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Spring has long been considered the perfect time for a European city break: the weather is warm but not scorching, the streets have yet to be filled with children making the most of their summer holidays, and the views are to die for.
However, in an effort to get ahead of this year’s travel trends (and the chaotic spring crowds), I decided to visit Rome, one of the continent’s most fascinating hubs, before the high season even begins.
And while this was a trip that made me fall in love with the city, its breathtaking sights and most of all its people, it also proved one thing I always knew to be true – no matter how beautiful or attractive. -filled destination, it won’t be for everyone.
As much as I enjoyed my time in the Italian capital (and I’m already planning to go back), I also realized that there are at least seven good reasons why someone looking to visit Rome this spring might have to reconsider their plans reconsider. .
You will undoubtedly experience delays
We’ve all heard the jokes about Italians being chronically late or generally not concerned about their schedules, and it turns out there’s some merit in what I previously assumed were just stereotypes.
For the journey from the airport to the hotel I had to take a bus and then a train – the former was 30 minutes late, while the latter had a 70 minute standstill due to a blockade.
Now the train delay may have been a one-off, but when you combine all that with the fact that many cafes in the main tourist hotspots opened their doors after 10am and even more of them had 3-4 hour long lunch breaks, you start to see where the stereotype comes from.
As someone who shares the same go-with-the-flow mentality as the Italians, I didn’t mind adjusting my schedule every now and then, but if you are someone who likes to follow a strict itinerary when traveling , then maybe Rome isn’t like that. be the best choice for you.
Long lines almost everywhere you go
This one is a drawback for every major destination around the world, and Rome is no exception.
I visited the city in February, a few months before the high season starts, and I still had to fight my way through the suffocating crowds and wait in line for hours to enter St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (which is without a doubt one of the busiest attraction I saw).
Trams and buses are quite dated
Those used to high-speed trains and state-of-the-art metro systems may find Rome’s public transportation system a bit lackluster.
Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of options to get around, and the subways and trains in particular were quite modern and easy to navigate.
However, buses, and especially trams, were dated and not very well maintained, making getting around the city a bit more stressful than it needed to be.
Not the best place for outdoor adventures
Rome is a fascinating place with so much to see that you will need at least a full week to take in all the attractions the city has to offer; However, if you are someone who enjoys adventure travel, you would be better off traveling to less well-visited parts of Italy.
Instead, Rome is a mecca for history buffs, architecture buffs, and foodies, so as long as you keep your priorities in mind, you’ll be good to go.
It can get a bit pricey
While Rome is certainly not the most expensive place you can visit in Europe, it can still get quite pricey, especially if you don’t do enough due diligence beforehand.
Things like taking a taxi at the airport or buying tickets for each attraction individually can end up costing you hundreds of dollars – and that includes going to the first restaurant you see on major attractions (where the food is twice as expensive). expensive and half as good).
My main advice would be to research anything you plan to do online, compare pricescheck reviews and book everything you can in advance so you’re less likely to overspend.
Not your typical skyscraper-filled city skyline
When most people think of a city trip, their thoughts immediately go to that typical skyline full of skyscrapers, loud streets and neon signs that fill every space you look at – that’s not the case with Rome.
Buildings in most major parts of the city are rarely taller than seven or eight stories, and most buildings are quite light-colored and monochrome, while billboards and advertisements are remarkably rare.
Partygoers might be feeling a little bored
One of the things that surprised me most about Rome was seeing how quiet the city became after 11 p.m.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s no shortage of great pubs and clubs in the city, but there just wasn’t a great nightlife – the Italian capital mainly caters to families, couples and solo travelers looking for some of the daytime entertainment. most stunning views in the world and overnight charging.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
