While some of the world’s most famous sites may leave you a little disappointed (and frankly with a thin wallet), I propose 4 less crowded alternative destinations to the world’s most popular tourism sites
In every country there are a couple of ‘must see’ items people rave about. As they say, have you even been to Paris if you haven’t seen the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower? Whether they live up to your expectations or not is something else entirely.
Visiting some of the world’s most populous sites can be overwhelming – hot weather, long lines, obnoxious crowds and the feeling like you are being herded around a site rather than actually getting to immerse yourself in the details. This led to the creation of the term ‘Paris Syndrome’ which is where idealised expectations of the world’s top tourist destination can lead to disappointment, culture shock and an overall feeling of the city not meeting their expectations.
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Skip The Colosseum And Take A Trip To Tunisia!
The Roman colosseum is almost always crowded. In summer, the temperature is almost unbearable, the perimeter of the amphitheater is filled with hawkers, and the site itself is often way too cramped with large tour groups and people disrupting your view. Not to mention, entry even when booked online is likely to set you back 18 euro.
Instead, you could take a trip South of Italy and visit Tunisia, home to some of the most incredible Roman ruins in the world. A site similar to the colosseum is the Amphitheatre of El Jem – the largest Roman amphitheater in North Africa! During the Roman empire, it too was used for gladiator contests and chariot racing.
You will most likely visit with a mere handful of other tourists, and will have the ability to explore this well preserved amphitheater. You can see spectacular panoramic views as you climb to the top of the colosseum as well as the possibility to explore the hypogeum (underground network) that were the catacombs for performers and gladiators.
Better yet, the cost is only 12 Tunisian Dinars (TND) which is equal to roughly 3.50 euro. You will without a doubt save money on accommodation, other sightseeing, food and more while in Tunisia too!
You could stop by in Tunisia prior to our Libya tours which also have incredible Roman sites!
Instead of Caves At Cappadocia – Visit The Caves in Mardin For Half The Price!
While Cappadocia is one of those sites that are highly rated, but deservingly so, the economic crisis in Turkey has made Cappadocia extremely expensive – comparative to busy European destinations. While it is incredible to see the caves and the extraordinary out-of-this-world valleys, there are alternatives within Turkey that are a much more budget option.
A visit to Mardin, an ancient city atop of a hill close to the border of Syria, is very much underrated. Mardin is usually only visited by domestic tourists, leaving the international market often unaware of its existence.
The Old City of Mardin is a UNESCO World Heritage site with sandy stone houses that cascade down a hillside, offering a medieval, Middle Eastern feel with labyrinthine alleys. The locals are super friendly, the views spectacular and the history is unmatched. While Mardin is without the winding valleys of oddly shaped rocks, it beats Cappadocia for history lovers and those intrigued by civilisations with religious differences.
You can visit Mardin on our new Alternative Turkey Tour, which highlights the underrated SouthEastern Anatolia area.
Is Petra Too Crowded For You? Visit The Other Super Impressive Nabotean Site!
While the crowds in Petra – and Jordan have dwindled in the past couple of years due to COVID-19, the War in Gaza and regional instability, Petra is still the most visited and most famous site to visit in all of Jordan.
There is honestly nothing that compared to Petra for its sheer size of winding valleys, tombs, monasteries and the famous treasury, Hegra in Al Ula Saudi Arabia is your next best option! It’s easier to explore, more spread out, and you’ll actually have space to look at things properly. The inscriptions are clear, the tombs such as the Tomb of Hinat give straightforward clues about daily life, and the desert setting is wide open rather than packed with visitors.
Hegra also ties into early Islamic Hajj routes and even older Dadanite and Lihyanite history, so there’s plenty to take in beyond the Nabataeans. Petra is still the showstopper with the Treasury, but Hegra offers a quieter, more relaxed way to understand the same civilization without the crowds or the rush.
You can visit Hegra and Al Ula on our Saudi Arabia Tours!
Instead of a Busy Greek Temple – How About Baalbek?
If you’re deciding between Baalbek and the Pantheon, here’s why Baalbek easily wins if you’re after something bigger and less overrun.
Baalbek gives you actual room to explore. The site is huge, the columns are massive, and you’re not fighting your way through crowds just to get a photo. You can walk around the temples, see the details up close, and get a real sense of scale without feeling rushed.
It’s also far more layered. You’ve got Roman engineering at its peak, local religious history, and decades of archaeological work all sitting in one place. The Pantheon is impressive—no argument—but it’s in the middle of a busy city and your visit is usually quick and crowded.
Baalbek, on the other hand, feels like you’re stepping into a full complex rather than dropping into a single monument. If you want space, context, and the chance to explore one of the most powerful Roman sites without being shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone else, Baalbek is the better call.
You can visit Baalbek on our Lebanon tours – with many yearly departures!
Less Crowded Alternative Destinations To The World’s Most Popular Tourism Sites – Visit While They Are Still Underrated!
Choosing where to travel is often shaped by what people feel they should see rather than what they’d actually enjoy. While the big-name sites absolutely have their place, they’re not always the most satisfying stops – especially when the experience is dominated by heat, queues, and crowds that make it hard to actually appreciate what’s in front of you. What the alternatives in this list show is that you can still experience incredible history, architecture, and culture without fighting your way through thousands of other visitors.
Places like El Jem, Mardin, Hegra, and Baalbek aren’t just “second choices”—they’re destinations that offer more breathing room, better value for money, and a fuller understanding of the civilisations that shaped them. As tourism grows and famous landmarks get even busier, these lesser-known sites are worth exploring now, while they’re still relatively quiet. Your wallet, your patience, and your overall travel experience will thank you.
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