Over-rated: sights in Rome not worth seeing

Perhaps we can give you a more useful answer--useful to you--if you give us some information about what you are not interested in. Otherwise, the answers will just get down to the personal preference of other people--which is fine, but probably won't give you a useful answer to this particular kind of question. One person here might not be interested in ancient history; while another person might not be interested in art museums.

Using Kent's post as a caveat that of course certain people won't enjoy certain sights based on personal preferences, I didn't find any of Rome's main sights that I was able to make it to to be "overrated" - I found all of the main stops on most people's "must-see" lists pretty darn impressive, whether it was sheer beauty, historical significance, artistic significance, etc. I personally found the Palatino pretty frustrating, but it was more because I was tired, my feet hurt like hell, and I got a little lost wandering around so I felt like it was a bit of a waste of time, but not necessarily overrated.

Shopping.

Don't worry about that street - whatever its name is - near the Spanish Steps that has all the high end fashion stores.

There. That's one thing off your list.

Knowing what I do now, I would not have ventured to the Spanish Steps. It is stairs...clogged with people just sitting around...and scam artists. It has a nice view from the top, but the area is crowded and noisy. I also would not tour the Palatine Hill again, just because it was hot as Hell and shade was limited, and even though we had a good tour guide the ruins were just not all that memorable; it all ran together. The Forum and Colosseum were just more interesting (to me). The Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona seemed like tourist traps to me. The Campo de Fiori had a lot of merchants selling cheaply made tourist-type items and only in a small area at one end were there a couple of flower merchants. The Piazza Navona laid a goose egg with me also. The statuary was being restored and had been enclosed in a plywood structure. There were really, really bad "artists" hawking their really, really bad paintings and outdoor tourist restaurants abounded. These were things, that had I known, I would not have gone out of my way to see.

After a couple of trips now, we enjoy most of the sites we go to and have never felt any was over-rated. We must have been lucky on our two trips to the Vatican Museums as we never felt the forced march, but we also veer off to the Etruscan museum in there to get away from the crowds for a bit, the tours don't go there. A tour isn't necessary if you do your research and take either a good guidebook or other reference for the museums. Renting the audio guide gives you info on quite a bit, it can get old after a while though. We also love wandering in the general direction we need to go and then stopping in piazzas and churches along the way.

Nadine, I'm glad you mentioned the Etruscan museum. I, too, am amazed at the number of people who bolt by it on their way to the Sistine chapel. Considering Roman civilization was based, in part, on these mysterious people, it would be nice if more people stopped by.

Just got back from Rome- one thing I was really disappointed in this time was the lack of control for allowing people into the Vatican Museum. I went at 12 noon on a Thursday which I read on this thread that was a low time. It was wall to wall people just being shoved forward - groups who stop wherever and leaving no room to look at the art. With the crowds it was only an hour to reach the Sistine Chapel. I will never go back.It is a good thing I was there before at a really slow time.

NOW take the Borghese Gallery where you have to make an appointment and it is controlled Fabulous. Certainly not the art of the Vatican but enjoyable and quiet.

It's funny. In many ways much of Rome is over-rated. For example we were disappointed with the Colliseum - because it was such a ruin and we had earlier been at the still-working ampitheater in Verona. I can see how people would be disappointed in the Spanish Steps and I'm not into shopping while traveling.

We were there in Oct/Nov. The weather was warm, but not miserable, and the crowds were manageable. I think Rome in Summer may be generally over-rated.

Not worth seeing is another issue, there is a ton to see in Rome and I'm not sure I would classify any of it as not worth seeing. The greatest thing about Rome, IMO, is there is so much to see; you can wander aimlessly and stumble across Roman ruins or walk into a tiny church and see incredible art. If anything, the fact that there is so much to see turns it all into a blur.

I would agree with the previous posters about the Spanish Steps and the designer stores around them.

The Colosseum, on the other hand, never ceases to knock my socks off - even if it is a heap of rocks :)

When we were in Rome a few years ago my friend's camera got stolen from his backpack. An hour later we were on the Spanish Steps and there was a guy selling a bunch of stuff, including a camera or two, from underneath his full-length overcoat - on an 85-degree day.

So the joke with us if that if you have something stolen while in Rome, just go to the Spanish Steps to buy it back.

Which might give you an idea what the Spanish Steps are like.

Another vote for skipping the Spanish Steps and the surrounding area. An under-rated site, especially if you like Renaissance art, is the Piazza Farnesina. It is truly beautiful. Hours are limited.

Ron...my wife was in Rome last week and saw some guys installing retaining braces along some of the areas of the Coliseum. A local friend told her a recent Andrea Bocelli concert was so loud it caused damage...and now there's a big debate over whether concerts should ever be held there again. Hear anything about that?

Does anyone feel the Spanish Steps are a "must-see"?

I'm with Kent -- preferences differ. I personally enjoy people watching, so I had a great time sitting on the Spanish Steps for a while. I should add I enjoy seeing the occasional movie from the 50's set in Rome, and the Steps play an iconic role in many of those movies. I also enjoyed walking around the shops near the steps. I'm not a shopper, but just strolling among the crowds and getting a cup of coffee was pleasurable. To me.

I understand the motivation for your question; certainly after visiting somewhere I always think I could put together a better visit since I know what I liked and didn't like. However just because a few other people don't like something (and I'll confess I don't like Venice), doesn't mean other people won't.

@ Shelley, Didn't the Vatican tour seem like a forced march to you? I wouldn't do that again. You don't really get to see anything worthwhile (except the Raphael rooms) on your "march" to the Sistine Chapel.

would you take a tour of the vaticam or do it on your own?

I too enjoy the Spanish Steps for people watching. But I wouldn't call them a "must see" unless you are in the area anyway. And don't buy anything there.

Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori are must sees in my opinion. Some of the artists in Piazza Navona are pretty good. We have a couple of very small pieces we found there. We love to look at all the different styles and mediums. Most are priced very well at 5 - 10 euros for 8 x 10' - matted. No, they will never be worth squat - but they remind of our favorite spot in Rome!

I'd say the Vatican Museum is a skip. We were lucky to have seen it years ago when it was not the cattle call it is now.

Edit my above post to clarify - 8" x 10" matted paintings... sorry!

Go to the Capital Hill Museum instead of the Etruscan Museum. Both have the same sort of Etruscan artifacts. The Etruscan Museum is an endless "storage" area of display cases containing multiple examples of the same items. Its also sort of creepy since it contains entire necropolises. I'm not that spiritual, but felt guilty seeing all these disturbed remains all broken up and sorted in to sets.

I think the Coloseum is fascinating; and I just heard that they are going to be opening up the lower levels to tourists, sometime soon? I did not enjoy the march thru the Vatican Museum and it seemed like it took FOREVER to reach the Sistine Chapel. By the time we got to it, I was in such a bad mood I did not appreciate it (at all!). But then, I'm not a museum lover. I too love to feel the pulse of people, and people watching, so I really liked the area of the Spanish Steps; however, I was there in November, and it was probably not such a mob scene as it is in the summer.

If I ever tour the Vatican museums again, I would do it on my own. The only reason I took the tour was so that I could go to the front of the line.

I like to say that you could live in Rome and still go see something new everyday. The choice is at times overwhelming. That said, if this is your first trip to Rome, and you have four nights, go see the tourists sites. Can you imagine going back to Oregon and saying you hadn't seen the Colosseum because you heard it was over-rated?? I say that you should go see these things, there is a reason why people go to them, because they are worth seeing. True, maybe you don't need a guided tour of the Colosseum AND the Forum, or maybe you should try to go to the Spanish Steps early in the day before it becomes crowded. (BTW, that whole area, Via del Corso, Via Condotti, Piazza di Spagna, that is all prime passeggiata territory, so you will find that it is also packed with Romans out for an evening stroll if you are there after 5pm. A great chance to people watch.) We've all done the Introduction to Italy visit. I don't regret my visit to the Forum or to the Grotto Azzurro in Capri, but they aren't something I plan to do again. You'll find the places you love too, but you shouldn't take our word for it, go see them for yourself.

I enjoyed the Spanish Steps and have been there many times during my trips there. I simply enjoy people watching and window shopping. It's a nice break away from museums.

When my parents and I were in Rome 2 months ago, the kids were on spring break so the streets were crowded with rude teenagers. The Spanish steps was the least favorite site we saw in Rome. Waste of time. Just a bunch of italians smoking and eating gelato and throwing their trash all over th place. Rome was filthy.

Agreed-skip the Spanish Steps. While I'm glad I got to see the Sistine Chapel and parts of the Vatican Museum I'd probably never do it again just because of the crowds, we were there last w/e in May a couple years ago.

I went to Rome expecting most things to be over-rated (it's a good way to avoid disappointment), but I have to admit there was nothing I saw that made me feel that way. I didn't venture to the Spanish Steps, but the Colleseo blew my mind. I was speechless. Who knew a huge heap of ruins could have such an effect on a person? And that's why although I read people's reviews with interest, I don't let them be my final decision, because what may be over-rated to someone might end up being the best part of my trip. So if I were you, I would categorize things that you want to visit into "must-sees" (and go there first) and "can catch it the next time" based on your own interest, and then skip the things that you don't have time for, versus skipping the things that other people say aren't worthy.

I agree about the Spanish steps, for me they're over-rated.

As for the vatican museums, I visit them every chance I get. They are always crowded but are incredible none the less. I always suggest that if it's your first trip to the museums to do the tour. They hit on all the most popular rooms and end at the Sistine chapel.

On the whole, I love Rome. There are things to me that seeing once is enough but for the most part I revisit the same sites over and over because I love them.

Donna

I loved every bit of Rome, which surprised me. We were there in March. No crowds, so perhaps that gave us a chance to just wander, be Roman for a few days.

We were also there for 4 nights. We felt like it was just enough to sample Rome. We chose one museum, the Vatican. That was enough for us. We did the Colosseum (& Forum, & Pantheon), a day of wandering that included the Spanish Steps. (We loved them. It was a Saturday and filled with local families and children enjoying their day.)

The first night there we wandered our neighborhood and popped into a grocery store for a room picnic.

Less is definitely more. If you're going to spend most of your time dashing to and from you won't enjoy the trip.

I wouldn't say anything we saw was over-rated. It's ROMA!!

I love Roma, every inch of it. Magnificent!

I think Monique said it best when she said "because what may be over-rated to someone might end up being the best part of my trip" Where as one poster wrote,
"we were disappointed with the Colliseum - because it was such a ruin" To me it was just magnificent. When I looked at it, I just let my imagination go back in time. You will love Rome, where ever you go or whatever you do. One place that I don't think I ever saw a negative post about was the Pantheon.

LOL!!

Sorry, but a simple answer to your question is no.

Rome is to be experienced as a sight in and of itself. By its sheer number of them, you will be missing some, so I would not worry about avoiding any that you might consider over-rated - you are going to miss some of them as well as "must-see" sights. So concentrate on what you should see - the Forum, the Palantine Hill, The Coloseum, the Vatican - and plan on returning some day.

The popular sights are popular for a reason - and the crowds at those sights are not going to part ways because another tourist has just shown up, so a bit of tolerance is needed for dealing with them.

However, as several posters have alluded to, theft of belongings and pickpockets are a bit more rampant in Rome then some other cities. Touring can be exhausting, and as the day gets long, your attention might waver. Put a lock on your day pack. Keep your wallet or day money and passes in a zippered pocket in the front of your shirt (don't tour wearing just a t-shirt for this reason). Do NOT use a back pocket or a fanny pack to keep important items. The thiefs there can lift items out of both without your knowledge, so just make them look at someones elses stuff by keeping yours unavailable.

I stayed at the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel which, in the beginning, I was worried was going to be a typical airport hotel. It was actually very nice and I had a great suite on the 7th floor with access to the Club level lounge which provided complimentary breakfast, and also snacks during certain times of the day and cocktails and hors d'ouerves in the evening. The hotel also provides a shuttle service every 2 hours to take guests to the downtown area. It drops you very close to the Colliseum and starts at 8:00 in the morning and goes until late evening. This was a huge advantage in my opinion. Rome is dirty, there is trash thrown all over the streets. The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel were packed with people at 3:00 in the afternoon, although I didn't even have to wait in line. Once I got inside, it was too crowded to enjoy. The guards in the Sistine Chapel are constantly "shushing" the crowd and shouting "no cameras". I was disappointed because it was too crowded to even stop in one spot to look up and marvel in its beauty. All I can say about Rome is "been there, done that".

It seems that I must have been lucky at the Vatican. We decided to bit the bullet and make reservations for 8AM, got there at 7:45AM and enjoyed a very relaxed walk through the museum to the Sistine Chapel. As a matter of fact we only saw a handful of other visitors until we reached the chapel. Someone mentioned there was nothing to see on the march to the chapel, I’d have to disagree. The incredible tapestries, Chagall, Matisse, Dali, and Rubens to name a few that I found interesting.

As far as the Spanish Steps I had a nice time sitting and people watching. I also had my first roasted chestnut.

I love this old post and all the answers, not because I necessarily want to skip anything in Rome, but because the variety of reactions to the city are fascinating in their variety. Now I have to decide: the "less is more" approach or try to see everything I can possible see, giving the limitations of a bum ankle that gives out on me when I've been on it too long.

Elane, If mobility is a problem, you should buy a pass and bone up on the excellent public transit system in Rome to get you from place to place. And consider taking the occasional cab. They're pretty reasonable within Rome.

Believe me, I plan to use public transport (and an occasional cab) whenever possible.
I always overestimate my walking capacity, but don't plan to let that ruin my visit to Rome. That said, I am ... like the original poster ... trying to pare down my scope, just a little.

Elane, Rome is actually not as big as it looks (but definitely bigger than Joseph!). If your hotel is centrally located, you should have no problem.

I will be in Rome for the first time this May. What to see (and what not to see) in such a culturally rich place are important decisions. As I am spending enough on this trip to buy a small car, I want to make sure that my time is well spent. I'd hate to come home only to realize I might have organized my time better. Therefore, I've been spending months reading about Rome, learning about the history, the art, the architecture. Now, with only two months remaining before I go I have a good idea of what is important to me, and I can plan my days accordingly. I may tend toward over-organization, but I can't imagine plopping down in some unknown city without having done my homework. I want to know the days a site is open, the hours, the cost, whether it's covered by some pass. Well, that's me.

Robert, I think there are a lot of people like you lurking "out here." And no matter how much I plan, something better may come along, and I have learned to ditch that perfectly planned Saturday for a unique and appealing option discovered on the spot. The Vittoriano had a Van Gogh exhibition last fall. We stood in line with the Romans on a beautiful Saturday and had a real treat, the likes of which would never come to Portland, as wonderfual as the Portland art scene is. So I ditched "the plan" and we had a marvelous time. I figure if I have a good plan, I know what the trade offs are and can make a wise decision.

Totally a personal-preference kind of thing. For me, NOTHING was over rated. I loved everything... and I mean EVERYTHING... I saw while in Italy in general over a 16 day stay. I saw mention of Vatican crowding: we went on a Wednesday morning while the Pope was addressing the public in Piazza San Pietro (check schedules for times). The Vatican museums were very UNcrowded then; I mean, there were plenty of people, but it wasn't anything to speak of. And while the Sistine Chapel was fairly crowded, it was not a sardine-can. =-)
The last Sunday of the month, National museums, etc (Coloseum, IE) are free and will be more crowded than the rest of the month.

Ciao Cheri I lived in Rome for three+ years and I still have a list of more than 100 "sites" I want to see. There are very few spots that I would say are "not worth seeing." So my advice would be – slow down - see what you see - and immerse yourself! Don't run from spot to spot, checking off this or that. To fully enjoy Italy, you have to experience it, not just see it! For first-timers to the city, it is easy to over-plan and over-do. You'll never see it all, but what you see... you will value! I think Rome is called The Eternal City because that's how long it will take to see the entire town! That said, let me add to your misery and suggest some more spots – but also try and give you some shortcuts and "assists," with some links that may help you in your research. With multiple days in the city, you probably could get the full usage of a Roma Pass – more so if you have to ride into the center each day. There are also other discount passes available that run longer than the 3-day Roma Pass. The center of town is quite focused, but Rome is a sprawling city. You can buy daily bus passes for €4 and one-time usage tickets (good for 75 minutes) for €1. For info on the bus systems, metro system, tickets for the bus and metro, and ticket kiosks, click on the highlighted links. The first step for many international travelers is arriving at Leonardo da Vinco Airport (FCO). You then face the challenge of getting to Rome from the Airport.

Rome is just not easy to get to. And you have to be careful, especially if you're taking a taxi! The FCO Train Station is quite convenient if you're coming into town on the rails, or you could opt for the SITBus Shuttle . Make sure you set some time aside for just relaxing at a Roman café or restaurant, having an expresso, and of course, Gelato. Then there's the food in Rome, which I miss terribly. You'll find yourself spending lots of time eating ( or you should!). And to really know the food – and enjoy it - why not try a cooking class while you're in Rome. Then again, just sitting at an outdoor café in a small piazza will make your trip! You probably have time... and my wife always seems to make time.... for shopping. And Rome has an incredible variety of shopping experiences. From bancarelle, porta portese, the local markets, and the little shops in alleys all over the city, to the BIG, famous shopping streets like Via Cola di Rienzo and of course, Rome's version of Rodeo Drive, Via dei Condotti! Like many Italians we window shop a lot – especially on Condotti or the Via del Corso, but most of my wife's best finds have been off on the small side-streets. The BIG sales are in January/early February and July/early August. While Milan may be the "fashion" capitol, all the designers seem to end up in Rome. My wife is an expert on what to wear in Rome – She has the shoes to prove it!

If you have time (and enough energy), you probably could get to a few, unique places – granted some are "out of Rome." These spots might include the Appian Way, Aventine Hill, the non-Catholic Cemetery, the Aqueduct Park, the bone church, the Catacombs of Rome, Tivoli, Ostia Antica, or even Lake Bracciano. Some of these take a full day (or half-day) so you'll have to plan your time. Now your choices are even more difficult! The Vatican is incredible. I've probably been in the Museums more than 150 times – and always seem to see something new. You might look at Tips on the Vatican for some helpful suggestions. You can ride the metro or multiple buses to the Vatican area. So you can see, there's just too much to choose from. There a few spots, like Claire has said, that I would not go back to... but I'm glad I went once. So see what you can see, and plan on coming back. Rome is a fascinating, wonderful city, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your "Roman Holiday." Have fun!

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. We are going to make a list of must-sees, throw in a couple of chill-times, then try to squeeze in all the rest. After reading all the post the only trouble is instead of scaling back , I have found more sights I would like to add to our itinerary ( Aqueduck Park ). I am reading and watching all the travel books and shows I can lay my hands on. Stay tuned, I will be back with may more questions.
Cheri

Try visiting the Spanish steps at night. It's really just a place to people watch. The Capitoline Hill steps was more interesting to me, since it was designed by Michelangelo.
My most over-rated place was Trevi Fountain. I've been there twice, once in the heat of the day, the other time late at night. On both occasions it was so crowded you couldn't get near it.

I have to agree about the Trevi Fountain. Also, if memory serves, in the evening they turn on a bunch of colored lights under the water which, depending your taste, is either magical or beyond tacky. :-)

I am on our second day (flew in yesterday) in Rome. We have only seen a few things so far but I have to say, the Spanish steps was a WASTE of our time. We had a great time walking there from the Borghese after we rented a cool little bike cart to ride around for an hour, taking pictures of cute little alleys and buildings. We got there, stood at the very top of the street leading up to it, took a picture, told a merchant to get out of my face and literally left! I had no desire to walk through that mob up those steps, lol... Just my opinion though!!