Every main tourist city inevitably has a few attractions that become swarmed with tourists. It’s the most popular thing to do in the city. It’s the thing that people tell you that you have to do. It also means you’ll be elbow to elbow with others. It might even feel inauthentic. Sometimes, those places are where you should visit. Is that true for Rome? Read on!

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Trevi Fountain

Would it surprise you to learn that the story about throwing a coin in the fountain isn’t an ancient Roman ritual? It’s not even a century old. The practice of throwing a coin into Trevi fountain in order to come back to Rome is from a 1950’s movie. The Trevi Fountain itself has been around for hundreds of years. For anyone visiting Rome, this is probably on their bucket list because of how popular it is. Or maybe it’s the superstition after all. Either way, it’s become so busy that they had to adapt how people visit.

So is it worth it to visit?

Escape. Instead, go to the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona instead. If you absolutely must throw a coin in the fountain, plan ahead since the Trevi now uses timed entry. You’ll still be pushing through crowds when there’s plenty of other beautiful artwork nearby. Plus, a myth is only as strong as the belief. If you believe you’re destined to come back to Rome, then no fountain will make it happen. You will.

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Spanish Steps

One of the most iconic set of steps in Europe (though obviously there’s lots in the world worth visiting), the Spanish Steps are a big tourist draw. At their core, they’re just another staircase, but they connect two major plaza (Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti). However, they were constructed in the 18th century and they’re one of Rome’s most iconic staircases, which pulls in a huge crowd.

With that in mind, is it worth visiting?

Absolutely go and Enjoy, but only if you get there at an early hour. If you’re dreaming of pictures of you on the Spanish Steps with minimal other tourists, you might have to set an alarm. Otherwise, come to terms with the fact that you’ll be sharing your photo with a slew of other tourists at the same time.

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Colosseum

While it’s technically a ruin, so much of the Colosseum still stands today that makes it a true marvel of Roman engineering. Personally, I love visiting the Colosseum. It’s a reminder that despite thousands of years between us, the people back then also loved to build stadiums for their sporting events. Do we use a whole lot less wild animals in that entertainment? Absolutely, but I’m sure people from the future will look back at our sports with a wary eye too.

Because of the impressive architecture, history, and the preservation, it gets extremely busy at the Colosseum, which begs the question whether you should make a visit of your own.

Enjoy! Especially if you can do something like the underground tour. It’s a truly incredible marvel of Roman history, and because of its size and the ticketing, it disperses the crowds a little better than you would get with some of the other locations (mainly because you do have to pay). Plus, you’re in a good position to visit the Forum and Constantinople’s Arch once you’re done. You can get any ticket for the Colosseum by visiting their site here. Beware of what site you land on for tickets as there are many copycats out there.

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Rome has plenty to offer. Head beyond the main tourist attractions to see what else is in that fantastic city, but if you absolutely must see the main ones, then make sure to temper your expectations.

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