Rome - go or cancel?

[IReallyLikeYorkshire]

I've booked a weekend in February next year but for some reason I just can't get excited about it. It just doesn't fill me with excitement as it did before I started looking on street view. It looks... quite run down and just not what I expected. But then sometimes the best trips are the ones that surprise you.

Go or cancel? I'll not lose much £ if I cancel soon...

Pictures don’t show the atmosphere of a place. Sometimes going on a trip with low/no expectations is actually a really good thing and you’re more likely to be pleasantly surprised.

Watch some TV/food travel shows about Rome and write a list of places you want to visit. Don’t waste your life - go!

Most European cities have a lot of graffiti but I honestly can't remember Rome being any worse than others I've visited, in fact I'd say Lisbon is way worse for it.

We are going to Rome in February for a 6-nations rugby game and I can't wait. Have been twice before and love the city - there is just so much to see. Even loved it in the absolutely pissing rain last time I went.

For me the Colosseum is okay but the Forum is just amazing and, despite being completely non-religious, the Vatican is stunning - do go up to the roof of St Paul's and allow enough time for the museums.

If you get a chance have some food in the market at Termini station - the arancini are out of this world.

I went to Rome in July and absolutely loved it.

@IReallyLikeYorkshire

There are many travelogues,

,

if you still don't feel the vibe, set your deadline to cancel.

Rome is the best! Literally my favourite place (alongside Paris maybe). Do you like beautiful places and delicious food? Then you will like Rome.

If you have Amazon prime I recommend Anthony Bourdain's episode on Rome on 'The Layover' (season 1 epsiode 3!)

That should give you a much better flavour than streetview :)

Definitely go. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world in my opinion (I was last there in February this year), and of course amazing food. Street view can make anywhere look a bit of a dump tbh.

Oh, and I find it clean compared to cities in the UK.

Rome is one of the most shitiest graffiti filled cesspits ive ever been to.

The only decent place was the park to the north. Couldnt wait to get home.

You base your holidays on Google Streetview? Think of all the insides of buildings, food, drink, nature that Streetview doesn't show - you'd never go anywhere! It's STREETview, not experience view.

My street looks a bit shit on it, but it's fine and quite nice.

Is this a piss take? If you're serious there's something wrong with you!
It's a fantastic city full of incredible history, if you're unmoved by seeing the Roman architecture , visiting the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the art in the churches then your mind must be a desert.

I personally didn’t like Rome I was a bit disappointed in how delapidated and London like it was. The sights are obviously amazing and I enjoyed those but as an Italian city I much preferred Venice and Pisa.

Indeed!

Get a grip!

To be balanced Rome does have graffiti and it’s prolific. There are also weeds growing absolutely everywhere and too much litter. There are also lots of thieves. It is however very special with so much cultural and historical significance. Maybe move the trip to late May - early June as February might be cold and wet. Lisbon is nice in February. I have been to Rome many times and really enjoyed it. It does need more tlc though and investment.

Why would you not want to visit one of the most famous cities in the world? I

OP reminds me of my mum who keeps coming home from holidays a day or two early because it’s raining. It just drives me mad. I’d love the chance to go on a holiday, pretty much anywhere, and it’s just wasted on some people.

Go, don’t go, do what you want it’s just the most bizarre attitude and I can’t comprehend it at all! It’s Rome, ffs, not like some random backwater.

Oh do one!! Honestly some people on here will start a fight over anything. We're all allowed our own fucking opinions!!

Thanks for anyone who has left helpful and non insulting comments it's appreciated.

I won't be coming back to this pathetic thread.

Go on. You know you want to. Scream you heart out. Stendahl syndrome is just around the corner for you but only if you go to Rome...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/amibeingunreasonable/3178898-DH-embarrassed-by-my-sensitivity

EDIT TO ADD: The 'go on' referred to 'go to Rome'. The OPs last post wasn't there when I wrote this. I was intending to be light hearted and this wasn't a reply to it.

I’m booking up to go to Rome - 1st time - next September. Solo trip! I’ve just been for a 4 night break in Budapest and that was lovely - highly recommended!

Don't go it would be wasted on you.

Rome is amazing! I was cabin crew for over two decades, I’ve been to so many places, but Rome is my favourite city. I’d go back at any opportunity. Go and form your own opinions.

I loved Rome. We will go back.
Ofc there’s graffiti it’s a major city. But it’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to. You can wonder aimlessly and it’s an absolute architectural feast for the eyes. Great food, great wine. What more could you want?
Remember, everything you see on Instagram is highly posed & taking the very best angles - if you’re expecting every street to be immaculate then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

I think people have made comments to you because to decide you don't want to go to one of the most famous and wonderful cities in the world, simply because its got some graffiti, seems utterly ridiculous and baffling.

😆 excellent. So much drama.

I don’t think Rome’s for you OP.