Least crowded european cities in summer

Norway is one of the least crowded destinations in summer. Especially the city of Bergen , which has. Considering how iconic Swiss Alps are for winter holidays,. CROWDED CHOICEParis: million visitors annually.

Less hurried and more laidback than Paris, it hints of the more bohemian south.

Even better, Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France. Go in winter, cold but dry and almost tourist-free, before skiing in the nearby French Alps. The 19th-century city between Saone and Rhone rivers has fine squares and boutique shopping. No queues at Musee des Beaux-Arts, the biggest Impressionist collection outside Paris.

HOW TO GET THERETwo hours on the high-speed train from Paris or Geneva. See full list on traveller. Bologna, though busy in season, retains its everyday life thanks partly to its 8000-strong student population.

Pinacoteca Nazionale allows you to view Italian masters without peering over a herd of heads. Compact and mostly pedestrian (though cyclists are everywhere), Utrecht is easily walke with architectural treats and antiques dealers on every corner, and several splendid castles in the surrounding countryside. Great shopping and streets lively with locals rather than just tourists are other reasons to linger. September is an excellent month to visit, when summer festivals finish and hotel bargains result – though check your exact timing, as Frankfurt is a big congress destination. Northern spring is peak tourism season (such as it is) and the summer wet, so try for autumn.

Walking paths and battlements above on Schlossberg rock provide impressive views. The landmark Kunsthaus Graz art centre is nicknamed the Friendly Alien for its startling appearance. Split is a real, functioning seaport and modern city whose waterfront promenades are lively with markets, restaurants and sunset-watching locals. Northern winter can be surprisingly enjoyable, with big New Year celebrations, several festivals such as February's carnival, and few tourists. WHY AND WHEN TO GODubrovnik old town is souvenir-shop central and inundated when cruise ships dock.

Mestrovic Gallery, dedicated to a Croatian sculptor, merits three stars, and the Modern Art Gallery features interesting Croatian artists. Unlike Dublin, it sits amid beautiful, haunting scenery, including the Aran Islands and Connemara, closely linked to Irish culture, language and literary heritage. DON'T MISSWander alleyways half a millennium old to find little churches, cosy seafood eateries and antiques shops. May has warm weather and least rainfall.

Then hit the Latin Quarter to join traditional singers and fiddlers over a pub Guinness or two.

Kids will enjoy the national aquarium and the medieval mummery of nearby Dunguaire Castle. Over 3million tourists visit France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Croatia each year. Plus, the warm weather brings a lively mix of locals and tourists to the streets for festivals, markets, and tasty food on-the-go. Old Town Vilnius is a mix of many different architectural styles, including Baroque, Classicism, Gothic and Renaissance. Moritz is a big winter destination in Switzerlan but it’s much less crowded in the summer.

With an elevation of 8meters, it boasts plenty of sunny days yet it never gets too hot. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the many hiking trails in the area and those looking for a relaxing getaway have plenty of spa resorts to choose from. The problem is that those iconic European destinations come with swarms of other tourists in the summer. European cities were busy and beaches were crowded , but not like now.

Ten years ago Barcelona’s residents weren’t yet hanging banners from their balconies or scrawling messages on popular sights telling tourists to go home. Your dollar will stretch much further if you choose to stay outside Prague. Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, and Brno are other beautiful and affordable cities that you’ll find in the Czech Republic. Best destinations in Europe to escape the summer crowds. So, here are my suggestions for a relaxed and quiet summer holiday destination in Europe.

Are there still places in France, which aren’t that touristy, where you can spend your holidays? Just avoid Paris and the Mediterranean and you’ll be good. With a castle presiding over a town coloured in pastel, you’ll enjoy Bratislava for being beautiful in its own way, even if it’s not always the most postcard-worthy. The city remains green despite the march of modernism.

Likewise, tour the cities of Toledo, Córdoba, and Ronda after lunch. Most of the crowd will be gone. In high season, stay in hotels outside the city you are visiting, or in a non-touristy neighborhood: If you’re visiting Seville, stay in Carmona, a beautiful city with a great food market and an incredible parador housed in a castle. Luckily, two nearby cities can satisfy cultural and carnivorous cravings without the masses.

Parma and Padua are college towns, like Florence, and accessible by train.