When visiting a place, it is human nature to immediately make a beeline for its most popular attraction. Unfortunately, thousands (if not millions) of other people think the same way, and as a result, there can be huge crowds, pollution and price hikes. And what happens if the 'amazing' attraction is not all it’s cracked up to be?

Before you book a European city break with the aim of seeing its iconic castle, tower, palace, bridge, museum or theme park, click through this gallery to uncover a few alternatives...