The Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice report from McKinsey states that winters are getting quieter while summers are getting busier. Deluxe Holiday Homes has examined data on the number of foreign visitors to popular tourist locations each year in order to identify the most congested cities.

Visitors per km², which was determined by dividing the total number of visitors per year by the land area of the city, was the main metric employed. This method gives information about how crowded the tourist areas are inside each city. To put the allure of these metropolitan places in perspective, the typical summer temperature and the number of tourist attractions in each city were also examined.

According to the research, here are the top crowded hotspots to skip this year

Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the most crowded city that is better to be avoided this summer, with over 8,40,000 visitors per km². The city’s beaches and nightlife attract large crowds, leading to high tourist density. With 3,392 attractions and an average summer temperature of 27.4°C, Phuket can feel extremely packed, especially in peak season.

Pattaya, Thailand
Another Thailand destination comes at the top with Pattaya in second spot. The popular tourist destination has 1,79,000 visitors per km². Although it is not as crowded as Phuket, Pattaya still sees a large number of visitors, drawn to its beach resorts and entertainment. The city has 821 tourist attractions and a summer temperature of 27.7°C, almost identical to Phuket’s. Despite fewer attractions, its high visitor density makes it feel just as packed.

Paris, France
The most romantic city in the world ranks third with 1,66,600 visitors per km². While it doesn’t match the visitor density of Phuket or Pattaya, the city still draws massive crowds because of its landmarks. Paris has 10,000 tourist attractions, offering plenty to see for everyone. The lower visitor density, along with a cooler average summer temperature of 19.6°C, makes it more comfortable than the Thai cities.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona follows Paris with 65,800 visitors per km², making it a noticeably less crowded destination but still popular with tourists. The city offers 5,912 attractions and an average summer temperature of 23.9°C, which is warmer than Paris but still cooler than the Thai cities. Its relatively smaller visitor density makes it a better option for those wanting to avoid overcrowding.

Miami, United States
With 56,700 visitors per km², this coastal city experiences significant tourist activity. As many as 2,675 attractions and an average summer temperature of 28.6°C make Miami less desirable for those seeking a relaxed vacation.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The capital city is ranked sixth with 55,200 visitors per km². The city’s 1,626 attractions draw a moderate number of tourists. Its summer temperatures average around 27.6°C, and while it’s a bit less crowded than Miami, it still has a high visitor density, which can make for a busy experience.

Florence, Italy
The seventh place goes to Florence, Italy, with 49,400 tourists per km². With over 2,800 attractions, the city is more comfortable than tropical cities due to its milder summer temperatures of 22.86°C. Yet, it might still feel crowded in the summer due to its high tourist population.

Dublin, Ireland
The Irish capital has around 44,000 visitors per km², making it the eighth most crowded city on this list. The city’s 2,095 attractions attract visitors from around the world. Its cooler summer temperature of 14.8°C makes it one of the more comfortable cities on the list, but the visitor density can still make it feel busy, especially during major festivals.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Number nine is Amsterdam with 38,000 visitors per km². While it is less crowded than Dublin, it still draws a significant number of tourists, with 3,966 attractions and a mild average summer temperature of 16.8°C. The city offers a quieter alternative to places like Paris, but the high number of visitors can make it feel congested in the main tourist areas.

Milan, Italy
Milan has 35,600 visitors per km², making it less crowded than cities like Phuket and Paris. However, its 4,121 attractions and warmer summer temperatures of 22.4°C can make it feel crowded during peak tourist months, especially around popular shopping areas and historical sites.

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon rounds out the top ten with 35,300 visitors per km². While the city’s 4,403 attractions draw tourists, its lower visitor density and average summer temperature of 22.6°C make it one of the more manageable options. Still, it can get busy, especially in the city’s historic neighbourhoods.

A spokesperson from Deluxe Holiday Homes commented on the study: “With some countries now limiting tourist numbers to avoid overcrowding, it is more important than ever to consider how packed a city will be during peak seasons. Choosing destinations with fewer tourists can provide a more relaxed experience while still offering plenty to explore. Avoiding the busiest spots can make a huge difference in your summer vacation.”

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