A study has found the cities in Europe that have the highest ratio of tourists to residents, with one particular city having 30 times more tourists than locals Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Summer offers a wealth of opportunities to visit some of Europe's most popular tourist hotspots. However, it's crucial to choose your destination wisely, as overcrowding can turn a dream holiday into a nightmare. Earlier this year, a study by Holidu identified the cities with the highest ratio of tourists to residents.
While you might expect London to feature, the UK capital didn't make the cut. Instead, a rather unexpected destination claimed the top spot, reports the Express . Holidu reports that Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, sees 10 tourists for every resident.
The city's enchanting old town, with its fairytale-like charm, is the main attraction, drawing many visitors, particularly from cruise ships. While Tallinn's popularity is well-deserved, Estonia also offers lesser-known gems like Lahemaa National Park, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the city. Dublin ranks just inside the top 10, with 11 tourists for every resident.
Temple Bar is one of the city's most crowded spots, especially at night, so those who prefer quieter experiences might want to steer clear. Although city officials have considered introducing a tourist tax, those plans have currently stalled. As one of Europe’s top tourist hotspots, Amsterdam sees 12 tourists for every resident.
Frustrated by the influx of drunken stag parties, the city has launched a campaign to discourage young Britons from visiting. Additionally, Amsterdam has implemented one of the world’s highest tourist taxes, which might deter travellers in the future. Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is one of Europe’s most overcrowded destinations, with 13 tourists for every resident.
The city’s archaeological sites are a major attraction, but those seeking tranquillity can find quieter spots elsewhere on the island. Florence ranks just outside the top five, with 13 tourists for every resident. The city is renowned for its cultural treasures, including Michelangelo's iconic David statue.
However, concerns over overtourism have sparked frustration among locals, with some workshop owners reporting that they've had to close due to the overwhelming number of visitors. Once an unexpected tourist destination, Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top hotspots, with 16 tourists for every local resident. In response to the surge in visitors, the city reinstated its tourist tax in January after it was paused during the pandemic.
Ranking just outside the top three, the Greek island of Rhodes hosts 21 tourists for every resident. Last summer, the island experienced severe wildfires, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people and significant damage to some areas. The charming Belgian city of Bruges sees 21 tourists for every resident, making it feel quite crowded during peak season.
Some locals are frustrated with the high volume of visitors, and tourism officials recommend visiting outside peak times to experience Bruges in a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Many Britons may not be surprised to see Venice on this list. The iconic Italian city hosts 21 tourists for every resident.
This year, Venice has attracted attention with its daytripper tax and a ban on cruise ships entering its lagoon. The city is so overcrowded that UNESCO has included it on its list of endangered cities. Dubrovnik, Croatia's historic coastal gem, is Europe's most overcrowded holiday destination, with 36 tourists for every resident.
Locals have voiced concerns about the noise from wheeled suitcases on the cobblestone streets. The Old Town, surrounded by its famous walls, is the busiest part of the city. For a more peaceful and cost-effective experience, consider dining or staying outside the city walls.
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