Travel tips: Me vs. AI

Our 3 must-see/do things in Rome

When I decided to start writing this newsletter, I did it for more than one reason. The first, certainly, is that I love traveling and enjoy sharing my experiences. I know I’m not the only one, and those like me can understand the joy of sharing photos but, more importantly, the emotions felt. The second reason is that because I love traveling so much, I often have a hard time gathering all the necessary information when organizing a trip. I love planning my trips myself and try to plan every detail. Online, 8 out of 10 pieces of content about a place advise me to see things I already know about or that Google can tell me. I always look for something extra, whether it’s unique tips or emotional insights. It’s not a given.

The third reason concerns a phenomenon that I’m starting to dislike: social-driven travel. It’s been discussed a lot, and I’ve written about it in a comment on a great piece: in this historical period where overtourism is becoming a problem in many cities, social media only amplifies this phenomenon. Influencers’ photos, often edited and taken at dawn when no one is around (or further edited to remove the crowd), with maximum saturation and unnatural colors, have created very high expectations. Many people visit a place just to replicate the photos they’ve seen; another angle won’t do. Lines form just to take a photo. The experience is secondary; the image and emulation matter more.

For this reason, today I want to try an experiment. I’d like to compare the three classic travel tips with the more emotional ones (mine). For the former, instead of bothering Google, I’ll rely on a tool I’m familiar with through work that, if not too trained, gives me the “average” response found online: AI.

I asked AI to tell me the three must-see/do things in Rome. Then I’ll share mine.

Asking to AI

Here’s the AI’s impeccable response:

1. The Colosseum The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of Rome, is a must-visit. This ancient amphitheater, once the site of gladiatorial combat and public spectacles, offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman history and architecture. Tips: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Consider a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the site.

2. The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica The Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, is home to some of the world’s most renowned art and religious artifacts. Vatican Museums: These museums house an extensive collection of art and historical pieces, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling. St. Peter’s Basilica: This magnificent basilica, with its breathtaking dome designed by Michelangelo, is a spiritual and architectural marvel. Tips: Reserve your tickets online for the Vatican Museums. Plan to spend several hours here, as there’s a lot to see. Dress modestly, as there is a strict dress code for entry.

3. Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps These two iconic landmarks are must-sees and are conveniently located near each other. Trevi Fountain: This baroque fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Tradition holds that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, you will return to Rome. Spanish Steps: Climb these beautiful steps to enjoy a great view of the city. The area around the steps is also great for shopping and dining. Tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Take some time to explore the nearby streets and enjoy some gelato from one of the local shops.

These three experiences will give you a wonderful taste of Rome’s rich history, culture, and beauty. Enjoy your trip!

Perfect answers, with helpful tips on booking in advance and the best times to visit. Sure, it combined several things, but that’s fine; Rome is too large to capture in just three things.

Mine, however, do not concern specific attractions, which I believe are easily found anywhere. I’ve lived in Rome for half my life; I feel like an adopted Roman. Many times, as a teenager, I overcame sadness by wandering with music in my ears to one of the places I’m about to mention. In my opinion, experiences are as important as the attractions themselves.

My 3 things to do/see in Rome:

1. Admire the Roman Forum from above.

   For those unfamiliar, the Roman Forum is an archaeological site in the center of Rome, home to the remains of the political, economic, legal, and religious center of ancient Rome. Essentially, the heart of ancient Rome. A tourist destination, the entrance is right in front of the Colosseum. But even without entering, there are several terraces from where you can admire it. This is because Rome has seven hills, about 50-meter-high elevations on which the ancient city was built. The forum is at the foot of the most important and ancient hill, on top of which is the seat of the Rome municipality. It’s on the side of this hill that you’ll find this terrace and its wonderful panorama. There are other terraces, but this one is the least known. Sure, don’t expect to be alone, but you certainly won’t find the typical crowds of more famous places. I used to come here at sunset when I was sad or needed to recharge with some beauty. Because, as one of my favorite writers, Dostoevsky, says, “beauty will save the world.” It’s also a great spot for photos and to admire this Roman wonder. In the background, you can also see the Colosseum. This is the location. It’s a beautiful spot. Then you can continue walking, as we’re in the heart of ancient and authentic Rome; everywhere you turn, there’s history. Feel free to get lost without a destination.

Me observing this beautiful place

The view with different lights

2. Observe Rome from the Garden of Oranges

   We’re on another of Rome’s hills, at the top of which is a garden, named “of oranges” because it’s populated by orange trees. Here, there’s a terrace from where you can admire Rome from above. Again, there are many terraces like this; I like this one because you can see many domes that aren’t visible from other points. You see the river and, of course, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

3. Walk along the Tiber River at sunset.

   This point can easily be linked to the one above because from the Garden of Oranges, there’s a staircase that descends down to the Tiber embankment. From here, you can head north and enjoy a splendid walk. My advice is to do it at dusk because seeing the Tiber at sunset is something magical. If you follow this path, you’ll pass by the Tiber Island, a beautiful and visitable small island in the middle of the river, continuing over the more famous bridges until you see the “Cupolone,” the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, on the horizon. A unique spectacle. At the end, you can stop for dinner at a restaurant in the center. Et voilà, it’ll be like being in a movie.

Tiber river in the dusk

Tiber River at sunset: my favorite spot!

When the sun is gone. The beauty.

The walk from Garden of Oranges to Tiber river

A detail of the Tiberina Island, on Tiber river

These are my personal top 3 experiences to do/see absolutely. I will do them again as soon as I can return because I miss the city so much.

Which do you prefer out of the two?

Having lived there for so long, I have many more places and experiences like these, and I will surely share more. The eternal city may be chaotic, disorganized, and full of tourists, but it remains one of the most fascinating cities in the world.