The Trappings Of Rome

Millions of people per year visit Rome. Here’s why I didn’t fall in love with it.

Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year with its rich history, and stunning architecture. However, while Rome's many attractions may leave tourists in awe, they can also be a source of frustration and disappointment. From navigating the chaotic crowds to dealing with overpriced and overcrowded tourist attractions, there are several aspects of Rome that can leave visitors less than impressed.

The first thing I noticed on my drive into Rome from the airport, was the shocking amount of graffiti everywhere. I thought perhaps this might improve once I arrived in some of the more popular attraction neighbourhoods, but this was not the case. It was so sad to me, seeing all these beautiful buildings disgraced like that.

Due to the immense amount of traffic pollution in the city, there is a cast of grey grime on all the buildings, leaving you with the feeling the city has long since lost it’s pride of place. I found it hard to breathe some days due to the traffic pollution. Even at 6am, the traffic outside my five star hotel was awful.

It has somewhat of a run down feeling everywhere, unlike a city like Paris for instance, where there is a seemingly exquisite beauty to all of the buildings and areas (even in rougher areas of the City of Light). The parks I visited like the Villa Borghese Gardens, were full of trash, piles of disused construction equipment that looked like they had been abandoned years ago, overgrown and uncared for lawns and gardens.

Overall, it’s one of the dirtiest cities I have ever been to. While visiting Trastevere, (a small village like part of the city with endless winding laneway streets) it was filled with trash, homeless people sleeping rough, puddles of sick from last night’s drunken visitors, and rude service staff at every place I visited.

I visited in March, which is not high season, and despite this, the crowds were unbearable at best. Even heading to the Trevi Fountain very early in the morning didn’t help, the crowds were enormous. Pickpockets are very common throughout the city, so do keep that in mind.

I visited at least 4 neighbourhoods during my stay, and struggled to find a decent meal. Most everything I tried, even in recommended restaurants, was bland, undercooked, barely edible and came with overpriced rates. It was so disappointing for a food lover like me.

Overall, Rome felt like one overcrowded, overpriced, underloved, and dirty tourist trap. Yes, there are many beautiful historic architectural sites to see, but my advice on this city is to go to Rome for its past, not its present.