Thinking of Visiting Rome? Here Are 17 Reasons to Rethink Your Plans

Italy is a beautiful place for family vacations, but Rome might not be the best choice if you’re traveling with kids. With so many tourists visiting every year, the city gets crowded and can be tough to manage with little ones. Between the long lines, packed attractions, and busy streets, getting around can be stressful. If you want a smoother and more enjoyable family trip, you might want to skip Rome and go for a destination that’s easier and more fun for kids.

Unprecedented Crowds

Rome is the second-most visited city in the European Union, with 7 to 10 million visitors every year. With this much crowd, getting a decent glimpse of the Trevi Fountain or a good picture of the Spanish Steps proves nearly impossible. Though traveling with family, you are on vacation with thousands of other people in the historical center and at the Vatican.

Cobblestone Streets

If you plan to travel with infants and young children, remember that many of Rome’s streets are cobblestone. Navigating these winding alleyways with a stroller can be challenging, and little legs will quickly tire. While there are main roads with sidewalks, you cannot get a proper view of Rome traveling this way.

Language Barriers

Although many people working in Rome’s tourist areas speak English, it can be a different story when you step off the beaten path. Simple things like ordering food or asking for directions might get tricky, especially when you have kids with you. The language difference can turn into a hassle, making it difficult to enjoy the city.

Tourist Traps

Tourists tend to congregate in the small area of Rome around the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Pizza Navona. If they feel peckish in one of these locations, they will opt for an inauthentic restaurant nearby. Much research has to be done for authentic Roman food, but people usually bypass this planning phase.

Lack Of Kid-Friendly Activities

Rome may be a historian’s dream, but kids have few options in the Eternal City. Sure, they can pose while you take pictures in front of various landmarks for your next holiday card, but they will not truly appreciate their surroundings yet. Additionally, they surely will not be elated to visit a museum or cathedral the way adults would.

Inauthentic Experiences

Most people visit Rome for the historical landmarks and the Italian culture, though they are just brushing the surface. Since most Romans live outside the center, there is not as much interaction between tourists and locals unless they work in the hospitality industry. You must venture to lesser-known locales to get a genuine look at Italian life.

It’s Overpriced

Prices steadily rise with the number of people flooding Rome each year. Since the demand will never die down, facilities in the hospitality industry can get away with charging more for food and accommodations. The nightly rate of a hotel in Rome can be upwards of $200, which is ridiculously expensive compared to other areas of Italy.

Long Lines

Extended wait times and large crowds go hand-in-hand. The more people interested in a historical site or activity, the longer you wait. Children grow notoriously rowdy and impatient when waiting for long periods, so they skip the lines of the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

The Heat

Late June to early September is the peak season in Rome and most parts of Italy. Unfortunately, with kids, you may only have the option to travel during their school break, so you’ll travel in the busiest and hottest months. August in Rome is dreadfully humid, with most Romans fleeing the city for their summer holidays. If locals need to escape the brutal heat of their own city, you should opt for somewhere with cooler weather or at least closer to the beach.

Petty Crime

Rome, along with many other Italian cities, is notorious for pickpocketing. In such chaotic crowds with many trained thieves, you may not even notice someone slipping their hand into your bag and snatching your valuables. You will always look over your shoulder, weary of everyone you pass.

Issues With Public Transit

Not surprisingly, Roman transit is notoriously unreliable, given Italy’s carefree nature. You will undoubtedly spend extended periods waiting for a late bus, plus the metro system is limited and closes early. As taxis go, they tend to be pricey, and you have a higher chance of being ripped off completely.

Technological Delays

Despite being a major world city, Rome is far from a technologically advanced metropolis. Outside of tourism, locals live a simple life with limited screen time. As a result, systems are slow to update and do not have the most recent information available. Depending on where you are in the city, you may even lose cell service.

Tough For Picky Eaters

While Italian food is unique and highly diverse, some options in Rome are not the most child-friendly. Sure, your kids can dine on pasta and pizza daily, but there is so much more to Roman cuisine. Picky eaters are not going to like artichokes or tripe.

Traffic And Noise

Rome is a busy city with lots of traffic and constant noise, which can be overwhelming. The honking cars, bustling crowds, and general hustle can be stressful for your kids if they’re used to quieter places. It can be hard to find a peaceful spot to relax. Sometimes, the city’s lively energy feels more exhausting than exciting.

Limited Green Spaces

Unlike some cities, Rome doesn’t have many parks or open spaces where kids can freely run around and play. The few green areas that do exist can be pretty crowded and hard to get to, making it tough to find a spot for the family to relax away from all the hustle and bustle.

It Can Be Tiring

Exploring Rome can be exhausting with all the walking, long lines, and crowded attractions. Kids might struggle to keep up with the busy schedule. The constant activity can leave everyone feeling worn out by the end of the day, and you won’t be able to enjoy your trip.

Limited Accessibility

Visiting Rome can be challenging, especially if you have mobility issues. The city’s beautiful cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces can make it tough to get around with strollers or wheelchairs. Also, many older buildings lack elevators, which doesn’t help either. This can make it harder for families to fully enjoy all the attractions and accommodations the city has to offer.

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Road trips are a perfect way to bond with your family while enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the best road trips you can plan around the United States.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.