I have never been a very good tourist. I often don’t know what important landmarks a city boasts. I rarely do any research before a trip. I don’t do well on tour busses. Lines and crowds stress me out. And truthfully, I hate being told what I should do.
So when everyone told me that I absolutely had to visited the Vatican during my time in Rome, I took their advice with a grain of salt. Wanting to make my own educated decision, I did some basic research. I read about long lines, strictly controlled time slots and hordes of visitors taking photos of priceless paintings. Not exactly my scene. Still I was so intrigued by the complex history, the breathtaking art and the stunning architecture that, against my natural inclination, I decided to visit the Vatican. I should have known better.
I started the day with the best of intentions and the best laid plans. While I’d originally wanted to prebook a ticket, the staff at my hostel said it was unnecessary. Unfortunately, that turned out to be wildly untrue. By 9am the line was already two city blocks long. It took me a full 10 minutes to walk from the gates to the end of the line. Making my anxiety spike further were the dozens of tour guides promoting their services. They were incessant and insistent. I must have been approached by 30 people in 10 minutes, many of whom followed me as I walked. There were dozens of tour busses parked along the roads and these groups of 60+ people got to skip the line creating an even bigger backlog. Did I mention I have trouble with lines, tour busses and crowds? Then it started to pour.
[bctt tweet=”#unconventionaltourism idea: Skip the tourist attraction & visit a market instead!” username=”globallocavore”]
I considered my options – joining a 2 hour tour for a whopping 140 Euros, standing in the pouring rain for up to 3 hours surrounded by aggressive guides, or simply just giving up. Thinking about walking away was incredible disheartening. I was leaving Rome the following day. Could I really have come to Rome without seeing the Vatican? But the thought of staying was causing me serious anxiety. Eventually I decided to walk away from the crowds and give myself some space to think. A few minutes later, I found myself sitting in a warm bakery drinking a cappuccino and seriously considering whether I should just give up and go home. Not home to my hostel, but home to Canada, to a job, to my old life because obviously I wasn’t cut out for this travel thing. I felt like I was a terrible traveller.
But after while as I dried out, and the chaos faded from my mind, I noticed my surroundings. I was in a cozy, local bakery that prepared the most delicious, fresh, ingredient-rich delicacies. I watched restaurant owners buying their bread for the day, grandmothers choosing treats with their grandkids and police officers warming up with steaming espressos. It was real life. And I was overwhelmed with gratitude to be part of it.
Later when I left the cafe, the sun had come out and I contemplated going back to the line at the Vatican, but if my experience in the bakery had taught me anything it was that I like exploring the normal life of a city. I am interested in the ordinary day to day lives of people and I wanted to see more. I walked through some backstreets and stumbled upon an outdoor flea market where I bought a purse and a used book. I ate a slice of pizza that was a truly religious experience and followed my nose into a busy local food market. As I watched the locals haggling over fish prices, buying bundles of zucchini blossoms and sampling dozens of olive oils, my heart was full.
Not wanting to give up on the Vatican, I walked by St. Peter’s Square one more time but as I got closer I felt my stress increase and my happiness fade, so I simply walked away. Instead I ended my day basking in the sun in a square overlooked by a church, drinking wine, watching the crowds go by and reading my book. I’ll always remember that day as the time I decided to skip the Vatican to visit a fish market!
How do you feel about must-see attractions?
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
I adore this post! You sound exactly like me in that first paragraph, I do very very little research before a trip and I am more than happy to go without a guidebook, wander around streets, stop for coffees etc 😀 That’s my idea of the best way to explore a place and I tend to only go to the ‘big sights’ when It’s something that really interests me, not because it’s a ‘must see’. Yay for travelling that way! Thanks for linking up with us 🙂
globallocavore says
Totally! I think more and more travellers are realizing that some of the best moments happen serendipitously and away from the most well know sights. Not saying that I’ll never go back to see the Vatican, but I was happy with my choice on that day. 🙂
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
I actually feel like most must-see sights are overrated and especially overpriced! Did you say 140 Euros??? Insane!! I rather enjoy the local culture and traditions my own way too!
globallocavore says
I agree completely! Yes, the price I was quoted was 140 Euros!! It was a guide who was preying on the tourists stuck in the long line and offering “exclusive, no line, no waiting access”. Ugh, the worst! It think for those who are interested, booking in advance is key for your sanity and your wallet.
Isabel says
You will loose a whole day when you visit the Vatican, and it makes you miss experiencing the actual city.
Thanks for your suggestion! #wanderfulwednesday
globallocavore says
Yes, in this case it was definitely the right decision, but I may go back one day. I’m sure I will be in Italy again, it is such a wonderful country!
Rebecca says
This is lovely! You are definitely right in saying the real life of a place can be found in the cafes and markets, how nice to experience Rome away from all the tourism! #wanderfulwednesday
Rebecca | AAUBlog says
We went to Rome for the first time last year – I loved it! Italy is much more than the tourist sites, though, you’re right, as stunning as they are. Your pictures are gorgeous #citytripping
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
nice photos! I do what I want to do, sometimes that’s must see sometimes it’s not:) #city tripping
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Wandering around London in 72 hours (part II)
globallocavore says
Totally! That’s my attitude too. See what interests you in a given moment, on a given day. Thanks so much for stopping by Tanja.
Mandy says
Sounds like you made the best decision for you. It looks like you had a wonderful time in Rome! You can always go back to visit the Vatican later. #citytripping
Mandy recently posted…Charleston Beaches!
globallocavore says
Hi Mandy. Absolutely! Having the freedom to walk away on that day was important for me, but I’m fairly certain I will visit the Vatican properly one day. I’ll just be sure to pre-book my ticket!
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
So interesting to read about your experience. It is so often the case that the popular sights are so busy and over commercialised that it ruins the moment somewhat. I am sure I am not the only one who was disappointed by the Mona Lisa at the Louvre…barely being able to see the tiny painting through the hordes of tourists. Sounds like you had a lovely time without seeing the Vatican, viewing Rome through the eyes of a local. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) recently posted…City Tripping #31
globallocavore says
Thanks for your comment Elizabeth. I definitely had the same experience at the Louvre but I found after a few moments in the insanely busy area around the Mona Lisa, I was able to enjoy empty rooms of gorgeous (although less famous) works of art. Being able to balance time at the most famous sights as well as the lesser known ones tends to be my travel style. I will make it back to the Vatican one day I’m sure. 🙂
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
What gorgeous photos. I always find that is one of the benefits of travelling solo (or with my daughter, who’s usually small enough to go along with my decisions!) that I can skip somewhere if there’s something else I’d rather do. But it’s so tricky when you think this is the one everyone raves about, that you might be missing out on something amazing. Having been to the Vatican twice, I remember it being astonishing and overwhelming – it’s just too much and too busy to properly take in. I’m glad I did go, but I wonder if your everyday Rome might just be more memorable. #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #31
globallocavore says
I’m so interested to hear your insight into visiting the Vatican, Cathy. I think your description of astonishing and overwhelming is astute. I’ve felt that way before when visiting large, beautiful museums in London or Paris. There is just so much to observe and appreciate! I think having reasonable expectations and knowing you can’t possibly see everything helps reduce anxiety, for me at least. I do think I will visit the Vatican one day, I’ll just have to be prepared with a pre-booked ticket (and some snacks!). Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Katy says
Where do I sign up for your tours? I have ‘done’ the Vatican – got squashed, annoyed and outraged by the wealth and excess. You have shown the best bits of Italy – mangia, mangia, mangia! And Nonna watching is a sport in itself. These ladies are the queens of their neighbourhoods and let you know it. I adore Italy ???
Katy recently posted…Where to find great coffee in London
globallocavore says
Ha – I love everything about this comment! I agree eating and people watching are exceptionally fun and should be included on every tour. I also adore Italy and its people, what a warm, inviting culture! Thank you so much for reading Katy.
Ahila says
Looks like you a wonderful and colourful time in Vatican, Lauren, despite the disappointment over the tickets and queues. When I visited the Vatican on a sunday morning, I sat on the steps in a corner of the square away from the queue lines simply enjoying the view from where I was. I watched part of the live telecast of the service inside on the big screens outside. I felt I enjoyed the Vatican experience more because I avoided being hassled by the long queues. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos on #CityTripping!
Ahila recently posted…Special Six: London Cafés
globallocavore says
Hi Ahila. Wow, now that sounds like an incredible way to experience the Vatican. I am sure I will go back one day and see the inside, but now I know to try and arrange a visit on a Sunday to see the service. Thanks for that tip.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I have to admit I really enjoyed the Vatican… and often do the “must-sees” when in a town. I have FOMO (fear of missing out) BAD. 🙂 But often, my most memorable moments are ones like these. I remember all these little gems in Italy and they were gorgeous!
globallocavore says
Hey Julie. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the Vatican. I do think I will return one day to experience the history and the stunning art work. I don’t suffer from FOMO but I think I occasionally inflict myself with FOTT (fear of tourist traps) – ok maybe I made that one up! – but I do think there is value is seeing the must-see sights sometimes and perhaps my fear of busy touristy sights causes me to miss out on iconic and worthy attractions. Thanks for your insightful comment.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Love your post! I have been there. Got to the sight to find massive queues (which I really struggle with), decided to venture off the guide book and found the most authentic way to explore the city right in front of me. I do love going to the big sights but I’m a massive fan of just getting lost in the streets of a new place and exploring its feel and atmosphere for myself. #citytripping
globallocavore says
Hi Clare. I’m so glad I’m not alone in my hatred of queues! I think you are right, there is a balance between finding time to visit the well-known attractions and simply exploring without a particular destination. Thank you for another lovely comment.
Ruth says
I am a museum person but my husband is not one. So, I have to find activities that both of us enjoy. Going to markets is something we both like to do. We to visit at least one in every new city. Last year in Spain, it was fun because we were able to visit markets very day.
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bettyl - NZ says
I know what you mean! I learned my lesson last holiday when I wanted to go see a famous church. The photos I had seen were gorgeous–reality is that you never get a shot like that because there are so many visitors. And the church was tiny and you couldn’t even take a photo inside!
Hubby does a great job of researching great non-touristy places and I will keep my thought to myself from now on!
bettyl – NZ recently posted…stormy weather and WATW
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) says
I’d have hated being followed round by all those hawkers too! I agree that sometimes it’s in the quiet moments that we see the most.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…The Scarecrow’s Wedding at Leicester Square Theatre, London
globallocavore says
I love how you phrased that – it’s the quiet moments when we see the most. Lovely!
Esther says
Although I ‘get’ that people say ‘go visit the Vatican’ (as it really is amazing), there is so much to do in Rome that you can easily have a great time without seeing any of the must-sees where you may have to stand in line for a long time. So, GOOD for you.
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globallocavore says
Right? You could spend days just exploring the streets, shops and markets of Rome without ever seeing a tourist attraction. That being said do I think all the major landmarks should be skipped? No, I just hope people have the freedom to make up their own minds. Thanks for the lovely comment Esther. 🙂
Lisa @ LTTL says
We did not even go to Rome when we went to Italy, and I do not regret it one bit. Well one bit, because we found out later Rome was a “must see” for our son, but he didn’t tell us that at the moment. So, I would go there for him.
I think we would make terrific tourist together because, like you, I would rather explore the culture of a place than the “must see” spots.
Thanks for linking your posts each week to Life Thru the Lens… your photography is terrific and I really enjoy your writing. Do not go home!!! 😀
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens
Packing my Suitcase says
Ohhh no, sorry about the Vatican.. I’ve been there I feel times, and it always impresses me. What I don’t like are the crowds and the people harassing you to take a guided tour, that’s for sure. But to me, the Vatican is definitely a must, just need to plan a little ahead and it will work out 😀
Great pictures!! I miss Rome!
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