Rick Steves Says To Set Your Alarm For This Unexpected Time Of Day To Beat Crowds In Europe

Whether you're city-hopping across Europe by train or spending all your time in one place to check off all the sights, crowds can put a damper on the day. But to experience Europe's most iconic sights without standing in long lines or elbowing your way through crowds, travel expert Rick Steves has an unexpected tip. "The easiest way to enjoy the mainstream sights without the commotion, selfie-sticks, and intensity of modern commerce is in the fringiest of hours — very early. Set your alarm and experience the best of Europe at its best," he writes in his article "Sightseeing at Dawn."

"Throughout Europe — in city squares, outdoor markets, Alpine mountaintops, and Riviera beaches — the local scene comes alive while tourists sleep, when the best sights are blissfully crowd-free," Steves shares. Speaking specifically of the Cinque Terre in Italy, he says, "When the bells chime six, I know it's time to get up." During this part of the day, cafés are just setting up for service, markets are opening up, and locals begin stirring to commute to work — all without the rush of peak tourist traffic.

While beating the crowds is a perk in itself, getting started early in the morning also helps you make the most of your day. You can visit more of the top sights, enjoy meals at a relaxed pace, and even take an afternoon siesta without any feelings of FOMO. So the next time you're planning a European vacation, consider shifting your schedule just a bit earlier — as they say, the early bird gets the worm.

To build the perfect European travel itinerary, Rick Steves swears by getting out the door early. For example, he describes how sunrise in Venice offers a magic you won't experience at other points of the day. "A slow vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal on a misty early morning is a shutterbug's delight," he writes, mentioning the sparkling view over an empty St. Mark's Square. "The low light and the cool breeze make enjoying the views from the Rialto and Accademia bridges more memorable than ever." Waking up early can also help you skip long entry lines at museums and landmarks that don't offer timed tickets.

And it's not just bustling cities that stand out in the early morning light. "As any resident of an alpine region knows, mountaintops often cloud up by late morning," Steves points out. "By catching the early cable car to the top of the Schilthorn, high above Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, you're more likely to be blessed with glorious weather."

If you're not a morning person, ease into it by picking one or two days during your trip to try this tip — especially if you're visiting a major tourist magnet like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona. You'll find more peaceful streets and better photo opportunities. Although, depending on which direction you're traveling, adjusting your schedule may be easier said than done. If you're traveling east, you can combat jet lag by shifting your sleep and wake times a few days before your trip. And if jet lag wakes you up earlier than you expected, take advantage of it!