10 European Cities where Locals Don’t want Tourists

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is another city struggling with over-tourism. The city’s narrow streets and famous landmarks, like La Sagrada Familia, are packed with visitors year-round. Locals complain about rising rent prices and overcrowding. The government has limited hotel construction and increased taxes on tourists. If you visit, be respectful and avoid staying in illegal rentals.

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, but the massive crowds are ruining its beauty. Locals are frustrated as cruise ships flood the city with thousands of tourists daily. The government has introduced entrance fees, banned large ships, and restricted short-term rentals. If you plan to visit, be ready to pay extra and follow strict rules.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is famous for its canals and lively nightlife, but locals are tired of party tourists. The city is cracking down on rowdy visitors by banning new hotels, restricting Airbnb rentals, and closing some coffee shops near schools. The government even launched campaigns telling tourists to behave or stay away

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik became a tourist hotspot after it was featured in Game of Thrones. But now, the small medieval city is overwhelmed by visitors. Authorities have limited the number of people who can enter the historic Old Town each day. Large cruise ships are also restricted, and new measures are in place to protect the city’s heritage.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s stunning views attract millions of visitors every year.

However, the island is small, and its infrastructure can’t handle the crowds. Authorities have limited the number of cruise ship passengers per day and are considering more restrictions to protect the environment and quality of life for locals.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s beautiful landscapes have made it a popular destination, but the tiny capital, Reykjavik, is struggling with too many visitors. The government has restricted short-term rentals and is working on ways to spread tourism more evenly throughout the country. Some locals prefer fewer visitors to protect the island’s fragile environment.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Old Town is packed with tourists, especially during summer.

The city is famous for cheap beer and nightlife, which has attracted disruptive partygoers. To control tourism, the government has limited short-term rentals and introduced stricter rules for bars and nightclubs. Prague wants visitors to respect its cultural heritage rather than just party.

Paris, France

Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, but over-tourism is causing problems. The city has increased taxes on tourists and limited Airbnb rentals to protect the housing market. Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are often overcrowded, and officials are working on ways to spread tourism beyond the city center.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s charm has attracted too many tourists, pushing locals out of their neighborhoods.

The city has banned new Airbnb rentals in some areas and increased tourist taxes. Authorities are also encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known parts of Portugal instead of just staying in Lisbon.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a tiny village that looks like a fairytale, but it’s struggling with an overwhelming number of tourists.

Social media has made it famous, bringing thousands of visitors daily. The town has introduced strict parking rules, limited bus access, and is considering entry fees to reduce crowds.