Tired of elbowing through crowds just to glimpse the Eiffel Tower or paying €15 for a watery espresso near the Leaning Tower of Pisa? You’re not alone. Overtourism is sucking the magic out of Europe’s most iconic spots—but savvy travelers know a secret. The best European travel dupes for overrated spots aren’t just cheaper and quieter; they’re often more authentic, beautiful, and packed with surprises. Imagine sipping local wine on a Syros cliffside (Santorini’s twin, minus the chaos) or wandering Girona’s medieval alleys (Barcelona’s cool cousin, without the cruise crowds). Ready to ditch the popular destinations? Let’s uncover Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Skip the crowds, save money, and discover authentic charm
| Overrated Spot | Hidden Gem | Why Better | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini, Greece | Syros, Greece | Same white villages, 1/3 the crowds | 50% |
| Barcelona, Spain | Girona, Spain | Medieval charm, no cruise crowds | 40% |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | Utrecht, Netherlands | Unique canals, vibrant local life | 35% |
| Dubrovnik, Croatia | Kotor, Montenegro | Dramatic fjord views, less crowded | 55% |
| Paris, France | Lyon, France | Food capital, traboule alleys | 30% |
| Venice, Italy | Annecy, France | Alpine canals, crystal-clear lake | 45% |
Pro Tip: Book early for the best deals on these hidden gems!
Travel dupes are the savvy traveler’s secret weapon—affordable, equally gorgeous alternatives to overcrowded tourist traps where tourists flock. Think of them as the “generic brand” version of famous destinations, except these underrated gems often outshine their iconic landmarks with colorful architecture, authentic charm, and room to breathe.
Why skip Santorini? Cruise ships dump thousands of tourists daily into this overrated destination, accommodations cost 3x the Greek average, and those pristine views often involve 45-minute queues.
Why Syros is better: Same stunning whitewashed architecture and Aegean blues with natural beauty that rivals any Greek island, authentic Greek island life with locals outnumbering tourists, and Ermoupoli (the capital) offers incredible neoclassical architecture and colourful buildings that make it a must-see destination.
How to get to Syros: Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), then take a 1-hour ferry from Piraeus port (€30-50, 3-4 daily departures). Pro tip: Book ferries in advance on Ferryhopper for best prices. Syros also has a small airport (JSY) with seasonal direct flights from European cities.
Trip cost comparison: 5-night stay for two in high season
Looking for a summer getaway with beautiful beaches but fewer crowds? Syros delivers everything that makes the Greek islands special without the tourism that has transformed Santorini’s historic centre.
Why skip Barcelona? Pickpockets and tourist scams are rampant in this city that many consider one of Spain’s tourist traps, La Rambla is more theme park than Spanish street, and Gaudí’s masterpieces require advance tickets and long waits.
Why Girona is better: Medieval architecture rivals Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Game of Thrones filming locations without the associated tourism surge, and exceptional Catalan cuisine at half the price – plus it’s just 38 minutes from Barcelona by train if you still want a day trip. The charming town offers a wealth of culture, art, and history without the overwhelming visitor numbers that plague the capital.
How to get to Girona:
Trip cost comparison: 4-night city break
As a solo traveller or with friends, exploring Girona’s three cities (the Roman fortress, the medieval quarter, and the modern town) offers a more intimate way to explore Spanish life, with cobblestone streets perfect for walking and plenty of local bars to discover.
Why skip Amsterdam? The city center has transformed into a theme park, canal cruises are packed with tourists, and there are higher crime rates in tourist areas – making what should be a charming European capital feel like an overcrowded tourist trap.
Why Utrecht is better: Double-decker canals unique in the world, vibrant university town with authentic Dutch life, and a historic centre that dates back to medieval times. Utrecht’s colorful architecture along its waterways rivals anything you’d find in the country’s more famous city, but you’ll be sharing the views with locals rather than tour groups.
How to get to Utrecht:
Trip cost comparison: 3-night weekend
Just a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Utrecht provides the quintessential Dutch experience with fewer crowds. It’s worth checking out for anyone who loves cycling along canals, sipping coffee at outdoor cafés, and experiencing authentic local life.
Why skip Dubrovnik? Game of Thrones fame has brought unsustainable tourism, prices rival Western Europe, and summer cruise ships can double the old town’s population in hours.
Why Kotor is better: Similar walled city with Venetian architecture, dramatic fjord setting with mountains meeting the sea, and absolutely incredible medieval fortifications.
How to get to Kotor:
Trip cost comparison: 4-night stay
Why skip Paris? The Eiffel Tower experience is mostly standing in line, tourist menus offer mediocre food at premium prices, and accommodation is prohibitively expensive.
Why Lyon is better: It’s the gastronomic capital of France (even the French agree!), has a UNESCO-listed old town with hidden passageways (traboules), and offers two rivers and hills providing incredible views.
How to get to Lyon:
Trip cost comparison: 5-night cultural getaway
Why skip Venice? It’s sinking under mass tourism (literally and figuratively), has exorbitant prices for everything, and suffers from smelly canals in summer and flooding in winter.
Why Annecy is better: Called “Venice of the Alps” for its pristine canals, crystal-clear lake with mountain backdrop, and preserved medieval old town with flower-lined waterways.
How to get to Annecy:
Trip cost comparison: 3-night romantic getaway
Want to discover more off-the-beaten-path alternatives around the world? Here’s how:
Choosing travel dupes isn’t just about saving money and avoiding crowds—it’s about sustainability. Over tourism damages the very places we love, while spreading tourism to lesser-known destinations reduces environmental impact on hotspots, creates economic opportunities in more communities, preserves authentic culture rather than commercialising it, and provides better experiences for both travelers and locals.
Many places in Europe are actively working to promote alternatives to their most famous spots, recognising that visitor concentration threatens the very attractions that tourists come to see. By seeking out these less crowded alternatives, you’re helping preserve these destinations for future generations.
Europe’s most famous destinations will always have their charm—but why settle for crowds, sky-high prices, and clichéd experiences when these underrated dupes deliver the same magic (and more)? Whether you’re sipping wine on Syros’ quiet cliffs or cycling Utrecht’s double-decker canals, you’re not just saving money—you’re discovering the authentic soul of Europe.
Ready to Book Your Dupe-Worthy Escape?
