Dodge the crowds: Other places to go in the world’s top tourist cities

Consider this: even in the largest cities, most travellers tend to stick to a small area, somewhere well known, a hub that contains the best-known attractions and connections.

But that’s not where travel begins and ends. Sometimes you will have a far better experience – and be a much more sustainable traveller – if you take your business elsewhere. And you don’t even have to move far away.

Most tourists in Barcelona end up around La Rambla, the city’s busy high street.Credit: iStock

Most visitors to Barcelona, for example, may end up in the Gothic Quarter, or the area around Las Ramblas. But move just a few blocks east into El Born and you will have a more enjoyable, more affordable, and more interesting stay.

Almost everyone who goes to Rome seeks out a base in the historic centre, but there’s much to be said for a more local experience in Testaccio.

The teahouse district of Gion in Kyoto is eternally popular, though head north to Okazaki and you will be spared the crowds, though still enjoy the charm.

The following are our favourite “alternative neighbourhoods”, the areas that help you avoid the touristy crush, while also offering a unique insight and an enjoyable experience in your destination of choice. Some are so good, in fact, that they may not be considered “alternative” for long.

Barcelona, Spain

Santa Caterina Market, El Born, Barcelona.Credit: Alamy

Everyone stays in the Gothic Quarter, an undeniably charming, historic neighbourhood that is all narrow, paved alleys and cosy nooks. It’s also, undeniably, busy, and backs on to Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s tourist-trap heart.

Instead stay in El Born, a neighbourhood that offers so much of the Gothic Quarter’s charm, though with better bars, nicer restaurants and more of a local vibe, despite being just a short walk from its more famous neighbour.

Tell me more Not so long ago El Born had a reputation for dagginess, bordering on danger. Now it’s one of Barcelona’s most fashionable hubs, with car-free streets and medieval facades, a lived-in beauty, not to mention walking-distance access to the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach, the sprawling Parc de la Ciutadella, and the underrated Santa Caterina market.

Don’t miss El Born is home to the Museu Picasso, one of Barcelona’s key artistic attractions, and it is well worth a visit. Make time, too, to admire the riotous facade of the Palau de la Musica, a modernist classic.

Essentials Barcelona in general is a year-round destination, though it gets incredibly busy in summer. Try to visit in autumn, spring or winter. Stay in El Born at Yurbban Passage, a boutique hotel with a great rooftop (yurbbanpassage.com). See barcelonaturisme.com

Kyoto, Japan

Dancers near Heian Shrine. Credit: Getty Images

Everyone stays in Gion, or as close as they can get to it. This is the geisha district, the historic teahouse and temple district.

Instead stay in Okazaki, in northern Higashiyama, the city’s museum district. It sits close to Gion, sharing plenty of its attractions, if not quite its sense of history – or its crowds.

Tell me more Okazaki-dori is a main thoroughfare running north from central Higashiyama. It passes the Kyoto Museum of Art and the Heian Shrine, while providing access to Okazaki Shrine and numerous shrines and temples in the foothills of north-east Higashiyama – not to mention the start of the famed Philosopher’s Path. This area has wide, pleasant streets and an excellent selection of modestly priced restaurants.

Don’t miss You will want to visit all the above-mentioned locales; however, you will also want to queue for lunch or dinner at Yamamoto Menzou, a tiny, though legendary, udon noodle shop on Okazaki-dori.

Heian Jingu’s Torii and Okazaki Canal with cherry blossom. Credit: Getty Images

Essentials Kyoto is a year-round destination, though it’s by far busiest during cherry blossom season, usually in April, when prices rise accordingly. Spend your nights in Okazaki at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei (hotelokurakyoto.com), a gorgeous property with access to all the area’s hits. See japan.travel

Rome, Italy

In any other city, Testaccio would be a tourist hub.Credit: iStock

Everyone stays in the Centro Storico. This is not only the most famous neighbourhood in Rome, but one of the most famous on Earth, given it is the historic centre of the Roman Empire, home to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, to name a few.

Instead stay in Testaccio. If it were in any other city, it would be a key tourist area. It’s a neighbourhood with historic attractions, one of Europe’s best markets, sensational food, sunlit piazzas and a local, lived-in vibe.

Tell me more Testaccio’s history is working class – this was the slaughterhouse district, centred around Monte Testaccio, a hill built from discarded shards of Roman pottery. The modern-day neighbourhood is a buzzing culinary hub highlighted by the excellent Mercato di Testaccio. It also borders the River Tiber, and is a short bus or taxi ride from the Centro Storico.

Don’t miss There are so many great places to eat in Testaccio. Try Roman classics at Felice a Testaccio, perfect amatriciana at Da Bucatino, Roman-style pizzas at Pizzeria Remo, and beautiful pastries and coffee at Pasticceria Barberini.

Essentials Rome in summer is very hot, and crowded. Avoid it – even winter is better. To stay in Testaccio, make a reservation at Vespucci Palace (vespuccipalace.com), a boutique residence near the river. See italia.it

London, UK

Shopfront on Broadway Market in Hackney, London.Credit: Getty Images

Everyone stays in the popular London base of Soho, and for good reason: it balances historic, rock’n’roll bona fides with easy access to tourist magnets Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace.

Instead stay in Hackney. Not so long ago locals would have laughed if you told them you were staying there, but now it’s one of London’s most exciting, enjoyable locales.

Tell me more Hackney borough takes in the uber-trendy Shoreditch, Dalston, Clapton and Stamford Hill; for now, we’ll focus on Hackney Central, a diverse hub of parks, markets, theatres, restaurants and historic Victorian facades. There are two overland train lines running through the area for easy access to the city’s attractions.

Don’t miss As soon as the temperature hits about 18 degrees you will find London Fields, a 12.5-hectare green space in Hackney, filled with residents at play. There’s a public swimming pool here, the Pub on the Park, and a farmers’ market every Sunday.

Essentials Hackney is great year-round, though is at its best in the warmer months, from April to September. In Hackney Central, the Kip Hotel is comfortable and affordable (getsomekip.com). See visitbritain.com

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Palermo street mural.Credit: Getty Images

Everyone stays in San Telmo, the Buenos Aires of your dreams, the city’s oldest barrio, with colourful facades, boho bars and bougie galleries everywhere you look.

Instead stay in Palermo, nowhere near as old as San Telmo, though still packed with character. It’s a relatively safe neighbourhood filled with local-favourite steakhouses and uber-cool cocktail bars, not to mention excellent shopping.

Tell me more This sprawling neighbourhood, often divided into Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood for ease of use, borders Recoleta to the south and swanky Belgrano to the north. It’s characterised by its neat streets lined with small-scale boutiques and restaurants, though it’s also home to some of Buenos Aires’ most important museums, galleries and parks.

Don’t miss The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in this continent’s artistic history. When it’s time for dinner, Don Julio is a steakhouse ranked the 10th best restaurant on the planet by the respected World’s 50 Best list.

Essentials Buenos Aires is great to visit year-round, with no peak periods to worry too much about. Stay in Palermo at CasaSur (casasurhotel.com), a lovely boutique property in the neighbourhood’s heart. See argentina.travel

Bali, Indonesia

Samanvaya resort Bali.Credit:

Everyone stays in that well-worn coastal strip in southern Bali that runs from Kuta to Legian to Seminyak to Canggu, which accounts for the bulk of Bali’s tourist stays.

Instead stay in Sidemen, a sleepy, rural area in eastern Bali that is known for its gorgeous vistas and laidback atmosphere – the way Ubud used to be before it was Eat-Pray-Loved.

Sidemen, in Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: Getty Images

Tell me more Don’t come to Sidemen if you want fancy modern facilities. This is a sparsely populated, largely rural area centred around a village of the same name. The attractions here are mostly natural: tranquil Gembleng waterfall, the area’s many tiered rice terraces, Virgin Beach nearby, and views of Mount Agung throughout.

Don’t miss Spend plenty of time chasing waterfalls, but then visit Taman Ujung, a former royal palace about a 45-minute drive from the main village. It’s most notable for its water features, a sprawling complex of pools, fountains and sculptures built in 1909.

Essentials Sidemen is at its best in the dry season, from May to October, though if you visit outside this time you will have the best vistas of verdant rice paddies. Spend your nights at Samanvaya (samanvaya-bali.com), a four-star resort near the village centre. See indonesia.travel

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp district, Amsterdam.

Everyone stays in the area around the Damrak, the wide avenue running from Central Station to Dam Square, which is a natural jumping off point for tourists in Amsterdam and an understandably popular area to stay.

Instead stay in De Pijp, probably the city’s coolest neighbourhood, though one that retains a local feel. It’s just clear of the concentric rings of canals in central Amsterdam, the busiest area.

Tell me more There are no canals in De Pijp, just the wide Amstel River running along its eastern edge. What the neighbourhood has instead is busy streets with wide, plant-laden pavements; the local-favourite green sprawl of the Sarphati park, and a wide range of unique fashion boutiques (no H&M here), diverse restaurants, welcoming cafes and Museum de Dageraad, dedicated to Dutch architecture.

The Frans Halsstraat in De Pijp.Credit:

Don’t miss The Albert Cuyp street market is the city’s best, an eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to flowers to pickled herrings. Don’t miss the fresh, hot stroopwafels (thin waffles sandwiched around caramel).

Essentials Amsterdam is very busy in summer – try autumn or spring. To overnight in De Pijp, stay at the beautiful Hotel Okura (okura.nl). See iamsterdam.com

Bangkok, Thailand

There’s plenty to do in Sukhumvit, Bangkok.Credit: iStock

Everyone stays in Khao San Road, a notorious backpacker haven. The area surrounding the street has bloomed into a mainstream tourist hub, with mid-priced hotels and markets.

Instead stay in busy Sukhumvit. It isn’t scenic, and it isn’t particularly historic; what it does have, however, is a lot to do.

Tell me more Bangkok is a huge city with many good areas to stay in, though Sukhumvit is perhaps the best, given its mix of classic streetside eateries and low-budget accommodation alongside sparkling, modern shopping malls and five-star hotels. The suburb is also well-connected via the BTS Skytrain and the MRT – essential given Bangkok’s notorious traffic snarls.

Don’t miss Though many of Bangkok’s old street food markets have been cleared out, you can still get your share of cheap, high-quality eats in shopping mall food courts that are more like Singapore-style hawker centres. In Sukhumvit, try Terminal 21, EmSphere and Emporium.

Public House Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok.Credit:

Essentials November to March is best in Bangkok, when the heat and humidity is at its lowest. In Sukhumvit, stay at the swish though affordable Public House Sukhumvit 31 (publichouse-hotels.com). See amazingthailand.com.au

Los Angeles, US

Koreatown Plaza, a sprawling space that will be paradise for any shopper.Credit: iStock

Everyone stays in West Hollywood, the classic LA hub, home of Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue, the Whisky A Go Go, Chateau Marmont, and every other location you’ve ever seen in a Hollywood film.

Instead stay in Koreatown, a real up-and-comer in LA, close enough to Hollywood for a sprinkling of celebrity, though with its own diverse character, providing access to Los Feliz, Silverlake, Downtown and the hills.

Tell me more Koreatown, affectionately nicknamed “K-Town”, is a buzzing, multicultural hub of restaurants, hotels and attractions. This is an old-school neighbourhood, once the heart of film industry glam, but these days home to an eclectic mix of upscale hotels, down-home Korean barbecue joints, glitzy malls and cool cafes.

Don’t miss Koreatown Plaza is ground zero, a sprawling space that will be paradise for any shopper – not to mention anyone who’s hungry, thanks to the food court featuring a wide range of affordable Korean goodness.

A new LA story… Hotel Normandie.Credit:

Essentials Though some parts of Los Angeles were devastated by recent wildfires, Koreatown and its surrounding suburbs remained untouched and are very much open to tourists. The Hotel Normandie (hotelnormandie.com) is the pick of the accommodation options. See visitcalifornia.com

Dubai, UAE

Deira is best known among tourists for its historic waterfront area, where you’ll find the spice souk and the gold souk.Credit: iStock

Everyone stays in Downtown Dubai, which has all the big guns: Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa, Burj Park, and any major luxury hotel brand you could hope to park your Maserati in front of.

Instead stay in Deira, the most historic part of the city, which many visit – but how many choose to stay in? This area isn’t luxurious or modern, but it does have culture, and it does have heart.

Tell me more Deira is a sprawling district that takes in a long reach of Dubai Creek, as well as a stretch of waterfront on its north-eastern flank, and Dubai airport at its south-eastern border. In between, it houses mini neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Naif and Muteena, locals-only suburbs where you get a true feel for the Middle East via restaurants, tea shops, old-school shopping malls and friendly streets.

Don’t miss Deira is best known among tourists for its historic waterfront area, where you’ll find the spice souk and the gold souk. However, take the time to walk down Al Rigga Road in the evening and soak up the multicultural atmosphere.

Essentials Dubai is best in the cooler months, from October to March. There are some fancy hotels in Deira – for example, the Marriot Marquis (marriot.com), but there are also the affordable ibis Dubai Al Rigga (all.accor.com) and its likes. See visitdubai.com

Five well-known neighbourhoods you really shouldn’t miss

Shinjuku, Tokyo
Shinjuku is incredibly popular with tourists – and everyone else, so it never feels over-touristed. This transport hub is also the ideal base in Tokyo, with easy access to Shibuya, Harajuku and Ebisu, as well as Ginza and the Imperial Palace. Plus, it hosts a head-spinning array of restaurants, bars, shops and attractions. See japan.travel

Old Town, Dubrovnik
Yes, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is suffering under the weight of over-tourism, but that’s largely due to day-trippers and cruise passengers. Those who spend the night and spend their money are welcome, and truly, this is a special place that nowhere else in Dubrovnik can really compare to. See croatia.hr

District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
This is known as something of a tourist trap among Vietnam aficionados, but District 1 is undeniably an excellent base for visitors. The area is home to major sites such as the Independence Palace and Ben Thanh Market, a host of major hotels and cheap hostels, and food that ranges from cheap and local-friendly, to high-end. See vietnam.travel

Alfama, Lisbon
All of Lisbon’s history, its beauty and its charm are personified by Alfama, the winding, hilly and historic neighbourhood near the city centre. This is Lisbon’s oldest district, it houses many of its most beautiful buildings, it hosts excellent local boutiques and eateries, and a stay here gives visitors a real feel for the Portugal of old. See visitportugal.com

Manhattan, New York City
It’s obvious, of course – perhaps the most obvious place on Earth. Though some tourists are now spreading into the likes of Brooklyn and Queens, Manhattan remains the borough of choice for visitors, a sweeping area that can handle the influx of visitors, and which offers so many iconic sights and venues. See nyctourism.com