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If you’re like us, you must have wondered at least once where the massively increased volume of tourism is going to take us. Are the best non touristy places to visit in Europe going to take precedence as number one destinations? Is tourism ever going to wane? While it undoubtedly emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure that can withstand all these newcomers and benefits they introduce to local economies, it’s important to be aware of all the potential shortcomings of such large influxes of people. Besides the obvious argument for the preservation of the local ecosystem, there is another one, a more personal reason. Huge numbers of tourists are going to hamper each other’s experience and understanding of the place they’re visiting. Throngs of people with their cameras and smartphones out at all times can be downright discouraging, their murmuring dissonating and disorienting. It’s nigh impossible to fully grasp local culture that you came to learn more about when there are so many people indirectly preventing you from doing so. Of course, different people react in different ways, and there are absolutely those whose visit is never ruined by such nuisances. 
Bergamo, Italy
One of the richest provinces in Italy, and probably among the wealthiest in entire Europe, Lombardy houses many great destinations. It also has a perfect example of touristy versus non touristy places conflict. Milan is by far the best-known city in the entire region. As such, it attracts unending swaths of tourists that come to visit this truly breathtaking city. Very few of them though take an excursion east of Milan, to an equally beautiful province called Bergamo. Tourists do come and go, but their numbers don’t even scratch what Milan gets. 
Gdańsk, Poland
Many tourists that come to Poland don’t concern themselves with any places other than Warsaw or Krakow. Surely, Gdańsk deserves more attention considering it’s one of the largest cities in Poland and its biggest seaport. Of course, Gdańsk didn’t make it here by just being big. History of this city is long and arduous, with many museums and landmarks dedicated to its glorious past. It was an important medieval port town, whose wealth increased thanks to amber exports, a resource bountiful in the region. 
Maastricht, Netherlands
Even though Amsterdam is a relatively popular city with a decent number of visitors, the Netherlands still doesn’t see as many tourists as it could. If you want to avoid the ever-increasing prominence of Amsterdam as a tourist destination, try visiting Maastricht instead. From museums to forts and walls, the city of Maastricht commemorates its long and harrowing story. Besieged so many times over the course of its history, it still managed to survive and pull through. Its strategic position on the river Maas was always a lucrative prospect. Today, many remnants of the time long gone decorate the gorgeous city. Places such as the Old City Walls and Fort Sint Pieter serve as formidable reminders of Maastricht’s defensive capabilities. 
Viseu, Portugal
Viseu is a small town in central Portugal that captures the hearts of its visitors and never lets them go. Yet, you won’t see piles of tourists there, waiting to take a photo of every granite rock Viseu sits on. A city of exquisite wines and enchanting architecture, Viseu’s roots stretch all the way to the ages of Romans. Just like Maastricht, Viseu also served as a fort, situated at the intersection of several trade routes. Thanks to its originally defensive nature, we can visit Porta de Soar even today. This medieval gate leads to the charming, Baroque Viseu Cathedral. It was renovated in the 17th century after a terrible storm, but it still holds on to its charm. You might also want to visit Casa de Ribeira in the northern part of town. It allows you to take a peek into the lives of Viseu’s ancestors, letting you study their society and culture. 
Graz, Austria
Among other hidden Europe gems, Graz stands out in part due to its relevance as one of the greatest education centres on the continent. For some reason, it always falls out of grace when compared to Vienne, which is not reasonable considering how majestic and developed Graz is. Any custom travel plans to central Europe should include Graz in them, and here are a couple of details why. To incentivise you to visit the gorgeous city, we’ll let you in on a couple of unimaginable places to start you off. 
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is still a relatively low-key place, a completely off-the-beaten path for many a ravenous tourist. Its sharp, winding seaside is the perfect place to get lost in a holiday adventure with few people to bother you. Bay of Kotor is among the most beautiful locations next to the Adriatic Sea. The inner core of this location is Kotor Old Town, a place of steep climbs, rustic buildings and a great number of churches and cathedrals. Religious buildings gather both Catholic and Orthodox flock to their doors. Places such as St. Nicholas’ Church, St. Luke’s Church and St. Typhon’s Cathedral are solemn monuments of old, well-maintained and breathtaking. Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a living, breathing entity from a time long forgotten. 
Bristol, England
Perhaps it is Bristol that best describes what less touristy destinations in Europe are all about. It is an amazing city where you can do all the things you would do in overcrowded tourist havens, but without all the fuss. Bristol is a cool, laidback city where young people really have everything they need. If you ask them to be your guide, you will most likely be taken for a sharp, stomach-churning cider so be ready. One of the most recognisable landmarks of Bristol is the legendary Clifton Suspension Bridge. It crosses Avon Gorge, leading to the mysterious Leigh Woods. 
Trier, Germany
One of the last bastions of tourist-free Germany, Trier has recently come under the radar of many visitors. If you plan on visiting one of the most picturesque European cities in peace, you ought to hurry up! Best described as Rome of the North, Trier does truly resemble Rome in many aspects. Walking down its streets is like walking down the cobbled roads of central Italy, there is even a complex of imperial baths. Trier Baths date back to the 4th century and are one of the most grandiose structures of its kind outside of Italy. It won’t come as a surprise then that Trier also has an amphitheatre similar to those found in Rome. 
Gothenburg, Sweden
A city unknown to many travellers outside the European continent, Gothenburg in Sweden is an actual work of art. It’s probably among the best non touristy places to visit in Europe, yet rich in culture and teeming with life. For a city of such high culture, it’s natural to expect great exhibitions in museums and art galleries, extravagant theatre plays and unusual festivals. You won’t lack any of these things in Gothenburg, especially if you visit Gothenburg City Museum. Universeum has so much in store for anyone who loves science and technology. Gothenburg Museum of Art will open a window into the dark mind of Edvard Munch and introduce you to some other artists as well. 
Meteora, Greece
For the last entry for today, we’ll present you with Greece’s hidden gem - Meteora. This unexplainable rock formation in central Greece really is a beautiful, otherworldly place, but it hides even more little gems. Of twenty-four monasteries that existed atop these wild rocks, six remain today. Very few visitors head this way, maintaining Meteora’s original purpose. During Ottoman occupation of Greece, monks retreated to the top of these rocks and made their homes there. More and more people needed sanctuary from the invaders, and monasteries sprung to life. Poets, philosophers and people of various different persuasions came here to take shelter and protect Hellenic legacy and history. 
Conclusion
Uncrowded destinations are becoming a rarity as global tourism continues to grow. The world truly is everyone’s oyster now, and learning to share these experiences is part of the adventure. If overcrowding affects your travel enjoyment, don’t wait—explore as many places as you can before they transform under the weight of popularity. Tourism isn’t waning; in fact, it’s flourishing as more people seek out unfamiliar destinations. Instead of avoiding the journey, embrace the opportunity to visit the best non touristy places to visit in Europe and beyond. With countless wonders to explore, don’t let the growing crowds deter you from making unforgettable memories.
