Rome is “overrated” and “overcrowded”, a travel expert has warned as she tells tourists the bucket list places she will never visit again.
Melissa Byron, travel blogger and author of A Solo Woman Traveling, said the tourist hotspots of Bari, Catania and Verona “offer something special” away from the busy tourist spots of the Italian capital.
“Rome is definitely a bucket list destination for many people for good reason,” she said. “You simply can’t beat the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or the Vatican, and don’t even get me started on the food!
“But one thing you need to consider when visiting Rome from May to October is that the city gets really crowded — and I don’t just mean busy, I mean jam-packed.”
Visiting Rome from May to October means dealing with large crowds, Byron explained.
“The streets and historic sites are crowded, making it difficult to enjoy the city’s beauty and history.
“During my visit in June [earlier this year]navigating through the crowds of tourists made the experience feel overwhelming rather than inspiring.”
High costs for accommodation, restaurants and attractions could also discourage budget-conscious tourists, she warned.
And attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica can take longer than expected.
The blogger said: “I planned a two-hour visit but it turned into a four-and-a-half-hour ordeal, with an hour and a half spent just queuing.”
For tourists planning to visit Rome, Byron explained that they should travel during low season — between November and April — and plan in advance, spacing out the main attractions over several days to avoid exhaustion.
The travel expert said: “Next time I go to Italy, I won’t be going back to Rome. I’ve been there and done that.
“And if you did too, maybe you’re looking for another place in Italy to visit.
“I recommend you explore a few different places, like Bari in Puglia, Catania in Sicily, and Verona in the Veneto region.”
Other overrated destinations in Byron’s ranking include Brussels, Santorini and Venice.