Rome. A Travelers Must See or Tourist Trap?

Rome is consistently one of the most visited cities in the world. With a rich history and many of the famous historical sites still maintaining their former glory, it’s no wonder why millions of tourists visit every year. But, do these same sites draw too much attention? Some may say that the large number of visitors can dilute some of what makes this city so special.

Must See: 

The Colosseum…At Night

Now if you’re visiting Rome, seeing the Colosseum goes without saying. But, as with most historical sites in Rome, it’s going to be overwhelmed with tourists during the day. One way we were able to really appreciate the Colosseum was going after dark! The crowds are much smaller at night and the building is lit up to perfection. You’re also likely to get some better pictures with the crowds not in the background. 

Summer is the busy season in Rome too and the temperatures can get pretty toasty during the day. So go enjoy your day dining on Italian delicacies and come back to the Colosseum at night for a truly personal experience with this magical wonder. 

Is Rome too touristy?

Before I went, I had read that this was some people’s gripe with Rome. After personal experience, I found it to be like any other city with 2+ million people. Are there areas that are flooded with tourists? Yes. Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain. Around these sites, things will be more expensive and less in tune with how modern Romans experience the city. 

I found it pretty easy to stay away from these places for the most part but it has to be an active decision. Going to the restaurants near the most popular sites in Rome, you are sure to receive an up-charge and an experience geared towards foreigners. If you have the energy after a long day, I’d suggest venturing slightly out of these areas and you’re sure to find some great places to eat. 

The overall answer to this question is No. It’s not “too touristy”. Fortunately for you, there’s a reason why this city is in high demand for visitors. It’s because these historical monuments are worth it! 

This seems to be consistent with a lot of cities that are frequented by tourists. When visiting a place like this, you have to put in the extra effort to experience the city as a local would. There’s plenty of Roman magic to experience just a couple blocks off the beaten path.