A few extra hours can transform a city break. These practical tips will help you spend less time in queues and more time enjoying Europe.
As autumn gives way to winter, European city breaks take on a different charm. Crisp days, atmospheric evenings and more time to explore are all part of the appeal, even if you won’t be the only person heading to the continent’s most popular sights.
This is the season when a little planning can make all the difference. For this reason, we’ve carried out extensive research into 20 of Europe’s most-visited cities, gathering time-saving advice for five leading attractions in each destination. Explore the findings in our full research into how much time travellers can save at Europe’s top attractions: TUI Musement Attractions Map
For this article, we’ve selected 10 standout attractions and gathered local tips on when to go, what to book and where queues tend to form. From choosing a quieter entrance at the Louvre to visiting Berlin’s TV Tower after dinner, these simple strategies could give you more time for the moments that really matter.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Louvre Museum, Paris
What’s the best time to visit the Louvre to avoid crowds?
Make use of the evening opening. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum remains open until 9pm, with last entry at 8pm. An evening visit can be a calmer way to explore the galleries. Check the current timetable before travelling, as opening arrangements can change.
Avoid visiting on Tuesdays, and bear in mind that Mondays can be busy too. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, which can make Monday particularly busy as visitors adjust their plans.
How can you avoid queues at the Louvre?
Try the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. It’s generally quieter than the Pyramid entrance and can be reached from Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro station or through the underground shopping centre.
How can you see the Mona Lisa with fewer people?
Book an early slot and go there first. The internal queue grows later in the morning, so head directly to the painting when you enter.
Not an early bird? Consider a late-afternoon visit instead.
Potential time saved: up to two hours.
2. Casa Batlló, Barcelona
What’s the best time to visit Casa Batlló?
Start early. A 9am slot can help you get ahead of the larger groups arriving later. The “Be the First” experience offers access from 8.30am, before general admission begins.
Alternatively, visit later in the day. Casa Batlló admits visitors later than many Barcelona attractions. A late visit also lets you see its facade illuminated after dark. Confirm that day’s final entry time before setting out.
What’s the best way to visit Casa Batlló?
Consider the Gold option ticket. It includes skip-the-line access and entry to additional areas, making it useful when your time in Barcelona is limited.
Should you book Casa Batlló tickets in advance?
Yes, book tickets online. Standard-visit tickets may be available at the entrance, but other experiences are sold online only. Booking ahead also gives you a better choice of time slots.
Potential time saved: up to one hour. And if you want to plan your Spanish weekend at best, look at our Barcelona itinerary.
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3. Tower of London
When should you visit the Tower of London?
Go midweek and choose the earliest available entry slot. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday typically attract fewer visitors than busier weekend periods.
Once you pass security, go directly to the Jewel House. The Crown Jewels are one of the site’s biggest draws, so this queue can build quickly.
How long should you allow you to visit the Tower of London?
Allow up to three hours for your visit. The right amount of time depends on how much of the complex you want to see. Give yourself extra time if you want to visit the Crown Jewels, towers and exhibitions without rushing.
Should you buy Tower of London tickets in advance?
Yes, book ahead and download your ticket. Advance access can reduce time spent at ticket desks. Save the ticket to your phone before arriving rather than relying on a mobile connection outside the entrance.
Potential time saved: up to 90 minutes. That’s enough time to learn how to bake traditional English scones.
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4. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
What’s the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum?
Plan a midweek visit. Tuesday and Wednesday can be quieter than the weekend.
Do you need to buy Rijksmuseum tickets in advance?
It’s not mandatory but booking ahead is highly recomended. A limited number of tickets may be available at the museum, but queues can form during peak times.
What shouldn’t you miss at the Rijksmuseum?
Start with the Gallery of Honour, home Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and four masterpieces by Vermeer. It can get crowded even with timed admission , so visit this gallery before exploring the quieter rooms.
Potential time saved: up to 30 minutes. And with our walkable Amsterdam itinerary you’ll be able to squeeze more visits on your weekend.
5. Vatican Museums, Rome
What’s the best time to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel?
Visit at opening time or in the mid-afternoon, preferably from Tuesday to Thursday, when crowds are generally lighter.
Be mindful when planning a Sunday visit. The Vatican Museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month, without advance bookings, but this is also an exceptionally popular time. The museums are closed on other Sundays and on certain religious and civil holidays, so check the official calendar before travelling
What’s the best way to explore the Vatican museums?
The best way to visit the Vatican Museums is on a guided tour. The collection is huge and can be overwhelming; a guided visit can help you navigate the collection and its key highlights.
Should you book Vatican Museums tickets ahead?
Yes, reserve as soon as your preferred date becomes available. An opening slot or mid-afternoon entry may provide a calmer experience.
Potential time saved: up to three and a half hours. Use the extra time to explore Rome by electric golf cart, or look at our Rome 2-days itinerary to make the most of your visit.
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6. St Mark’s Basilica, Venice
What’s the best time to visit St Mark’s Basilica?
Aim for the beginning or end of the visiting day. These times can help you avoid the heaviest flow of day-trippers through St Mark’s Square. Because access can be affected by services, events and seasonal arrangements, check the official schedule before your visit.
What’s the best way to see St Mark’s basilica?
Explore it after dark. Book an after-dark tour of St Mark’s Basilica to experience the building once many daytime visitors have left.
Should you book St Mark’s basilica in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is highly recommended. Tickets are released around 45 days ahead and may sell out. Remember to download your digital ticket before arriving.
Potential time saved: up to 90 minutes.
7. Real Alcázar of Seville
What’s the best time to visit the Real Alcazar of Seville?
Arrive at opening or later in the afternoon, from around 2.30 p.m. Once inside, consider starting in the gardens and following the usual route in reverse.
Avoid free-admission slots on Mondays if quiet surroundings matter to you. These periods can attract large queues and make the interiors feel particularly busy.
How long does a visit to the Alcazar take?
Allow at least 90 minutes. This is enough for a focused visit, but give yourself longer if you want to explore the palace rooms and gardens at a more leisurely pace
Do you need to book Real Alcazar tickets in advance?
It’s not mandatory but highly recommended. An advance ticket lets you plan your arrival and avoid queues.
Potential time saved: up to three hours.
8. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
What’s the best time to visit Schönbrunn Palace?
Choose the earliest timed entry you can comfortably reach. Starting early helps you explore the state rooms before the busiest part of the day. If you also want to see the gardens, visit them first when they open and return for your palace slot.
Should you book Schönbrunn Palace tickets in advance?
Yes, secure a timed ticket early. Slots may sell out two to three weeks ahead during peak season.
What can you do if palace tickets are sold out?
Explore the gardens and grounds. Access to these areas doesn’t require an interior palace ticket. Check the map before setting off, as the estate is extensive. The Panorama Train can help you cover more ground.
Potential time saved: up to two hours and 45 minutes.
9. Belém Tower, Lisbon
What’s the best time to visit Belém Tower?
Choose the first available entry slot. Arriving early gives you a better chance of reaching the narrow spiral staircase and upper terrace before internal queues develop.
Check before visiting on a Monday. Many Portuguese landmarks close on Mondays, so check the tower’s current opening hours before visiting.
Do you need to book Belém Tower tickets in advance?
Yes, timed entry is required, including for visitors using a Lisboa Card.
Is it worth going inside the Belém Tower?
Decide based on your priorities. The interior is most rewarding if you want to climb the tower and see the Tagus from its upper levels. If mobility, time or queues are a concern, you can still appreciate the monument’s Manueline architecture from the waterfront.
Potential time saved: up to two hours. Check out our Lisbon itinerary to see what you can do with the time saved.
10. Berlin TV Tower
What’s the best time to visit the Berlin TV Tower?
Time your visit around sunset. Arriving roughly 30 to 45 minutes before sunset lets you see the city in daylight and watch its lights appear. However, sunset slots are popular, so make sure to book ahead.
Otherwise, go after dinner. Later entry can be quieter and gives you a night-time view over Berlin. In this case, make sure to confirm the closing time on your chosen date.
Should you book Berlin TV Tower tickets in advance?
Yes. Queues can form both at the ticket desk and for the lifts.
What if timed tickets are sold out?
Reserve a table at the Sphere restaurant. This may offer another way to access the tower when standard observation slots aren’t available. Check availability and entry conditions before booking.
Potential time saved: up to two hours.
Your quick crowd-beating checklist
- Book a timed ticket rather than relying on availability at the door.
- Choose the first or last entry slot of the day.
- Visit from Tuesday to Thursday where possible.
- Download tickets and audio guides before leaving your accommodation.
- Check for alternative entrances.
- See the busiest room or exhibit first.
- Recheck opening hours, closures and access rules on the official website.
For this and other local tips on 100 European attractions, check out our interactive map.
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