6 Most Overrated Places in Rome | Places You Can Visit Instead!

Rome – the Eternal City remains one of the world’s most fascinating cities. It is home to some of the iconic landmarks in the world. And travellers flock to the city all year round to catch sight of these gems. But are these landmarks worth the hype? Or are they overrated? 

Honestly, there’s not a Yes/No answer to that, and it varies from person to person. However, considering my experience in the city, a few places in Rome are extremely crowded, so they were overrated. 

Moreover, there’s more to Rome than these popular attractions. To live like a Roman in Rome, you can swap these overrated places with lesser-known and less-crowded places in Rome.

Thus, in this blog post, I decided to explore the six most overrated places in Rome and the places you can visit instead. Especially if it is your second time in the city, without further ado, let’s begin!

1. Instead of Trevi Fountain –

Talking about overrated places in Rome, the first place that comes to mind is Trevi Fountain. You must have heard or read about Rome’s famous fountain, right? Yes, it is the same: if you throw a coin, your return to Rome is guaranteed.

Trevi Fountain is a baroque masterpiece. But, it is hard to appreciate this masterpiece amidst the jam-packed tourists. You must fight your way to it, let alone take a picture to get a proper glimpse. If you wish to appreciate the beauty of Trevi Fountain, go as soon as the sun rises. 

Visit the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

A Bernini’s work of art – the Fountain of the Four Rivers graces Piazza Navona. The fountain symbolises a homage to the four oldest rivers of the world, and it is similar to Trevi Fountain but comparatively with a lesser crowd. Besides admiring the intricate work of Bernini, you can snap some fabulous shots of the baroque architecture for your Instagram without rushing!

2. Instead of Spanish Steps –

Spanish Steps are known for offering a beautiful sight of Rome. But to get that sight, you must face the never-ending touristy crowd. Then, once you reach the top, guess what your view is? Tourists!  

And, lately, you cannot even sit on the Spanish Steps, which is illegal! So, it is nothing more than a pile of mere steps. In addition, there are even souvenir sellers on the steps, and they pester you to buy random things. You can easily skip this overhyped landmark in Rome without regret.

Visit the Orange Garden.

The Orange Garden or Giardino degli Aranci is on the Aventine Hill. It is a peaceful garden to soak in nature and appreciates Rome’s beauty. The panoramic view from here is spectacular, and you get to see the mesmerising sight of the Tiber River, the Colosseum, the dome of the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica. 

3. Instead of Vatican Museum –

Vatican Museum, undoubtedly, is a popular attraction among tourists. Including the Sistine Chapel, it boasts an extensive collection of artwork that lures tourists every day! The struggle begins right away from the hours of the waiting line.

On average, you will be surprised to know over 20,000 tourists visit the Chapel and Museum daily. Then, guess what might happen during the peak season? A horrific claustrophobic situation and you will even be unable to go through every bit of it properly.

I hope you know why Vatican Museum made it to my list of overrated places in Rome. On top of this, it is also quite costly, and it costs a minimum of €17 for a standard ticket.

Visit the Galleria Borghese.

If you are someone who wants to explore artworks in Rome, visit the Galleria Borghese. The artwork here is varied and beautifully showcased. You can explore the works of Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio in your own space. And, of course, without anyone’s nudging!

Book your tickets to the gallery in advance. Unlike the Vatican Museum, they permit a limited number of tourists entrance.

4. Instead of Roman Forum –

Roman Forum, near the Colosseum, is a popular tourist attraction. Like most tourists, you too may visit the Roman Forum to witness the ancient ruins. But even if we do not consider the chaotic crowd, the place can do some maintenance. The ruins are ruined!

Visit Bath of Caracalla.

A better alternative to Roman Forum is the Bath of Caracalla. It is one of the lesser-known places in Rome. The ruins at Bath of Caracalla are astonishing, and they have maintained it so well that you will have no hassle exploring the place. Once the largest public bath in Rome, Bath of Caracalla effortlessly offers insight into the past.

You can also visit Palatine Hill near the Roman Forum. It is also a great escape from the crowds at Roman Forum!

5. Instead of Mouth of Truth –

The Mouth of Truth, or Bocca della Verita, rose to fame with the Hollywood film – “Roman Holiday.” But you can skip it on your Roman holiday! Remember the stone mask? It is a simple decorative feature, and it does not live up to the hype around it. 

Visit Basilica di San Clemente.

Although Basilica di San Clemente is a church, it lets you witness different layers of Rome. The 12th-century church sits right at the top of a 4th-century basilica. And it doesn’t end here. Beneath it, there is another 2nd-century Roman building. Fascinating? Isn’t it? Guess the best part? You get to experience all three buildings!

6. Instead of Piazza Navona –

People-watch is the favourite pass time of tourists. And where does the majority of tourists head to for it? Piazza Navona. Sadly, let me blurt out the truth. The maximum number of people you see over there are fellow tourists, and they are there for the same purpose! Besides, the eateries around here are nothing but a tourist trap. They charge exorbitant prices for anything and everything.

Visit Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.

Piazza della Madonna lies in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Rome – Monti. It is calm, laid-back, and much less crowded. The peaceful ambience makes it the best alternative to Piazza Navona. There are several little authentic eateries around the Piazza, which are light on the pocket. And you get to watch the Roman people. It is the local hangout spot for the Romans. Also, from here, you are within walking distance of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

So, should we skip all these overrated places in Rome?

Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting you skip these places completely. If you are a first-time visitor, you might even see them all. Probably, then you will understand what I am trying to convey here!

With that, we have come to an end. In short, being overcrowded takes the essence away from these attractions. In return, the place turns overrated with time. Now that you have the alternatives, plan your Rome itinerary accordingly. 

If you need help, refer to my blog post: How to Explore Rome on Your Solo Trip to Italy.