Italy—land of pasta, piazzas, and picture-perfect coastlines—has long been a favorite destination for American travelers. From the art-filled streets of Florence to the ruins of Rome and the canals of Venice, the country offers a living museum of Western civilization.
But in 2025, a growing number of U.S. tourists are quietly making a shift: they’re skipping Italy’s most famous cities altogether.
Why? The reasons go beyond cost and crowds. Travelers are beginning to rethink how they experience Italy, opting for lesser-known destinations that offer more authenticity, less stress, and a deeper connection to Italian life.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy this year, here’s why some Americans are avoiding the big-name cities—and where they’re going instead.
Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy
Read Here Culture Shocks For Americans in Italy and the most beautiful UNESCO sites in Italy
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The Rise of “Italy Fatigue”
What is it?
“Italy fatigue” refers to the growing sense of disillusionment that some tourists—especially repeat visitors—feel when revisiting Italy’s top destinations. This includes:
Naples (and parts of the Amalfi Coast)
These cities remain popular, but travelers are finding that what once felt romantic and cultural now feels commercial, crowded, and expensive.
1. Overtourism Is Squeezing Out the Magic
What travelers are experiencing:
Two-hour lines for major attractions, even with reservations
Wall-to-wall tourists in historic centers
Group tours dominating plazas and viewpoints
Noise, litter, and congestion—especially in Rome and Venice
Result: Many Americans feel they’re not experiencing Italian life, but rather navigating a carefully managed tourist conveyor belt.
First-time visitors often say:
“We spent more time standing in line than enjoying the sights.”
2. Prices Are Surging in the Most Famous Cities
Italy used to be known for its affordability—especially compared to France or Switzerland. But in cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome, tourism inflation has hit hard.
Example price hikes:
Hotel rooms in Florence’s center: $300+ per night for mid-range options
Gondola ride in Venice: $100+ for 30 minutes
Basic pasta dish in Rome’s tourist zones: $25+
Add in the Euro’s strength in 2025 against the U.S. dollar, and what felt like a “dream vacation” can quickly feel like financial strain.
3. Declining Hospitality in Overcrowded Areas
Tourism workers are burned out—and it shows.
What Americans report:
Impatient service at restaurants
Dismissive attitudes in museums or at ticket counters
Tourist fatigue from hotel staff, especially in July and August
While Italy is famous for its warmth and hospitality, many U.S. travelers say that in 2025, big-city locals are “over it.”
“We didn’t feel welcome in Florence. We felt like part of the problem,” one traveler told us.
4. Infrastructure Can’t Keep Up
Especially in:
Naples and Rome (public transport and street cleanliness)
Venice (flooding and congestion)
Milan (construction zones and urban sprawl)
With millions of tourists pouring in, trains, buses, and even sidewalks feel overloaded.
Specific complaints:
Overcrowded metro cars
Trash piling up during peak seasons
Aging hotel infrastructure (no AC, tiny bathrooms, poor plumbing)
For many Americans—especially families or older travelers—comfort and ease matter, and these issues are deal-breakers.
5. It Feels More Like a Movie Set Than a City
With Instagram in full force, Italy’s famous cities now feel curated for tourists, not locals.
What’s disappearing:
Family-run trattorias replaced by chain gelato shops
Artisanal markets turned into souvenir rows
Once-vibrant neighborhoods emptied out by short-term rentals
It’s a paradox: the very popularity of these cities has made them less Italian.
6. Americans Want Slower, Deeper Travel
Post-pandemic, many U.S. travelers are no longer checking off boxes. They want to connect, not consume.
They’re asking:
“Where can we avoid crowds?”
“How do we see the real Italy?”
“Can we eat where locals eat?”
In response, savvy travelers are now heading to smaller towns, secondary cities, and rural areas that still feel authentic—and welcoming.
Where Americans Are Going Instead
If you’re looking for beautiful landscapes, amazing food, and genuine culture—without the tourist fatigue—consider these alternatives.
Lecce (Puglia)
Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce offers baroque architecture, friendly locals, and delicious southern Italian cuisine—without the tourist mobs.
Why it’s great:
Affordable and walkable
Near gorgeous beaches and olive groves
Fantastic street food culture
Bologna (Emilia-Romagna)
A haven for foodies, Bologna is home to Italy’s best pasta and a rich student culture that keeps the city vibrant and grounded.
Why it’s rising in popularity:
Less crowded than Florence or Milan
Great rail access to Florence, Parma, and Modena
No-nonsense locals and incredible markets
Orvieto (Umbria)
This clifftop town in central Italy is a hidden gem filled with medieval charm, panoramic views, and some of the best white wine in the country.
Why go:
Peaceful and authentic
Only 1.5 hours from Rome by train
Ancient underground tunnels and an awe-inspiring cathedral
Lucca (Tuscany)
Everyone goes to Florence or Pisa—but Lucca is the underdog favorite for travelers seeking beauty and tranquility.
Perks:
Fully walkable and surrounded by Renaissance walls
Bicycle-friendly, relaxing vibe
Excellent food and affordable accommodations
Matera (Basilicata)
Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, Matera offers a surreal, cinematic atmosphere that’s completely unique.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Designated European Capital of Culture in 2019
Boutique hotels inside centuries-old caves
Less touristy than Amalfi but just as dramatic
Tips If You Still Want to Visit the Big Cities
If you’re still set on seeing Rome, Florence, or Venice (and who could blame you?), here’s how to make the most of it:
Travel in the shoulder seasons: April–May or late September–October.
Book everything in advance, especially museum tickets.
Stay in outer neighborhoods like Trastevere (Rome) or Dorsoduro (Venice) for more peace.
Learn a little Italian—even basic greetings make a huge difference in how you’re treated.
Avoid peak times at major landmarks (early mornings or late evenings are best).
Mix in smaller towns for a more balanced itinerary.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.