Avoiding Lines and Crowds in Europe

Crowds and lines are a genuine nuisance at top European attractions, and too many people spend big chunks of their vacation time fighting mobs of people. When you can, buy tickets online in advance to major sites. Advance tickets are generally timed-entry, meaning you're guaranteed admission on a certain date and time. At popular sights, it can help to arrive early or go late. This is especially true at places popular with cruise excursions and big-bus tour groups. Of course, there are exceptions: When visiting the Acropolis in Athens, after noon might be perfect timing since cruise-ship crowds tend to flock there first thing in the morning. A good guidebook will offer tips on the best times to visit a sight. Visit http://www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe. *Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:* • “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/tv-show • “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/radio • European tours: https://www.ricksteves.com/tours • Guidebooks: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks • Travel gear: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/ • Travel classes: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks • Rick Steves Audio Europe app: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-europe Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.