Can you even say you’ve had a vacation in Rome if the only thing you’re able to see is other tourists? One woman may be having second thoughts about visiting the City of Seven Hills. Because she’s doing almost literal battle in order to see the treasures of the ancient city.
Ame (@amebames) recently posted the kind of TikTok that might make you rethink your Roman travel dreams. In two scenes that’ve been cut together, Ame shares views of ancient streets full of people. Actually, the streets are more than full, they’re so jam packed they conjure images of Times Square.
Her post has 1.4 million views as of this writing.
Viewed over 365,000 times, Ames’s video is enough to make you wonder if visiting Rome in the summer is even worth it. A subsequent video video of the Trevi Fountain reinforces the question. At the “most beautiful fountain in Rome,” tickets are required.
However, after 10 pm the fountain is free, and Ame records the stampede of eager visitors who want to see it. The crowd rushing to the fountain recalls the German armies that once stormed the gates of the eternal city. Because apparently, as a comment notes, “€2 is an insane request,” said Chia.
According to one report, the best way to avoid crowds in Rome is to avoid all the places you’ve ever heard of. But this points to another dilemma: are you traveling to see, or to be able to brag? Because they’re two different things. One is checklist that includes breathing the same air Michelangelo once did. The other is surprising treasures and exquisite moments.
But, lesser-known doesn’t need to mean lesser. Writing for the Spectator, travel writer Owen Matthews argues that Rome is so loaded “with extraordinary museums, churches, hidden piazzas and parks that there are un-crowded alternatives to every heaving tourist site.”
His advice? To avoid the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain any time before midnight. Instead of St. Peter’s Basilica, try Donato Bramante’s Tempietto in the cloister of San Pietro in Montorio. And instead of the Vatican Museum, try the Capitoline Museums—where some of the best sculpture in the world is housed. Finally, he says the Pantheon is, “crowds-be-damned,” worth it.
Despite the overwhelmingness of the crowds, almost no one in the comments is saying “don’t go.” What they are saying is consider the season.
“Maybe European winter doesn’t sound too bad lol,” suggested Lauren.
I think people are traveling before things get worse,” speculated Ange.
Then a local weighed in with travel advice: “As someone who was born and live in Rome, the best moment to go around this city is js September/October, when it’s freezing cold and no one has energy to go out,” said Ste.
Another person pondered whether it’s feasible to go to Rome at all these days. “I have no clue how so many people can still afford going on vacation,” they said.
Flights to Rome from New York City start at about $640, and that’s without luggage. Add to that an average per night room price of about $250, money for food, and museum tickets, a short trip quickly adds up.
But, as one traveler says: Yes, it is worth especially if you like ancient history and coffee (and can stand crowds). But consider booking in the off season, perhaps consider something less sweaty for the summer.
BoardingArea reached out to Ame via TikTok direct message and with a comment on her video. We will update this when she gets back to us.
@amebames god rome is CRAZY today… (also its liberation day…) #rome #eurosummer #europe #travel ♬ House featuring John Cale – Charli xcx & John Cale
