excursion from the bustling tourist hubs of Cancun and Tulum. However, following the two-hour journey, the site is often crowded, and visitors must brave the intense midday heat. During my visit, I opted to stay at a modest guesthouse just 10 minutes from the ruins and arrived as soon as they opened. I shared the expense of a guide with another family staying at the same guesthouse, allowing us to complete our tour before the large tour groups arrived and depart before the sun became unbearable.
Embrace the early morning light
While sunsets tend to dominate Instagram feeds, I’ve always favored sunrises. It wasn’t until recently that I began to see sunrise as the start of a fresh day rather than the conclusion of an endless night. The same enchanting hues found at sunset also paint the sky at dawn. What makes it even better is enjoying the moment with significantly fewer people around.
Last week, travelers visited Paris. “In bustling cities such as Paris,” Nash remarked, “dealing with large crowds is a constant challenge. To get stunning photos at iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, arriving early is key—the nearer to sunrise, the better. This might be simpler for travelers from the U.S., who are probably battling jet lag and wide awake in their hotel rooms.”
Plan your trip during the off-peak period
The ideal time to escape both the busy high season and the less favorable weather of low season is by planning a trip during the interim period. Known as the shoulder season, this timeframe often offers pleasant conditions, fewer tourists, and reduced prices on airfare and lodging.
In April 2016, I traveled to Portugal, where the temperatures were pleasant but the crowds of tourists had not yet appeared. Lagos, a coastal town in the south, was surprisingly quiet—more like February—yet the summer-like weather made it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
Visiting a beach location in the shoulder season? Aim for late summer to experience pleasantly warm ocean temperatures.
Witness the final practice performance
The anticipation before an event can often be more thrilling than the occasion itself. Carnaval is an unmatched celebration, yet Rio de Janeiro becomes overwhelmingly crowded during its five-day run. I find it more enjoyable to visit in the weeks preceding Carnaval, when samba schools rehearsing at the Sambadrome perform with some dancers in full costume, as if it were the actual parade. While securing Sambadrome tickets is notoriously challenging (and costly), rehearsal tickets are affordable and can be purchased easily at the venue.
Many cariocasMany people relish the weeks leading up to Carnaval in Rio, then lease their apartments and retreat to Buzios or Ilha Grande to avoid the chaos. Accommodations become extremely pricey during Carnaval, making this a great way to cut costs.reaisby taking inspiration from their actions.
Familiarize yourself with the area’s rules and ordinances
In certain nations, regulations aren’t strictly followed. For instance, when I inquired with my guide in southern Bosnia about swimming below Kravica Falls, a key destination on the itinerary, he replied, “This is Bosnia. Nothing is permitted, yet everything is permitted.”
Similarly, Machu Picchu — which recently introduced a timed entry system to manage overcrowding — remains lenient with certain regulations. My acquaintance Ashley traveled there not long ago and mentioned that while visitors must adhere to their assigned entry slots, the four-hour stay restriction isn’t strictly enforced. Additionally, the supposed mandatory guide rule was not in effect, enabling her to wander freely, avoid the busier areas, and enjoy the ancient site at her own pace.
Since 2018, climbing the renowned temples in Bagan, Myanmar, has been prohibited for visitors, eliminating what was once the most affordable and rewarding method to witness sunrise and sunset views over the vast temple landscape. However, according to recent accounts, this restriction is primarily applied to the busiest temples. Numerous local guides can lead you to lesser-known, secluded temples, where crowds are sparse, allowing for unrestricted exploration.
Tourists are drawn to specific destinations for a reason, and in today’s interconnected world, hiding breathtaking locations has become increasingly difficult. Still, it’s entirely possible to experience the planet’s marvels without crowds of visitors disrupting the moment.
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