Bébé Voyage thanks Harsh Aurora for this great article on how to avoid crowded tourist attractions!  His suggestions offer amazing experiences which can help you avoid the pitfall of dealing with cranky, impatient kids. 

Making a bucket list to travel around the world? Too many places to visit with little time to spare?  There are quite a lot of places which attract many tourists every day. Whether you list the seven wonders of the modern world or the top natural wonders, you will definitely find many places which can leave you amazed. These spots are famous for their awesome impact. No wonder tourists don’t mind waiting in long queues to behold these wonders. But after a couple of such trips to over-crowded destinations,  you might question whether you’ve been on a real vacation or not.  Rest assured, this article will help you beat the swarms of tourists while still getting the best view of these popular attractions.  Below is a list of some of the planet’s most visited tourist attractions in addition to information on alternative less crowded attractions nearby.

The Louvre in Paris

For centuries, the Louvre palace served as one of the French monarchy’s primary residences. This changed in the late 17th century after Louis XIV transformed the Versailles hunting lodge into the official royal palace. Exhibitions of the Louvre’s royal collections began in the mid-18th century. The Louvre officially became a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793.  It’s now home to an impressive number of art collections ranging from the ‘Code of Hammurabi’ and the ‘Venus de Milo’ to the prized artwork of Leonardo Da Vinci, ‘The Mona Lisa’. The Louvre is known as the world’s most prestigious museums as well as its most visited.

For art fanatics who only want a glimpse of these masterpieces, the crowded halls of Louvre can be the ideal choice. However, there is a less crowded option for viewing art in Paris. Indeed, the Musée Rodin boasts an impeccable collection of its own. While it’s true that the corridors of Musée Rodin are also full of tourists from around the world, the numbers are significantly less than at the Louvre.  The Musée Rodin also features an indoor exhibit which is well complemented with an outdoor garden. You can stroll through the garden and view many masterpieces from famous sculptors. ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Gates of Hell’ are the most fascinating among them.

The Empire State Building in New York City

An iconic building featured in all skyline paintings of New York, the Empire State Building is a magnificent structure to behold. It is a must visit for all tourists in the Great Apple.  However, this may not be so enjoyable…Unless you decide to go on a rainy day or have a VIP pass handy, you will definitely be contending with long lines of tourists.  Even after you finally reach the top of the Empire State Building, you will have to battle with other tourists for a good spot to see the views.

There might be moments when you will ask yourself: “Is the panoramic view from the top worth all this hassle?”

No worries–there’s a great alternative to the Empire State Building just a few blocks up north! It might not be as high as the Empire State Building, but the 70-story-tall Top of the Rock Observatory located at Rockefeller Center provides a much more pleasant experience. Unlike the wired mesh in the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock observatory is lined with glass panels. It offers exquisite views of Central Park and the Empire State Building.  You can enjoy your time high up in the sky with fewer people!

The London Eye

Having reviewed attractions from Paris to New York City, it’s no wonder that London should be our next destination. The London Eye, an approximately 450-foot high Ferris wheel with a god’s eye view of London, is one of tourists’ most famous go-to places. From the top of the wheel,  you can see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the River Thames, and world-renowned Buckingham Palace. It’s no secret that you and your family will not be alone wanting to go for a ride…You may have to wait an hour for a 30-minute ride on the London Eye.

Don’t’ despair–you have an option. You can choose the Sky Garden over the London Eye. The aptly named Sky Garden features astounding views from the 35th floor and above and has an indoor public garden in addition to a bar and restaurant. The best part is that you can enjoy the view for free from the Garden or book a table at the restaurant. 

The Opera House in Sydney

Let’s now travel to Australia in the southern hemisphere. Most of this island country’s attractions are located in the Sydney Harbour vicinity. The Opera House probably draws more visitors than any other destination. Breathtakingly designed, the Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Since then, the number of visitors every year has been on a constant uptick.

If you aren’t keen on braving the long lines to visit the Opera House, make your way to the Blue Point Reserve, a quiet and peaceful area with dining and retail outlets nearby. From there, you can enjoy a fabulous view of the architecturally acclaimed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

The Taj Mahal in India

The Taj Mahal, a monumental symbol of undying love, attracts countless visitors every day. The marble mausoleum was built in the mid-1600s on the banks of the River Yamuna. The structure is immensely captivating along with its intricately sculpted dome and tombs. Not surprisingly, navigating through the crowds in intense heat might dampen your enthusiasm for visiting the monument.

As an alternative, go to the Mehtab Bagh, a lovely park on the other side of the river. This serene and tranquil spot is ideal for beholding the Taj Mahal in all its splendor.  The best times to visit the Mehtab Bagh is early morning or at sunset.

In addition to visiting alternative less crowded sites, there are other ways of making your trip more memorable. For one thing, try to plan to travel off-season. Avoiding tour buses and cruise ships is also key to staying away from large noisy groups. One final piece of advice–book your hotels and travel arrangements with local tour operators instead of grabbing a package deal.