15 Tourist Spots Rick Steves Says Are Worth It Despite The Crowds

Tourist spots with too many crowds might push some travelers away, but Rick Steves sees the beauty others miss. As a travel writer and TV host, he’s spent decades showing people how to connect with places on a deeper level. He knows certain cities are worth every jostle and snapshot. Instead of skipping these popular stops, Rick shows how to experience them without missing the soul underneath it all.

Venice, Italy

When the canals fall quiet, Venice feels almost otherworldly. Early mornings and late nights offer the soft glow of mist and empty alleys, far from the day’s rush. Steves explains that this is when Venice’s true magic unfolds once the cruise ship throngs drift away.

Paris, France

Paris earns its reputation with good reason. Sure, the Eiffel Tower draws crowds, but slipping into a cozy cafe or wandering a side street reveals the real city. Rick is of the opinion that travelers should embrace the postcard moments as well as the everyday beauty behind them.

Rome, Italy

According to him, every cobblestone in Rome carries a thousand stories if you listen closely. The city’s chaotic energy can be overwhelming, but it’s part of the charm. People gather around the Colosseum while quieter corners like Trastevere still hum with the rhythm of la Dolce Vita.

Barcelona, Spain

He reminds travelers that Barcelona’s magic isn’t just in its monuments; it’s everywhere. Gaudi’s whimsical designs turn Barcelona into a living dreamscape. Although Sagrada Familia queues stretch endlessly, stepping into areas like Gracia brings a glimpse of quiet local life.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

According to Rick, Amsterdam’s main canals and museums flood with visitors, but they call for a deeper look. Rent a bike for a ride to find a sleepy canal far from the Red Light District, and discover a city that rewards the curious—tulip markets, hidden courtyards, and all.

Prague, Czech Republic

What happens when a fairy-tale city gets rediscovered? Prague’s Old Town thrums with tourists now, but crossing beyond Charles Bridge leads to gardens that go unnoticed and quiet courtyards. A cheap tram ride through the city opens the door to a rhythm few visitors ever notice, he says.

Istanbul, Turkey

Imagine a place where Europe and Asia shake hands; that’s Istanbul. Rick points out how crowds gather around Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, but a quiet seat along the Bosphorus reveals the city’s true rhythm. Layered history seeps from every stone.

Florence, Italy

The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries sell out fast. Still, the city’s greatest joy often lies outside the museums. A simple stroll across the Ponte Vecchio at sunset unlocks a softer, timeless side of Florence. As Steves points out, Florence practically invented the Renaissance.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna sings and it soars, and Rick is enamoured. While St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schonbrunn Palace brim with tourists, Vienna’s music culture remains deeply accessible. Slip into a neighborhood heuriger (wine tavern) for an authentic taste of the city’s centuries-old rhythms.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

If Dubrovnik looks familiar, blame “Game of Thrones.” Rick Steves urges travelers to see beyond the filming sets. Walking the ancient city walls at sunrise reveals medieval defenses and shimmering Adriatic waters, a perspective that most midday tourists completely miss.

London, England

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey: the heavy hitters of tourism magnets aren’t negotiable. But Steves encourages London visitors to mix it up. Catch a West End play and people-watch in Hyde Park. Better yet, slip into a free museum. The city hides endless surprises in plain sight.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Rain or shine, Edinburgh casts a spell, and Rick is enchanted. While the Royal Mile thrums with bagpipes and festival-goers, ducking into closed, narrow medieval alleys uncovers forgotten history. And no visit is complete without a hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views.

Munich, Germany

He reminds travelers that Marienplatz buzzes with tourists snapping photos of the Glockenspiel, but quieter corners of Munich, like Schwabing, offer a more relaxed vibe. Here, centuries of tradition live comfortably beside a modern and lively spirit. Plus, Bavaria’s heartbeat thumps strongest in Munich’s beer gardens.

Lisbon, Portugal

The rattle of yellow trams and the scent of fresh pastries make Lisbon unforgettable. Rick highlights that while crowds pack Belem’s landmarks, wandering the Alfama’s tangled alleys reveals Lisbon’s soul. Expect steep hills, where every climb rewards you with sweeping Atlantic views.

Athens, Greece

The Acropolis is overrun by noon, but Athens isn’t just marble ruins. Head into the buzzing Psyrri neighborhood, where street art, souvlaki, and ouzo flow freely. Rick loves the ancient history that hums beneath modern Athens. Like him, you have to tune your ears, too.