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.
| 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!
What Are Travel Dupes, Anyway?
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 Are Travel Dupes Trending Now?
- Post-pandemic shifts: Travelers crave less crowded, more meaningful experiences and destination dupes.
- Social media fatigue: Everyone’s seen the same shots of Santorini’s blue domes—now they want fresh backdrops.
- Soaring costs: Why pay €20 for an Amsterdam canal photo when Utrecht offers the same vibe for half the price?
- Sustainable travel: Dupes help disperse tourists and support local communities (no more “overtourism” nightmares).
Beyond Europe: Dupes for Every Travel Style
- Off-season west coast vibes: Skip crowded California beaches for Oregon’s wild coastline.
- Colourful architecture swap: Trade Barcelona’s packed Park Güell for Lisbon’s artsy Alfama district.
- Iconic landmarks, minus the masses: Prefer Machu Picchu without the permits? Try Colombia’s Lost City.
6 Affordable European Alternatives to Crowded Tourist Destination
1. Skip Santorini → Visit Syros, Greece
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.
Where to stay in Syros:
- Budget: Pensa Mare Rooms (€60-80/night) – Clean, simple rooms near Galissas Beach
- Mid-range: Hotel Ploes (€120-150/night) – Neoclassical mansion in Ermoupoli with sea views
- Luxury: Aristide Hotel (€230-300/night) – Boutique art hotel in a restored mansion with incredible views
Trip cost comparison: 5-night stay for two in high season
- Santorini: €1,750 (hotel, meals, activities)
- Syros: €850 (similar quality accommodations and experiences)
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.
2. Skip Barcelona → Visit Girona, Spain
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:
- From Barcelona: Take the high-speed AVE train (38 minutes, €10-20) or a regional train (1.5 hours, €5-10) from Barcelona Sants.
- By air: Fly into Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) via Ryanair or other budget airlines, then take a 15-minute taxi/bus to the city.
Where to stay in Girona:
Trip cost comparison: 4-night city break
- Barcelona: €1,200 (accommodation, dining, attractions)
- Girona: €680 (equivalent quality)
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.
3. Skip Amsterdam → Visit Utrecht, Netherlands
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:
- From Amsterdam: Take the NS Intercity train (25 minutes, €7-10) from Amsterdam Centraal (2-4x hourly).
- By air: Fly into Schiphol Airport (AMS), then take a direct train to Utrecht (30 minutes, €8).
Where to stay in Utrecht:
Trip cost comparison: 3-night weekend
- Amsterdam: €950 (hotel, food, attractions)
- Utrecht: €580 (similar standard)
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.
4. Skip Dubrovnik → Visit Kotor, Montenegro
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:
- From Dubrovnik: Take a 3-hour bus (€15-20) or drive (2.5 hours, border crossing required).
- By air: Fly into Tivat Airport (TIV) (5km from Kotor) or Podgorica Airport (TGD) (2-hour drive).
Where to stay in Kotor:
Hotel Cattaro
Trip cost comparison: 4-night stay
- Dubrovnik: €1,100 (accommodation, meals, activities)
- Kotor: €550 (equivalent quality)
5. Skip Paris → Visit Lyon, France
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:
- From Paris: Take the TGV train (2 hours, €25-50) from Paris Gare de Lyon.
- By air: Fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), then take the tram (30 minutes, €10) to the city center.
Where to stay in Lyon:
Trip cost comparison: 5-night cultural getaway
- Paris: €1,900 (accommodation, dining, museums)
- Lyon: €1,100 (comparable experiences)
6. Skip Venice → Visit Annecy, France
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:
- From Geneva: Take a 1-hour bus (€15-20) or drive (45 minutes).
- From Paris: Take the TGV train to Annecy (3.5 hours, €50-70) or fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) (1-hour transfer).
Where to stay in Annecy:
Trip cost comparison: 3-night romantic getaway
- Venice: €1,300 (hotel, meals, gondola)
- Annecy: €750 (similar quality experiences)
How to Find Your Own Travel Dupes
Want to discover more off-the-beaten-path alternatives around the world? Here’s how:
- Research neighbouring regions to popular destinations. Often, the magic extends beyond the famous city limits, like exploring Western Australia instead of just Sydney.
- Consider the off-season. Even tourist hotspots can feel authentic when visitor numbers drop. Venice in January can be misty, atmospheric, and far less crowded than summer.
- Ask locals in major cities where they go for their own holidays—they’re avoiding the crowds too! A barista in downtown Seattle might point you to Olympic Peninsula gems that tourists miss.
- Look for “second cities”—countries’ second-largest cities often have similar culture but fewer tourists than capitals. Think Lyon instead of Paris, or Porto instead of Lisbon.
- Search specific terms like “alternatives to [destination]” or “hidden gems near [popular spot]” to find traveler recommendations that others have already discovered.
Sustainability Matters
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.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Not Harder
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?
Skip the tourist traps and stay like a local! Browse CuddlyNest’s curated stays in these hidden gems—from budget-friendly apartments to luxury villas—and lock in your dream trip before the secret gets out.
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Tag us in your #TravelDupe adventures—we’d love to see where you end up!
FAQs For European Travel Dupes for Overrated Spots
Are these dupes good for solo travelers?
Yes! Many (like Girona, Utrecht, and Lyon) are safe, walkable, and packed with hostels/social cafés—perfect for solo adventurers.
What’s the best time to visit these alternatives?
️ Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) offer great weather and fewer crowds. For beach dupes (Syros, Kotor), July-August is busy but still quieter than Santorini/Dubrovnik.
Do these places have good public transport?
Most do! Girona, Utrecht, and Lyon have excellent trains/buses. For islands like Syros or Kotor, rent a scooter or use local buses.
Are travel dupes really cheaper?
Often, yes! Our cost comparisons show savings of 30-60% on hotels, meals, and attractions—but book early for the best deals.
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