The Essentials

How European Cities Are Fighting Overtourism

As some crowded European cities have attempted to apply entrance fees to limit overtourism — like Venice —  others have taken a more dramatic step.

Amsterdam has now put a halt to any new hotel building as part of the city’s campaign against mass tourism.

By putting a stop to new hotel construction, the city hopes to cap overnight hotel stays to only 20 million visitors a year. That’s considered an improvement.

And in Barcelona, another interesting approach is that the city is removing some bus routes from Apple and Google maps. The goal is to shield locals from tourists.

For example, don’t try finding the number 116 bus on Google. Part of its route passes by Antoni Gaudi’s famous Barcelona park, Güell. And if you do find yourself on that bus, chances are you’ll be the only foreigner.