Prague has become the latest popular destination to crackdown on rowdy tourists, banning all nighttime pub crawls.
The city has long been revered by beer lovers for its high quality, low-cost brews and that’s not going to change anytime soon, but locals are getting fed-up with the type of behaviour that so often accompanies late night drinking.
And it’s not the only tourist-friendly destination with alcohol party bans, aiming to attract a different kind of traveller.
Amsterdam has launched an ad campaign discouraging hen and stag dos, the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza have a six drinks rule in Magaluf, Playa de Palma and San Antonio.
Barcelona is planning to ban all apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, Seville already limits the number of tourist apartments in each of its 108 neighbourhoods to under 10% of homes, and Venice has introduced an additional €5 charge for day-trippers on busy days, as well as limits on tour group sizes and a ban on loudspeakers.
So, how do you feel about visiting a place famous for its nightlife?
Do you avoid it, or don’t give a stuff?
We have to admit on our trip to Prague we were amused, rather than annoyed, by the noisy ‘beer bike’ tours; it was fun watching young people having to pedal madly for their drinks! But we imagine it gets pretty wearing if you live there.
So, still want to hit these holiday hotspots, without just being ‘here for the beer’?
Here are our suggestions for an alternative low alcohol, high culture trip.
Prague
David Černý’s sculptures are probably the best known of Prague’s specifically quirky art. Dotted across the city you’ll find giant babies, upside down horses, metal Kafka heads and a pair of peeing men. You can read more about quirky things to see in Prague here.
More traditionally, the city has a host of historic landmarks including the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock, more than 600 years old and still going strong.
Prague Castle has dominated the river Vtlava since the 9th century, and a stroll over Charles Bridge links the Old Town and Lesser Town.
Prague is full of squares, but you have to pay at least one visit to Wenceslas Square, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Almost every significant event in the city has begun or ended here.
Oh, and don’t forget to try a Trdelník or Trdlo while you’re there.
Discover more about Prague on the official tourist website
Amsterdam
Forget the coffee-and-cannabis shops, the red-light district and brewery tours. Instead, think art, museums and social change.
Take a canal cruise for a different perspective of the city, and visit Het Grachtenmuseum to learn all about its iconic waterways.
With 400 kilometres of bicycle paths, it’s also among the top ten sustainable cities in the world – perfect for a low emission, low impact getaway.
And of course you must visit the Anne Frank museum. Just remember that the Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot.
Check out the full story of Amsterdam on the city’s website
For the Anne Frank museum, tickets are available every Tuesday at 10am CET for a visit six weeks later.
Majorca and Ibiza
Away from the famous party hotspots, and especially out of season, these two islands share a dreamy nature and medieval charm.
There are Roman and Moorish remains dating back centuries and the beaches and coves are stunning – rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and deep turquoise waters.
For outdoor enthusiasts, explore Majorca’s Cabrera National Park and the mountains of the Sierra de Tramontana.
Smaller Ibiza is better known for its nightlife but still boasts over 100 miles of beautiful coastline and a UNESCO designated Old Town.
History buffs will love the Phoenician archaeological site of Sa Caleta, the necropolis of Puig des Molins and the historic centre of Eivissa.
More things to see and do in the Balearic Islands
Barcelona
Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture abounds in Barcelona, making it a jaw-dropping spectacle of bright colours.
And it’s known for its trendy style, from high fashion to luxury cuisine, opera to Picasso.
Basílica de la Sagrada Familia is the world’s most famous unfinished building, but there’s much to be seen by just wandering the gothic streets, shopping in medieval markets and taking a stroll beach-side.
More about the delights of Barcelona
Venice
Go out of season to avoid the tourist surcharge and the crowds, and you could get your feet wet, so take a pair of wellies!
St Mark’s Square is amazing, although be prepared to pay a huge price if you want to eat and drink there, the Basilica is breathtaking with its golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture.
Just around the corner is the magnificent Doge’s palace, where you can tour the grand rooms and cross the Bridge of Sighs. A few years ago, we did the tour with LivTours. See what we thought.
To gondola or not gondola? That’s your choice, but there are plenty of ways to experience the 150 different canals. We took the local water buses – much cheaper!
The water buses also run to the islands of Murano and Burano, much quieter and known for their glass and lace-making.
For more info about Venice, see Visit Venezia.
Are rowdy tourists spoiling your favourite holiday spots?
With more travel destinations now enforcing alcohol party bans to attract more mindful and respectful travellers, will you put these places on your bucket list?
Where to next?
• Veneto, Italy
• Snapshots of Prague
• Autumn sunshine breaks