9 Less Crowded and Less Expensive Alternatives to Popular Sightseeing Places

When we plan our journey and scroll through the beautiful online photos from popular places, we usually forget how these places actually look in real life — overflowing with tourists and overpriced goods and services.

Bright Side found 9 places that are just as gorgeous as popular resorts, but the prices are much lower and there aren’t as many tourists.

9. Amsterdam, the Netherlands/Hamburg, Germany

Many of us want to visit Amsterdam: in 2017, around 17 million tourists visited the city where 850,000 people live. If you’re interested in architecture, picturesque houses and canals, take a look at Hamburg. The old town looks like Amsterdam and the cultural life isn’t any less impressive. You can also visit the Philharmonic inside a futuristic building.

8. Capri, Italy/the Aeolian Islands, Italy

Famous resort island Capri is very overcrowded during the peak season. What’s more, you’ll have to pay a lot just for just a few days: around €320 for 4 days.

If you’re not ready to pay a lot, consider visiting the Aeolian Islands. These islands are located not far from Capri but they have clean sandy beaches and low prices. For example, rent prices are 4 times lower. As an additional bonus: there are some small active volcanos since all of the islands are of volcanic origin.

7. The Geirangerfjord, Norway/Konigssee, Germany

The beauty of the Geiranger Fjord is known all over the world, but it’s not easy to get there. Besides, Norway isn’t the cheapest country: even a public transport ticket costs around €4. Konigssee, a natural lake, can become a great alternative: it’s situated between high mountains so you can easily enjoy hiking. It is much easier to get to Germany where the prices are much lower: for example, public transport will cost you €1,7.

6. Versailles, France/Herrenchiemsee, Germany

People who rarely visit palaces claim they’re all the same. They’re actually all very different, but sometimes, you just can’t understand which palace you’re actually seeing. Herrenchiemsee, the Bavarian King country residence, looks just like Versailles. King Louis II built it in honor of his idol King Louis XIV of France. Not so many people know about this palace. The admission charge is just €10. in comparison with the €18 entrance fee to Versailles.

5. Bordeaux vineyards, France/Kakheti vineyards, Georgia

If you adore wine tourism, France isn’t your only option. A trip to Kakheti, the historical region of Georgia, would be a great alternative. Kakheti is famous for its vineyards but the prices are way lower: you can find a 1-day tour to Kakheti for €28 per person while the same tour to Bordeaux will cost no less than €150.

The Georgian region is also famous for its diverse wine tastes: if Bordeaux is well-known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, Kakheti can offer you different kinds of wine such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Khikhvi. And don’t forget about the fact that Georgians are known for their hospitality!

4. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt/Meroe, Sudan

A trip to the famous pyramids is possible only if it’s accompanied by stuffy buses, unbearable heat, and high prices for everything, including the admission charge ($9) and drinking water. Journeys to Meroe are much more comfortable. The city is situated near the famous necropolis and it also has pyramids and the incredible desert atmosphere. There aren’t many tourists and that’s why prices aren’t as high.

3. The Colosseum, Italy/Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia

Even if you visit Rome, there is a chance that you won’t enter the Colosseum due to the fact that the lines are extremely long. The good news is that there’s more than one amphitheater to see! For example, in Tunisia, you’ll be able to see the same building. The admission charge will cost you around $6. It’s also not as destroyed as the Colosseum. Even Gladiator shootings took place there.

2. Phuket, Thailand/Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

If you ever visit Thailand, you’ll definitely want to come back. But there are so many countries to explore! In Vietnam, there are no crowds of tourists and the hotels are great. You can find the perfect one for you and pay only €50 per day. Moreover, Vietnamese people are very kind and hospitable and you can also take a ride on the world’s longest cable car ride.

1. Canals in Venice, Italy/Canals in Colmar, France

Most of us dream about visiting Venice and a picturesque canal ride. But before you step onto a gondola, you have to stand in a long line. And forget about taking a picture without tourists in the background. Take a look at Colmar in France. There is a district called Little Venice where tourists don’t usually go, but the pictures will be even more beautiful than the ones from Venice.

You can also go to China. You can ride a gondola in Shanghai and Suzhou and then go to the East to a village called Tongli that was nicknamed “Venice of the East.”

Have you ever been to any of the places mentioned in the article? How do you usually feel about tourists when you’re on vacation? Share your opinions with us in the comments!