19 Places You Should Never Visit During Peak Season

Written By Jill Taylor

Traveling to new places is exciting, but some spots turn into crowded messes in peak seasons. You should plan your trip during less busy times to dodge the crowds and stress. Here are 19 places where visiting at the right time can totally change your experience.

Venice, Italy

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Venice Tours Italy explains that you may want to visit during the off-peak season, as there’ll be fewer crowds and quieter attractions. During peak tourist season, Venice transforms into a congested maze, with the narrow streets overflowing with visitors, making it difficult to enjoy the city’s beauty.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Machu Picchu gets really crowded during peak months, which can take away from its magic and leave you feeling frustrated. Instead, we recommend visiting during the off-season to truly enjoy the ancient ruins without all the tourists. You’ll get a better experience and more time to soak in the site’s incredible history and beauty.

Paris, France

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If there’s one city you want to avoid in the summer, it’s Paris, as it attracts a crazy number of tourists. Long lines and crowded sites can take the fun out of exploring the city, leaving you wishing you’d gone elsewhere. 

The Great Wall of China

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The Great Wall of China is another place you want to visit when it’s quieter. It can get really crowded in the busy months, making it hard to enjoy, so visiting during the off-peak season is much better. You get to explore peacefully, take clearer photos, and have a more personal experience without the crowds.

Santorini, Greece

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Don’t be fooled by what you see on social media; Santorini gets really crowded in the summer with tourists everywhere. The charming villages become packed, making it tough to explore and enjoy. Try visiting in late spring or early autumn for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Times Square, New York City

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You may be wondering when the right time to visit Times Square is, as it’s always packed. But at peak tourist times, it gets even crazier, so you definitely want to avoid this. The huge crowds can make it hard to enjoy the famous neon lights and lively vibe.

Kyoto, Japan

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If you plan to visit Japan, keep in mind that Kyoto’s cultural spots are best visited during off-peak season. Crowds can detract from the peaceful vibe of the temples and gardens. Visit during off-peak months to really soak up the city’s calm atmosphere and rich history.

Rome, Italy

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Rome’s historical spots draw tons of tourists, especially in summer, making it hard to enjoy places like the Colosseum and the Vatican. Try visiting in winter for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, and you’ll also be able to walk around in cooler temperatures without overheating in the Italian sun.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

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Yellowstone is an amazing natural wonder, but it’s super crowded during peak season and best avoided at this time. Try visiting in the off-peak months for a better experience. You’ll get to see more wildlife, enjoy peaceful hikes, and avoid the annoying crowds.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls get really crowded with tourists in the summer, making the narrow streets feel packed and less fun. If you visit in the spring or fall, you’ll have a much nicer time exploring this historic city without all the crowds.

The Louvre, Paris

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Try to avoid visiting the Louvre during the summer, as it sees immense visitor numbers during this peak season. This leads to long waits and crowded galleries. Visiting during off-peak times allows for a more intimate experience with the art, allowing one to appreciate masterpieces without the pressing crowds.

Banff National Park, Canada

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Banff’s stunning landscapes attract numerous visitors in the summer, resulting in packed trails and lookout points. An off-peak visit, particularly in the fall, offers breathtaking views with fewer people, making it easier to connect with nature and enjoy the park’s beauty.

Barcelona, Spain

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Barcelona’s attractions, like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, become incredibly crowded during the peak tourist season. The heavy foot traffic can hinder your ability to appreciate these architectural marvels fully. Visiting in the off-peak months provides a more relaxed experience.

Phuket, Thailand

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As Thailand is so beautiful, it means Phuket’s beaches and nightlife are hugely popular, leading to overcrowding during peak season. The influx of tourists can make it hard to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. If you want a more serene and enjoyable stay, opt for a visit during the off-peak months.

Florence, Italy

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Florence is a treasure trove of art and history, but its charm is often overshadowed by peak-season crowds. Visiting during the shoulder season allows for a more leisurely exploration of the city’s rich heritage by avoiding the long lines for museums and packed streets.

Grand Canyon, USA

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Don’t expect to be able to see much if you visit the Grand Canyon during peak season, as its viewpoints can become highly congested, making it difficult to take in the awe-inspiring scenery fully. Visiting during the off-peak months offers a more serene experience, allowing you to marvel at the natural wonder without the crowds.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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It’s no surprise that Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and historic sites attract large numbers of tourists in the summer. The crowded streets and long waits can detract from the city’s charm. Visiting in the spring or fall provides a more relaxed and enjoyable exploration of this vibrant city.

Bali, Indonesia

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This island has massively taken off as a tourist hotspot, and Bali’s popularity as a tropical paradise has led to overcrowding during peak season. The beaches and cultural sites can become overwhelmed with tourists, making it hard to relax, so consider visiting during the off-peak months instead for a more peaceful and authentic experience.

Sydney, Australia

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There’s so much to do in Sydney, and attractions like the Opera House and Bondi Beach draw large crowds during peak season. The heavy influx of tourists can make enjoying the city’s highlights challenging. An off-peak visit offers a more comfortable and leisurely exploration of Sydney’s many charms.

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