It is a beautiful city and the food is pretty good, but the people there are rude, lazy, don't believe in rules or all of the above. Apparently Italians don't believe in the concept of lines. If you see a line its probably a bunch of tourists because Italians believe they can just cut to front of the line. The service in general is terrible whether it be a cheap restaurant or an expensive restaurant. I tipped like 30% for the one waiter who actually seemed to care. It seemed like employees are more concerned about chatting with their coworkers than doing their job. It seems the only people doing any real work were the Bangladeshis and Chinese people there. This isn't really a criticism, but of the European countries I have been to, Italy seemed to have the lowest prevalence of English speakers. For having so many tourists I would expect them to know some English.
I've been to a ton of cities in Europe. Rome is right at the top in places I would live for a year or two if I could. In saying that I have got right up and walked out after being ignored a few times. It didn't really bother me though I just walked down to the next place.
I've been to pretty much every country in Europe, and to every major city within each country, and I would say that Rome is one of my favorite places to visit. There's something about the culture, history, food, and overall vibe that I feel in Italy (and in Rome specifically) that I've fallen in love with, but I can also understand where OP is coming from. Europeans (and Italians in general) feel some sort of disdain for serving others, and it shows in the way they treat each other. My experience with locals has been overall very positive, but there have been instances where I've felt like telling them that in America, they would be unemployed with their attitude. I've also noticed that when I show them I can speak very basic Italian, French, or Spanish, they tend to warm up considerably.
Rome locals are TERRIBLE at treating tourists. Parisians get a bad rep, but they are actually quite OK, at least on par with New Yorkers. Athenians would bend over backward for you. I've never seen Europeans that nice to tourists. Even in Italy, Florentians and Venetians are decent. But people of Rome... they are absolutely the worst.
I don't think it is just tourist. They don't seem to be doing their job even for other Italians. I am surprised people have jobs there. Heck I am surprised it isn't a third world country.
If you look at Italy's financials, it kind of is. They're on the Greece Payment Plan option with the EU right now.
It's been over 20 years since I've been to Italy, but the further south you go, the more 3rd worldy it feels. Maybe you should try Milano or Verona.
Rome is my favorite city in the world. The 3 times I have been, I have never experienced any of what you described.
People here don't have any consideration for lines. That's one of my biggest pet peeves. Rome is beautiful and one of my favorite places in the world. Would love to go back soon.
i actually agree with OP. I went to rome, florence, venice and milan last year. wasn't impressed with rome at all. well italy in general was underwhelming. graffitti everywhere. enjoyed outskirts of florence especially chianti area. Delta – $634: Houston – Rome, Italy. Roundtrip, including all Taxes Valid for travel in late-January, 2017 – early-May, 2017 and from late-August, 2017 – late-October, 2017. A 7-day minimum stay is required. Must purchase at least 28 days in advance of departure.
There is graffiti everywhere in a lot of European cities. I was in Barcelona earlier this year and it is covered in it. Especially the Gothic Quarters area.
The nicest Europeans I've met were in Lisbon. People were very friendly to tourists and went out of their way to be helpful. Berlin was fun, people were helpful when needed. The Parisian attitude was definitely apparent when I visited France. The people in Nicosia were not very friendly, but I chalk that up to economic problems and dealing with a divided city/country.
Not at all what I experienced in Rome. Was there a few weeks ago. I felt the english speaking Italians were way more prevalent in Rome than in Florence or Venice. In fact, I did not come across any local that did not speak English there. Service is way better in the latter two for sure but we had no issues in Rome that stood out. I did almost get my pockets picked by two girls in Rome though.
I heard stories about Rome, but I had some welcoming airbnb hosts and met some amazing people there. It helped that I had a week to burn and didn't feel rushed to the point of trying to steal back time with quicker service. Service in Europe operates at a different pace. Treat them like human beings (because we really don't in comparison) and expect to wait a longer time. As with anywhere else, tourist traps are more likely to have terrible service.
