How To Avoid Waiting In Lines When Visiting Popular Tourist Attractions

Waiting in line is a necessary evil, especially when visiting popular tourist attractions. Many popular tourist destinations offer “skip the line” tickets, but they often come at a premium price. If you don’t mind paying extra, this can be a great way to avoid long lines altogether. 

However, if you’re on a budget or simply don’t want to spend the extra money, there are other ways to shorten your wait time. Just follow these six tips and you’ll be enjoying your attraction of choice without spending hours standing in line.

Buy tickets ahead of time

Most attractions have online ticketing systems that allow you to purchase tickets in advance and print them at home or pick them up when you arrive. This is the best way to guarantee your spot, as many attractions sell out quickly or may be closed due to high demand.

For instance, if you plan to visit Greece, many popular destinations offer advanced ticketing services. You can get Acropolis tickets online before your arrival and avoid the hassle of waiting in line. Or, if you plan to visit the Louvre in Paris, buy your tickets online and show up on time to beat the lines.

Visit when lines are shorter

Popular attractions usually have lines that peak in length between mid-morning and early afternoon on weekends or during school holidays. If possible, try to visit at off-peak times such as late afternoon or weekdays when crowds are smaller, since this can significantly reduce your wait time and leave you with more time to explore. Alternatively, try visiting popular attractions during the winter months or on rainy days that are typically less crowded.

You can also check the attraction’s website or social media accounts for updates on peak times, special events, or other factors that can contribute to longer wait times.

Look for alternative entrances

Many popular attractions have alternate entrances like side doors or back gates that can be used to bypass long lines and get you in quicker. It may take a little bit of exploring, but most attractions will have signs pointing out these entrances to make visitors use them, not only the main ones.

Additionally, if you’re visiting a city, look for smaller museums or attractions that offer tours and don’t usually have long lines. These are great alternatives to the larger, more popular tourist spots and often provide just as great of an experience.

Take advantage of memberships

If you plan on visiting multiple attractions during your stay, consider purchasing a city pass or museum membership because these often come with discounts on admission fees and allow you to skip the line at certain attractions. Additionally, some cities offer public transit passes that not only make it easier to get around, but can also provide discounts on attraction tickets as well.

On the other hand, if you will be visiting a particular attraction multiple times throughout the year, consider purchasing an annual membership that grants unlimited access to the attraction and the ability to skip long lines.

Use virtual queues

Some attractions have implemented virtual queues or reservation systems that allow visitors to book their time slots in advance online. Of course, this is a great way to avoid wasting hours standing in line and can also guarantee that you have access to the attraction’s desirable features.

For instance, Disney World has a FastPass+ system that allows visitors to book rides and attractions up to 60 days in advance, which can be great for avoiding long lines.

Additionally, some attractions use a “virtual” line that allows visitors to wait in an area away from the queue and get notified when it is their turn. This can be especially helpful for those who don’t want to stand for long periods.

Participate in a tour

Tours offer the benefit of skipping long lines and get you access to places that are usually off-limits at certain times. Some attractions, like the Vatican Museum in Rome, require visitors to be part of an organized tour group to gain access. Additionally, many attractions offer guided tours that provide exclusive insights and details about the attraction’s history and features.

On the other hand, private tours are a great way to receive personalized service and beat the lines. You can usually find these services online or through tour operators in the city.

As you can see, there are several ways to avoid long lines when visiting popular tourist attractions. By exploring alternate entrances, taking advantage of memberships or city passes, using virtual queues, and participating in tours, you can save time and have a more enjoyable experience.