Ah, Europe—where the history is rich, the food is divine, and the landscapes look like something out of a painter’s fever dream.
But if you’re planning to visit some of its most iconic cities, brace yourself. These beautiful destinations have become so popular that even the locals are starting to feel like they’re in a never-ending game of tourist dodgeball.
According to a study by Holidu, a holiday rental platform that’s done the math on just how crammed these cities are, some European gems are teetering on the edge of tourist overload.
Holidu used data from Euromonitor International to figure out which cities have the highest number of tourists per local resident.
Click here to see an interactive map with the full list of the 36 most overcrowded cities in Europe:
If you’re allergic to crowds, you might want to rethink your travel itinerary or at least arm yourself with a strategy to avoid the masses.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – 27 Tourists Per Inhabitant
Dubrovnik, Croatia’s stunning coastal wonder, is leading the pack with a whopping 27 tourists for every resident.
Yes, you read that right—27! This city, which was once a peaceful retreat, has now become the poster child for overtourism.
And let’s not even talk about the Game of Thrones effect, which turned this quiet haven into a fan pilgrimage site.
But if you time it right—say, in September or October—you can still bask in Dubrovnik’s charm without being jostled by selfie sticks at every corner.
Rhodes, Greece – 26 Tourists Per Inhabitant
Next on the list is Rhodes, where 26 tourists are busy soaking up the sun for every local. This island, famed for its historic Old Town and pristine beaches, is rapidly turning into a tourist mecca.
The cobblestone streets that once whispered tales of history now echo with the clatter of flip-flops and the hum of guided tours.
But don’t worry, there’s still hope. Head over to the more secluded spots like Vlycha Bay, Gennadi, or Apollona, where you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet away from the throngs.
Venice, Italy – 21 Tourists Per Inhabitant
Venice, the floating city that’s practically on every traveler’s bucket list, comes in third with 21 tourists per local.
Once a serene escape, Venice now finds itself struggling to stay afloat—literally and figuratively—under the weight of its popularity.
The canals are jam-packed, the bridges are crowded, and even the pigeons seem a bit frazzled. Yet, Venice still holds some secrets.
Venture off the beaten path to places like Castello or indulge in the music at Musica A Palazzo, and you might just catch a glimpse of the Venice that enchanted visitors of old.
Heraklion, Greece – 18 Tourists Per Inhabitant
Just missing out on the top three, Heraklion in Crete is feeling the squeeze with 18 tourists per inhabitant.
What used to be a charming gateway to Crete’s sun-kissed beaches and ancient ruins is now a bustling hotspot.
But don’t let that discourage you. A short trip out of the city will land you in some of Crete’s lesser-known paradises, like Fodele Beach or the boat-accessible Panagia Beach, where you can still enjoy the island’s natural beauty without the crowds.
Florence, Italy – 13 Tourists Per Inhabitant
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, finds itself in the fifth spot with 13 tourists for every local.
This city, renowned for its art, architecture, and culture, now faces the daily challenge of managing the hordes of visitors clamouring for that perfect Instagram shot.
In response, Florence has introduced a city tax to help manage the influx, ranging from €4.50 to €8 per night depending on where you’re staying.
While the city is packed, it’s worth every penny to see the masterpieces that have shaped Western art and culture.
Wrapping Up the Top Ten
Rounding out the top ten most overloaded cities are Reykjavik, Iceland, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, each with 12 tourists per resident; Lisbon, Portugal, with 11; Porto, Portugal, with 10; and Dublin, Ireland, with 9.
Each of these cities, while still magnificent, is grappling with the daily reality of too many visitors.
| Ranking | City | Country | Tourists per inhabitant |
| 1 | Dubrovnik | Croatia | 27.42 |
| 2 | Rhodes | Greece | 26.33 |
| 3 | Venice | Italy | 21.26 |
| 4 | Heraklion | Greece | 18.43 |
| 5 | Florence | Italy | 13.81 |
| 6 | Reykjavik | Iceland | 12.10 |
| 7 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | 12.09 |
| 8 | Lisbon | Portugal | 11.14 |
| 9 | Porto | Portugal | 10.55 |
| 10 | Dublin | Ireland | 9.07 |
So if you’re planning a trip, maybe consider the offseason, or better yet, find the hidden corners where the locals still outnumber the tourists.