Places in Europe I Won’t Visit Again: Where I Will Go Instead

ByMelissa Byron

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Are these the worst places to visit in Europe? For your budget, they might be.

While these destinations aren’t necessarily terrible, they’re not the best options for your travel experience.

The title “Places in Europe I Won’t Visit Again” might sound harsh, but it doesn’t mean I hated these places or wouldn’t recommend them under any circumstances.

I’m glad I visited each of these cities, but they turned out to be a bit overrated.

I’m here to share my experiences and suggest potentially better alternatives. I admit that visiting at the wrong time might have affected my perception.

But in this post, which started as a viral Instagram Reel, I’ll explain why I wouldn’t return, what I would have done differently, and where you might want to go instead.

Rome: A Bucket List Destination That Might Disappoint

Cue the gasps! What do you mean you didn’t like Rome? Well, I kinda liked it, but it’s complicated.

Let me explain! I visited Rome twice in the last 15 years. Once in September 2009 and most recently in June 2024.

Rome is definitely a bucket list destination for so many people for a good reason! You simply can’t top the Colosseum, Roman Forum, or the Vatican, and don’t get me started on the food!

But one thing you need to consider when visiting Rome (from May to October) is that it is crowded AF, and I don’t mean just busy; I mean bursting at the seams.

A photo of the Colosseum in Rome on a sunny day, showcasing its ancient, arched structure. The foreground includes some trees and a bus, with tourists visible around the iconic landmark.
A charming street in Rome lined with colorful buildings featuring shutters and potted plants. The cobblestone street is adorned with lush greenery and blooming flowers, and a few motorcycles are parked along the side.

Why Rome Might Be Overrated:

  • Crowds: Visiting Rome from May to October means contending with massive crowds. The streets and historical sites are packed, making it difficult to enjoy the city’s beauty and history. For instance, during my June visit, navigating through the throngs of tourists made the experience feel overwhelming rather than awe-inspiring.
  • Costs: High demand drives up prices for accommodation, dining, and attractions, which can strain your travel budget.
  • Time Management: Attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica can take up more time than anticipated. I planned for a 2-hour visit, but it turned into a 4.5-hour ordeal, with 1.5 hours just spent in line.

What I Would Have Done Differently

  • Visit Off-Season: Traveling between November and April would have meant fewer tourists and a more relaxed experience.
  • Better Planning: Spacing out major attractions over several days to avoid exhaustion.
A view of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City from St. Peter's Square, with the obelisk in the foreground. The square is bustling with tourists, and the sky is partly cloudy.
An interior view of a grand room in the Vatican, showcasing an intricate marble floor with circular patterns, tall marble columns, and an ornate altar with religious artwork and statues.

Where I Would Go Instead

Next time I go to Italy, I won’t be returning to Rome. I’ve been there, and I’ve done that.

And if you’ve done it too, you might be looking for another place in Italy to visit.

I encourage you to explore a couple of different locations such as Bari in Puglia, Catania in Sicily, and Verona in the Veneto region.

Each of these destinations offers something special and different from the busy tourist spots in Rome.

Bari is an afforable and lively port city on the Adriatic Sea. It’s great for walking through the old town, trying seafood, and visiting small villages nearby.

A bronze statue of Saint Nicholas holding a staff and giving a blessing gesture, set on a stone pedestal with inscriptions. The statue is surrounded by white flowers and is positioned against a backdrop of old stone walls.
Bari, Italy
A table set with an assortment of Italian foods, including a dish of meatballs in tomato sauce, a plate of fried polenta sticks, a small bowl of cream, and a basket of bread. A glass of Aperol Spritz and a bottle of sparkling water are also on the table, with an outdoor café setting in the background.

You can see locals making orecchiette pasta right on the street in Bari Vecchia, the oldest part of the city.

Catania, right under Mount Etna, has beautiful views and great food. The city is a good place for anyone who loves to eat.

Make sure to visit La Pescheria market to see all their fresh foods. Try local snacks like arancini (rice balls) and cannoli (sweet cream-filled pastries).

Verona, not too far from Florence, is famous for its Romeo and Juliet history. But there’s more to see and do here. It’s a quiet city with old buildings and pretty streets.

A view of a narrow street in Verona, Italy, lined with tall, colorful buildings with shutters and balconies. The sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds, and the street is adorned with greenery and people walking below.
Streets of Verona
A historic brick building in Verona with a large Italian flag hanging vertically from the top. The building features crenellated battlements and a tower with a large clock face, set against a clear blue sky.
Castle in Verona

You can visit Juliet’s house or just enjoy a calm walk by the river. Verona is also a good place to shop and try out local dishes like risotto.

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Brussels- A City That Might Not Live Up to the Hype

I loved Belgium, but I wasn’t wowed by Brussels. It was one of those places with a really impressive city center, but other than that, I wasn’t blown away.

The Grand Palace is the famous square in Brussels, where you will find the stunning Town Hall and beautiful guild houses that light up magnificently at night.

While I loved the local beer, Brussels as a whole didn’t make me want to return.

Why Brussels Might Be Overrated:

  • Limited Attractions: While the Grand Place is breathtaking with its historical buildings and vibrant lights, other parts of the city didn’t have the same charm. The impressive center contrasts sharply with less remarkable surrounding areas.
  • Underwhelming Experiences: Despite its renowned beer culture, I found myself searching for more engaging activities and experiences to fill my time.

What I Would Have Done Differently

  • Join Organized Tours: Engaging in city highlights walking tours or food tastings could have provided more structure and excitement. Being left to my own devices made the city feel less captivating.
  • Explore Beyond the City Center: Venturing into lesser-known neighborhoods or suburbs might have offered a more diverse experience.

Where I Would Go Instead

If Brussels doesn’t really make your wish list or if you have already visited, I would book a trip to Brugges or Ghent.

Brugges was very impressive with its medieval vibes, and dark history. I would aim to spend at least one full day and night before moving on to Ghent!

Santorini: A Postcard-Perfect Destination with Drawbacks

Ah, Santorini! The postcard-perfect destination that everyone dreams about.

My experience, however, was overshadowed by the throngs of tourists and sky-high prices that made everything feel a bit less authentic.

Now I wouldn’t say you shouldn’t visit, just don’t stay for long!

View of the Santorini coastline with white-washed buildings perched on a cliff overlooking the blue Aegean Sea, with distant mountains under a clear sky.
Close-up of a blue-domed church in Santorini, framed by white bougainvillea flowers, with the sun setting over the Aegean Sea.

Why Santorini Might Be Overrated:

  • Overcrowding: The sheer number of tourists, especially during peak season, makes it hard to enjoy the iconic views and ambiance.
  • High Costs: Everything from accommodations to meals is priced at a premium, which can make the experience feel less authentic and more commercialized.

What I Would Have Done Differently

  • Visit During Shoulder Seasons: Planning a trip in April or October means fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy the sights without the crowds.
  • Shorten the Stay: A brief visit might be sufficient to take in the main attractions without feeling overwhelmed by the tourist influx.

Where I Would Go Instead

Instead of battling the crowds in Santorini, I’d opt for islands like Milos and Sifnos.

Milos, with its spectacular lunar landscapes and gorgeous beaches, offers a more laid-back vibe. However, be warned: You should really rent a car.

A serene coastal scene with small boats docked in a clear, turquoise bay. Rocky hills and cliffs surround the bay, and a few houses are visible on the left side. The sky is clear and blue.
A natural stone arch over a crystal-clear blue sea. The arch is made of smooth white rock, with water gently flowing underneath. Rocky cliffs and hills are visible in the background, and a person stands on top of the arch.

Sifnos, on the other hand, charms with its traditional pottery, serene hiking paths, and less commercial atmosphere.

Not to mention that Sifnos has some of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited in Greece.

A close-up of a dish of creamy fava topped with a grilled octopus tentacle and garnished with herbs, served on a wooden table with a blurred view of the beach and sea in the background.
A scenic hillside view with terraced fields and white houses scattered on the slopes. The foreground features dry grass and greenery, while the background shows the sea and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

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Venice: Enchanting but Overwhelmed by Tourism

A traditional black gondola carrying several passengers is being steered along the green waters of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Tall, colorful buildings with numerous windows and balconies line the canal under a clear blue sky with some wispy clouds.
A view looking down into a narrow canal in Venice, Italy. A black gondola with red seating carries two passengers and is being propelled by a gondolier. Tall, aged buildings in shades of orange and beige line both sides of the waterway, rising directly from the water.

My solo trip to Venice was enchanting, but the feeling was sometimes diluted by the overwhelming number of tourists and the commercialization that targets them.

High costs and a somewhat artificial feel made it less appealing for a return visit. However, what I learned about Venice when I did go back for a second trip was that visiting in April made all the difference.

Why Venice Might Be Overrated:

  • Tourist Crowds: The influx of tourists can make the city feel crowded and less enjoyable. Navigating through packed streets and canals can be tiring and take away from the city’s romantic allure. The trick is to stay in Cannaregio and you’ll get a more local’s experience.
  • High Costs: Everything in Venice, from accommodations to food, tends to be expensive, which can detract from the overall experience.

What I Would Have Done Differently

  • Make Venice a Day Trip: Visiting for a day rather than staying overnight allows you to experience the magic of the canals and architecture without tourist fatigue.
  • Explore Lesser-Known Areas: Spending time in less touristy parts of Venice, like Cannaregio, can offer a more authentic experience.
Melissa wearing a black top and a dark skirt sits on the stone steps of a pedestrian bridge that crosses a canal in Venice, Italy. Ornate black metal railings line the bridge. Colorful, aged buildings with window shutters flank the canal. The water is visible below the bridge.
The grandeur of the Rialto Bridge as it arches over the bustling Grand Canal in Venice. Tourists stroll along the bridge, taking in the sights. Historic buildings in various shades of red, white, and beige create a vibrant backdrop. The foreground shows the polished wood and windshield of a boat navigating the canal, with a small flag indicating "STRATO ALE ACQUE."

Where I Would Go Instead

Instead of staying in Venice, I recommend visiting Bologna.

Bologna, known as the culinary capital of Italy, promises a feast for the senses with its renowned food scene and university life.

These alternatives not only provide a reprieve from the overcrowded tourist spots but also offer unique and enriching experiences in their own right.

A close-up of a wooden board filled with different varieties of square-cut pizza. The toppings include a mix of vegetables, cheeses, and meats, with distinct sections for each flavor. The table also has a glass of water, a fork, and a partial view of a paper plate.
A street scene in an Italian town featuring a row of parked scooters in the foreground. The buildings in the background are painted in warm colors, including shades of orange and pink, with architectural details like arched windows and balconies. A white car is also parked on the street.

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Final Thoughts

Keep in mind, these destinations I deemed “the worst places in Europe” were just not great experiences for me personally.

However, I believe these places could offer a much better experience for others with a few adjustments to your travel plans.

By tailoring your itinerary, being mindful of the best times to visit, and researching local customs and hidden gems, you can turn these less-trodden paths into highlights of your journey.

So, consider exploring these destinations for a truly memorable adventure next time you plan a trip to Europe!

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Melissa Byron

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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