Rome is “overrated” and “overcrowded”, a travel expert has warned as she told tourists the bucket list locations she’ll never visit again.
Melissa Byron, travel blogger and author of A Solo Woman Traveling, said the sites of Bari, Catania and Verona instead “offer something special” away from the busy tourist spots of the Italian capital.
“Rome is definitely a bucket list destination for so many people for a good reason,” she said. “You simply can’t top the Colosseum, Roman Forum, or the Vatican, and don’t get me started on the food!
“But one thing you need to consider when visiting Rome from May to October is that it is crowded AF – and I don’t mean just busy, I mean bursting at the seams.”
Visiting Rome from May to October means contending with massive crowds, Byron explained.
“The streets and historical sites are packed, making it difficult to enjoy the city’s beauty and history.
“During my June visit [earlier this year], navigating through the throngs of tourists made the experience feel overwhelming rather than awe-inspiring.”
High costs for accommodation, dining and attractions may also put off tourists travelling on a budget, she warned.
And attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica can take up more time than anticipated.
The blogger said: “I planned for a two-hour visit, but it turned into a four-and-a-half-hour ordeal, with one-and-a-half hours just spent in line.”
For tourists set on seeing Rome, Byron explained they should travel off-peak – between November and April – and to plan ahead by spacing out major attractions over several days to avoid exhaustion.
The travel expert said: “Next time I go to Italy, I won’t be returning to Rome. I’ve been there and I’ve done that.
“And if you’ve done it too, you might be looking for another place in Italy to visit.
“I encourage you to explore a couple of different locations such as Bari in Puglia, Catania in Sicily and Verona in the Veneto region.”
Among Byron’s ranking of other overrated destinations are Brussels, Santorini and Venice.