Rome is undeniably a treasure trove of history and culture, a place many dream of visiting. But with 2026 projected to bring record-breaking crowds, it might be worth considering some incredible alternatives that offer a similar historical richness without the overwhelming throngs. If you’re looking for that ancient Roman vibe and fascinating ruins, there are other spots that deliver just as powerfully, often with a more relaxed pace.
Exploring Ancient Wonders
Imagine stepping back in time, surrounded by structures that have stood for millennia. While Rome’s iconic attractions are world-renowned, experiencing them shoulder-to-shoulder with vast crowds can sometimes diminish the magic. Fortunately, the legacy of the Roman Empire stretched far beyond Italy’s capital. Several cities across Europe preserve astonishing remnants of this era, offering a chance to connect with history in a more intimate way. These places allow you to wander through ancient arenas, admire well-preserved temples, and walk across Roman bridges, all while enjoying a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a family trip where everyone can soak it all in without feeling rushed.
A City of Roman Echoes
Stepping into Nîmes, France, feels like walking onto a film set dedicated to Roman civilization. It’s often called the “most Roman city outside Italy,” and for good reason. The centerpiece is the Arènes de Nîmes, a remarkably intact Roman amphitheater that dates back to around 70 AD. Unlike many ancient sites, it’s not just a museum piece; it’s a living venue that still hosts concerts and events. I can picture our kids being amazed to see this massive structure, knowing it was once a place for entertainment, much like our modern stadiums.
Wandering through the Old Town, you’ll notice charming Italian-style houses with their distinctive green shutters. Nearby, La Maison Carrée is a true marvel, a Roman temple in pristine condition, rivaling even Rome’s Pantheon in its preservation. It’s truly breathtaking to stand before something so old and so beautifully intact. For a dose of Roman engineering genius, a short drive from Nîmes leads you to the Pont du Gard, a stunning three-tiered Roman aqueduct. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an incredible feat of construction, built without mortar and spanning a clear river. It’s a testament to the Romans’ ingenuity that you can still admire it today.
Roman History by the Sea
When you think of Croatia, you might picture stunning coastlines, but Pula offers a substantial Roman heritage alongside its maritime charm. It’s a port city with a distinctively Italian feel, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking ancient history without the crowds of more famous Croatian destinations. The city boasts a magnificent Roman amphitheater right by the harbor. This arena, with its well-preserved elliptical shape, is another example of a historical site that has been adapted for modern use, hosting music festivals during the summer months. The idea of experiencing a festival in such an ancient setting is quite unique.
Beyond the amphitheater, Pula is home to the 1st-century Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus, which stands proudly in the Roman Forum, one of the best-preserved in the world. You can also explore the Hercules Gate, showcasing intricate Roman carvings. After a day of exploring ancient ruins, the beautiful beaches near Pula offer a relaxing escape. Gortan Cove, with its pine trees and turquoise waters, is a peaceful spot for a swim, a welcome contrast to the historical exploration and a great place to let the children run around.
A Smaller, Historic Italian Gem
If you want to stay within Italy but avoid the huge crowds of Rome, Verona offers a wonderful experience. It’s a manageable train ride from the capital and feels like a miniature Rome, packed with history but with a much calmer atmosphere. The Verona Arena is the city’s star attraction, built in 30 AD. While it once hosted gladiator contests, today it’s a prestigious venue for opera and concerts, including performances by Andrea Bocelli. Imagine the acoustics inside this ancient structure!
Verona itself is sprinkled with reminders of its Roman past, from ancient city gates like Porta Borsari and Porta Leoni to Roman bridges crossing the Adige River. However, Verona is perhaps most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. While Casa di Giulietta, the supposed home of Juliet, is a major tourist spot and can get busy, the rest of the city provides ample opportunity to step back in time without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful city for wandering, where history meets a touch of romance, making it a lovely place for a family visit.
Art and Antiquity Intertwined
In the south of France, Arles presents a fascinating blend of Roman history and artistic legacy. This town on the Rhône River was a significant Roman settlement, evident in its impressive monuments. The Arles Amphitheater, built around the same time as the one in Nîmes, is a striking sight. Equally captivating is the smaller Roman Theater nearby, with its grand columns and marble seating, a place that once drew crowds from all over Provence for its performances and continues to be a site of cultural events.
Beneath the modern city lies the Cryptoportiques d’Arles, a series of underground galleries used by the Romans for storage and trade. With a guide, these subterranean chambers offer a unique glimpse into daily life in Roman times. Arles also holds a special place in art history as one of the towns where Vincent van Gogh lived and worked. Seeing the places he painted, like the Café Terrace at Night, offers a different kind of historical connection, bridging the ancient past with more recent artistic brilliance. It’s a place where history and art come alive in unexpected ways, offering a rich experience for curious minds.
Planning Your Journey
When considering a trip in 2026, especially if you’re drawn to the historical grandeur of Italy or the wider Roman Empire, looking beyond the most obvious destinations can lead to incredibly rewarding experiences. Cities like Nîmes, Pula, Verona, and Arles offer a chance to step back in time, explore stunning ancient architecture, and immerse yourself in history without the intense crowds that often characterize Rome. These places provide a more relaxed and personal encounter with the past, allowing you and your family to create lasting memories.
You might wonder how to best experience these historic cities without feeling overwhelmed by planning. Researching local transport options, such as the train routes connecting Verona to other Italian cities, can make travel quite straightforward. In places like Nîmes and Arles, much of the historical center is walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For family trips, looking for accommodations that offer a bit of space and comfort, maybe with a small garden or near a park, can make a big difference after a day of sightseeing.
When you visit ancient sites, remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Bringing along a small backpack for water, snacks, and a journal can be very helpful. If you’re traveling with young children, engaging them with stories or simple facts about the Roman era can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Perhaps you can even find local crafts or small souvenirs that relate to the Roman history you’re exploring, giving them something tangible to remember the trip by.
Thinking about the best time to visit can also enhance your experience. While summer offers pleasant weather for exploring, it can also be peak season in some of these locations. Shoulder seasons, like spring or early autumn, might offer a more serene atmosphere and comfortable temperatures for walking through ancient ruins and charming old towns. The light during these times can also be particularly beautiful for photography, capturing those unforgettable moments of discovery.
Ancient Sites and Modern Life
It’s fascinating how these ancient structures continue to be integrated into modern life. The fact that arenas in Nîmes and Pula still host concerts and festivals shows a remarkable continuity. It’s a different kind of spectacle than gladiator fights, of course, but it keeps the spirit of these places alive. I can easily imagine Michael and I enjoying a concert under the stars in one of these historic venues, with the kids perhaps staying back at the hotel or with a sitter, allowing us a moment of quiet enjoyment.
For families, looking for activities that cater to different interests is key. While the historical sites are the main draw, exploring local markets, enjoying regional cuisine, and perhaps visiting smaller local museums can round out the experience. In Verona, the connection to Romeo and Juliet, even if fictional, appeals to many, and finding a quiet spot in a piazza for gelato is always a win with kids.
The remnants of Roman engineering, like the Pont du Gard or the Roman bridges in Verona, are not just historical artifacts; they are examples of human achievement that can inspire awe in people of all ages. It’s a chance to think about how people lived, worked, and built such incredible structures without the technology we have today. These lessons from the past can be incredibly valuable and provide a unique educational opportunity for children, making history feel tangible and exciting.
When you’re exploring these cities, take the time to simply wander. Often, the most charming discoveries are made when you stray from the main paths. You might find a small trattoria with wonderful local food, a quiet courtyard, or a stunning view you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. These unexpected moments often become the most treasured memories of a trip, adding a personal touch to the grand historical narrative.
Ultimately, the goal of travel is to experience new places, learn, and create memories. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of Rome or the quieter charm of its historical counterparts, the world is full of incredible places waiting to be explored. Focusing on destinations that offer a rich historical context alongside a more manageable visitor experience can lead to a truly unforgettable journey. It’s about finding the right balance to enjoy the wonders of the past in a way that suits your personal travel style and that of your family.
If you’re looking for a trip that combines breathtaking history with a more relaxed atmosphere, these Roman-inspired cities offer an exceptional alternative to Rome’s crowds. They allow for a deeper connection with the past and provide a wonderful foundation for creating lasting travel memories.