How to beat the crowds in Rome

Rome is Europe’s most beautiful city, but there’s a downside: the most famous attractions are nearly always overwhelmed with crowds. The line for the Colosseum bakes under the unbearable Roman sun; the Sistine Chapel queue snakes through the Vatican; the Trevi fountain is spoiled by selfie seekers. Fortunately, though, there is a way of avoiding the mob – and seeing a side of the Eternal City that captivated generations of travellers before the modern tourist industry took hold.

The best advice for avoiding the throngs is, when in Rome, do as the Romans don’t – and wake up early. If you can avoid the charms of the late-night bars of Trastevere, then head to bed and rise before the sun starts warming up the streets. At 6 a.m., the streets of Rome are mostly empty.